Apologies are listed above.

None.

The minutes from the previous meeting on 27 June 2001 were agreed and signed by the Deputy Chairperson.

None.

1. Letter from OFMDFM about Consultation on Subordinate Legislation, Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000: The Committee considered the response from OFMDFM about members' queries on the Consultation on Subordinate Legislation, Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Members noted that a number of the Committee's points were taken on board and will be reflected in future consultation exercises. Members were content with the response and agreed the Clerk should reply to OFMDFM accordingly. Action: Clerk
2. OFMDFM's Corporate and Business Plan:

Dr Birnie joined the meeting at 2.04pm.

Members noted the final printed version of OFMDFM's Corporate and Business Plan including minor amendments, and also 'A Guide to the Department' booklet.

3. Letter from the Probation Board for Northern Ireland about their Autumn 2000 Conference Report: The Committee noted the letter from the Probation Board for Northern Ireland about their Autumn 2000 Report and that a copy of the report was available from Committee office staff.
4. Responses from the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, the Committee for Finance and Personnel and the Social Development Committee, on the Single Equality Bill Consultation Document: Members noted the responses from Assembly Committees on the Single Equality Bill Consultation Document and agreed that any further responses received should be forwarded to OFMDFM. Action: Clerk

1. Review of Public Administration: The Committee noted the briefing paper from OFMDFM outlining the broad themes and major issues that are currently under consideration and likely to feature in the Review of Public Administration. It was agreed that OFMDFM officials would be invited to give evidence to the Committee on these issues in early Autumn. Action: Clerk
2. Review and Strategy on Community Relations:

Mr Ervine joined the meeting at 2.13pm.
Mrs Bell joined the meeting at 2.15pm.
Ms Gildernew joined the meeting at 2.15pm.
Mr Murphy joined the meeting at 2.15pm.

Members noted the briefing paper from OFMDFM about the Department's proposal to complete a review of existing community relations policy by November 2001. Members agreed that the terms of reference should be extended to include an examination of the composition of the Community Relations Council. The Committee requested copies of the recently completed evaluations of the District Council Community Relations Programme and the Community Relations Council. Members also agreed to invite officials from OFMDFM to brief the Committee, in September, on the emerging findings of the review. Action: Clerk

The Committee considered whether to invite organisations to give evidence on this policy. At this point members expressed dissatisfaction that the Committee's Programme of Work appeared to be driven by papers and consultations rather than be determined by members themselves. It was agreed that the issue of evidence sessions and the Committee's Forward Work Programme should be thoroughly debated following the summer recess period. Action: Clerk

3. Consultation on Disability Rights Task Force Report:

The Committee noted that the response to the Disability Rights Task Force Report recommendations is currently being prepared and will be issued for consultation in July 2001. It was also noted that the consultation period is planned to be 12 weeks running from late July to late October 2001 and the Committee will have the opportunity to consider the consultation document in Autumn.

The Committee considered its draft response to the Single Equality Bill Consultation Document. Members expressed a number of concerns which included insufficient time for evidence and debate in order to give a full response.

Agreed - a brief response should issue along the lines of the paragraphs in point 13 of the draft;

• other Assembly Committee responses be included with the Committee of the Centre's response; and
• the Committee will consider this issue further in the autumn. Action: Clerk

The Committee considered its draft response to the PSI Consultation on Future Priorities.

Agreed - groups should include Travellers;

• Assembly Committee responses should be included with the Committee of the Centre response; and
• the Clerk should forward the response to OFMDFM. Action: Clerk

The Committee considered its draft response to the Programme for Government and Budget Proposals for 2002-03.

Agreed - the need for funding for a Children's Commissioner should be stated strongly in the response; and

• the response should reflect the Committee's concern that practical support for victims has not been given appropriate priority. Action: Clerk

The Committee agreed to consider its Forward Work Programme, as a separate agenda item, immediately after the summer recess period. Action: Clerk

Mr Ervine rejoined the meeting at 3.19pm.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 5 September 2001 at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.