NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 23 APRIL 2002 AT 1.00 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 1.05 pm.
Present:
The Speaker
Mr P J Bradley
Mr I Davis
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr C Murphy
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr J Tierney
Mr D Watson
In attendance:
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Ms R Donnelly Assistant Clerk of Business
Observers:
Ms L Devlin Executive Liaison
Mr D Ervine
Mr D McClelland
Ms J Morrice
Mr J Wilson
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 15 April 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Golden Jubilee
The Speaker updated Members on the planned visit by HM The Queen to the Assembly as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Speaker confirmed that a reception would be held at which Members would be presented to HM The Queen. The Speaker advised that he would issue a note reminding all Members of security procedures in operation within Parliament Buildings.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 29 APRIL 2002
3.1 It was AGREED that due to the lack of substantial Executive Business for consideration by the Assembly there would only be one sitting of the Assembly week commencing 29 April 2002. It was AGREED that this matter would be raised with the Executive. It was also AGREED that the Speaker would meet with the Chairperson of the Chairpersons' Liaison Group to explore issues surrounding Committee Bills.
It was AGREED that Standing Orders 10(2) and 10(6) would not be suspended on Monday 29 April 2002 to accommodate a longer sitting day.
It was noted that there were two Statements by the Minister of the Environment on Transport and on the Environment proposed for Monday's sitting.
It was AGREED that the motion tabled by the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health Social Services and Public Safety regarding the Extension of Committee Stage - Health and Personal Social Services Bill (NIA Bill 6/01) would be scheduled for 29 April 2002.
The Speaker clarified the procedures involved in tabling a motion for inclusion on the 'No Day Named' list for consideration by the Business Committee and also the procedures required for a special sitting of the Assembly as set out in Standing Order 11(1).
It was AGREED that two Private Members' Motions would be scheduled for Monday's sitting. Following discussion, Members voted on three proposed motions. It was AGREED that the motions on 'Status of the IRA Ceasefire' (79 votes) and 'Water Service Meter Scheme' (55 votes) would be taken, and the motion on 'Pollution to the Water Supply' (20 votes) would not be taken on 29 April.
The draft Order Paper was AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sitting on 29 April 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Arrangements for Week Commencing 3 June 2002
The Speaker asked Members to consider for decision at the next Committee meeting, what arrangements should be put in place for week commencing 3 June 2002 as normal Plenary sittings would not take place due to the public holidays on 3 and 4 June 2002. The Speaker also requested that the OFMDFM Liaison Officer confirm the Executive Business anticipated for week commencing 3 June 2002 at the next Committee meeting.
4.2 New Rota for Questions for Oral Answer
Members agreed to defer taking a decision on the New Rota for Questions for Oral Answer until arrangements for week commencing 3 June 2002 had been finalised.
4.3 Committee of the Centre Invitation - Europe Day Reception
The Speaker informed Members that the Committee of the Centre had invited all Members to attend a reception they are hosting to celebrate Europe Day on Thursday 9 May 2002 in the Long Gallery.
4.4 Speaker's Absence
The Speaker confirmed that Mr Conor Murphy would chair the next meeting of the Business Committee in the Speaker's absence.
4.5 Letter from the Chairperson, Committee on Procedures regarding Amendments to Standing Orders
The Speaker asked Members to consider further the letter from the Chairperson, Committee on Procedures regarding Amendments to Standing Orders. It was AGREED that the Committee would respond formally to the issues raised in the letter after further discussion.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Monday 29 April 2002, at 11.00 am in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.52 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker