Present: Mr P Berry

Mr PJ Bradley

Sir John Gorman

Ms S Ramsey

Mr C Wilson

In the Chair: Sir John Gorman

In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Mr J Floyd, Mr D Gray, Mr P Waddell.

1. MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING

The second line of paragraph 2.1 was amended to read "Catering and Functions Committee." This amendment having been made, the minutes were passed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 It was reported that the Assembly is obliged to retain the services of Mount Charles until the autumn of 2000. It will in any case take that long to determine a specification for long-term catering provision, put the contract out to tender, and appoint a firm to deliver that contract.

2.2 It was agreed that in the short term the contract with Mount Charles should be regularised. Tom Evans reported that David Court of the GPA had agreed to assist the Committee.

3. THE ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE

3.1 Tom Evans' paper entitled "The Role of the Committee" was considered by Members.

3.2 With regard to the Committee's terms of reference, it was agreed that the meaning of the phrase "catering / refreshment service" needed to be spelt out to avoid any misunderstandings.

3.3 The Committee agreed the following objective for its work:

"To commission a prior options study to identify the most appropriate delivery option for the provision of catering and refreshment services in Parliament Buildings."

3.4 Members were assured that Symonds Consultants were experienced in dealing with the full spread of facilities management issues. It was agreed that the Committee should meet with Symonds before meeting with David Court of the GPA and Trevor Annan of Mount Charles. Symonds may be able to assist in formalising the contract with Mount Charles, and Tom Evans agreed to prepare a list of questions which Members may wish to ask at the Symonds presentation.

3.5 Members agreed that any trip to Westminster and the Dail had to be long enough to make it worthwhile. Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 June were considered possible dates for such a trip. Tom Evans and Peter Waddell will consult to see how much can be fitted in during the trip.

3.6 Members agreed that:

Ÿ the Committee should inspect the catering facilities in Parliament Buildings;

Ÿ catering charges / cost for functions and the use of facilities by visitors during peak periods need to be considered;

Ÿ the views of pass-holders should be trawled;

Ÿ coffee facilities should be provided in the Members' bar; and

Ÿ in the longer term better use should be made of the Members' bar.

4. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

Tuesday 8 June from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm - the Committee will meet with Trevor Annan and tour the facilities in the morning and meet with David Court in the afternoon.

10 May 1999 /Menu / 25 May 1999