COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY, 17TH OCTOBER 2007
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chairperson)
Mr Gerry McHugh
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Alex Easton
Mr David Hilditch
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr George Savage
In Attendance: Dr Kevin Pelan (Clerk to the Committee)
Ms Eleanor Murphy (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Ms Carla Campbell (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Lindsay Dundas (Clerical Officer)
Apologies: Mr Willie Clarke
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Francie Brolly
Mr Brian Wilson
The meeting opened at 1:06pm in public session.
Chairperson’s Introduction.
The Chairperson welcomed Members to the ninth meeting of the Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to hold the meeting in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Declaration of Interests.
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 10th October 2007.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of the 10th October 2007.
4. Matters Arising.
There were no matters arising.
5. Draft Revision of the “Purpose of the Code” and “Public Duty” Sections.
The Committee noted a paper prepared by the Clerk on options for the revision of the “Purpose of the Code” and “Public Duty” sections of the Northern Ireland Assembly Code of Conduct.
6. Comparative Paper on the Northern Ireland Assembly Code of Conduct and Codes of Conduct in other Jurisdictions: Review of “Personal Conduct” Section.
The Committee discussed the “Personal Conduct” section of the Northern Ireland Assembly Code of Conduct and considered a paper prepared by the Clerk on similar sections in other jurisdictions. It also considered amendments proposed by the previous Committee on Standards and Privileges during their review of the Code.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk prepare a draft revision of the “Personal Conduct” section, reflecting the Committee’s deliberations, for possible inclusion in the draft consultation document.
7. AOB.
The Clerk advised Members that the Committee has received another complaint and that in keeping with current procedures this has been passed to the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
8. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 7th November 2007 at 2:00pm in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.40pm.