NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 15 MARCH 2011
ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.42 pm
Present:
The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr B Armstrong
Mr T Burns
Mr P Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Lord Morrow
Ms C Ní Chuilín
Mr P Ramsey
Mr P Weir
In attendance:
Mr J Stewart Director of Clerking and Reporting
Ms L Gordon Clerk of Business
Ms C McKay Assistant Clerk
Mr T Reaney Clerk of the Assembly/Director General
Ms F Leneghan Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Mrs M Mageean Clerk of Business
Mr D Martin Clerk Assistant
Ms T Caul Senior Legal Adviser
Observers:
Junior Minister Newton
Mr A Rogers OFMDFM
1. Introduction and Apologies
1.1 Apologies were noted from Mr Fred Cobain and Junior Minister Kelly.
2. Minutes of the meetings held on 7 and 8 March 2011
2.1 The minutes of the meetings held on 7 and 8 March 2011 were agreed and signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 There were no matters arising.
4. Position on Justice Bill
4.1 The Speaker reminded members of his ruling that the Justice Bill needs to come back to the House to correct a Clause which does not comply with the EU Weapons Directive. As a result, the Final Stage of the Justice Bill would not be moved later that afternoon.
4.2 As there was no provision in Standing Orders to address the issue, members agreed to schedule an Exceptional Further Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill on Monday 21 March. Members were advised that only Ministerial Amendments would be accepted; that the debate would be on the selected Amendments only; and that there would be no opportunity to discuss any other aspect of the Bill. The Marshalled List of Amendments would be published on Wednesday 16 March.
4.3 Members agreed to reschedule the Final Stage of the Justice Bill for Wednesday 23 March.
5. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 21 March 2011
Executive Business
5.1 In addition to the Exceptional Further Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill, members noted that a Motion to suspend Standing Orders 39(1) and 42(1), in respect of the Justice Bill, was also scheduled for Monday 21 March.
5.2 Members noted that the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety had sought permission from the Speaker to make a statement on Monday 21 March on the ‘Public Inquiry into the 2007/08 outbreak of C. Difficile in Northern Trust Hospitals’.
5.3 The junior Minister advised members that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment intended to seek permission from the Speaker to make a statement on Monday 21 March on the ‘Independent Review of Economic Policy’.
5.4 Members noted that the only change to the Provisional Order Paper for Wednesday 23 March was the rescheduling of the Final Stage of the Justice Bill.
Speaker’s Business
5.5 The Speaker advised members that he intended to say to say a few words at the start of business on Wednesday 23 March, as it was the last sitting of the mandate. Members also noted that the Speaker has written to Party Leaders inviting them, or a nominated party colleague, to make some brief comments to mark the end of the mandate, in particular to thank retiring Members. The Speaker cautioned Whips that the speeches should not be used for electioneering purposes.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 The Speaker thanked members for their co-operation and help during the mandate and wished them well in the forthcoming elections.
6.2 Mr Pat Ramsey thanked the Speaker for his stewardship and management of the Business Committee over the last four years.
7. Date and Time of next meeting
7.1 Unless the Business Committee was required to meet to schedule unexpected business, members noted that the newly appointed Business Committee would meet as soon as possible after the first sitting of the new Assembly, in week commencing 9 May.
7.2 Members noted that there would also be a meeting with Whips to agree arrangements for the first sitting, including seating arrangements in the Chamber, which was likely to be on Tuesday 10 May. Members noted that this would be confirmed in writing closer to the time.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.50pm.
Mr William Hay
Speaker
08 March 2011 / Menu |
