NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 23 MARCH 2010
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
MINUTES
The meeting began at 12.44 pm
Present:
Mr B Armstrong
Mr F Cobain
Lord Morrow
Mr K McCarthy
Ms C Ní Chuilín
Mr P Ramsey
In attendance:
Mr J Stewart Director of Clerking and Reporting
Ms L Gordon Clerk of Business
Miss C McKay Assistant Clerk of Business
Ms F Leneghan Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr T Reaney Clerk of the Assembly/ Director General
Mr K Shiels Clerk of Business
Mr H Widdis Director of Legal Services
Observers:
Mr F Molloy Deputy Speaker
Mr D McClarty Deputy Speaker
Junior Minister Newton
Mr A Rogers OFMDFM
1. Introduction and Apologies
1.1 The Speaker thanked the Lord Morrow for chairing the Business Committee meeting in his absence last week.
1.2 The Speaker noted apologies from Mr Thomas Burns, Mr Paul Maskey, Mr P Weir and junior Minister Kelly.
1.3 The Speaker sent his best wishes to Mr Burns and his family.
2. Mi nutes of the meeting held on 16 March 2010
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 16 March were agreed and 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 12 April 2010
4.1 Members noted the business scheduled on the draft Order Papers.
4.2 The Speaker advised members that the Executive Motion to determine the number and functions of Ministerial offices had not yet been tabled, and sought advice from junior Minister Newton. The junior Minister advised that the motion was still with Ministers for signing.
4.3 Members noted the position and, as the Order Papers for week commencing 12 April could not, therefore, be approved, it was agreed to meet as soon as the Executive Motion had been tabled. However, concerns were expressed about members’ availability later in the week.
5. Any Other Business
5.1 Members noted that a meeting was scheduled on Wednesday 24 March for Whips to discuss the allocation of statutory committee seats. Details of the time and venue would be confirmed to all attendees.
6. Date and Time of next meeting
6.1 It was agreed that the date and time of the next meeting would be confirmed as soon as the Executive Motion had been tabled.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.54pm.