New Tynwald opens with three questions and a single motion on its first agenda

Tynwald meets on Tuesday 20 October for its first sitting since the general election. According to Energy FM, the order paper is short: three questions and a single motion.

The outlet reported that questions for oral answer had to be submitted by 12 October. That was before the House of Keys elected Chris Thomas as Chief Minister, and before he announced his cabinet on 16 October.

Because ministers answer oral questions rather than ask them, Energy FM said, the one MHK who knew he would not be handed a ministerial job was David Ashford, the Speaker of the House of Keys. Tynwald is also the only place the Speaker can put oral questions, and all three on the paper are in his name.

The first goes to Sarah Maltby, the new Education Minister. It asks how the island recognises the qualifications of teachers trained outside the British Islands.

The other two are for Claire Christian, who stays on as Health Minister. One asks what plans Manx Care has for a dedicated epilepsy specialist nursing service, including funding, staffing and timing. The other asks for the median wait for a first cardiology appointment.

The only motion is in Mr Thomas’s name. It asks the Council of Ministers, the island’s cabinet, to bring a government document to Tynwald for debate by the end of November. The document would cover the challenges and opportunities ahead, a ranked set of policy priorities and a legislative programme. Reviews would then come before Tynwald for debate and approval each October.

The order paper also lists secondary legislation laid for negative resolution, meaning it takes effect unless a member moves to reject it. No such motion has been tabled. Energy FM pointed out that two of the items concern wind farms: safety zone regulations, and rules allowing applicants to be charged the cost of a public inquiry.