Present:
Mr Oliver Gibson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs Jnr MLA
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr Conor Murphy MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA

In Attendance:
Mrs Debbie Pritchard (Principal Clerk)
Ms Stella McArdle (Committee Clerk)
Mr John Conlan
Mrs Roisin Donnelly
Mrs Gillian Lewis
Ms Laurie Roberts

Apologies:
Mr Edwin Poots MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mrs Annie Courtney MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MP MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA

The Deputy Chairperson opened the meeting by extending the sincere sympathies of the Committee to Mrs Annie Courtney following her accident and requested that a letter be sent wishing Mrs Courtney a speedy recovery.

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

2. Consultation on a Victims' Strategy

Briefing Session from Junior Minister & OFMDFM Officials

The briefing by the Junior Minister & OFMDFM Officials began at 2.06pm. Briefing on a Consultation on a Victims' Strategy was taken from Denis Haughey (Junior Minister), accompanied by Chris Stewart, Fergus Devitt and Caroline Evans.

Mr Beggs joined the meeting at 2.07pm.
Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 2.07pm.
Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 2.08pm.
Mrs Bell joined the meeting at 2.08pm.
Mr Robinson joined the meeting at 2.11pm.

Members received briefing on the consultation process including a summary of responses received, and presentation of the development of the Draft Victim's Strategy to date.

The Deputy Chairperson requested a written response from OFMDFM about their plans for a co-ordinated approach between NIO and OFMDFM in relation to Victims and about the Four Funding Mechanisms.

Mr Haughey welcomed input from the Committee and the Committee agreed to forward a response to the strategy document.

Action Clerk

The briefing session ended at 2.55pm and the OFMDFM officials left. The remainder of the meeting was conducted in public session.

Mr Murphy left the meeting at 2.55pm.

3. European Union Inquiry

1. Evidence Session from the Junior Minister & OFMDFM Officials

The Special Adviser joined the meeting at 2.58pm.

The Evidence session began at 2.59pm. Evidence was taken from Denis Haughey, Will Haire (Second Secretary) and Julie Mapstone (Head of European Policy & Co-ordination Branch) on OFMDFM's Framework for Developing Northern Ireland's Participation in the EU. The Minister highlighted key considerations and identified areas for action. The Minutes of Evidence will appear in the Committee's report on the Inquiry.

It was agreed that a meeting should be arranged between the Junior Ministers and the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to discuss how best they can liase on European matters in future.

Action: Clerk

Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 3.31pm.

Mr Beggs left the meeting at 3.33pm.
Mrs Bell left the meeting at 3.41pm.
Mr Birnie left the meeting at 3.43pm.

The evidence ended at 3.45pm and the Junior Minister and OFMDFM officials left.

2. Draft EU Strategy

Members discussed OFMDFM's Draft EU Strategy. The Committee agreed that the papers should be forwarded to the Statutory Departments for comment.

Action: Clerk

3. Evidence Session with Rev Dr Paisley MP, MEP, MLA

The Deputy Chairperson informed Members that it was not possible to reschedule the evidence session with Dr Paisley in relation to the EU Inquiry, however a written submission from Dr Paisley would be submitted to the Committee.

4. Discussion on Written Submissions from organisations/bodies

The Specialist Adviser, Clare Witten presented a summary of the written submissions to date and highlighted key issues identified by the Committees, Local Government, Non Government Bodies and Universities.

4. Chairperson's Business

1. Official Opening of the NI Bureau: The Deputy Chairperson reminded members that the Chairperson, Mr Poots was attending the official opening of the NI Office in Washington today to represent the Committee.
2. Lunch & Informal Meeting with the Joint Committee on Human Rights: The Deputy Chairperson also reminded members that the lunch and informal meeting with the Joint Committee on Human Rights was to take place on Thursday, 7 February at 12.30pm in the Private Dining Room.
3. Brussels Meetings: The Deputy Chairperson extended his appreciation to the Clerk and Committee Staff for their effective organisation of the recent visits to Brussels.

5. Approval of Draft Minutes

The minutes from the previous meetings held on 30 January & 4 February 2002 were agreed and signed by the Deputy Chairperson.

6. Correspondence

1. Letter from the NI Hotels Federation: The Committee noted the letter from the Federation about the Draft Single Equality Bill.
2. Letter from OFMDFM giving an update on the Single Equality Bill: The Committee considered the letter and agreed to question officials further in relation to latest developments.

Action: Clerk

3. Clerk's memo and correspondence from OFMDFM about additional issued arising from the EU-UK Chair's meeting on 29 October 2001. The Committee considered the memo and correspondence and agreed to:

• Query why the nominations process for representatives to the Committee of the Regions was different to that of Scotland.
• Request for further information on the process to be used to establish formal or semi formal linkages, timetable for establishment etc and the role that the Assembly could play.
• Request a copy of the Leige Conference Report from the Director of the Brussels Office
• Request copies of the Governance White Paper & Charter of Competence and clarify the timescales involved.

Action: Clerk

1. Press release from House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee about taking evidence on the European Arrest Warrant: The Committee noted the press release.
2. Press release from House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee about the appointment of Parliamentary Representatives to the Convention on the Future of Europe: The press release was noted by the Committee.
3. Clerk's memo and correspondence about the work of the House of Lords European Committees. The memo and correspondence were noted, and the Committee agreed:

• To receive weekly Agendas from the Select Committees on the EU.
• To receive copies of their Progress on Scrutiny reports when received.

Action: Clerk

1. Clerk's memo and correspondence about the work of the Scottish Parliament European Committees: The Committee agreed:

• To receive the weekly Agendas for the Scottish Parliament European Committees with their weekly information packs.

Action: Clerk

1. Note of Meeting between Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and the First Minister & Deputy First Minister: The Committee noted receipt of the details of the meeting which took place on 28 January 2002.

8. Date & Time of Next Meeting

The next two meetings of the Committee will be held Thursday 7 February (lunch and informal meeting) in the Private Dining Room and 13 February in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4.00pm.

Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
13 February 2002