PROCEEDINGS OF THE AD HOC COMMITTEE (PORT OF BELFAST)

THURSDAY 3 JUNE 1999 AT 10.15 AM

IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Mr A Maginness(Joint Chairperson)

Mr R Beggs

Mr P Bradley

Mr J Byrne

Mr G Campbell

Mr F Cobain

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr D McClarty

Mr M McGimpsey

Ms J Morrice

Mr M Morrow

Mr M Murphy

Mr P Roche

Mr J Tierney

In attendance:Mr G MartinMrs D Williams

Mr D HarkinMs V SurplusMrs K Ferran Apologies:Mr S NeesonMr D Watson

1.Election of an Acting Chairperson

The Clerk sought nominations for an Acting Chairperson pending the arrival of Assembly Member Maginness, who had sent his apologies in advance. Assembly Member Byrne proposed Assembly Member Tierney, and this was agreed to unanimously by the Committee.

Assembly Member Tierney took the Chair.

2.Committee Report

i. Report Contents

The Committee resumed its deliberations on the draft report at para.13, a summation of which is included in a separate annexe.

Assembly Member Maginness replaced Assembly Member Tierney in the Chair after para. 18.

ii. Draft Options

The Committee agreed unanimously to exclude both the status quo and trade sale as preferred options. It will begin to match the remaining four options against the essential criteria at its next meeting.

3.AOB

i. It was agreed that the Clerk would reply to a letter from the Initial Presiding Officer to the Joint Chairpersons regarding a recent article in the Business Telegraph on the Port of Belfast.

ii. The Clerk will write to advise members of the relevant papers to bring to the next meeting, where the remaining options will be examined.

iii. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 June at 10.15am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

MR A MAGINNESS