BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY
2 JUNE
2009
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
MINUTES
The meeting began at 12.35pm
Present:
The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr T Burns
Mr F Cobain
Lord Morrow
Mr K McCarthy
Ms C N í Chuil ín
Mr P Ramsey
Mr P Weir
Present (secretariat):
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 T Caul Legal Services
Ms F Leneghan Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mrs M Mageean Business Office
Mr H Widdis Legal Services
Observers:
Mr D McClarty Deputy Speaker
Mr F Molloy Deputy Speaker
Ms R Flanagan OFMDFM
1. Introduction
1.1 The Speaker noted apologies from the two junior Ministers and Mr P Maskey. The Speaker also noted an apology from Mr B Armstrong and passed on the best wishes of the Committee after his recent accident.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2009
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 26 May 2009 were agreed and were signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 The Speaker referred members to paragraph 6.2 of the minutes in relation to ending the practice of using a list of names for supplementary questions during Question Time. The Speaker advised postponing consideration of this issue until the next meeting. Members agreed to the request.
4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 8 June
Executive Committee Business
4.1 Members noted that the Minister of Education wished to make a Statement on the NSMC Education sectoral format meeting on Monday 8 June.
4.2 Members agreed to reschedule the Consideration Stage of the Diseases of Animals Bill for Tuesday 9 June. Members further agreed to schedule a motion, tabled jointly by the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and the Chair of the Audit Committee, nominating a new Comptroller and Auditor General.
5. Provisional arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 15 June 2009
Executive Business
5.1 In addition to Question Time on Monday 15 June to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, members agreed to schedule the motion, tabled by the Minister of Finance and Personnel, to suspend Standing Orders. Members further agreed to schedule the motion on the Supply Resolution for the 2009-2010 Main Estimates for Monday 15 June. Members agreed that up to 4 hours should be allocated for this debate; that the Minister would have a total of up to 60 minutes to allocate between moving and winding the debate; and that Members’ contributions would be limited to ten minutes.
5.2 Members further agreed to schedule the First Stage of the Budget (No.2) Bill for Monday 15 June.
5.3 The Speaker referred members to a letter from the Minister of Finance and Personnel regarding his unavailability on 15 th, 16 th and 22 nd June and that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment would move the Budget related items on the 15 th and 16 th June.
5.4 In addition to Question Time on Tuesday 16 June to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, members agreed to schedule the Second Stage of the Budget (No. 2) Bill. Members further agreed to schedule a motion, tabled by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on ‘Sea Fish Industry (Harbour, Landing and Light Dues) Scheme (NI) 2009 and a motion, tabled by the Minister for Social Development, on ‘Occupational Pension Schemes (Contracting-out) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009.
Committee Business
5.5 There was no Committee business.
Private Members’ business
5.6 Members agreed to schedule one private Members’ motion on Tuesday 16 June. Business was considered under the system of allocating private Members’ business, with the DUP, having the available slot. The following motion was proposed:
- ‘Increased Income for Ex-Service Pensioners’ (J Shannon, W Browne, S Hamilton)
5.7 Members therefore agreed to schedule the motion on ‘Increased Income for Ex-Service Pensioners’ (J Shannon, W Browne, S Hamilton) for Tuesday 16 June. Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for the debate, with the usual speaking times.
5.8 Members agreed to schedule one adjournment topic on Tuesday 16 June.
Members proposed a total of two adjournment topics as follows:
- ‘Assessment for, and Delivery of, Special Education in Foyle Constituency’ (P Ramsey)
- ‘Shellfish Regulations for Recreational Fishermen in East Antrim’ (D Hilditch)
- A vote being called, the votes of party delegations were cast as follows:
- Assessment for, and Delivery of, Special Education in Foyle Constituency : 25 votes
- Shellfish Regulations for Recreational Fishermen in East Antrim: 35 votes
5.10 Members therefore agreed to schedule the adjournment topic ‘Shellfish Regulations for Recreational Fishermen in East Antrim’ (D Hilditch) for Tuesday 16 June.
6. Question Time Rota
6.1 The Speaker referred members to the revised Question Time rota up to the summer recess and advised that an All Party Notice would issue to Members advising them of the changes. Members agreed the revised rota.
7. Any Other Business
7.1 The Speaker referred members to a further letter he had sent to the First Minister and deputy First Minister relating to concerns about the availability of Ministers. Members noted the content of the letter.
8. Date and Time of next meeting
8.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30 pm on Tuesday 9 June 2009 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.45 pm.