AD HOC COMMITTEE
DRAFT CRIMINAL JUSTICE (NI) ORDER 2007
DRAFT MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY18 DECEMBER 2007
ROOM 144 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness (Chair)
Mr Raymond McCartney (Deputy Chair)
Mr Nelson McCausland
Mr Alan McFarland
Mr John O’Dowd
Mr Peter Weir
Attendees:
Mr Kevin Shiels, Committee Clerk
Ms Roisin Fleetham, Assistant Clerk
Ms Linda Hare, Clerical Supervisor
Ms Jane Hanna, Clerical Officer
Mr Peter Smith QC, LSRC
Mr John McMullan, DOE
Mr Harry Green, DOE
Apologies:
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín
Dr Stephen Farry
Mr Danny Kennedy
Mr Jim Wells
2.10pm the meeting opened in public session Mr Maginness in the Chair.
1. Apologies
The apologies were noted.
2. Minutes of last meeting
The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting 12 December 2007. They will be published on the website.
3. Matters Arising
A query had been raised at the last meeting in relation to the circumstances in which a discretionary life sentence or one of the new sentences (ICS or ECS) could be imposed. The clerk read the clarification received from NIO.
NIO also confirmed that when the Order is laid in Westminster it will be accompanied by an Explanatory document.
4. Declaration of Interests
The Chairperson invited Members to declare any amended Declaration of Interests and forward it in writing to the Committee Clerk.
2.15pm Mr McCausland Joined the meeting
5. Oral Evidence Session - Chair of Life Sentence Review Commissioners
The Chair introduced Mr Peter Smith QC, Chairperson of the Life Sentence Review Commissioners. He gave a presentation to Members, highlighting his views on the impact of the proposed provisions relating to the Parole Commissioners. A question and answer session followed.
6. Briefing by Department of the Environment
DOE Officials Mr John McMullan and Mr Harry Green a presentation on the Driving Offences provisions contained in the Draft Order. Officials then answered questions from Members on the proposals.
7. Briefing from Clerk on future evidence sessions
The Clerk informed Members he had written to Assistant Chief Constable Ray Toner requesting that PSNI representatives attend the meeting on 9 January to deal with Drinking in Public Places provisions; and Road Traffic Offences. Members received a copy of the letter.
The Clerk informed Members that NIACRO, Human Rights Commission, Prison Service and PSNI would be attending the final evidence session on 9 January 2008 (Annex 1).
3.30 pm Closed Session
8. Discussion on possible recommendations for draft report
Members discussed initial views on the possible content of the Committee Report.
9. Date and time of next meeting
The Committee agreed that it would meet on Wednesday 9 January 2008 at 2pm in the Senate Chamber.
Future meetings are as follows:
Wednesday 16 January 2pm Senate Chamber
4.20pm the Chairperson adjourned the meeting.
Mr Alban Maginness MLA
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee
18 December 2007
Annex 1
Schedule of Future Evidence Sessions
09 January 2008 |
2.15pm 2.45pm 3.15pm 3.45pm |
NIACRO Human Rights Commission Ms Monica McWilliams, Ms Nazia Latif Prison Service Mr Robin Masefield, Mr Eddie Finn and Mr Brian Ingram PSNI Superintendent David Boyd and Superintendent Brian Kee |
To Note: |
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Victim Support will forward a written submission. |
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