1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
2. Matters Arising
3. Arrangements for Forthcoming Plenary Meetings
4. Any Other Business
5. Date, Time and Venue of Next Meeting

Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey (Arrived at 12.33 pm)
Mr M Morrow (Arrived at 12.32 pm)
Mr C Murphy (Arrived at 12.33 pm)
Dr A McDonnell (Arrived at 12.33 pm)
Mr J Wilson

Apologies: Mr E McGrady MP

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

Observers: Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Royal Visits/VIP Visits: The Speaker informed Members that he is awaiting reply from the Northern Ireland Office.

2.2 Deputy Chairpersons of the Business Committee: The Speaker confirmed that he would bring this matter back to a future meeting of the Committee.

2.3 Statements: Party Whips were invited to check with the Business Office at the beginning of Plenary Sessions if any Statements are due to be made. The Speaker, as the first item of business during sitting days, will try to give Members as broad an indication as possible of the number and timings of statements to be made that day.

2.4 Liaison Committee: The Speaker reported that he had written to all Chairpersons of Statutory and Standing Committees suggesting a date for a meeting to discuss matters of mutual concern.

2.5 Seating Arrangements: The Speaker agreed that he would direct this matter to the Assembly Commission. The Speaker agreed to inform Members and Doorkeepers that lecterns were not to be moved from pre-arranged positions within the Assembly Chamber.

(Mr Morrow left the meeting at 1.44 pm.)

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

The Speaker circulated a draft Order Paper for consideration. A proposal by Mr A Maskey (that an Exclusion Motion should not appear on the Order Paper until such time as 30 Members have signed such a Motion) was carried by 74 votes to 21 (with 2 abstentions). After discussion the Members agreed the Order of Business for the Plenary meeting on 19/20 June. Members were invited to liaise with the Business Office before the sitting on Monday mornings for an update on any possible changes to timings.

(Mr Morrow rejoined the meeting at 1.51 pm.)

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

No topics had been received for Adjournment Debate.

The Speaker informed Members that a Statutory Rule on Fair Employment presented by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, requiring an affirmative resolution, would be coming to the Assembly in the near future. He sought the Committee's agreement to refer the Rule to the Examiner of Statutory Rules in advance of a decision by the Business Committee as to which Statutory Committee should consider the Rule. A report would subsequently be brought to the Assembly for resolution and debate.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Business Committee would take place on Tuesday 20 June 2000 in Room 106 during the lunch-time recess.

The meeting adjourned at 1.55 pm.