AUDIT COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

THURSDAY, 29 MARCH 2001; ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT
BUILDINGS

1. Apologies
2. Chairpersons business
3. Draft minutes of proceedings
4. Matters Arising
5. Forward work programme
6. Any other business
7. Date and time of next meeting

Present:
Mr John Dallat MLA, Chairperson
Mr Billy Hutchinson MLA, Deputy Chairperson

Attendees:
Mr Tony Logue, Committee Clerk
Mr Damien McVeigh

Apologies:
Mr Derek Hussey MLA
Mr Gerry McHugh MLA
Mr Mark Robinson MLA

10.40am the meeting opened in public session - Mr Dallat in the Chair.

1. Apologies

1.1 The apologies were noted.

2. Chairperson's business

2.1 The Chairperson introduced the new Committee Clerk and his support team. Members noted that contact details had been included with their briefing papers.

3. Draft Minutes of Proceedings

3.1 The Committee noted and considered the draft Minutes of Proceedings for Wednesday, 17 January 2001.

Resolved:that the Committee approves the draft Minutes of Proceedings for Wednesday, 17 January 2001

4. Matters arising

4.1 The Chairperson informed members that he had a number of items he wished to raise from previous proceedings of the Committee.

4.2 These were -

(a) the Committee's Terms of Reference;
(b) the draft Report on the proceedings of the Committee to date.

4.3 The Committee's Terms of Reference -

4.3.1 Members noted a paper from the Committee Clerk detailing the options available to the Committee and a letter from the Minister of Finance and Personnel on the current procedures with respect to the salary and appointment of the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland.

4.3.2 Members debated the various options presented and agreed to the conclusion of the paper.

Resolved:that the Chairperson would table a motion for consideration by the Committee on Procedures to amend Standing Order 58 as set out below:

Motion:that under Standing Order 58 delete all from 'The Assembly, by resolution' and insert:

(1) There shall be a Standing Committee known as the Audit Committee, to exercise the functions laid upon the Assembly by section 66 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and on any other related matters determined by the Assembly.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Committee shall have membership of five and a quorum of two.

(3) In accordance with section 66(2) of the Act, no more than one Member of the Committee shall at the same time be a member of the Public Accounts Committee.

4.4 Draft Report of the Committee's proceedings

4.4.1 Members noted and considered the draft Report prepared by the Committee Clerk.

Resolved:that the draft Report be printed and laid before the Assembly as a Report of the Audit Committee

5. Forward work programme

5.1 Members noted and considered the draft work programme as prepared by the Committee Clerk.

5.2 The Committee agreed the resolution as set out below -

Resolved:that the Committee agrees the draft work programme and directs the Clerk to take forward the necessary arrangements on behalf of the Committees.

5.3 The possibility of a visit to the Public Accounts Commission at Westminster was raised. It was agreed that this would be taken forward, subject to the pending elections, for Thursday, 10 May 2001.

Action: Clerk to take forward arrangements for the suggested visit.

6. Any other business

6.1 The Chairperson requested leave of the Committee to approve the draft minutes of these proceedings so that they could be included in the Committee's Report.

6.2 The Committee agreed the resolution as set out below -

Resolved:that the Chairperson shall have leave of the Committee to approve the draft Minutes of Proceedings for the Committee meeting on Thursday, 29 March 2001.

6.3 The Chairperson informed members that he would issue a copy of these minutes to each member of the Committee and provide an opportunity at the next meeting for members to make any amendments to the minutes.

Action: Clerk to circulate the approved Minutes of Proceedings to members.

7. Date and time of next meeting

7.1 The agreed that it would next meet in May to consider the salary of the Comptroller & Auditor General for Northern Ireland.

11.25am the Chairperson adjourned the meeting

Mr John Dallat MLA
Chairperson, Audit Committee

30 March 2001

17 January 2001 / Menu / 18 June 2001