Present:
Lord Alderdice (Initial Presiding Officer)

Mr A Attwood (representing Mr E McGrady MP)

Mrs E Bell (representing Mr D Ford)

Mr M Durkan

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr A Maskey

Ms J Morrice (representing Prof M McWilliams)

Mr P Robinson MP

Mr C Wilson

Mr J Wilson

Mr S Wilson (representing Mr M Morrow)

In attendance: Mr N Carson

Miss A Moore

1. ASSEMBLY CHAMBER

Three dimensional graphics of the Assembly Chamber were circulated. The Initial Presiding Officer reported that DOE have been asked to re-upholster the chairs Members looked at on 16 July. He also reported that seating for attendants is being explored. A Member queried whether the benches at the back of the Chamber were high enough. This will be considered further.

2. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

A revised plan of the Ground Floor showing the reallocation of rooms to Whips from the 6 largest parties was circulated and approved. It was agreed the Printed Papers Office should be located in Room 33 close to the Chamber. It is hoped the accommodation will be made available from week commencing 17 August, subject to any necessary alterations being completed on time.

3. OFFICE COSTS ALLOWANCES (OCA)

The Initial Presiding Officer reported that a further note on OCA is being prepared. Payment will be made monthly in arrears and Members should go directly to Liz Benson regarding OCA payments. The issue of an initial payment of £3,500 is still being considered.

4. PARTY FUNDING

The Initial Presiding Office met with Mr Murphy MP last week. The issue of party funding is with the Home Office and Mr Murphy is expecting an answer this week. Mr Murphy will be writing to party leaders as soon as possible. Members asked that arrangements are made to have the letter copied to Whips. Mr Carson will also notify the Committee of any communication from Mr Murphy to the Presiding Officer on this matter.

5. SHADOW ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

The Committee agreed it would be useful to set up a Shadow Assembly Commission. A Motion will be put before the Assembly at its next meeting on 14 September. A note on modus operandi will be needed; advice from the Scots and the House of Commons would be useful.

6. ACCESS RIGHTS WITHIN PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Draft guidelines for access rights within Parliament Buildings was circulated.

Agreed: 1 pass per Member for staff to have access to the Library, limited to mornings only;

each Member will be allocated 2 staff passes;

the Whips of the 4 largest parties will have passes for 8 staff;

the Whips of the smaller parties will have passes for 4 staff.

Mr Carson will check on what arrangements exist regarding access to the Library for former Members.

7. PRESS GUIDELINES

The press guidelines circulated at the meeting on 16 July were discussed.

Agreed: the Long Gallery will be available for press conferences, parties to advise Gail McKibbin and to escort press they invite into the building;

access to other areas will be by special permission of the Initial Presiding Officer.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Members Dining Room

Access to the Members Dining Room was raised. The Initial Presiding Officer reported that the amount of space available will double as soon as the Bar is moved. It would be helpful though if Members could book in advance.

Tour of the Grounds and Building

Tours of the grounds and building will be arranged for Members for early September.

Other Facilities

The Initial Presiding Officer reported that he has asked for the Post Office to be reinstated and that he is also making enquiries about having a bank auto teller installed.

Assembly Chamber

Mr C Wilson asked that for it to be put on record that he believes the Chamber should be refurbished in a similar fashion to the style it was in before the fire. The Initial Presiding Officer suggested a decision should be left until the end of the year to allow the Members to get a sense of what format might be best.

9. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on 18 August at 9.30 am, venue to be confirmed.

Menu / 18 August 1998