MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2002 AT 9.15 AM
IN ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 9.18am.
Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Ms P Lewsley
Mr M Morrow
Ms S Ramsey
Mr D McClarty
In attendance: Mr A Moir, Clerk to the Assembly
Ms N Dunwoody, Clerk Assistant
Mr A Rogers, Principal Clerk of Business
Mr R Good, Adviser to the Speaker
Ms F Leneghan, Assistant P/S to the Speaker
Ms R Donnelly, Assistant Clerk of Business
Observers: Ms R Flanagan, Executive Liaison
Mr D McClelland
Mr J Wilson
Apologies: Mr D Watson
1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETING 23 SEPTEMBER 2002
1.1 Statement - Draft Programme for Government
The Speaker advised Members that he had written to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister confirming the decision of the Business Committee at the meeting on 17 September 2002 regarding the Statement on the Draft Programme for Government. In particular, it was confirmed that since Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan would be presenting the Programme for Government as First Minister and Deputy First Minister, as well as Leaders of their respective Parties, further speaking opportunities would be restricted to the Leaders of the remaining Parties, or their nominees who will speak for approximately five minutes.
The Speaker advised Members that his office had subsequently been approached by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and asked to consider their request that the UUP and SDLP also be given an opportunity to respond to the Executive's statement.
After discussion, Members AGREED that after the statement by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, all 10 Party Leaders or their nominees should be given an opportunity to respond to the statement.
2. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
2.1 Armagh - Winners of the All Ireland Final 2002
Ms Sue Ramsey raised the question of the Armagh victory and the Speaker advised Members that it would be a matter for the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure to determine the most appropriate mechanism to recognise the recent success of the Armagh team in the All Ireland Final.
3. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
6.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 24 September 2002, at 12.30 pm, in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 9.32 am.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker