Initial expenses probe prompted by McMonagle scandal expected to complete in January

A key question, which has never been addressed, relates to the period when the then-deputy first minister employed Michael McMonagle in her office.

The News Letter understands that an initial review into Assembly salaries and expanses, prompted by McMonagle scandal, is expected in January.

The former Sinn Fein press officer was convicted of child sex offences in September. It subsequently emerged that, before the police investigation into his activities began, he had been paid to work in Michelle O’Neill’s constituency office – while also being paid by a SF MP and the party centrally.

He has been repeatedly referred to as a press officer by the party – but there was no mention of his apparent role as a constituency office employee.

Sinn Fein has said in the past that all assembly rules and procedures in relation to the employment and payment of staff “are properly followed”. However, the party wouldn’t be drawn on how many days per week Michael McMonagle worked in Michelle O'Neill's constituency office, if any.

Ms O’Neill also declined to answer a question from Timothy Gaston about his employment during the evidence session in October. ​

The TUV MLA asked how many days per week had Mr McMonagle had worked in the Sinn Fein leader’s constituency office. The first minister said “I’m not answering questions that are not for this committee”.

Ms Bradshaw said it was an “employment contract” issue and after repeated questioning from Mr Gaston accused him of “badgering” Ms O’Neill. The first minister told MLAs that she takes her pledge of office very seriously and “would stand over my role in all of those things”. The assembly is currently probing whether assembly rules have been followed in relation to salaries and expenses with an initial report expected in January. The terms of reference have never been released by Assembly officials.