Present:

Lord Alderdice (Initial Presiding Officer)

Mr I Davis

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr R Hutchinson (representing Mr C Wilson)

Mr A Maskey

Mr F Molloy

Ms J Morrice (representing Prof M McWilliams)

Mr E McGrady MP

Mr M Morrow

Mr D Watson

Mr J Wilson

Ms L Benson

Mrs G Campbell

Miss A Moore

Mr N Johnston

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Accommodation: All DFP staff have moved out of Parliament Buildings.

Stationery: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that he had investigated the complaint that Mrs I Robinson had been refused additional envelopes. It had been decided, because of the anticipated initial demand, to limit the number of envelopes given to each member. This was adhered to a little too strictly by staff. Mrs Robinson has now been supplied with the envelopes she needs.

Business Cards: Mr Morrow noted that the business cards he received did not have the words "The New Northern Ireland Assembly" printed below the emblem as he had expected. The Initial Presiding Officer said that it had been left to members to indicate what they wanted printed on their cards. However, he added that members whose cards have not yet been printed will be contacted to establish whether they want "The New Northern Ireland Assembly" included on their cards.

Bar: The coffee machine has been returned to the bar.

All-Party Assembly Interest Groups: See Item 5.

Access to the Public Gallery: The Shadow Assembly Commission has asked for some changes to the draft policy document and will discuss the paper at its next meeting.

3. AGENDA FOR PLENARY MEETING ON 9 NOVEMBER

Agreed: Presentation of a Report by the Ad hoc Committee on the Procedural Consequences of Devolution. (morning)

Presentation by the Minister for the Department of Finance and Personnel, Mr Paul Murphy MP, on the Comprehensive Spending Review followed by a question and answer session.

(afternoon)

Adjournment Debate.

A paper on the Comprehensive Spending Review will be forwarded to members by Mr Murphy during the course of the week. It was agreed that the Minister would make his presentation at a podium in front of the Presiding Officer's Chair. He would then take one of the official's seats for the question and answer session, returning to the podium to answer questions.

The format of the question and answer session was discussed. It was agreed that groups of 6-7 questions at a time would be put to the Minister for response. Names of members wishing to ask a question should be given to the Initial Presiding Officer by Party Whips on the morning of 9 November. As far as possible, members would be called to ask a question on a pro rata basis, according to size of their party.

It was further agreed that, in the event of a report by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, this would be presented in the afternoon and members would return on Tuesday 10 November in order to debate the report.

4. FUTURE PLENARY MEETINGS

The Initial Presiding Officer pointed out that there is no further business scheduled beyond 9 November.

5. ALL-PARTY ASSEMBLY INTEREST GROUPS

A paper was circulated to members for consideration and discussion at the next meeting.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Christmas Cards: A sample of an alternative Christmas card and notelet card were passed round and approved, subject to the lowering of the wording on the front of the Christmas card. Details of procedures for ordering cards will go into the November All Party Notices.

Adjournment Debates: The only remaining parties with members eligible to speak during the adjournment debates are the UUP, SDLP, DUP, Sinn Fein and UUAP. A note was pigeonholed on 30 October giving details to the relevant Party Whips and seeking nominations for the next debate.

Guidance on Procedures: The Initial Presiding Officer suggested it might be useful if some guidance on procedures were provided for those new to the parliamentary process. (Agreed.)

Christmas Recess: Ms Morrice asked about the arrangements for the Christmas Recess. The Initial Presiding Officer reported that nothing had yet been decided but that he would welcome any suggestions.

7. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Monday 9 November at 6.30 pm in Room 152.