PROCEEDINGS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE (PORT OF BELFAST)

THURSDAY 25 MARCH 1999 AT 10.15 AM

IN THE MEMBERS DINING ROOM, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:Mr R Beggs

Mr P J Bradley (representing Mr E McGrady)

Mr G Campbell

Mr F Cobain

Ms C Hanna (representing Mr A Maginness)

Mr W Hay (representing Mr M Morrow)

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr J Kelly (representing Mr A Maskey)

Mr D McClarty

Mr M McGimpsey

Ms J Morrice

Mr S Neeson

Mr P Roche

Mr J Tierney

Mr D Watson

Apologies:Mr S Wilson

In Attendance:Dr S DonnellyMs V Surplus

Mr G MartinMs K McFerran

Mr D Harkin

1.Election of Acting Chairperson

The Clerk advised the Committee that, since both Joint Chairpersons were unable to attend, it was necessary to elect an acting Chairperson for the meeting.

Assembly Member McClarty proposed Assembly Member Roche, and this was agreed to unanimously by the Committee.

Mr Roche took the Chair.

2.Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

3.Matters Arising

Assembly Member McGimpsey provided the Committee with copies of the letter that he had received in January from Mr Gordon Irwin, Chief Executive of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, relating to land acreage on Belfast Harbour Estate.

4.Oral Evidence: Belfast Harbour Users Group

Witnesses:

Mr M McAree (Secretary)

Mr L Murray (Deputy Chairman)

Mr D Malseed (Member)

5.Oral Evidence: Port of Belfast Harbour Trade Union Side

Witnesses:

Mr B Graham

Mr A Quirey

Mr J Quinn

6.AOB

i.The Clerk advised the Committee that, subject to confirmation, Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have been rescheduled to give oral evidence on Thursday 29 April, with the Dover Harbour Board pencilled in for Thursday 22 April.

ii.The Clerk advised the Committee that the Port of Forth has declined its invitation to give oral evidence.

iii.Agreed:

The Clerk advised that Lord Dubs had been provisionally rescheduled to give oral evidence on Wednesday 5 May at 10.30 am, and this date was agreed to by the Committee.

iv.Assembly Member Morrice voiced concern about sufficient members' ability to attend next week's meeting, where Belfast City Council are due to give evidence. It was agreed to leave the matter with the Clerk, who will advise on the position as soon as possible.

(Acting Chairperson)