Present:

Lord Alderdice (Initial Presiding Officer)

Mr I Davis (representing Mr J Wilson)

Mr M Durkan

Mr R Empey

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr A Maskey

Mr E McGrady MP

Prof M McWilliams

Mr F Molloy

Mr M Morrow

Mr P Robinson MP

Mr C Wilson

Mr N Carson

Miss A Moore

Mr Empey informed the Initial Presiding Officer that he had not received notification of, or relevant papers for, the meeting. Other members indicated they had not received papers either. The meeting adjourned until 9.20 am to allow papers to be circulated and to allow members time to read over them.

1. APOLOGIES

An apology was received from Mr Watson.

2. ASSEMBLY BUSINESS FOR 14 SEPTEMBER 1998

It was agreed the business of the day should begin with a few minutes of silent reflection followed by notices from the Secretary of State to be read by the Initial Presiding Officer and then an opportunity to allow those who have not signed the Roll to do so.

Member Changing Party Allegiance: the Initial Presiding Officer pointed out that while the Initial Standing Orders require a member to give 7 days' notice in writing if they wish to change their designation of identity they do not make provision for a member changing party allegiance and asked the advice of the Committee on how such a scenario might be dealt with. There was general agreement that this is an issue for the Committee on Standing Orders. In the absence of Standing Orders however it was agreed such a scenario should be treated in the same way as a member changing designation of identity.

Future Meetings: the Initial Presiding Officer asked the Committee's view on the pattern for future meetings; until Standing Orders are finalised he will have to make recommendations to the Secretary of State. He suggested the Assembly should meet in plenary each Tuesday from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm and 2.30 pm until 6.00 pm and if additional business warrants it, to meet on Monday from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm leaving the rest of the week for Committee meetings. There was a consensus that the Assembly will only meet when it has a specific purpose and therefore a decision on when the Assembly should meet should not be taken until after 14 September by which time it will be clearer how much business remains to be dealt with. Mr Empey asked that the meeting on 14 September start at 11.00 am to allow members travelling longer distances sufficient time to make the journey. Professor McWilliams felt the meeting should commence at 10.00 am as previously suggested. The Initial Presiding Officer suggested the meeting should commence at 10.30 am and if all business is not completed to adjourn at 6.00 pm until Tuesday 15 September.

Assembly Response to the Omagh Bomb: a motion proposed by the NIWC was circulated:

This Assembly expresses its deep sympathy to all those who have been bereaved or injured in the horrific bomb attack in Omagh on August 15th 1998.

To merely condemn the actions of those who are bent on destroying the political process is inadequate. We agree to go further and pledge to work for a peaceful, stable and democratic society in which every person has a sense of security and belonging.

We pay tribute to all of those who were involved in the rescue attempts after the explosion and those who are still involved in the resultant necessary care.

We call on the Government to ensure that the journey towards physical and emotional recovery of the people and their town is appropriately supported, in as sensitive and speedy a manner as possible.

Mr Robinson was unhappy with the motion as it did not contain any condemnation. As it was clear agreement on a motion would not be reached the reserve position of an adjournment debate was accepted. It was agreed a 3 hour debate would be appropriate allowing 18 to 20 speakers on a pro rata basis according to size of party.

3. SHADOW ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

The Initial Presiding Officer asked that those who have not given him the name of their representative for the Shadow Assembly Commission do so as soon as possible. Professor McWilliams reiterated her request that if the Commission is to be responsible for appointments that parties give some consideration to its gender balance.

4. PARTY SEATING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE CHAMBER

Two proposals for allocation of seats in the Chamber were circulated. The Initial Presiding Officer explained that Option 1 was constructed on the basis of political arrangement with the 2 largest parties closest to the Initial Presiding Officer the rest being seated in order of size with the Alliance Party and NIWC in between. Option 2 was an alphabetical arrangement. It was assumed that all parties should have a seat/seats in the front row. Mr Robinson was unhappy with both Options as the DUP seat allocation was not in proportion to other large parties. There was general agreement that the DUP was underrepresented proportionally. Professor McWilliams preferred Option 2 and did not like the assumption that the NIWC is a centre party. Mr Hutchinson was unhappy with Option 1, he said the layout was essentially of a sectarian nature. Mr Maskey was unhappy with the imagery presented by Option 1. Mr McGrady preferred Option 1 and suggested the Independent members should not be treated as a party. The Initial Presiding Officer suggested the Independent members should not have a seat on the second row, Mr Robinson argued that they should not have a seat on the front row either. Mr Empey said he preferred Option 1. After debating some possible changes the Initial Presiding Officer decided in light of the discussion that for the next plenary meeting only and without prejudice to go with a modified Option 1 which took the Independent out of the second row to allow the DUP one more seat and moved the UKUP up one seat. Mr Robinson said this was better option but was still unsatisfactory and made it clear he had given no agreement for seating at the next plenary meeting.

5. PUBLIC ACCESS FOR THE NEXT ASSEMBLY MEETING

The Initial Presiding Officer explained the press gallery will be situated behind the Initial Presiding Officer plus the first third of the gallery on either side. The gallery facing the Initial Presiding Officer's chair will be for strangers (members of the public) who will queue for passes on a first come first served basis. The remainder of the gallery on either side will be for members' guests, about 60 to 65 seats for which tickets will be available on a one guest per member basis. After a brief discussion it was agreed members would have up to 5.00 pm on Friday 11 September to request and collect tickets for the next plenary meeting. Members are to request a ticket for their guest only, they should not request tickets on behalf of others. Mr Carson will endeavour to let members know who to contact for tickets by close of play on 8 September. It was agreed if all tickets are not taken up that remaining seats will be made available to strangers.

6. PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ROOM ALLOCATIONS

Whips Rooms: the Initial Presiding Officer apologised that all the Whips rooms have not been furnished, it is hoped this shall be completed by the end of the week.

Party Rooms: floor plans of the second floor aimed at providing the DUP with additional rooms, bringing the UKUP and Alliance party rooms closer together were circulated for approval. The following allocations were agreed:

Professor McWilliams indicated the NIWC would prefer rooms with connecting doors but that she would negotiate with either the Independent members or the Official Record staff with a view to swapping rooms.

Ministerial Meeting Room: following the suggestion by Mr Robinson at a previous meeting that a Ministerial meeting room be provided close to the Chamber the Initial Presiding Officer suggested room 151 as an option. Agreed.

Room for Reflection: the Initial Presiding Officer reported that he had received a request form Mr Coulter that a room be made available for members who want time for quiet reflection. It was agreed the Senate Chamber could provide a suitable place for that purpose.

Crèche Facilities: Mr McGrady asked that some consideration be given to the provision of crèche facilities. The Initial Presiding Officer agreed to look into the matter and to report back.

3rd Floor: the Initial Presiding Officer reported that he is pushing DFP to vacate the 3rd floor as soon as possible.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Procedural Consequences of Devolution: the Committee were asked for their views about setting up a sub-committee to look at and make recommendations to the Procedure Committee of the House of Commons on the Procedural Consequences of Devolution. Mr Maskey suggested it was up to the parties in Westminster to make their own representations therefore there was no need for the Assembly to deal with it. Mr Robinson felt it would be useful to set up a sub-committee and that the sub-committee should be required to report back to the Assembly for approval. Mr Empey said it would be helpful to make recommendations regarding legislative issues and Mr Ford suggested there would be a role regarding European legislation. The Initial Presiding Officer said he would construct a motion to go before the Assembly on 14 September.

Training for Whips: the Initial Presiding Officer reported that Mr G Cosgrave who is leading the Transition Programme has asked if there are any specific areas in which members would require training. Members agreed training for Whips would be appropriate and that Mr Cosgrave should be invited along to discuss.

Christmas Cards: it is hoped to have something available next week.

Forms of Address: the Initial Presiding Officer reported that in order to avoid confusion or offence he has instructed all staff to address members by more formal forms of address and that they should get to recognise all members by name. The Committee indicated they were content for less formal forms of address to apply as appropriate.

Tour of the Grounds and Building: Mr Hutchinson asked if tours were being organised as previously requested. Mr Carson indicated they were being organised.

Visit by President Clinton: Mr Wilson remarked that the visit by President Clinton caused more difficulties in terms of security than hoped but that everything was generally acceptable, and asked that his appreciation of the work put in by staff be put on record.

8. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting was provisionally arranged for Tuesday 15 September at 9.00 am in room 152.