MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: The Speaker
Mr N Dodds
Mr D Ford
Mr C Murphy
Dr A McDonnell
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

In attendance: Mr J Reynolds Ms G Campbell
Mr J Ross Mrs N Dunwoody

Observers: Sir J Gorman Deputy Speaker
Ms J Morrice Deputy Speaker
Mr D Ervine
Mr D McClarty
Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Mr P Price Information Office

Apologies: Mr I Davis

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings on 5 and 6 February 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Messaging Facility

2.1 The Speaker informed Members that a paper is being prepared on the introduction of a Messaging Facility and will be made available to the Business Committee on completion.

2.2 St Patrick's Day

The Speaker requested that any comments or suggestions Members may have in relation to an event to mark St Patrick's Day should be forwarded to his Private Secretary as early as possible.

2.3 Oral and Written Questions

Mr McCusker informed Members that he will report back on the process of transferring and receiving oral questions at a later date.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 The proposed business for the Plenary Sittings on 19 and 20 February 2001 was discussed and indicative timings allocated.

3.2 The Speaker reminded Mr McCusker of the requirement under Standing Orders for the Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel to write to the Speaker to approve accelerated passage for the Budget Bill.

3.3 The Speaker reminded Members of the obligation on the Executive Committee, under Standing Order 18(3), to provide notice to the Speaker of any statements they wish to make. Members expressed dissatisfaction that a number of statements had been included in the indicative timings paper which had not previously been reported to the Committee. Mr McCusker agreed to liaise with the Executive Committee to ensure that, as far as is practicable, notice of Ministerial statements would be indicated to the Committee at their weekly meetings.

3.4 The Speaker informed Members that on any subject one Minister should take lead responsibility for individual Motions or Questions.

3.5 The Speaker informed Members that statements would not normally 'clarify' an issue; in the first instance Ministers should make their statements to the Assembly rather than the Press. It was the practice in Scotland that where statements were initially made to the Press, they were taken by the Speaker as read and subject to questions without further address by the Minister.

3.6 The Speaker requested that names of those wishing to speak during the Supply resolutions should be notified to his Office by 11.00 am Monday so that indicative timings could be finalised.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Visit to Washington

Members were asked to advise the Principal Clerk of Business of their preferred transport arrangements.

• AGREED that Members would hold a function for the hosts; possibly lunchtime on the Saturday.
• Members were asked to supply further CV details and completed Security Forms to the Principal Clerk of Business as soon as possible.

4.2 Electoral Commission

Following a request from the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, it was AGREED that the Speaker would host an event in the Long Gallery. All parties will be invited to receive a presentation by the Chairman and meet the Electoral Commissioners.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 20 February 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.44 pm.