BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2008
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
MINUTES
The meeting began at 12.50 pm
Present:
The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr T Burns
Mr F Cobain
Mr P Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Mr P McGlone
Lord Morrow
Ms C Ní Chuilín
Mr P Weir
Present (secretariat):
Mr T Reaney Clerk/Director General
Mr J Stewart Director of Clerking and Reporting
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
Mr H Widdis Legal Services
Observers:
Mr D McClarty Deputy Speaker
Mr F Molloy Deputy Speaker
Rt Hon J Donaldson Junior Minister
Mr G Kelly Junior Minister
Ms R Flanagan OFMDFM
1. Introduction
1.1 The Speaker noted an apology from Mr B Armstrong.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2008
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2008 were agreed and were signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 The Speaker referred members to paragraph 6.1 of the minutes (proposed change to method of allocating Private Members’ Business) and advised members that a paper will be brought to the next meeting outlining the outcome of his discussions with Whips. Mr P Weir asked whether the paper could include a worked example.
4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 20 October
Committee Business
4.1 Members agreed to schedule a motion, from the Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, to extend the Committee Stage of the Public Authorities (Reform) Bill for Monday 20 October.
5. Provisional arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 3 November
Executive Business – week commencing 3 November 2008
5.1 In addition to Question Time on Monday 3 November, m embers agreed to schedule a motion to approve a Statutory Rule, relating to the Draft Lands Tribunal (Salaries) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2008, for Tuesday 4 November. Members allocated no specific time limit to this debate.
Committee Business
5.2 Members agreed to schedule a motion, on the ‘Report of the Committee on Procedures on its Inquiry into Private Legislation’, for Monday 3 November. Members further agreed to schedule a motion, on the ‘Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on draft Criminal Damage (Compensation) (Amendment) (NI) Order 2008’, for Tuesday 4 November. Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for these debates, with the usual speaking times.
Private Members’ Business
5.3 Members agreed to schedule: one private Members’ motion on Monday 3 November and three private Members’ motions on Tuesday 4 November. Members further agreed to schedule one adjournment topic on Monday 3 November. Members proposed a total of five motions as follows:
- ‘The Disappeared’ (D Bradley)
- ‘1859 Revival Anniversary’ (D Simpson, S Moutray, M Storey, J Wells)
- ‘New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital’ (G Adams, S Ramsey)
- ‘Forest and Woodland Targets’ (K Robinson, T Elliott, B Armstrong)
- ‘Review of Environmental Governance’ (D Ford, N Long, K McCarthy, T Lunn, S Farry, A Lo, S Neeson)
5.4 A vote being called, the votes of party delegations were cast as follows:
- The Disappeared: 78 votes
- 1859 Revival Anniversary: 53 votes
- New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital: 105 votes
- Forest and Woodland Targets: 80 votes
- Review of Environmental Governance: 25 votes
5.5 Members therefore agreed to schedule the motion on ‘The Disappeared’ (D Bradley) for Monday 3 November; and the motions on ‘1859 Revival Anniversary’ (D Simpson, S Moutray, M Storey, J Wells), ‘New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital’ (G Adams, S Ramsey) and ‘Forest and Woodland Targets’ (K Robinson, T Elliott, B Armstrong) for Tuesday 4 November. It was noted that there may be a Ministerial availability issue in relation to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety motion on 4 November, and it was agreed to revisit the matter at the next meeting. Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for each debate, with the usual speaking times.
5.6 Members proposed a total of two adjournment topics as follows:
- ‘Proposed John Lewis Development near Sprucefield’ (T Lunn)
- ‘Maintenance of Waterways by Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Upper Bann Constituency’ (D Kelly)
5.7 A vote being called, the votes of party delegations were cast as follows:
- Proposed John Lewis Development near Sprucefield: 36 votes
- Maintenance of Waterways by Department of Agriculture
and Rural Development in the Upper Bann Constituency: 51 votes
5.8 Members therefore agreed to schedule the adjournment topic ‘Maintenance of Waterways by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Upper Bann Constituency’ (D Kelly) for Monday 3 November.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 The Speaker asked members to remind their party colleagues about the rules of debate, particularly the importance of being in the Chamber to hear earlier speeches if they want to be called to speak. The Speaker made it clear that only in exceptional circumstances would a Member be called to speak if they had not been present for earlier contributions.
6.2 The Speaker reminded members that the current ruling on the use of lecterns is that they may be used by Ministers and Chairpersons of Committees, but only when Chairpersons are presenting on behalf of their Committee.
6.3 The Speaker advised members that the visit by the President of the European Parliament, postponed from June, has been rescheduled for Monday 24 November. The Speaker informed members that the President will address Members at 11.00am in the Senate Chamber.
6.4 The Speaker informed members that a letter will issue shortly to party Whips on a number of matters of protocol.
7. Date and Time of next meeting
7.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30 pm on Tuesday 21 October 2008 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.10 pm.