I am writing in connection with the recent report by the Commissioner for Standards regarding a complaint against me.

The Report refers to my failure to declare my interest in the Members' Interest Register and at two meetings of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (of which I am a member).

My failure to declare membership was an oversight which I regret and apologise for, the entries were made later, but before the complaint was instigated.

At the first of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee meetings alluded to I did not realise that a declaration would be required by me, if I had I would of course have declared it as my membership of the City Council is public knowledge in Londonderry where the meeting was held, and where I live. At the second meeting, while I was present for part of the meeting I am unsure if I was in attendance for the part of it which dealt with the Reform of Public Administration (where a declaration would have been necessary).