MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS AT 2.00 PM ON TUESDAY 5 MARCH 2002.
Apologies:
Sir J Gorman
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
In Attendance:
Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss F Douglas
Private Session
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.15 p.m.
Mr Cobain indicated that he would be vacating the Chair during the presentation and it was agreed by the Committee that Mr ONeill should take the Chair on Mr Cobain's departure.
In the confirmed absence of the Deputy Chairperson, the Chairman called for a Member to speak.
Mr G Kelly moved "That Mr E ONeill do take the Chair of the Committee on it being vacated by
Mr Cobain."
The Chairman asked for a seconder to the motion.
Mr M Robinson seconded the proposal.
The Chairman asked for any other nominations. There were no other nominations.
The Chairman put to the Members "The question is that Mr E ONeill takes the Chair when vacated by Mr Cobain" The Committee agreed the question.
Public Session
- Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Housing Rights Service.
- Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Open Door Housing Strabane.
- Minutes of the meeting held on 28 February.
- Matters Arising
- Subordinate Legislation
- Any Other Business
- Date of Next Meeting
The Chairman welcomed representatives from Housing Rights Service to the meeting at 2.16 p.m.
In attendance:
Janet Hunter - Director Housing Rights Service
Nicola McCrudden - Policy & Communications Co-ordinator
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.21 p.m.
Mr B Hutchinson joined the meeting at 2.25 p.m.
The representatives from Housing Rights Service made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked the members of the Housing Rights Service and they left at 2.44 p.m.
The Chairman welcomed the representative from Open Door Housing Strabane to the meeting at 2.45 p.m.
In attendance:
Paddy McGettigan -
The representative from Open Door Housing Strabane made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Paddy McGettigan for his presentation taking into consideration that it had been requested at short notice. Mr McGettigan left at 3.30 p.m.
Private Session
The minutes of the meeting were agreed.
There were no matters arising.
Proposals
Agreed: The Committee was content with the Department's proposal to make a Statutory Rule in respect of the following: -
The Social Fund (Maternity and Funeral Expenses) (General) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.
Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order.
The Social Security (Work Focused Interviews for Lone Parents Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.
Motions
The Committee passed the following Motions, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules' Report:
"The Social Development Committee has considered the following Statutory Rules:
SR 2002 No. 56 The Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
SR 2002 No. 59 The Social Security (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2002
SR 2002 No. 58 The Income Support (General) (Standard Interest Rate Amendment No. 2) Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 2002
SR 2002 No. 64 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Minimum Funding Requirements and
Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
and has no objection to the Rules"
Housing Bill
The Chairman informed the Committee that the Housing Bill was published on 1 March for public consultation with a closing date for comments of 30 April.
The Committee discussed the need to see the terms of the Bill and how a response be made to the consultation. Members agreed the Housing Bill be made an agenda item for discussion at the Committee meeting scheduled for 14 March.
Towards Supporting People
Members noted the Business Committee has agreed to put the Committee's Motion on the Order Paper for Tuesday 19 February.
Committee for Finance and Personal Inquiry into European Structural Funds and Community Initiatives.
The Chairman advised the Committee a letter, from the Chairman of the Committee for Finance and Personnel, has been sent to the Minister advising of the Inquiry.
UK Sustainable Development Commission: Seminar / Reception on Tuesday p.m. 12 March 2002.
Members noted the Committee for the Environment is hosting a seminar / reception for Members of the UK Sustainable Development Commission at 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday 12 March 2002 in the Long Gallery. The event coincides with an Oral Evidence session for the Homelessness Inquiry scheduled for 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday 12 March in room 144 Parliament Buildings.
Department for Social Development Seminar
The Committee noted the Department's seminar has been scheduled for 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 7 March in the Private Members Dining Room.
Amendments to The 1996 Clubs Order and Accounts Regulations
Mr G Kelly informed the Committee that he had been approached by the Northern Ireland Federation of Clubs concerning the existing Clubs Legislation.
The Clerk informed the Committee that the comparison details, concerning the legislation, had been sent to the Northern Ireland Federation of Clubs for their comments. Their response was awaited.
The next Committee meeting will be at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday 12 March in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
Mr F COBAIN
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
MARCH 2002