Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has noted confirmation from the Department of Finance that it is reviewing accountability for the performance of the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Dr Jayne Brady.

The Executive Office stated in response to Burrows's written Assembly question that the Head of the Civil Service lacks a formal person responsible for performance oversight. This differs from Great Britain, where the Head of the Civil Service answers to the Prime Minister.

Burrows pointed out that the role carries a salary up to £208,000 annually, exceeding that of the UK Prime Minister, with no current performance accountability structures.

He described the absence of oversight as a systemic failure that required Assembly scrutiny to prompt Department of Finance action.

Burrows referenced prior concerns from the Northern Ireland Audit Office about diluted accountability compared to the rest of the UK.

A Department of Finance spokesperson confirmed that performance management for civil servants, including senior roles, is under review through standard HR policy processes.