COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS:
WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2001.
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: Mr Edwin Poots MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Oliver Gibson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs Jnr
Dr Esmond Birnie
Mr Fred Cobain
Ms Michelle Gildernew
Ms Patricia Lewsley
Mr Conor Murphy
Mr Alasdair McDonnell
Mr Eugene McMenamin
Mr Ken Robinson
Mr Jim Shannon

In Attendance: Mrs Debbie Pritchard (Principal Committee Clerk)
Mr Hugh Farren (Committee Clerk)
Mrs Gillian Lewis
Ms Laurie Roberts

Apologies: Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Ms Annie Courtney MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA

The meeting commenced at 2.07pm in public session.

1. Apologies

The apologies are listed above.

2. Chairperson's business

The members noted that the next meeting of the Chairpersons of UK European Committees would take place on 16 March 2001. It was agreed that any matters which members would like to raise should be sent to the Committee Clerk.

Dr Birnie joined the meeting at 2.08pm.
Mr Beggs joined the meeting at 2.09pm.

3. Matters arising

The members agreed that the Committee visit to USA would take place from 10 until 17 June 2001. Action: Clerk

4. Approval of draft minutes from previous proceedings

The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

5. Correspondence

Review of Equality Scheme Screening Exercise: The Committee noted the consultation on the Review of the Equality Scheme Screening Exercise and agreed that the Committee staff would provide a paper for the Committee's consideration at its next meeting. Action: Clerk

Ms Gildernew joined the meeting at 2.14pm.

Gay and Lesbian Youth (NI): The Committee also noted the letter from Mr Michael John Campbell on behalf of Gay and Lesbian Youth Northern Ireland requesting that his group speak to the Committee. It was agreed that Mr Campbell should clarify which issues the Group wishes to raise with the Committee to ensure that these fall within the Committee's Terms of Reference. Action: Clerk

The Chairperson left the meeting at 2.17pm and the Deputy Chairperson took the Chair.
Mr Cobain joined the meeting at 2.18pm.

6. Evidence from Northern Ireland Women's European Platform on 'No Place for a Woman' Report

The evidence session started at 2.18pm. Evidence on women and public appointments was taken from Mrs Kate McCullough and Ms Avril Watson from the Northern Ireland Women's European Platform.

Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 2.22pm.
Mr Murphy joined the meeting at 2.30pm.

Mrs McCullough agreed to provide details of the membership of the Northern Ireland Women's European Platform to the Committee. Action: Clerk

The NIWEP Representatives left the meeting at 2.59pm.

7. Evidence on Public Appointments Policy Unit and Nolan Standards

The evidence session began at 3.00pm. Evidence on the Public Appointments Policy Unit and Nolan Standards was taken from Mr Tony McCusker and Mrs Dorothy Angus from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Mr Murphy left the meeting at 3.10pm.
Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 3.10pm.
Mr Cobain left the meeting at 3.28pm.
Dr Birnie left the meeting at 3.31pm.
The Officials left the meeting at 3.38pm.
Ms Gildernew left the meeting at 3.38pm.

8. Any other business

Equal Pay Consultation paper: There were no specific comments on the Equal Pay Consultation paper but members expressed concern at the lateness of the paper in view of the deadline.

The Deputy Chairperson informed members that Junior Ministers Mr Haughey and Mr Nesbitt would attend the next meeting of the Committee to brief the members on their plans regarding the proposed Children's Commissioner.

9. Date and time of next meeting

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be on Wednesday, 7 March 2001 at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting was adjourned at 3.41pm.

Councillor Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
7 March 2001

28 February 2001