TUV leader Jim Allister at Stormont. Picture by Mal McCann

FORMER assembly deputy speaker Caitríona Ruane, who faced criticism for still being paid despite Stormont's collapse, is also due a £24,500 pay-off given to departing MLAs.

The former Sinn Féin MLA last month resigned from her role as principal deputy speaker, which attracts a £55,000 annual salary.

There was criticism after it emerged that Ms Ruane, who did not stand for re-election in March, had retained the post even though Stormont has not been functioning since January.

She said she had donated the salary to charities and community groups, adding that she "never anticipated that the election of a new speaker and deputy speaker would be so protracted".

It has since emerged that the former South Down representative is also entitled to a resettlement allowance – a payment aimed at helping MLAs readjust to life outside of politics.

The pay-off was confirmed by the Assembly Commission in response to questions from TUV leader Jim Allister.

The North Antrim MLA branded it a "scandalous situation" and "double rip-off of the taxpayer" and called for Ms Ruane to pay back the cash.

According to Stormont guidelines, an MLA can claim a resettlement allowance if they do not contest an election, or fail to be re-elected.

It amounts to one month of an MLA's £49,000 salary for each full year in post, capped at a maximum of six months' salary.

It means departing MLAs could walk away with up to £24,500.

The Assembly Commission said: "Whether that person continues in a role other than as a member... has no impact on an entitlement to resettlement allowance."

The allowance is paid after the outgoing MLA makes "all arrangements necessary to wind up the person's affairs as a member".

Mr Allister said: "I am calling on Ms Ruane to pay back in full either the resettlement payment or the deputy speaker salary.

"This is a person who regularly hectored others on issues of 'equality' and standards in public life... she needs to now live up to her own rhetoric."

A Sinn Féin spokesman said: "Caitríona Ruane was no longer an MLA after March this year.

"Sinn Féin received no donations from Caitríona Ruane since March.

"Any arrangements she may have come to with the assembly were her own affair."

Ms Ruane last night did not respond to requests for a comment.

Last month it also emerged that DUP speaker Robin Newton and SDLP deputy speaker Patsy McGlone remain in post, receiving wages of £87,000 and £55,000 respectively. Both were re-elected as MLAs in March.

The UUP's Danny Kennedy, who was not re-elected, resigned as deputy speaker in June.