Present:

Lord Alderdice (Initial Presiding Officer)

Mr I Davis

Mr M Durkan

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Mr R McCartney QC MP

Mr E McGrady MP

Prof M McWilliams

Mr F Molloy

Mr M Morrow

Mr P Robinson MP

Mr C Wilson

Mr J Wilson

Mr N Carson

Mr N Johnston

Miss A Moore

Mr D Gray

An apology was received from Mr D Watson.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Commemorative Stamps: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that the portcullis emblem was only formally licensed in 1997. Protection of the flax flower emblem is more appropriately a matter for the Shadow Assembly Commission. The Initial Presiding Officer will draw this to the attention of the Commission.

Register of Members' Interests: The Register of Members' Interests can only formally be put into effect after the Appointed Day. As for the appointment of a Commissioner, the Initial Presiding Officer is consulting with the Cabinet Office. In the meantime a paper is being prepared.

Photograph of the Assembly in Session: Some photographs were taken as planned. Members will have an opportunity to view them and choose the most appropriate.

Accommodation for Members - Internet: Mr Black issued a note to Members on 20 January on the provision of Internet services. Access to the Internet should be available from early February 1999. Mr P Robinson mentioned that it appears that staff are not always informed of decisions that have been taken. Mr Carson said he would look into ways of improving lines of communication.

Diaries: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that it may still be possible to get desk diaries however it is likely the Shadow Assembly Commission would take the view that payment should be made out of Members office cost allowance. If any Member wishes to follow this up they should approach Mr Evans.

The Initial Presiding Officer indicated that it is his wish that the matter be dealt with as expeditiously as possible and suggested 1 February as a suitable date and that other business for that day could be taken from the list of no day named motions. The Initial Presiding Officer also said that he felt it would be inappropriate for himself to Chair the debate, he reported that the Secretary of State could appoint Deputies or the Assembly parties could choose a Chairperson.

Date of Plenary: It was agreed the matter should be debated on 1 February.

Chairperson: After a brief discussion it was agreed the Initial Presiding Officer could appoint someone as Chairperson if there was agreement after consultation with the Assembly parties. The Initial Presiding Officer indicated that if general agreement on a Chairperson could not be reached that he would bring the matter back to CAPO later in the week.

Other Business: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that a number of members are still eligible for the Adjournment Debates and that it would still be possible to take one other substantial item of business. There was some discussion on the possibility of taking a motion on Harbours if Mr P Robinson and Mr McGrady who both have tabled motions on the subject could put forward a joint motion. Mr McGrady and Mr P Robinson will discuss this further. Mr Ford suggested that a Motion on Northern Ireland Electricity in the name of Mrs Bell be debated in the absence of an agreed motion on Harbours, but it was agreed that, in the absence of agreement this matter would be reviewed by CAPO.

Timing: The Initial Presiding Officer suggested the Censure Motion should be debated in the morning with time available if necessary in the afternoon. Some flexibility could be allowed at the end of the day in order to complete the business or alternatively the session could be completed the following day.

This matter was not addressed.

Relevance of CAPO: Mr Morrow raised a question about the value of CAPO in view of the breakdown of the agreement from the previous meeting. A discussion followed.

Mr Hutchinson raised the question of the status of Mr McCartney on the Committee. The Initial Presiding Officer said that while at the last meeting he had indicated inviting Mr McCartney as an observer it did seem a problem if all Members interests were not represented, he therefore made the decision to invite Mr McCartney to become a member of the Committee. Mr J Wilson asked that it be noted that while the Initial Presiding Officer did seek the advice of CAPO the Committee did not advise that Mr McCartney should become a member.

Disruptions in the Chamber: Mr J Wilson requested the Initial Presiding Officer to report at the next meeting of CAPO on actions by Members at the door of the Chamber and on disturbances in the Gallery.

Mr P Robinson said he understood Professor McWilliams had sent a letter to the Initial Presiding Officer indicating that staff had been intimidated by Members when they had tried to close the doors to the Chamber and asked Mr Carson if he had received complaints from staff. Mr Carson indicated that he had received no complaints. The Initial Presiding Officer said that he had received an initial report from the Keeper of the House and that he was to speak with the doorkeepers later in the day. Professor McWilliams said that she had witnessed intimidation of staff. She observed Members surrounding a doorkeeper who had to move backwards. Professor McWilliams approached this doorkeeper and found her to be distressed and shaking, she therefore wrote to the Initial Presiding Officer regarding the treatment of the doorkeeper. Professor McWilliams said she had also been made aware that another doorkeeper had been in the Chamber and two Members had pushed the door causing that doorkeeper to be knocked off his feet. The Initial Presiding Officer said that he understood legal proceedings had been embarked upon. Mr P Robinson confirmed that two Members of the DUP had spoken with their solicitors and that legal proceedings against Professor McWilliams were underway. The Initial Presiding Officer advised the Committee that in view of this he felt that nothing further could be done on that matter while the proceedings were underway.

Legal Proceedings: Mr C Wilson asked that it be recorded that a filing cabinet had been opened and personal items of his removed without his consent. The matter is being investigated by the police.

If necessary a meeting may be called on Thursday 28 January. To be confirmed.