AD HOC COMMITTEE
DISQUALIFICATION LEGISLATION
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 10 JUNE 2002
ROOM 152 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA Chairperson
Dr Dara O'Hagan MLA Deputy Chairperson
Mr Mervyn Carrick MLA
Mr Billy Hutchinson MLA
Mr Alban Maginness MLA
Mr Pat McNamee MLA
Mr Sean Neeson ML
Mr Peter Weir MLA

Attendees:
Mr Tony Logue, Committee Clerk
Ms Hilary Bogle
Ms Pauline Innes

2.34pm the meeting opened in public session

2.35pm Dr O'Hagan joined the meeting.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Draft Minutes of Proceedings

Resolved, that the draft Minutes of Proceedings for Tuesday, 28 May 2002 be agreed.

3. Matters arising

The Chairperson informed members that the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), Elections Unit, had declined the Committee's invitation to attend to give evidence to the Committee. Following debate it was agreed that the Chairperson should write to the NIO, expressing the Committee's dissatisfaction at their non-attendance, given their serious reservations with the content and quality of the existing criteria referred to it for consideration. It was also agreed that a Press Statement be issued expressing the Committee's views.

Action: Clerk

3.04pm Mr Maginness joined the meeting.

4. Correspondence

Members noted correspondence from the Northern Ireland Office, Elections Unit, an extract from the Scotland Act 1998 on Disqualification and an extract from the Government of Wales Act 1998 on Disqualification.

5. Draft Criteria on Disqualification Legislation

Members debated the tabled draft criteria on Disqualification Legislation. It was agreed that, following Plenary debate, the Committee recommend that the Northern Ireland Office put this criteria, as amended, out to public consultation and ensure that it receives the necessary equality proofing.

6. Any other business

No other matters were raised.

7. Date and time of next meeting

The Committee agreed that the next meeting would take place on Friday, 14 June 2002 at 10.30am to consider a draft Report of the Committee's proceedings.

3.30pm the Chairperson adjourned the meeting.

Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee
14 June, 2002