MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
BUSINESS COMMITTEE
TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2002 AT 12.30 PM
IN ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.38 pm.
Present: The Speaker
Mr I Davis
Mr B Hutchinson
Ms P Lewsley
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Ms M McWilliams
Mr M Morrow
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Ms S Ramsey
In attendance: Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr A Rogers Principal Clerk of Business
Mr S McCourt Clerk of Business
Mr R Good Adviser to the Speaker
Ms G Campbell Private Secretary to the Speaker
Ms R Donnelly Assistant Clerk of Business
Observers: Ms R Flanagan Executive Liaison
Mr D McClelland
Ms J Morrice
Apologies: Mr D Watson
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes of the previous meetings of 17 & 23 September 2002 were AGREED by the Committee.
2. MATTERS ARISING
2.1 Arrangements for Plenary Meeting - 24 September 2002
The Speaker requested that, in order to make suitable arrangements for the debate on 'the draft programme for Government' scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, Members should submit the names of their colleagues who wish to speak during the debate at the earliest opportunity.
2.2 Speaker's Absence from the Assembly
The Speaker reminded Members that he would be absent from the Assembly during the weeks commencing 30 September and 25 November 2002. The Speaker confirmed that Mr Denis Watson and Mr Conor Murphy would chair the respective meetings of the Business Committee in his absence.
3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLENARY MEETINGS WEEK COMMENCING 30 SEPTEMBER 2002
3.1 Monday, 30 September 2002
It was noted that the Executive wished to bring the following legislation forward for the sitting on 30 September 2002:
- First Stage:
Strategic Investment and Regeneration of Sites Bill
[First Minister]
[Deputy First Minister]
Energy Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
- Second Stage:
Harbours Bill
[Minister for Regional Development]
- Further Consideration Stage:
Limited Liability Partnerships Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
Open-Ended Investment Companies Bill
[Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment]
- Final Stage:
State Pension Credit Bill
[Minister for Social Development]
It was AGREED to schedule the following motions seeking an extension of the Committee Stage of legislation for debate on 30 September 2002:
- Commissioner for Children and Young People Bill
[Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre]
- Marriage Bill
[Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel]
- Family Law (Divorce etc) Bill
[Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel]
It was AGREED that 1 Private Members' Motion would be scheduled for the sitting on 30 September 2002. Following discussion, Members voted on 3 proposed motions. It was AGREED that the motion on 'Belfast Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre' (70 votes) would be taken and allocated 2½ hours for debate.
It was AGREED that the Adjournment debate on 'Nursery provision at Moorfields Primary School' would also be scheduled for the sitting on 30 September.
3.2 Tuesday, 1 October 2002
It was noted that the Executive wished to bring the following legislation forward for the sitting on 1 October 2002:
- Second Stage:
Audit and Accountability Bill
[Minister of Finance and Personnel]
HPSS (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) Bill
[Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety]
It was AGREED to include the Private Members' Motion 'MLA Appointment' on the Order Paper for 1 October 2002 and to allocate 1 hour for debate.
It was AGREED to schedule 2 further Private Members' Motions for the sitting on 1 October 2002. Following discussion, Members voted on 4 proposed motions. It was AGREED that the motion on 'Credit Card Abuse' (70 votes) and 'Victims' Memorial Garden' (53 votes) would be taken and each allocated 2 hours for debate.
The draft Order Papers were AGREED and indicative timings allocated for the sittings on 30 September and 1 October 2002.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Legislative Programme
The Speaker advised Members that the decision made by the Ulster Unionist Council, on Saturday 21 September 2002 may have an impact on the legislative programme. The Speaker confirmed that he has asked the Bill Office to produce an analysis of the impact of early dissolution. The Speaker advised Members that they may wish to speak to their Ministerial colleagues regarding the scheduling of legislation.
4.2 Question Time
The Speaker requested that Members advise their colleagues of the importance of being in their place during question time to put their questions to the Ministers.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
5.1 The next meeting of the Business Committee was scheduled for Tuesday 1 October 2002, at 12.30 pm, in Room 106.
The meeting adjourned at 1.38 pm.
THE LORD ALDERDICE
The Speaker