Parliament says IC reports are being addressed in accordance with internal processes

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Confirming receipt of five reports from the Integrity Commission, Parliament said they are being addressed in accordance with its internal processes and under the guidance of the presiding officers, emphasising that the Integrity Commission Act does not specify a specific timeline for the tabling of reports.

A statement from The Houses of Parliament on Monday confirmed that the reports have not yet been tabled in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

“Having regard to the statutory confidentiality obligations applicable before tabling, the Houses of Parliament will not confirm or deny the subject matter of anyreport thecontents of any report, any findings or recommendations contained in any report, or whether any person or entity is named or referred to therein,” it said.

The statement follows demands from Opposition Leader Mark Golding that an alleged Integrity Commission (IC) investigative report into the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) be tabled at the next sitting of the House of Representatives.

Golding had shrugged off suggestions that ongoing court proceedings justify withholding the report.

READ:Golding demands immediate tabling of IC report on FLA

In the statement, the Houses of Parliament noted that it is aware of related correspondence and court proceedings but said: “Parliament is responsible for the regulation of its own internal proceedings, including the manner in which documents submitted to it are laid before the Houses.”

It continued, “The Integrity Commission Act does not prescribe a specific timeline or procedure for the tabling of reports submitted to Parliament. The reports will therefore be dealt with in accordance with Parliament’s constitutional, legal and procedural responsibilities.”

“The Houses of Parliament remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the proper observance of the law. No further substantive comment will be made at this time,” it concluded.