1. Apologies
2. Chairperson's Business
3. Minutes of proceedings, Wednesday 6 September 2000
4. Matters arising from minutes
5. Any other business
6. Date and time of next meeting
7. Evidence from Officials from OFMDFM
8. Summary of Evidence Session and Action Points

Present: Mr Edwin Poots MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Oliver Gibson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs Jnr MLA
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Mr P J Bradley MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA

In Attendance: Dr Andrew Peoples (Committee Clerk)
Mr Damien McVeigh (Committee Assistant)
Ms Debra Mulholland (Assembly Research and Library Services)

Apologies: Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA

Meeting commenced: 2.35pm.

Closed session

Apologies listed above.

The Chairperson briefed the members on his meeting with the Speaker regarding the Equality Commission (Time Limits) Regulations and the current staffing level of the Committee. It was agreed to make a written comment to the relevant Statutory Committee on the time limit regulations.

The minutes of proceedings for Wednesday 6 September 2000 were agreed.

The Committee agreed the autumn work program.

Mr Bradley enquired about parliamentary privilege in non-statutory committee meetings. The Clerk informed members that the privilege extends to all Committees.

Agreed that the Committee would meet on Wednesday 20 September 2000 at 10.30am in the Senate Chamber and that the Committee should conduct its 'house-keeping' in closed session.

The Chairperson declared the meeting open at 2.58pm

Committee agreed that the Clerk should obtain an audio record of meetings held in public, when there is to be no official Hansard record.

Evidence on Emergency Planning was taken from Mr Terry Smyth and Mrs Marlene Graham of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Agreed that the Committee should forward their recommendations and seek from officials further written responses. The Committee would re-visit this area in the future to monitor progress. Action: Clerk.

The Chairperson concluded the meeting at 4.10pm.