Ulster Unionist Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has called for urgent answers and clarity after it was revealed on the Nolan programme that the Northern Ireland Civil Service operates a three month email retention policy after which emails are automatically deleted unless they have been previously saved.
Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:
“I find this deeply concerning and disquieting. It raises big questions about scrutiny and accountability. I have major concerns about this approach and I`ll be asking for a meeting of the Party Leaders` Forum to discuss this and other very urgent issues pertaining to how government is run in Northern Ireland.
“We need answers quickly and it would be prudent for the Head of the Civil Service to provide clarity to the Committee for the Executive Office. I chair the Finance Committee and I`m sure members will also have questions given that we are already engaged in attempting to access important information from departments.
“This policy could have an impact on the work of all scrutiny committees in the Northern Ireland Assembly and their ability to access important information. It also raises questions about accessing information through Freedom of Information requests. If we are to take any lessons from the RHI debacle, it`s that scrutiny can help prevent future scandals. The three month email retention policy doesn`t instill confidence and needs to be addressed. We need to see a demonstrative change in culture and approach. That will provide the space for better government.”