Speaker defends cost of roadshows

The Assembly Commission held eight roadshows in September and October

The speaker of the Assembly has defended the cost of a series of roadshows highlighting its work.

The Assembly Commission has spent almost £40,000 on eight events held across Northern Ireland in September and October.

458 members of the public have attended the roadshows, at a cost of £85.69 per person.

Willie Hay said the events were "not about a numbers game" and that they were important for "public perception".

In the past two months, events were held in the four constituencies in Belfast, as well as Upper Bann, Mid-Ulster, North Down and East Antrim.

The average number of people attending each event was 57.

Mr Hay said he felt the roadshows were important to "give the public ownership of the Assembly".

"It's about getting out there, getting people engaged. I have to say the many, many people who did come along to our roadshows enjoyed the exercises," he said.

"I think the ordinary public like to see the MLAs out there, answering questions, explaining what the Assembly does and what they do within the Assembly."