POLITICIANS have expressed concern about “secret” States debates, after the appointment of the new children’s commissioner was taken behind closed doors this week.
Two backbenchers – Deputies Montfort Tadier and Sir Philip Bailhache – abstained from the vote which finalised Dr Carmel Corrigan’s appointment, with both politicians protesting that the discussions should not have happened in private and Sir Philip arguing that the States should not be making the decision at all.
Their concerns around transparency will now be considered by the Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Speaking after the debate, which concluded with a vote by 42-0 in favour of the move, Sir Philip said: “I do not think that the States should sit in secret.
“A legislature should always be open – other than in times of war or drastic crisis – so that the public can judge the performance of their representatives and understand what they are saying and doing.”
He added: “The States should not make appointments of this kind, which requires them to sit in secret so as to avoid any public criticism of a person who has no right of reply.
“The appointment of the commissioner should be made by the Chief Minister after consulting the chair of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee.”
Deputy Tadier said: “It goes against building trust in government, especially considering it was part of the recommendations of the Independent Care Inquiry. I have urged PPC to abolish secret debates in future.”
PPC chair Constable Karen Shenton-Stone said: “I recognise and agree with the real concerns raised about transparency with regard to holding a debate behind closed doors – PPC will look at such debates.”
The behind closed doors – known as “in camera” – debate was carried out in accordance with the 2019 law governing the introduction of the children’s commissioner.
Dr Corrigan, who currently works within the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in Ireland, has been appointed for a six-year term and will take up her new role early in 2024.
