Apologies were received from Mr B Hutchinson and Mr I Davis.

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Mr D Watson's name to be added to the list of those present. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Register of Members Interests: Mr Johnston will have a paper to put before the Committee by the next meeting.

Lines of Communication: Mr Carson will have a report for the next meeting.

3. FUTURE PLENARY MEETINGS

Next Plenary Meeting: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that 15 February is the date of the next scheduled plenary meeting and that he is not aware of anything that would necessitate a plenary meeting prior to that.

Adjournment Debates: There was a brief discussion regarding a suggestion that the adjournment debates should be dropped.

Agreed: That Members would consult with their parties and discuss this at the next meeting.

4. EASTER RECESS

Agreed: That Easter Recess should commence from close of business on Thursday 1 April, returning on Monday 19 April.

5. SUMMER RECESS

It was suggested Summer Recess should commence from close of business on Friday 9 July, returning on Monday 13 September for Committee work and that plenary meetings would commence on Monday 20 September.

Agreed: That Members would consult with their parties and discuss this at the next meeting.

6. FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

Agreed: That the Initial Presiding Officer would write to Mr Foster MP to indicate that the idea is acceptable in principle but that because of other priorities it will not be possible to organise an early match.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Photograph of the Assembly in Session: Proofs of photographs taken of the Assembly in session on 18 January were circulated.

Agreed: That the proofs will be placed in the Printed Paper Office for inspection and that the matter will be returned to.

Agreed: That meetings of CAPO would only be held following a plenary meeting if necessary.

Agreed: That some of the seats in the Gallery that are set aside for the press should be made available to the public.

That the Initial Presiding Officer would report the view of CAPO to the Shadow Assembly Commission.

Availability of CAPO Minutes: Mr C Wilson enquired about the availability of CAPO minutes. The Initial Presiding Officer reported that the minutes are placed in the Library but that they are not yet available on the Internet.

Timing of Plenary Meetings: Mr J Wilson asked if the Committee on Standing Orders had revisited the matter of timing of plenary meetings. The Initial Presiding Officer said that he has not yet received a response from that Committee.

Deputy Initial Presiding Officer: Mr McGrady asked that it be placed on record his expression of appreciation to Ms Morrice for acting as Chairperson during the debate on the Motion of Censure. The Initial Presiding Officer also extended his appreciation to Ms Morrice.

Ulster Rugby Team: The Initial Presiding Officer said that a motion had been received to congratulate the Ulster Rugby Team on winning the European Championship and that the First Minister (Designate) and Deputy First Minister (Designate) had indicated that they intended to mark the occasion in some way. A discussion followed.

8. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Monday 8 February in Room 152 at 10.30 am.