Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“More than four months ago (8th July) the Civil Service Special Advisers Bill received Royal Assent. That meant that multiple murderer Paul Kavanagh had 3 weeks to activate the appeal mechanism to an independent panel on specified grounds. Otherwise Kavanagh would automatically lose his position 2 months after Royal Assent (September).
“At the end of September several media outlets reported that Kavanagh had received compensation for losing his position as a SpAd. Sinn Fein told the BBC at the time that he was continuing to work as a party adviser despite what they described as his current “limbo” position.
“It is my understanding that he is no longer being paid. Bizarrely, however, Stormont departments are continuing to duck and dive on the issue. On 18th September I tabled a priority question to the Finance Minister which should have been answered within two days asking if the appointment of any Special Advisers been terminated as a result of Ann’s Law coming into effect. Over a month later the DFP Minister refused to answer claiming “the appointment of any Special Advisers is a matter for each employing department.”
“After receiving that reply I tabled a question to OFMdFM only to be told “The Department does not comment on individual personnel matters.”
“I have now submitted a Freedom of Information request to OFMdFM on the issue. There is, however, no excuse for this foolish attempt to save Sinn Fein’s blushes.
“If Kavanagh has been sacked, as he ought, then why can the public not be told the truth?”
