Present: Mr Edwin Poots (Chairperson)
Mr Oliver Gibson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs Jnr
Mrs Eileen Bell
Dr Esmond Birnie
Mrs Annie Courtney
Ms Patricia Lewsley
Dr Alasdair McDonnell
Mr Eugene McMenamin
Mr Conor Murphy
Mr Ken Robinson
Mr Jim Shannon

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

Apologies: Mr David Ervine
Mr James Leslie

Apologies are listed above.

1. Belgian Ambassador: The Chairperson reminded members that the Committee would be meeting with the Belgian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr Lode Willems on Monday, 25 June 2001 at 3.30pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
2. Review of Independent Economic Advice and Northern Ireland Economic Council (NIEC): Members noted that the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment had invited Mr Will Haire, Director of the Economic Policy Unit of OFMDFM to update its members on the progress of the OFMDFM review on the role of the NIEC and the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre.

Dr Birnie joined the meeting at 2.03pm.
Mr Murphy joined the meeting at 2.04pm.

3. Meeting with Junior Ministers: The Chairperson informed members that he and the Deputy Chairperson met with the two Junior Ministers from OFMDFM on Monday, 18 June 2001. A number of issues were discussed including future work programmes, the Children's Commissioner, Budget Timetable, the Single Equality Bill, the visit to USA, the Review of Public Administration and future consultation documents.
4. Budget Proposals 2002-03: Members noted that the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will not appear before the Committee to discuss the OFMDFM Budget Proposals for 2002/03 as this is a matter for Junior Ministers. It was agreed that the Junior Ministers would be invited to appear before the Committee on Monday, 25 June 2001 (4.30pm - 5.30pm). Action: Clerk

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

None.

1. Letter from OFMDFM regarding National Security Certificates issued: Members noted the letter from OFMDFM providing details of the number of National Security Certificates issued.
2. Letter from OFMDFM regarding the Review of the Equality Scheme Screening Exercise: The Committee noted a response from OFMDFM about the Review of the Equality Scheme Screening Exercise stating that the consultation had closed and OFMDFM's Statutory Duty Unit was analysing the responses received. Members noted that the policies of the Central Emergency Planning Unit would be screened in as part of the exercise and requested further clarification about the remaining functional areas. Action: Clerk

The evidence session started at 2.10pm.Evidence on the Single Equality Bill Consultation Document was taken from Ms Barbary Cooke, Convenor, and Mr James Knox, Project Co-ordinator for the Coalition on Sexual Orientation.

Members considered a paper on work areas relating to European Union matters which the Committee could undertake for scrutiny as part of its European Union remit.

Agreed, OFMDFM's strategy for formulating, co-ordinating and implementing policy priorities for promoting the Administration's interests within the European Union should be an issue for scrutiny.

Agreed, the Brussels office and the future role of the Northern Ireland Centre for Europe should be an issue for scrutiny and could be included in OFMDFM's strategy.

Agreed, an audit of European Union contacts should be instigated.

Agreed, a Committee visit to Brussels would be beneficial; it should involve a structured schedule of events including the Euro; and members should be adequately briefed before the visit.

The Draft Committee Work Programme was considered by members. It was agreed the programme should include the Programme for Government and Budget proposals. Members expressed concerns about the number of scheduled consultation documents.

None.

The members agreed that the next two meetings of the Committee would be held on Monday, 25 June 2001 at 3.30pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings and Wednesday, 27 June 2001 at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.