To ask the Assembly Commission (i) when it plans to replace the laptops allocated to Members; and (ii) whether it will provide flexibility on the number of laptops for which a Member can apply.

The Assembly Commission determines the allocation of computer equipment and software to all Members during their term of office. Under the current arrangements, Members are entitled to 5 computers in total - 1 desktop computer in Parliament Buildings, 1 desktop computer in a constituency office, 1 tablet computer and up to 2 others (either desktops or laptops). In addition, under the terms of the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2016 as amended by the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) (Amendment) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2020, Members can procure additional laptop computers using their Constituency Office Expenses.

The current laptops allocated to Members were issued in early 2015 and are still considered fit for purpose.

The Assembly Commission plans to review the provision of laptop computers provided to Members in advance of the start of the new Mandate in 2022, which will include consideration of the number and range.