Present:
The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Dr A McDonnell
Mr C Murphy
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
Mr D Watson

Apologies:
Mr I Paisley Jnr

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

Observers:
Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed by the Committee and signed by the Deputy Chairperson, Mr Conor Murphy.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Members requested that seminars should be provided explaining the process by which they could bring forward Private Members' legislation.

2.2 The Deputy Chairperson reminded Members that any outstanding party nominations for deputies of the Business Committee should be brought forward as soon as possible. Mr D Ford indicated that the Alliance Party would not be submitting a nomination.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Deputy Chairperson circulated draft Order Papers for the plenary sittings on 13/14 November 2000 and indicated indicative timings.

The Committee agreed that the Order Paper for 13 November 2000 should contain Assembly business related to the Motion on Programme for Government and Question Time only. Mr Tony McCusker outlined proposed arrangements for dealing with this Motion.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker reminded Members that Information Technology training is provided by outside consultants, at cost to the Assembly. He encouraged Members to make full use of this facility but confirmed that the Assembly would be charged for Members who do not turn up for courses. The Speaker agreed to look into the possibility of levying a charge on those Members who fail to keep appointments for training.

4.2 In response to a request from Ms Monica McWilliams the Speaker outlined the role of civil servants during plenary sittings.

4.3 In response to a request from Mr Alex Maskey the Speaker clarified the position relating to legislation at Committee Stage. The Speaker informed Members that if a dispute arose as to which Committee should deal with any particular aspect of legislation referred to them the relevant Committee chairpersons should initially try to seek resolution. If agreement could not be reached the matter should be referred to the Business Committee for decision.

4.4 The Speaker informed Members that he would be absent from the Assembly on Tuesday 14 November 2000 as he will be undertaking a long-standing engagement overseas.

5. DATE ,TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 14 November 2000 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 2.15 pm.

The Speaker