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
Mrs Annie Courtney MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA

In Attendance:
Mr Hugh Farren (Committee Clerk)
Ms Stella McArdle (Committee Clerk)
Mr John Conlan
Mrs Gillian Lewis
Ms Laurie Roberts

Apologies:
Mr James Leslie MLA

An apology was received from Mr Leslie.

1. Visit by Members to Washington and Boston: It was agreed that the Committee visit to USA will take place week commencing 23 September 2001 and the Clerk will proceed with the necessary arrangements. Action: Clerk

The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

1. Letter to OFMDFM regarding PSI Working Group on Travellers Consultation: Members noted the letter to OFMDFM expressing concerns that officials were unable to deal with the Committee's questions, seeking appropriate authors to come and give evidence to the Committee and asking for an extension to the consultation period. The Committee noted the OFMDFM response and also requests from two organisations, that were part of the PSI Working Group, to give evidence to the Committee. Members agreed to invite representatives from the Traveller Movement (NI) and Belfast Travellers Education and Development Group to brief the Committee on the Consultation document. It was also agreed that a list of questions be drawn up and forwarded to the OFMDFM for response. Action: Clerk

Mr Robinson joined the meeting at 2.09pm.

2. Letter to the Business Committee about a Private Member's Bill for the establishment of a Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland: The Committee noted the letter to the Business Committee and awaits an appropriate response.

1. Letter from Speechmatters regarding a response to the Human Rights and Equality Consultations and proposed events: Members noted the letter and enclosures from Speechmatters relating to Human Rights, Equality issues and events about people with aphasia.
2. Response from OFMDFM relating to Anti Discrimination Division Questions: The Committee noted the response from OFMDFM relating to Anti Discrimination Division questions raised by Members. It was also noted that a further piece of information is outstanding.
3. Letter from Economic Policy Unit, OFMDFM, relating to the Review of the NI Economic Council and the Provision of Independent Economic Advice and Research: The Committee considered a letter from the Economic Policy Unit (EPU), OFMDFM, about the Review of the NI Economic Council and the Provision of Independent Economic Advice and Research. The review will be undertaken by EPU and assisted by a Steering Group which will be holding structured interviews with a range of interested parties including representatives from the Assembly Committees. It was agreed the Committee should consider the issues and provide a written response. In the meantime the Assembly Research and Library Services will provide briefing on this issue. Action: Clerk
4. Newsletter from Victims Liaison Unit: Members noted a copy of a Newsletter from the Victims Liaison Unit.
5. Letter from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety: The Committee noted a letter from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety on the Investing for Health consultation document. In particular it was noted that a member of OFMDFM staff has joined the Ministerial Group responsible for the Investing in Health Strategy.
6. Letter from the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council: The Committee agreed to place a copy of the Community Relations Council's last two Annual Reports in the Assembly Library. Members also agreed the Committee should be kept informed of the current and future status of the Council. Action: Clerk

The evidence session started at 2.17pm. Evidence on the various aspects of the role and remit of a Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland was taken from Mrs Mary Cunningham, Child Care NI, Dr John Pinkerton and Mr Ross McCrea, First Key, Mrs Kate Lewis, NI Foster Care Association and Mrs Olwen Lyner, NIACRO. It was agreed that First Key would forward additional information. Action: Clerk

The evidence session started at 3.31pm. Evidence on the various aspects of role and remit of a Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland was taken from Mrs Mary Cunningham, Child Care NI, Ms Gemma Donnelly, EXTERN, Mrs Pip Jaffa, OBE, Parents Advice Centre, Ms Marie Cavanagh, Gingerbread and Ms Kelly Collins, VOYPIC.

Mrs Courtney left the meeting at 3.39pm.
Ms Lewsley left the meeting at 3.44pm.
Mrs Bell left the meeting at 4.09pm.

1. Members requested a working definition of 'victims' and 'equal' and it was agreed the Clerk would seek clarification from OFMDFM. Action: Clerk
2. Attendance at meetings: Members expressed disappointment about the number who remained for the duration of meetings. It was agreed that the Committee office staff would consider this issue. Action: Clerk
3. Norwegian Children's Ombudsman: Members asked about the availability of any data to indicate the effectiveness or otherwise of the Children's Ombudsman in Norway in comparison with other countries. Action: Clerk

The next two meetings of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings and on Friday, 11 May 2001 at 10.30am in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.