‘Alliance recognises the independence of the Remuneration Panel. It would be entirely inappropriate for MLAs to have a role in setting their own pay.

‘As stated in our initial response, Alliance believes any increase must be cognisant of the unprecedented pressures facing public finances and in line with uplifts in pay for other public sector workers.

‘We share and understand the public’s concern at the level of the proposed hike, which is compounded further by a glacial pace of delivery at Stormont, and the impact of stop-start government over the past decade.

‘We note that the panel has recommended penalties for periods in which the Assembly and Executive are not operating. These penalties do not go far enough. In addition to the reductions outlined, the salaries of MLAs from those parties who prevent the Assembly from functioning should be stopped completely, as would be the case for other workers engaging in strike action.

‘However, that such safeguards are deemed necessary is an indictment of the institutions: rather than the Remuneration Panel being required to plan for future failure, the UK and Irish Governments should instead agree and deliver reform the institutions so no party can hold government to ransom.’