MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2001 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.34 pm.
Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Dr A McDonnell
Mr K McCarthy
Mr E McGrady MP
Ms M McWilliams
Mr A Maskey
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
Ms J Morrice
Mr D McClarty
Mr D McClelland
Sir John Gorman
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
1.1 The minutes of the meeting of 16 October 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. RECESS ARRANGEMENTS
2.1 The Speaker outlined the implications for Hallowe'en recess dates arising out of the current political situation. Members were reminded of two key dates, namely, midnight on Thursday 25 October, the deadline for nominations to the vacant Ministerial posts, and midnight on Saturday 3 November, the deadline for election of a First and Deputy First Minister.
2.2 Following discussion it was AGREED to change the end date for Hallowe'en recess to midnight on Thursday 1 November. Friday 2 November would therefore be available as a Plenary Sitting day if required for the purpose of election of First and Deputy First Ministers and/or the running of d'Hondt in respect of the vacant Ministerial posts.
2.3 It was AGREED that the Business Office would contact Whips by telephone on Monday 29 October to confirm that Members were in agreement that there should be a Sitting at 10.30 am on Friday 2 November and to confirm the items of business.
2.4 It was further AGREED that the Speaker be deputed to place on the Order Paper those items of business necessary to restore the Executive.
2.5 In this context the Speaker clarified that any Motion to amend/suspend Standing Order 3(8) (redesignation) would have to be listed as a substantive item on the Order Paper.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETING WEEK COMMENCING 5 NOVEMBER 2001
3.1 Business for the Plenary Sitting on 5 November 2001 was discussed, the Order Paper AGREED and indicative timings allocated.
3.2 It was AGREED that there would be no Plenary Sitting on Tuesday 6 November 2001.
4. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
4.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 6 November 2001 at 12.30 pm in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.03 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker