Present:
The Speaker
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr K McCarthy
Dr A McDonnell
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mr J Tierney
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 29 January 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Legislative Process

At its previous meeting, the Business Committee had agreed that officials from OFMDFM could be invited to explain to Members the lack of legislation being brought forward for debate in the Assembly. The Speaker advised Members that this approach had not been endorsed by the Head of the Civil Service and that he had written requesting a meeting with the First and Deputy First Ministers. At this meeting he would convey the Business Committee's disappointment at the lack of progress and propose ways to take the matter forward.

Members discussed the likelihood of large volumes of legislation, some complicated, being presented within a short timescale and the pressures this would create for Statutory Committees. Members requested that the Speaker issue a timetable showing legislative timescales which could indicate the last dates at which legislation could be introduced to ensure complete passage prior to dissolution on 21 March 2003. This would be useful for them when discussing the matter with Members serving on Committees.

2.2 Assembly Commission

Ms M McWilliams informed the Committee that the motion to replace Ms Eileen Bell on the Assembly Commission was now being withdrawn. NIWC and PUP would now be writing to the Speaker as Chairperson of the Assembly Commission to say that Eileen Bell no longer carried their vote, and they would be making a decision as to whom their vote would transfer.

The Speaker clarified that he would explore with Members of the parties concerned arrangements for their representation at events.

2.3 Security of Information

It was brought to the attention of Members that the pigeonholes on the second floor of Parliament Buildings are not secure. Members wishing to circulate sensitive information should deliver it to the appropriate Party office. Members were also reminded it is best practice to operate a 'clear desk' policy at all times.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING

3.1 Nominations were received for Private Members' Motions to be tabled on the Order Paper for 12 February and Members voted as follows:

'Golden Jubilee' and 'Protecting Children, Supporting Parents' (2000) were therefore selected.

3.2 Draft Order Papers were then AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 11 and 12 February 2002.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Draft Justice (NI) Bill

Members noted the letter which the Speaker had received from Mr Brown MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for NI thanking the Assembly for the report on the Draft Justice (NI) Bill. The Speaker advised Members that the Bill was now at Committee Stage, to report on 14 February 2002.

4.2 Draft Criminal Injuries Compensation (NI) Order 2002

Members noted a further letter the Speaker had received from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for NI, re the Draft Criminal injuries Compensation (NI) Order 2002. This letter advised the Assembly that, contrary to the Assembly's report on the Order, he proposed to proceed with the introduction of a tariff scheme for compensation to victims of violent crime.

5. REVIEW OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

5.1 At this point, Mr Will Haire (Second Permanent Secretary, Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister) and Mr Peter May (Head of the Strategy Unit, Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister) joined the meeting and were introduced by the Speaker. Mr Haire and Mr May gave a short presentation on the process for the proposed Review of Public Administration, having already circulated Members with a draft document outlining the draft terms of reference and parameters for the Review of Public Administration.

5.2 Following discussion it was AGREED that the Business Committee would give further consideration as to the best method of involving the Assembly in the Review.

6. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

6.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 12 February 2002, at 12.30 pm (or at the rise of the Assembly for lunch) in Room 106.

The meeting adjourned at 2.10 pm.