A STORMONT body set up to examine flags and identity and co-chaired by a Fermanagh man has so far cost more than half a million pounds.
The Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition (FICT), set up in June 2016 by the Executive Office, is to take forward a programme of work which will include scoping the range, extent and nature of the issues; mapping the benefits and opportunities and producing a report on the way forward.
It was meant to report back within 18 months but it has not yet finished its work.
The total cost for the commission from June 2016 to March 2018 was £647,094 with about half - £330,020 - paid in that period to 14 of the panel’s members for remuneration and expenses.
Kesh man Neville Armstrong who regularly travels to Belfast and beyond for meetings sometimes three or four days a week has worked with the commission since its inception.
According to the FICT website Mr. Armstrong has been paid £41,899.29 during that period with the website containing a breakdown of his expenditure, including £28,618.12 remuneration, £12,837.42 on mileage, £60.20 on other transport costs including bus, taxi and rail and car park, £36.90 on subsistence and £346.65 on hotel accommodation.
The Executive Office told the BBC that the implementation plans will be decided when a report is agreed.
Mr. Armstrong declined to comment.
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