Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Dr A McDonnell
Mr E McGrady MP
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

In attendance: Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Procedural Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker

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

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 6 November 2001 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Visit by Professor Weinstein

The Speaker reminded Members that Professor Allen Weinstein would be visiting Parliament Buildings on 15 November and asked that they liaise with the Overseas Office to ensure that a programme of meetings could be finalised.

2.2 Private Members' Motions - Names on the Order Paper

It was AGREED to consider at the next meeting of the Committee the current practice whereby only two names are placed on the Order Paper for each motion.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 19 NOVEMBER 2001

3.1 Business for the Plenary Sittings on 19 and 20 November 2001 was discussed, the Order Papers AGREED and indicative timings allocated.

3.2 It was AGREED that the motion to set up an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the draft Justice (NI) Bill would be proposed by Dr Alasdair McDonnell. The Speaker drew the Committee's attention to the timescale in which the Assembly has to consider the matter. The Committee AGREED that it would be appropriate to facilitate debate to ensure that Members had an opportunity to express their concerns and that these would be placed on the public record, through the Official Report.

The Speaker said that if it was the wish of the Committee he would write to the Minister of State seeking an extension of the time period for receipt of the views of the Assembly. It was AGREED that the Speaker would write to the Minister following the debate, enclosing a copy of the Official Record and reflecting whatever deadline was agreed by the Assembly by means of the motion.

In respect of the Order Paper for Tuesday 20 November, it was AGREED to table three Private Members' Motions for a 1½ hour debate each. It was AGREED that Health and Social Services staff (Ms Sue Ramsey) and Redundancies at Bombardier (Mr P Robinson MP, Mr S Wilson) would be selected. Nominations were received in respect of the third motion to be selected and Members voted as follows:-

Recycling of Waste (Dr A McDonnell) 24 votes

RUC Reserve: Pensions (Mr D Hussey) 52 votes

Sellafield Nuclear Plant (Mr K McCarthy/ 23 votes

Mr J Wells)

On this basis, it was AGREED that RUC Reserve: Pensions would also be placed on the Order Paper for 20 November 2001.

In response to a query on Individual Learning Accounts from Mr B Hutchinson, the Speaker clarified that, in view of the recent suspension of Individual Learning Accounts, it would be necessary for the existing motion, standing in Dr McDonnell's name, to be changed and re-submitted to reflect this development.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Legislative Programme

The Speaker outlined his concern at the apparent lack of legislation currently being progressed through the Assembly and informed the Committee that he had discussed this matter with the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Mr McCusker explained that a legislative programme had been agreed by the Executive in September. Unfortunately the timetable had slipped due, inter alia, to technical matters in respect of some of the Bills and capacity issues within Departments. Mr McCusker also advised that the Executive Committee are to review the legislative programme, the outcome of which would be reported to the Business Committee.

In response to a query from the Speaker regarding whether it was necessary for Ministers to seek Executive approval prior to each legislative stage of a Bill, Mr McCusker advised that Ministers sought Executive approval within the guidelines set down in Section 3 of the Ministerial Code. Following discussion it was AGREED that a copy of Section 3 of the Ministerial Code would be circulated to all Members of the Business Committee. Mr McCusker added that the Code was currently being revised and it was anticipated that it would be brought to the Assembly shortly after the Christmas Recess.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

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

The meeting adjourned at 1.26 pm.