Report on a complaint by Mr Jason Johnston against Mr David McIlveen MLA : together with the report of the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards, the complaint received and minutes of proceeding

The Committee considered a report from the interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards on an investigation into a complaint made by Mr Jason Johnston against Mr David McIlveen MLA. The complaint regarded Mr McIlveen's Office Cost Expenditure (OCE) in 2011/12 and alleged that Mr McIlveen had claimed for two tablet computers (Apple iPads) within a period of seven months. Also included were some details from the Assembly's website in respect of Mr McIlveen's Office Cost Expenditure in 2011/12. Mr McIlveen explained that he purchased an iPad through the OCE on 24 May 2011 but it was subsequently damaged beyond repair and was replaced with a new one, costs for which were met through the OCE. Apple run a scheme whereby the cost of a replacement iPad is offset by the residual value of a damaged iPad and this explains the difference in the cost incurred in May and December 2011. The Commissioner concludes that Mr McIlveen's expenditure on the two Apple iPads was properly incurred and that his claims for reimbursement were properly made: Mr McIlveen's conduct does not constitute a breach of the Assembly Code. The Committee agrees and the complaint is not upheld. The published details on the Assembly's website do not indicate that Mr McIlveen's claim in December 2011 was in relation to the replacement of a damaged iPad and it suggests the Committee may wish to raise this with the Assembly Commission so that Members expenditure is recorded fully and accurately as possible