Northern Ireland Assembly Flax Flower Logo

MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2000 AT 11.00 am
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Dr A McDonnell
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mrs I Robinson
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

In attendance: Mr M Barnes Ms G Campbell
Mr J Reynolds Mr N Johnston
Mr J Gillespie

Observers: Mr D McClelland
Ms J Morrice

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Press Facilities in the Central Hall: The Speaker asked the Keeper of the House to respond to the concerns of members in relation to the Press encroaching on the central thoroughfare in the Central Hall. Mr Waddell assured the Committee that remedial measures would be put in place forthwith.

Visitors to Parliament Buildings: Deferred to the next meeting.

Ministerial Visits to Constituencies: The Speaker is still waiting a reply from the Visits Section on protocols for such visits.

3. FORTHCOMING BUSINESS

The order of Business was agreed (see attached Order Paper).

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Ministerial answers to questions: Members of the Committee raised the point that some Ministers were taking substantial lengths of time to reply to questions. The Speaker did accept that some Ministers were taking some time however, he added that other Ministers were commendably concise in their replies which allowed extra time for a number of supplementary questions.

Northern Ireland Assembly Weekly Information Bulletin: The Clerk of the Committee circulated the first edition of the Weekly Information Bulletin and upon examination it was unanimously accepted that this publication would be of enormous benefit to users. The Committee expressed its appreciation of the efforts of all those involved in the compilation of the Bulletin.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Business Committee would be at the call of the Chair.

Lord Alderdice

The Speaker

1 February 2000 / Menu / 31 May 2000