NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MONDAY 15 APRIL 2002 AT 9.15 AM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 9.20 am.
Present:
The Speaker
Mr P J Bradley
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr D McClarty
Mr M Morrow
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr J Tierney
Mr D Watson
In attendance:
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Ms N Dunwoody Clerk Assistant
Ms R Donnelly Assistant Clerk of Business
Observers:
Ms L Devlin Executive Liaison
Ms E Bell
Mr D McClelland
Ms J Morrice
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 8 April 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Adjournment Debate - Mr W Hay
Members noted that Mr W Hay had reworded his Adjournment Debate to read 'The Local Economic Effect of the Closure of Ebrington Army Barracks in Londonderry' in order to give a clearer indication of Ministerial responsibility.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 22 APRIL 2002
3.1 It was noted that there were two Ministerial Statements, and two Motions to Approve Statutory Rules proposed for Monday's sitting. It was AGREED that the motion tabled by Mr J Shannon on 'Mobile Phones', and the Adjournment Debate tabled by Mrs I Robinson MP about 'Mainstream Funding for Ballybeen Women's Group' would be included on the Order Paper for Monday 22 April 2002.
The Committee discussed the procedural aspects of debating fifteen Motions to Amend Standing Orders tabled by the Chairperson of the Procedures Committee. It was AGREED that the motions would be debated in the same way as Bills before the Assembly, and to schedule this for inclusion on the Order Paper for Tuesday 23 April 2002.
It was AGREED that the following Private Members' Motions would be scheduled for Tuesday's sitting:
| "Friends of Hospitals" |
Rev R Coulter and Mr A McFarland |
| Screening System for Early Diagnosis of Autism | Mr J Byrne |
| The Burns Report |
Mr S Wilson |
| Recycling of Waste |
Dr A McDonnell |
It was AGREED that the Adjournment Debate tabled by Mr I Paisley Jnr about 'Car Parking Provision at Garryduff Primary School, Ballymoney' would also be added to the Order Paper for 23 April 2002.
The draft Order Papers were AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 22 and 23 April 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Golden Jubilee
The Speaker updated Members on the planned visit by HM The Queen to the Assembly as part of the Jubilee celebrations. Further details would be forwarded to Members when finalised.
4.2 Speaker's Absence
The Speaker advised Members of his absence from the Assembly on 29 and 30 April 2002 as he is undertaking a number of speaking engagements in the USA.
4.3 Members' Attendance at Committee Meetings
The Speaker reminded Members that an updated record of 'Members' Attendance at Committee Meetings' had been issued to Party Whips on 12 April 2002.
4.4 Motions - Debating Times for Private Members' Business
The Speaker advised Members that the draft rota for debating times of Private Members' Business was no longer extant.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 23 April 2002, at 1.00 pm in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 10.03 am.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker