MLC responsibilities questioned in Keys

One MLC headed up Home Affairs eight times

Unelected members of the Legislative Council have assumed the responsibilities of government ministers on 12 occassions in the last year.

The figures were revealed following a written question in the House of Keys from Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper.

Current legislation allows ministers to delegate their duties to members of their departments during periods of absence - but allowing MLCs to hold such office was one of the areas identified for overhaul by Lord Lisvane.

Since December last year, Geoff Corkish has been an acting Education Minister twice.

David Anderson has headed up Infrastructure twice, while Michael Coleman has acted as Home Affairs Minister eight times.