To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether they will publish all (i) updated; and (ii) new codes of conduct referenced in New Decade, New Approach.

Work is continuing to finalise these documents. The Executive Office will publish a new version of the Ministerial Code, incorporating a revised Ministerial Code of Conduct, after the necessary legislative, Executive and Assembly procedures to effect amendment have been completed to reflect the New Decade, New Approach deal, and more recently, the provisions of the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill. The department will also publish final versions of the Guidance for Ministers in the Exercise of their Official Functions and the Guide to the Executive process following review and agreement by the Executive to proposed revisions.

The Department of Finance has already published the Code governing the appointment of Special Advisers and the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. It will publish the Code of Ethics for the Civil Service following consultation and Executive agreement.

We regret the delay in responding to your question.