BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 24 JUNE 2008
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
MINUTES
The meeting began at 1 pm
Present:
The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr B Armstrong
Mr T Burns
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McNarry
Lord Morrow
Ms C N í Chuilín
Mr J O’Dowd
Mr P Weir
Present (secretariat):
Mrs C Devon Interim Clerk/Director General
Ms L Gordon Clerk of Business
Mr A Murphy Assistant Clerk of Business
In attendance:
Mr R Good Adviser to the Speaker
Ms F Leneghan Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Ms I McAuley Legal Services
Mr K Shiels Business Office
Observers:
Mr J Dallat Deputy Speaker
Mr D McClarty Deputy Speaker
Rt Hon J Donaldson Junior Minister
Mr G Kelly Junior Minister
Mr N Jackson OFMDFM
1. Introduction
1.1 The Speaker welcomed Mr John O’Dowd to the meeting in place of Mr Paul Maskey.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2008
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 17 June were agreed and were signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 There were no matters arising.
4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 30 June
Executive Business – week commencing 30 June 2008
4.1 Members were referred to the draft Order Papers for Monday 30 June and Tuesday 1 July. Members agreed to schedule two motions to approve Statutory Rules, from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, for Monday 30 June.
4.2 Members agreed to schedule the Second Stage of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Bill for Tuesday 1 July. Members further agreed to schedule a legislative consent motion on the Pensions Bill, from the Minister for Social Development, for Tuesday 1 July.
Committee Business – week commencing 30 June 2008
4.3 Members agreed to schedule a business motion, relating to a Statutory Committee membership change, for Tuesday 1 July.
4.4 Members agreed that there would be no lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 1 July.
5. Issues Relating to Question Time
5.1 The Speaker reminded members that outstanding party proposal papers, relating to Question Time, should be with him as soon as possible.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 The Speaker informed members that Mrs Carol Devon was attending her last meeting of the Business Committee as Interim Clerk/Director General. Members expressed their appreciation for Mrs Devon’s work and wished her success in the future.
6.2 Lord Morrow raised an issue regarding information relating to a Member of his party being released under a Freedom of Information request without the Member’s prior knowledge. Mrs Devon undertook to investigate the particular case and to liaise with Lord Morrow on the matter.
6.3 Mr K McCarthy raised an issue relating to draughty conditions at the back of the Assembly Chamber. The Speaker noted the comments and expressed the hope that the refurbishment of the Chamber during the summer recess will counteract this problem.
7. Date and Time of next meeting
7.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30 pm on Tuesday 2 September 2008 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.10 pm.