COMMITTEE FOR ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 6 November 2008
NITB Headquarters Catherdal Quarter, Belfast
Present:
Ms Jennifer McCann (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Paul Butler
Mr Simon Hamilton
Mr Alan McFarland
Mr Gerry McHugh
Mr Sean Neeson
Mr Robin Newton
Mr Jim Wells
In Attendance:
Ms Lucia Wilson (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Jim McManus (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Paul Connolly (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stephen White (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Jim Nulty (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Mark Durkan MP (Chairperson)
Mr Leslie Cree
The meeting opened at 10:08 a.m. in public session.
Apologies.
1. Apologies are detailed above.
The Deputy Chairperson thanked the outgoing Clerk for her contribution to the work of the Committee and wished her well in her new posting.
2. Declaration of Interests.
There were no new declarations of interest.
3. Minutes of meeting held on 23 October 2008.
Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting on 23 October 2008 were agreed.
4. Matters Arising.
Members noted a letter which the Chairperson sent to the Utility Regulator regarding energy prices.
Members considered a draft response to the Finance and Personnel Committee’s regarding the Budget Stocktake.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to send a reply to the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Members noted a copy of the FSA Credit Unions Specialist Sourcebook.
The meeting was suspended at 10.14 a.m. and resumed at 10.17 a.m.
Robin Newton joined the meeting at 10.17 a.m.
5. Tourism Branding Strategy
Officials joined the meeting at 10.19 a.m.
NITB Officials Alan Clarke and Kathryn Thompson and external consultant John Till briefed the Committee on the Tourism Branding Strategy. Key issues discussed included the rationale behind the branding strategy, opportunities for tourism and the next steps in the branding process.
Sean Neeson joined the meeting at 10.37 a.m.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to receive further briefing from officials in the New Year.
Officials left the meeting at11.32 a.m.
6. Tourism Signature Projects
Officials joined the meeting at 11.33 a.m.
NITB Officials Alan Clarke and Siobhan McCauley and DETI Official Ciaran McGarrity briefed the Committee on the Tourism Signature Projects. Key issues discussed included updates on each of the Signature Projects. Members were concerned to note possible delays in the Titanic Signature Project which might impact on completion of the project in time for the 2012 centenary.
Robin Newton left the meeting at 11.57 a.m
Officials left the meeting at 12.10 p.m.
Agreed: Members agreed to write to the Minister highlighting concerns regarding the 2012 Titanic centenary.
7. Credit Union Inquiry – Briefing from the British Bankers Association
Eric Leenders joined the meeting at 12.22 p.m.
British Banking Association Official Eric Leenders briefed the Committee on their submission to the Committee’s Inquiry on Credit Unions. Key issues discussed included an update on events since the submission was sent in June 2008 and potential regulation options.
Eric Leenders left the meeting at 12.47 p.m.
Gerry McHugh left the meeting at 12.47 p.m.
The meeting was suspended from 12.47p.m.and resumed at 12.52 p.m.
8. Assembly Commission’s Annual Report
Members noted a draft section of the report detailing the membership and business of the Committee up to July 2008.
Agreed: An amended draft was agreed.
Agreed: Members agreed to have a group photograph taken for inclusion in the report.
9. Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation
Members noted the recommendations contained in a briefing paper from the Department regarding the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.
Agreed: Members agreed to return to this issue at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 November.
Paul Butler left the meeting at 1.06 p.m.
10. Statutory Rules
SR 422/2008 - The Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008
Agreed: The Committee had no comment.
SR 424/2008 - The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Agreed: The Committee had no comment.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to receive a paper detailing the agreed process and timescales for SL1’s and SR’s coming to Committees.
11. Forward Work Programme
The Committee considered the Forward Work Programme.
Agreed: The Forward Work Programme was agreed.
12. Correspondence
The Committee noted the following items of correspondence:
- Letter of thanks from the Institute of Directors.
- Press Release from Citizens Advice Bureau regarding debt advice.
- Letter from Paul Goggins to Chair regarding house repossessions.
- Letter from the Commissioner for Public Appointments regarding 2007/08 Annual Report.
13. Any Other Business.
Agreed: Members agreed to write to the Minister seeking an explanation regarding changes being made to the pensions of ex-LEDU workers.
Agreed: Members agreed to hold a Committee meeting at Norbrook Technologies, Newry in the next year.
Members discussed the Committee response to the Utility Regulator’s consultation on sustainable development.
Agreed: Members agreed to the Committee response appearing on the NIAUR and Committee websites.
Agreed: Members agreed that they should see the NIAUR analysis, which refers to the Committee’s response, before it issues.
Agreed: Members agreed to send a composite response on behalf of other relevant Committees.
14. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 13 November at 10.30 a.m. in room 21, Parliament Buildings.
The Deputy Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.26 p.m.