MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 24 APRIL 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting began at 12.40 pm

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

In attendance: Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr J Reynolds Principal Clerk of Business
Ms N Dunwoody Clerk of Plenary Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker

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

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings of 3 April and 10 April 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Speaker had circulated a letter from the Secretary of State regarding the period for statutory consultation for Orders in Council. It was AGREED that the matter should be brought forward to the next meeting of the Committee. In the meantime, Members would give the letter consideration.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORTHCOMING PLENARY MEETING

3.1 It was AGREED that, following the suspension of the relevant part of Standing Order10(2) by the Assembly on 23 April 2001, the Plenary Sitting of 30 April 2001 would commence at 12.00 noon.

3.2 The proposed business for the Plenary Sitting on 30 April and 1 May 2001 was discussed, Order Papers AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

3.3 Members noted that Question Time during week commencing 7 May 2001 would take place on Tuesday 8 May 2001, Monday being a public holiday. The Committee would determine at its next meeting whether the weight of business required a Plenary Sitting on Wednesday 9 May 2001.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Members discussed the number of Ministerial statements arising out of foot-and-mouth disease and also North/South Ministerial Council meetings, which Ministers are required to report to the Assembly. Members AGREED to consider if there could be a more effective way for backbench Members to scrutinise the work of the Executive.

4.2 Video Coverage of Assembly Business

Members AGREED that split-screen television coverage should be provided for the whole of Parliament Buildings on Channel 24 until Summer Recess, when the matter would be reviewed.

4.3 Center for Democracy

The Speaker advised that Professor Weinstein had expressed a wish to meet again with Members of the Business Committee during his visit to Belfast on 11 May 2001. The Speaker proposed to host a lunch on that day and advised Members that there would be time for individual meetings with Professor Weinstein. Those wishing to avail of the opportunity were asked to contact the Business Office.

4.4 Fur Farming Bill

Members noted the proposal to introduce a Bill. The Committee AGREED that it would be inappropriate to offer comments in respect of such proposals.

4.5 Protocol in relation to Royal and other VVIP Visits

A paper had been circulated. The Speaker suggested an amendment to the draft protocol to invite all 6 MLAs from each constituency to any event with 2 MLAs attending the presentation line. The Committee AGREED this proposal. In response to a query from a Member, Mr T McCusker agreed to seek clarification of the protocol to be applied in notifying Members when an Executive Minister will be visiting a constituency, and to report back to the Committee.

4.6 Members' Business

Mr Maskey raised a concern about the conduct of the debate on Easter Lilies. The Speaker undertook to meet Mr Maskey on the issue.

4.7 Members raised concern that some Ministerial responses to oral questions were overly long and as a result fewer questions were covered in the time allotted. The Speaker reminded Members not to introduce their questions with a long preamble, which also impacted on the time available to answer. The Speaker further reminded Members that they had been requested to submit to the Business Office their comments on Question Time procedures. This issue would be given full consideration at a future meeting.

4.8 Visitors

Members raised the issue that some visitors had had problems gaining access to the galleries during debates. The Speaker undertook to look into the matter. Members requested that information on public access to Parliament Buildings and the public gallery in particular should be included in the Weekly Information Bulletin.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 1 May 2001 in Room 106 at 12.30 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 1.51 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE

The Speaker

10 April 2001 / Menu / 1 May 2001