MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MONDAY 29 APRIL 2002 AT 11.00 AM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 11.03 am.
Present: Mr C Murphy (Chairperson)
Mr P J Bradley
Mr I Davis
Mr A Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
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 McClelland
Ms J Morrice
Apologies: The Speaker
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 23 April 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Chairperson.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Arrangements for Week Commencing 3 June 2002
Further to discussion at last week's meeting the Chairperson confirmed with the OFMDFM Liaison Officer that the Executive would be bringing forward a number of items of business for consideration by the Assembly during the week commencing 3 June 2002. The Committee AGREED that, on this basis, a sitting of the Assembly would be arranged for Wednesday, 5 June.
2.2 New Rota for Questions for Oral Answer
Members discussed and AGREED the new 'Rota for Questions for Oral Answer'.
2.3 Letter from the Chairperson, Committee on Procedures regarding Amendments to Standing Orders
The Chairperson invited Members' views on the letter from the Chairperson, Committee on Procedures regarding Amendments to Standing Orders. Members AGREED to discuss the issues raised at the next Business Committee meeting.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS
3.1 Arrangements for Plenary Meeting - 29 April 2002
3.1.1 The Chairperson confirmed that, due to the pressure of business to be conducted during today's Plenary sitting, the time allocated for Ministers' Statements and subsequent questions by Members would be restricted to 45 minutes as agreed at last week's Business Committee meeting.
3.1.2 The Chairperson informed Members that as a consequence of the two amendments to the 'Status of the IRA Ceasefire' motion the Deputy Speaker's had agreed to introduce speaking times in order to conduct the debate within the time limit set by the Business Committee at last week's meeting. The Chairperson confirmed that the proposer of the substantive motion would have 10 minutes to propose and 5 minutes to wind. The proposer of each of the amendments would have 7 minutes to propose and 5 minutes to wind. All other speakers would be allocated up to 5 minutes.
3.2 Arrangements for Plenary Meeting - 7 May 2002
3.2.1 It was noted that due to the public holiday on 6 May there would only be one sitting of the Assembly on 7 May.
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 - Children Leaving Care Bill (NIA Bill 5/01) would be scheduled for 7 May.
Following discussion, it was AGREED (by 49 votes to 26 votes) to schedule two Private Members Motions as opposed to one motion. It was AGREED that the motions on 'Good Friday Agreement' and 'The House-Buying Process' would be taken and one hour allocated for debate in each case. Following discussion a vote was taken to choose the adjournment debate topic. It was AGREED that 'Closure of Limavady Courthouse' (52 votes) would be taken and 'Lack of investment in the A20 Newtownards to Portaferry Road' (47 votes) would not be heard on 7 May.
The draft Order Paper was AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sitting on 7 May 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Draft Amendments to the Flags Regulations (NI) 2000
The Chairperson invited Members' views on the notification issued to Members over the weekend regarding the letter from the Secretary of State to the Speaker about proposed Draft Amendments to the Flags Regulations (NI) 2000. After discussion, it was AGREED that the issue would be brought to the Assembly for debate on 7 May by means of a Take-note Motion put down in the name of Mr M Morrow. It was AGREED that the Business Office would draft the wording of the motion.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 7 May 2002, at 12.30 pm in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 11.31 am.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker