TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2001, ROOM 152 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.

Present: Mr Duncan Shipley Dalton, Chairperson
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA, Deputy Chairperson
Mr Gregory Campbell MLA
Sir John Gorman MLA
Mr Alban Maginness MLA
Mr Mitchell McLaughlin MLA
Mrs Mary Nelis MLA
Mr Ian Paisley Jnr MLA

Attendees:
Mr Tony Logue, Clerk of Ad hoc Committees
Mr Damien McVeigh
Mr Percy Johnston
Mr Hugh Widdis

2.35pm: The meeting opened in private session-Mr Shipley Dalton in the Chair.

1. Apologies
The apology was noted.

2. Draft Minutes of Proceedings
Resolved, that the draft Minutes of Proceedings for Monday, 26 November 2001 be agreed.

3. 3. Matters arising
2.38pm: Mr Maginness joined the meeting.

Members noted that a motion had been tabled with the Business Committee to amend the original resolution of the Assembly that established the Ad hoc Committee. It was agreed that the Chairperson should speak on the Committee's behalf during the plenary session.

2.44pm: Mr Paisley joined the meeting.

The Clerk tabled an amended work programme for the Committee; it was agreed that, subject to the Assembly approving the motion to extend the Committee's terms of reference, the Committee would adhere to the work programme, as proposed. The Chairperson sought members' views on the principle of meeting during the recess period; it was agreed that the Committee would, if necessary, meet during the week commencing Monday, 17 December 2001.

It was noted that the Northern Ireland Policing Board would be on an official visit to the United States of America, week commencing Monday, 3 December 2001. The Chairperson requested that those members of the Committee who would be participating in that visit should nominate deputies to serve on the Committee during their absence.

4. 4. Criminal Justice Implementation Plan
Members noted a research paper, prepared by the Assembly's Research & Library Services, on the Criminal Justice Implementation Plan.

2.50pm: The Chairperson called Mr Widdis to the table.

During the question-and-answer session it was agreed that the Committee should seek a further paper on the Public Prosecution Service from Research & Library Services. The Chairperson requested that any additional requests for research, on behalf of the Committee, should be directed through the Clerk.

3.05pm: Mrs Bell left the meeting.

3.11pm: Mr Maginness left the meeting.

3.45pm: Mr Campbell left the meeting.

5. Draft Justice (NI) Bill: First Reading
3.50pm: The Chairperson called Mr Johnston to the table.

Members conducted an initial Article-by-Article reading of the draft Justice (NI) Bill with assistance from the Assembly Legal Advisor.

No other matters were raised.

The Committee agreed that it would next meet on Thursday, 29 November 2001.

4.17pm: The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.