NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MONDAY 13 MAY 2002 AT 9.30 AM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 9.36 am.
Present:
The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr I Paisley Jnr
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
Dr A McDonnell
Ms J Morrice
Mr J Wilson
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 7 May 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe
Members AGREED to discuss nominations to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe at a later date.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 20 MAY 2002
3.1 It was noted that the First Stage of the Open-Ended Investment Companies Bill was being brought forward by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Second Stage of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill by the Minister of the Environment for the sitting on 20 May. It was also noted that there would be three motions to affirm Statutory Rules from the Minister for Regional Development and four motions to confirm Statutory Rules from the Minister for Social Development. It was AGREED that the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development's report would also be scheduled for debate on Monday 20 May 2002.
3.2 It was noted that the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment would be bringing forward the Second Stage of the Limited Liability Partnerships Bill for business on Tuesday. It was also noted that the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development would be bringing forward the Second Stage of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill subject to clarification of Secretary of State's consent.
Following discussion, a proposal to schedule one 3-hour debate, plus one 1½-hour debate was rejected (25 votes to 53 votes). Instead, it was AGREED to schedule two, 1½-hour debates and one adjournment debate for Tuesday's sitting (53 votes to 25 votes).
Following discussion on Private Members' Motions, it was AGREED that Mr T Gallagher would be asked to reconsider the timeliness of the current wording of his motion on 'Primary Care Groups'. It was AGREED that the motion tabled by Mr S Neeson, Mr J Kelly and Mr M Murphy on 'Asbestosis' and the motion tabled by Mr I Davis on 'Diabetes' would be included for debate on Tuesday. It was AGREED that the Adjournment Debate tabled by Mr E McGrady MP about 'Future Planning Development in Downpatrick' would also be included on the Order Paper for Tuesday 21 May 2002.
3.3 The draft Order Paper was AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 20 and 21 May 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
Members discussed a letter from the Secretary of State to the Speaker regarding Draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. After discussion, it was AGREED that a motion to appoint an Ad hoc Committee to consider this matter should be tabled in the name of Ms Monica McWilliams for Plenary business on 21 May 2002.
4.2 Review of Questions
Members AGREED to defer discussion on the Review of Questions paper prepared by the Business Office until the next Business Committee meeting.
4.3 Royal Visit
The Speaker updated Members on the arrangements for the Royal Visit to the Assembly.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 21 May 2002, at 12.30 pm (or at the rise of the Assembly for lunch) in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 10.17 am.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker