Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr M Morrow
Dr A McDonnell
Mr J Wilson

Apologies: Ms M McWilliams
Mrs I Robinson
Mr D Watson

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

Observers: Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Mr D McClelland 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 is continuing to follow up issues of protocol.

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 Liaison Group of Chairmen: The Speaker reported that he had met with the Chairpersons of Statutory and Standing Committees on 21 June 2000. Mr Fred Cobain was elected Chairperson for the first 6 months. The Clerk of Committees will service the Group. The Speaker reported that it had been decided that it would not be constituted as a formal Committee of the Assembly.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

A draft Order Paper relating to the Plenary Session on 3/4 July 2000 was circulated for consideration. The Speaker informed Members that any Motions that were not taken before the Summer Recess would fall and would have to be re-tabled in the Business Office if they were to appear on the No Day Named List published with the first Minutes of Proceedings after 12 September 2000. The Speaker outlined the arrangements for tabling questions and receiving responses to Oral and Written Questions over the Summer Recess.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Speaker was authorised to liaise with Departments to identify certain specified individuals who, in the Minister's absence, would be permitted to sign Ministerial correspondence.

Mr Jim Wilson raised concern that the timings for the Order Paper, agreed by the Business Committee, were not being adhered to. The Speaker outlined the need for flexibility in running plenary sessions and reminded Members that Standing Orders govern when certain items of business can and must be taken. The Speaker agreed to monitor the situation particularly regarding notification of timings to Members.

Mr Billy Hutchinson requested that Members in the Chamber and those attending the public gallery are again reminded that mobile phones must be switched off during plenary sessions.

Mr Hutchinson emphasised the need for control of numbers visiting the canteen to facilitate Members and staff who have limited time for lunch especially on sitting days. The Speaker reminded Members that restaurant facilities are available to them in the Press Bar.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Business Committee would take place on Tuesday 4 July 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.40 pm.