Present:

The Initial Presiding Officer

Mr I Davis

Dr A McDonnell (representing Mr E McGrady MP)

Mr M Durkan

Mr D Ford

Mr B Hutchinson

Prof M McWilliams

Mr M Morrow

Mr M Robinson (representing Mr P Robinson MP)

Mr C Wilson

Mr J Wilson

Mr J Reynolds

Mr N Johnston

Mrs G Campbell

Miss A Moore.

Apologies were received from Mr F Molloy, Mr D Watson and Mr R McCartney.

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) Recommendations: Prof McWilliams asked that the minute be 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.

2. MATTERS ARISING

Legislation: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that he had written to Mr Murphy MP, Minister of State to request a list of legislation that is expected to come before the Assembly upon devolution. A reply had not yet been received.

SSRB Review: A reply from SSRB had indicated that they are aware of the Prime Minister's view that the First Minister and Deputy First Ministers should receive the same salary. SSRB did not disagree.

Travel Costs Relating to Talks: In response to a query about costs incurred by Assembly Members involved in the talks convened by the Prime Minister, the Initial Presiding Officer had written to Mr Murphy MP to seek clarification. A reply had not yet been received.

Work Load following Devolution: A list of Assembly business to be conducted following devolution was being prepared by the Clerk of Business. The Initial Presiding Officer indicated that this would issue as soon as possible. Further information was also to be supplied by Departments.

3. REQUEST BY BBC SPOTLIGHT TO FILM WITHIN THE BUILDING

A letter from the BBC seeking permission to film a "fly on the wall" documentary within Parliament Buildings was circulated and discussed.

Agreed That cameras would only be permitted in the usual areas.

Agreed That only Committee sessions held in public could be filmed, subject to the agreement of the Committee.

Agreed The Initial Presiding Officer would not be interviewed on the running of the Assembly.

The Shadow Assembly Commission would also be consulted on the request and; it was suggested that a member of the Shadow Assembly Commission might give comment on factual information, and on the cost of the Assembly relative to similar bodies in Scotland and Wales.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Short Money: The Initial Presiding Officer has asked Mr Murphy MP for clarification on the payment of Short Money following devolution.

Guidelines:The Initial Presiding Officer has asked for regulations to be drawn up on a number of issues to provide officials with guidelines from which to operate. These will be made available in the Library.

Pensions Legislation:New legislation to be introduced after devolution will require trustees to manage pensions on behalf of Assembly Members. The Shadow Assembly Commission had suggested that a Shadow Trustee Board be established in the interim.

Proceeding of Shadow Assembly Commission Meetings: Professor McWilliams proposed that the minutes of the Shadow Assembly Commission Meeting should be sent to Party Whips. The Initial Presiding Officer agreed to put the suggestion to the Commission.

Party Emblems

Agreed That it is improper to display emblems and insignia, other than of a personal nature, within the precincts of the Assembly.

Agreed That it is inappropriate for anyone to use Parliament Buildings and its environs for electioneering purposes.

Agreed That anyone breaking these conventions should in the future be referred to the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Agreed That a note to this effect will be placed in the next All Party Notice.

Events Office:Mr Morrow noted that it is often difficult to contact the Events Office by telephone. The Initial Presiding Officer said that he would look into the matter.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

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