NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY 5 JUNE 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 B Hutchinson
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Ms M McWilliams
Mr I Paisley Jnr
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
Ms J Morrice
Mr D McClelland
Dr A McDonnell
Apologies:
Mr C Murphy
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1.1 The minutes of the previous meeting of 28 May 2002 were AGREED by the Committee and signed by the Speaker.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Nominations to Congress of Local & Regional Authorities of Europe
The Speaker reminded Members to provide details of their nominations to the Congress of Local & Regional Authorities of Europe to the Business Office.
2.1 Adjournment Debate : 5 June 2002
Mr Ivan Davis advised Members that Dr Ian Adamson would not be present to speak on his Adjournment Debate scheduled for later that day.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 10 JUNE 2002
3.1 It was noted that the First Stages of the Planning Amendment Bill and the Local Air Quality Management Bill would be brought forward by the Minister of Environment for the sitting on 10 June 2002. The Speaker informed Members that a third Bill from the Minister, on Pollution Prevention and Control, had not yet received unqualified consent from the Secretary of State and would therefore not be included on the Order Paper.
It was noted that two further Bills, the Insolvency Bill, and the Company Directors Disqualification Bill would be brought forward by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for the sitting on 10 June 2002.
It was noted that the Minister of Finance and Personnel had tabled a motion on 'Supply Resolution: 2002-03 Main Estimates' for debate on 10 June 2002. Members AGREED not to schedule any other items of business for 10 June 2002 to allow adequate time for debate on this motion.
3.2 It was noted that provisional notice had been received indicating that the Minister of Finance and Personnel planned to deliver a statement on the Senior Civil Service Review to the Assembly on 11 June 2002.
It was noted that the First Stage of the Budget (No. 2) Bill would be brought forward by the Minister of Finance and Personnel, and that the First Stage of the Strategic Planning Bill and the Consideration Stage of the Railway Safety Bill would be brought forward by the Minister for Regional Development for the sitting on 11 June 2002.
It was AGREED that the petition from Mr Ken Robinson relating to 'the reduction of funding in Hollybank Primary School, Newtownabbey' would be included on the Order Paper for 10 June 2002.
It was AGREED that the four motions to Amend Standing Orders tabled by the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures, and the motion to debate the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure's report on Cultural Tourism and the Arts would be included on the Order Paper for 11 June 2002.
Following discussion, it was AGREED to schedule one 2-hour Private Members Motion for the sitting on 11 June 2002. It was AGREED that the motion on 'Erection of Unauthorised Terrorist Memorials' would be taken (48 votes) rather than the 'Car Crimes' motion (31 votes).
3.2 The draft Order Papers were AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 10 and 11 June 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Proposed Standing Order for Urgent Business
Members discussed the proposed Standing Order from the Committee on Procedures relating to the introduction of a motion of urgent public importance to Plenary. It was AGREED to respond to the Committee on Procedures with the views of the Business Committee and details of their recommended amendments to the draft Standing Order.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 11 June 2002, at 12.30 pm (or just after the rise of the Assembly for lunch) in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.42 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker