Present: The Speaker
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr A Maskey
Mr E McGrady MP
Mr M Morrow
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wilson
Mr I Davis
Mrs I Robinson
Mr C Murphy
Dr A McDonnell

In attendance: Mr M Barnes Ms G Campbell
Mr J Reynolds Mr N Johnston
Mr J Gillespie

1. WELCOME

The Speaker welcomed Members of the new Committee.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

3. MATTERS ARISING

Conflict of Interests: The Speaker outlined the concerns received regarding the possible conflict of interest for Parliamentary Private Secretaries sitting on Committees which scrutinised the work of their Minister. The Speaker advised that he was seeking legal advice. Where a problem did arise, the matter should be referred to the Committee on Standards and Privilege.

Statutory Rules: The Speaker explained the procedure for the laying of Statutory Rules, in particular drawing the Committee's attention to the heavy workload of the Examiner. It was agreed that the Clerk of Business would forward Statutory Rules to the relevant Statutory Committee. Doubts about which Committee carried responsibility in any specific case would be referred back to the Business Committee for resolution.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Appointments: The Speaker noted that Standing Orders provide for the appointment of 3 Deputy Speakers. The Speaker asked the Committee to consider how this situation should be taken forward. The Speaker also advised Members that he was required to nominate two Members of the Committee either of whom could, in the Speaker's absence, chair the Business Committee.

Regular date, time and venue of meetings: It was agreed that if Plenary Business concluded by 6.00 pm on Tuesdays, the Business Committee would meet not later than 6.15 pm. Otherwise the Business Committee would meet at noon on Wednesdays. The Committee would meet in Room 106.

Allocation of seats to the Standing Committees: The Committee deliberated. In absence of agreement the matter was deferred to the next meeting.

5. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Business Committee would be held on 12 January at 4.30 pm in Room 106.

JOE REYNOLDS