Present:
The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr C Murphy
Dr A McDonnell
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

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

Observers:
Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Mr D McClelland Deputy Speaker
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Mr P Price Information Office

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 reminded Members that individual Members' travel requirements for the forthcoming visit to the Centre for Democracy, Washington DC, should be submitted to the Principal Clerk of Business as early as possible.

2.2 The Committee AGREED that the Assembly would not sit on 19 March 2001 but that it would sit on 20 and, if necessary, 21 March 2001.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The Speaker drew Members' attention to the draft Order Papers for the Plenary Sittings on 29 and 30 January 2001 and indicated indicative timings for each Sitting.

3.2 The Speaker reminded Members that changes to Standing Orders would require cross-community support.

3.3 The Speaker outlined guidelines on tabling Adjournment debates and informed Members that if a topic for debate was not constituency specific it should be debated by tabling a Motion for inclusion in the No Day Named List.

3.4 On this basis the Committee AGREED the text of the Order papers for Monday 29 January and Tuesday 30 January 2001.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 The Speaker informed Members that the Assembly Commission was considering setting up a messaging facility for all Members to enhance communication. The Speaker requested that Business Managers obtain the views of their party groups on the proposed introduction of a paging facility and to report views to the Speaker's Office.

4.2 Mr Nigel Dodds remarked that the debate that took place at last week's meeting concerning the non-availability of some Ministers during plenary meetings was not reflected in the minutes.

4.3 Ms Monica McWilliams expressed concern that the business of the Assembly was not being fully disseminated to the public. The Speaker outlined that all Assembly business was available on the Internet or through the Weekly Information Bulletin. It was AGREED that the Committee would return to discuss this matter at a future meeting.

4.4 The Speaker reminded Members that any recommendations or changes to the paper on condolences should be submitted to the Speaker's Office before the end of January 2001.

4.5 The Speaker requested that party representatives on the Ad Hoc Committee - Life Sentences (NI) Order 2001 should be submitted to the Principal Clerk of Business at the earliest opportunity.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 30 January 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 2.05 pm.