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 N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Dr A McDonnell
Mr E McGrady MP
Mr C Murphy
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

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

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 The Speaker confirmed that he had received the name of Mr Jim Wells as a deputy to the Business Committee. The Speaker requested other party nominations to be brought forward as soon as possible.

2.2 The Speaker reminded Members that if a Motion is selected at a Business Committee meeting and is then subsequently removed by a Member, business time will be lost and a delay will occur in the issue of the Order Paper. The Speaker requested that a degree of corporate responsibility should be attached to all decisions of the Committee.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Speaker circulated draft Order Papers for the plenary sittings on 16, 17 and 18 October 2000 and 23/24 October 2000 and outlined indicative timings for the order of business. The Speaker reported that Assembly Members would receive a notice of Forthcoming Business, detailing business for the next 2/3 weeks. This document would be included in the Business Bundle issued to Members every Thursday.

3.2 The Speaker outlined the arrangements for taking the Consideration Stage and Further Consideration Stage of Bills. He indicated that he expected Members, particularly Ministers, to be generous when giving way to help facilitate a proper flow of discussion, specifically on Amendments. The Speaker reminded Members that Amendments for the Consideration Stage of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill must be lodged with the Clerk of Bills before 4.30 pm on Thursday 12 October 2000.

3.3 In respect of a request from Ms Monica McWilliams, the Speaker informed Members that the Annunciator System would be installed in all rooms holding Committee meetings over the weekend of 14/15 October 2000.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker reminded Members that passes currently held by Whips' Assistants allowed them greater access within the building on Sitting Days especially those wishing to avail of Library services.

4.2 In response to an invitation from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation for 5/6 Members of the Assembly to visit Germany over the Hallowe'en recess, the nominations of Mr David Ervine, Mr John Dallat, Dr Esmond Birnie and Mr Denis Watson were received. The Speaker requested that other party nominations should be submitted to his Office by close of play on Tuesday 10 October 2000. The Speaker reminded Members that those who would be attending this event should record their visit in the Register of Members' Interests.

4.3 The Speaker informed Members that Professor Allen Weinstein of the Centre for Democracy will visit Parliament Buildings on 8 November 2000 to meet with the Members of the Business Committee to discuss the proposed trip to Washington in early 2001.

4.4 The Speaker further informed Members that 5 Macedonian MPs will visit Parliament Buildings on 16 October 2000. The Speaker will host a buffet lunch at 12.30 pm on that day in the Private Dining Room to give visitors an opportunity to meet informally with Assembly Members.

4.5 The Speaker informed Members that a request had been received from the Executive Committee to appoint a senior official to attend Business Committee meetings. The Speaker agreed to contact the Executive Committee and clarify the role of this official, confirming that he/she would represent all Ministers of the Executive.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 17 October 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 2.16 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker