Present:
Mr Fraser Agnew MLA Chairperson
Mr Alban Maginness MLA Deputy Chairperson
Mr Kieran McCarthy MLA
Mr Alan McFarland MLA
Mr Francie Molloy MLA
Ms Jane Morrice MLA
Mr Maurice Morrow MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA
Mr Jim Wilson MLA

Attendees:
Mr Steven McCourt, Committee Clerk
Ms Roisin Donnelly
Mr Kevin Elliot
Ms Linda Hare
Ms Sharon Smyth

Apologies:
Mr Michael Coyle MLA
Mr John Kelly MLA

3.12pm the meeting opened in private session-the Clerk in the Chair.

1. Apologies

The apologies were noted.

2. Election of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson

The Clerk called for nominations for the position of Committee Chairperson. Mr Shannon proposed that: Mr Agnew be the Chairperson of this Committee. Mr Wilson seconded this and the nomination was accepted.

On there being no further nominations the Clerk put the question without debate.

Resolved, that Mr Agnew, being the only candidate proposed, be Chairperson of this Committee.

3.14pm. Mr Agnew in the Chair.

3.15pm Mr Maginness joined the meeting

The Chairperson thanked members for their support and sought nominations for the position of Committee Deputy Chairperson. Mr Wilson proposed that: Mr Maginness be the Deputy Chairperson of this Committee. Mr Shannon seconded this and the nomination was accepted.

On there being no further nominations the Chairperson put the question without debate.

Resolved, that Mr Maginness, being the only candidate proposed, be Deputy Chairperson of this Committee.

3. Declaration of Interests

The Chairperson invited members to forward amendments to the Declaration of Interests in writing to the Committee Clerk.

4. Procedures of the Committee

The Chairperson referred members to a memorandum from the Committee Clerk on the procedures of the Committee contained in their briefing papers.

Resolved,

• Witnesses - the Committee agreed to take evidence from relevant bodies as part of its proceedings.
• Voting - the Committee agreed that in the absence of consensus, simple majority would determine all decisions.
• Minutes of Evidence - the Committee agreed that in the event that any members are unable to attend an evidence session, the uncorrected Minutes of Evidence would be copied to those members for their information.
• Public meetings - the Committee agreed that it would hold all evidence sessions in public.
• Deputies - the Committee agreed to use deputies.

5. Forward work programme

The Committee noted a memorandum from the Committee Clerk setting out a proposed forward work programme. The Committee agreed to invite the following bodies to give evidence:

• Minister of State and/or Officials
• PSNI
• Gun Trade Association
• Gun Control Network
• The Law Society
• Human Rights Commission
• Countryside Alliance for Northern Ireland
• British Association of Shooting and Conservation
• Ulster Farmers Union

It was further agreed that a notice should be placed in the local press seeking written submissions to the Committee by any interested parties. In addition, written evidence should be sought from those bodies identified by the Clerk and to include museums, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association.

Action: Clerk

6. Briefing from the Assembly Research and Library Service

3.31pm Mr Wilson left the meeting.

Members noted the contents of the Draft Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, explanatory memorandum and a briefing paper prepared by Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Library Service.

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Clerk should obtain information on comparative statistics on Firearms Certification in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; and briefing notes on the impact of the proposals on museum weapons, and a comparison with legislation in the Republic of Ireland.

Action: Clerk

7. Any other business

No other matters were raised.

8. Date and time of next meeting

The Committee agreed that it would next meet on Thursday, 10 October 2002 at 2.00 pm in Room 135.

4.08 pm the Chairperson adjourned the meeting.

Mr Fraser Agnew MLA
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee
10 October 2002

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