MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE IN ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE 2000.

1.Apologies
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
3. Matters Arising
4. Correspondence
5. Terms of Reference for Committee of the Centre
6. Brief provided by OFMDFM
7. Research provided by Dr Stephen Donnelly
8. Initial Work Programme
9. Agree schedule for future meetings
10. Draft press release
11. Any other business
12. Date and time of next meeting

Present: Mr Gregory Campbell MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Oliver Gibson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Mr P J Bradley MLA
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA

In Attendance: Dr Andrew Peoples (Committee Clerk)
Mr Damien McVeigh (Committee Assistant)

Apologies: Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Rt Hon John Taylor MP MLA

Meeting Commenced: 2.37pm.

Session, closed

1. Apologies

Apologies listed above.

2. Minutes of proceedings, Wednesday 7 June 2000

The minutes of proceedings for Wednesday 7 June 2000 were agreed.

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3. Matters arising from minutes, Wednesday 7 June 2000

The Chairperson informed members that the matter with the Committee on Standards and Privileges was referred to the Committee on Procedures.

4. Correspondence

A number of issues were raised for the Clerk to seek further information on;

Division of European functions, including the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) remit in European Affairs,

Brief on proposed meeting of Chairs of EU Affairs Committees,

Brief on committee guidance for correspondence,

Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards and in Public Life (Nolan), on agenda of next meeting.

Action: Clerk.

2.58pm Mr Shannon left the meeting.

3.00pm Mrs Bell left the meeting.

3.04pm Mrs Bell rejoined the meeting.

3.05pm Mr Shannon rejoined the meeting.

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5. Terms of Reference for Committee of the Centre

The Terms of Reference were discussed and the Committee agreed that a clearer definition was required on the role of OFMDFM with respect to;

New TSN

Equality Commission.

Action: Clerk.

3.06pm Mr Leslie left the meeting.

3.08pm Mr Leslie rejoined the meeting.

6. Brief provided by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Matter dealt with.

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7. Research provided by Dr Stephen Donnelly.

A number of questions were raised regarding specific areas in the Committee's Terms of Reference for the Clerk to bring together under areas for potential questioning for Wednesday 28 June 2000.

Action: Clerk.

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8. Initial work programme.

It was agreed that at the next meeting there would be a presentation by officials of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister followed by a Question & Answer session. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister should be invited to give evidence on Tuesday 4 July 2000 or as soon as possible thereafter.

9. Agree schedule for future meetings.

Options were debated and it was agreed that the Committee would prefer to meet in Room 21 or other suitable Committee Rooms in preference to the Senate. Meetings to be scheduled for Wednesday afternoons.

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3.40pm Mr Leslie left the meeting.

10. Draft press release

Agreed not to issue a press release.

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11. Any other business.

None.

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12. Date and time of next meeting.

Agreed that the Committee would meet at 2.30pm on Wednesday, 28 June 2000.

The Chairperson concluded the meeting at 3.45pm.

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Mr Gregory Campbell MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
June 2000

7 June 2000 / Menu / 28 June 2000