Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr N Dodds MP
Mr B Hutchinson
Dr A McDonnell
Mr K McCarthy
Ms M McWilliams
Mr C Murphy
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson

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

Observers: Mr T McCusker Executive Liaison
Sir John Gorman
Ms J Morrice
Mr D McClarty
Mr J Tierney

Apologies: Mr J Wilson

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

1.1 The minutes of the meeting of 2 October 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Speaker advised Members that he will meet with officials from OFMDFM on Thursday 11 October to discuss how the draft Programme for Government and Budget may be presented to the Assembly in future, other than by way of a Statement.

2.2 Visit by Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Speaker informed Members that the visit by Lord Williams, due on Monday 8 October, had been cancelled due to Westminster being recalled for an emergency session that day.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 15 OCTOBER 2001

3.1 The Speaker reminded Members that the Social Security Fraud Bill had passed Further Consideration Stage on 9 October and in the normal course of events would not be able to be listed for Final Stage until week commencing 22 October. The Minister for Social Development, however, had expressed a preference that the Bill proceed as soon as possible and intended to submit a Motion to suspend Standing Order 40(1) in respect of the Bill. It was AGREED that the Motion should be placed on the Order Paper and if agreed, the Bill would receive Final Stage.

3.2 Business for the Plenary Sitting on 15 October 2001 was discussed, the Order Paper AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

3.3 It was AGREED (by 50 votes to 5) that there would be no Plenary Sitting on Tuesday 16 October 2001.

3.4 The Speaker clarified procedures relating to Personal Statements. It was further clarified that if extra Statements take place on Monday, business would be interrupted at 6.00 pm in accordance with Standing Orders and items on the Order Paper outstanding at that time would fall.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Ministerial Statements

The Speaker reminded Members that questions asked pursuant to Ministerial Statements must be meaningful and must relate to the content of the Statement. Following discussion it was AGREED that Members who were not present when the Statement was made should not be called during questions on the Statement; Whips should disseminate this information. Members AGREED that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker should intervene where a question to a Minister is not in order and advise the Minister he/she should not answer. In relation to debates on Motions the Speaker reminded Members of their role in ensuring that Members who speak do not leave the Chamber without waiting to hear the Ministerial response to the points they have made.

4.2 d'Hondt Procedures

Members discussed implications of resignation or dismissal of any groups of Ministers from the Executive and noted in particular that the nominating officers for those groups could nominate replacements within a 7 day period. It was AGREED that in the event of such resignations or dismissals, on the expiry of the 7 days the Business Committee would table the d'Hondt process for the next normal Plenary session, unless Recess supervened, in which case the matter should be further discussed by the Business Committee.

4.3 Motion - Threshold Assessment (NI)

Mr B Hutchinson apologised for having to withdraw the Motion which stood on the Order Paper for 9 October 2001 in his name.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 16 October 2001 at 12.30 pm in Room 106.

The meeting adjourned at 1.33 pm.