PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE PRESIDING OFFICER

TUESDAY 4 MAY 1999 AT 10.30AM

IN ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:

The Initial Presiding Officer

Mr I Davis

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Ms P Lewsley (representing Mr M Durkan)

Mr R McCartney QC MP

Prof M McWilliams

Mr F Molloy

Mr M Morrow

Mr P Robinson MP

Ms B Rodgers (representing Mr E McGrady MP)

Mr D Watson

Mr C Wilson

Mr J Wilson

Mr J Reynold,

Mrs G Campbell

Miss A Moore

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS TWO MEETINGS

The minutes of the previous two meetings were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising.

3. FUTURE PLENARY MEETINGS AND PREPARATION FOR DEVOLUTION

The Initial Presiding Officer highlighted a number of issues in relation to devolution.

Legislation: There will be a programme for legislation to go before the Assembly, much of which will require immediate attention.

Agreed: That the Initial Presiding Officer should ask the NIO to supply Members with a list of legislation that is expected to come before the Assembly upon devolution.

Committees: The Committee was asked bear in mind that there will be many Committees to be established and that there will be a great demand on their time, in particular that of Whips.

Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) Recommendations*: It was noted that the SSRB had not made recommendations about salaries for a number of posts including party Whips. The Shadow Assembly Commission has recommended that an allowance should be available for Whips (£10,000 per annum) and Deputy Whips (£5,000 per annum). Payment could be made according to party size. Members were directed to the minutes of the Shadow Assembly Commission's meetings for further details.

The Shadow Assembly Commission has also asked the Initial Presiding Officer to write to the SSRB to ask them to consider recommending an equalisation of salary for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Recommendations regarding salaries will go before the Assembly after devolution.

Travel Costs Relating to Talks: The Initial Presiding Officer has written to the Minister of State, Mr Murphy MP to ask that the NIO make payment for travel to London in respect of the talks.

Staffing: Job descriptions and advertisements are being prepared in preparation for employing Assembly staff. Members were invited to bring matters of concern to the attention of the Initial Presiding Officer. In particular the post of Head of Security would be advertised immediately following devolution.

Building Security: Members were asked to remind their staff that they should co-operate with staff responsible for security. If any member has any requirements or concerns they should contact the Initial Presiding Officer directly.

Work Load following Devolution:

Agreed: That the Initial Presiding Officer would prepare a list of work including procedures that will be required following devolution.

4. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be at the call of the Chair.

* Subsequently amended to note that some members did not support the recommendation from the Shadow Assembly Commission to the SSRB that an allowance should be available for Party Whips and Deputy Whips.