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
Dr A McDonnell
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
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 Ross

Observers: Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Mr N Dodds

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 The Speaker requested that nominations of party representatives to serve on the Court of the University of Ulster, British-Irish Interparliamentary Body and the Ad Hoc Committee should be lodged with his Office as soon as possible.

2.2 Protocol: The Speaker is continuing to follow up issues of protocol with the Secretary of State and will report back to the Committee.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Speaker circulated a draft Order Paper for the plenary sitting on 18/19 September 2000 and outlined indicative timings for the order of business.

3.2 The Speaker indicated that a wind up speech at the end of a debate could only be delivered by one person, save in the case of the First and Deputy First Minister.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker reported that the names and addresses had been taken of the protestors in the public gallery at the plenary meeting on 11 September 2000. It was the Speaker's intention to ban the protestors for a period of time from Parliament Buildings.

4.2 The Speaker informed Members that a Remembrance Service would be held on 10 November 2000 in the Senate Chamber and a Carol Service would take place on 15 December 2000 in Parliament Buildings.

4.3 In response to a query from Mr McGrady the Speaker outlined the current guidance for the Speaker and Deputy Speakers with regard to participating in business during plenary meetings. He explained that guidelines relating to Speakers are governed by convention rather than rule. However it would not be appropriate for the Speaker or Deputy Speakers to chair plenary meetings and participate in the same item of Assembly business. For his part, the Speaker had decided not to participate in any political or party activity for the duration of his Speakership.

He did not attend or participate in party political meetings within Northern Ireland and made no public statements, unless requested to do so by the Assembly, or unless the matter involved an explanation of the work of the Speaker or some similar technical matter. He did not speak on Northern Ireland matters in the House of Lords, though did vote from time to time. The other Presiding Officers in Scotland and Wales were, it had to be said, somewhat more prepared to involve themselves in some public debate. The Speaker did however feel that it was acceptable to express a view outside of Northern Ireland or matters unconnected with political controversy in Northern Ireland (giving the example of Human Rights in East Timor) or occasionally in giving educational talks on his experiences. These involvements were however outside of Northern Ireland.

The Deputy Speakers were, to date, less restricted, but could not participate in debates or question times in which they occupied the Chair. Any further restrictions would be a matter for the Assembly.

4.4 Mr McGrady sought clarification of whether observers or substitutes were allowed at meetings of the Business Committee. He recalled that this had been expressly denied at an early meeting of the Committee. The Speaker explained that any variation in this practice had been at the express permission of the Committee and that it remained for the Committee to determine its procedures.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 19 September 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 1.32 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker