COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS: WEDNESDAY 18 OCTOBER 2000
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
1. Apologies
2. Chairperson's Business
3. Approval of Draft Minutes of Previous Proceedings
4. Matters arising
5. Correspondence
6. Evidence from Officials of the OFMDFM Economic Policy Unit/Public Service Office
7. Any Other Business
8. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Present: Mr Edwin Poots MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Oliver Gibson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs Jnr MLA
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA
In Attendance: Dr Andrew C Peoples (Committee Clerk)
Ms Patricia Casey
Dr Peter Gilleece
Mr Damien McVeigh
Ms Laurie Roberts
Apologies: Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Mr P J Bradley MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Meeting opened at 2:33pm in closed session.
1. Apologies
The apologies are listed above.
2. Chairperson's Business
The Chairperson informed members that the deputy Chairperson and himself had been invited to attend the first meeting of the European Chairs in the UK on Friday 3 November 2000. He confirmed that the Clerk would also attend the meeting in Glasgow. The Committee agreed the arrangements.
3. Approval of draft minutes of previous proceedings
The minutes were agreed and signed.
4. Matters Arising
Ms Gildernew asked the Chairperson if he would clarify how he intended to conduct the business of the Committee. Debate around this matter ensued. In conclusion, the Chairperson stated that he wished to conduct the business of the Committee and would treat all members equally by indicating to members during crossover debate and when taking evidence he would work around the table, taking members in turn. Members should identify themselves for the benefit of the witnesses.
5. Correspondence
The Committee noted the correspondence between the Chairperson of the Finance and Personnel Committee and the Minister for Finance and Personnel in relation to the Financial Planning Procedure and agreed to return to these under Other Business.
2:55pm PUBLIC SESSION
6. Evidence from officials of the OFMDFM Economic Policy Unit/Public Service Office
Evidence on the Public Service Office was taken from Mr Will Haire, Mr Murray Cameron and Professor Des Vincent of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
2:42pm Mr Robinson left the meeting.
3:20pm Mr McMenamin left the meeting.
3:21pm Mr Gibson left the meeting.
3:24pm Mr Gibson rejoined the meeting
3:57pm Mr Shannon left the meeting.
4:00pm Mr Shannon rejoined the meeting.
7. Any other business
The Committee debated the Financial Planning Procedure and agreed that it should take evidence from officials of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on 8 November 2000. Action: Clerk.
8. Date and time of next meeting
It was agreed that the Committee would next meet on Wednesday, 8th November at 2:30pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4:03pm.
Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
8 November 2000
11 October 2000 / Menu / 8 November 2000