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

Apologies: Mr Oliver Gibson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mrs Eileen Bell
Dr Esmond Birnie
Mrs Annie Courtney
Ms Michelle Gildernew
Mr James Leslie
Mr Alex Maskey
Mr Eugene McMenamin
Mr Ken Robinson
Mr Jim Shannon

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

2. Chairperson's business

Scottish Parliament's European Committee: The Chairperson informed members that the Convener of the European Committee, Mr Hugh Henry, is now Deputy Minister of Health and Community Care. The new Convener is Mrs Irene Oldfather MSP.

3. Approval of draft minutes from previous proceedings

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

4. Matters arising

OFMDFM Corporate Strategic Framework for delivering government services electronically and Equality Impact Assessment: Members considered and discussed the Clerk's paper and a research paper highlighting key issues. The Committee agreed to seek further information on matters such as a definition of 'key services' and targets which are being considered by the e-Government project board. Action: Clerk

5. Correspondence

1. Memo and enclosures about the Victims' Strategy: The Committee noted the correspondence from NIVT about the evaluation of programmes and confidential information on applications for grants which were unsuccessful.
2. Letter and Draft Guide to Consultation Methods from OFMDFM: Members considered the letter and Draft Guide. The Committee noted that there would be a wide ranging consultation and it was agreed that if members had any comments on the document these should be submitted to the Committee office staff in writing. Action: Clerk
3. Memo and enclosure from the Scottish Parliament's Guide to Finding EU Information: Members noted the memo and the Guide.
4. Press Release from the European Scrutiny Committee, House of Commons about its Report examining the proposal for a European Arrest Warrant: The Committee noted the press release.

6. NI Executive Response to the Disability Rights Task Force - Consultation Document

I Briefing from Disability Action

The briefing session started at 2.15pm. Briefing on the NI Executive Response to the Disability Rights Task Force - Consultation Document was given by Ms Monica Wilson, Chief Executive, Disability Action.

Ms Wilson invited the Committee to visit Disability Action's offices at a later date.

The Chief Executive left the meeting at 2.51pm.

II Briefing from OFMDFM officials

The briefing session began at 2.52pm. Briefing on the NI Executive Response to the Disability Rights Task Force - Consultation Document was given by Mrs Patricia McAuley, Head of Anti Discrimination Unit, Mr Ken Walker and Mr Robert Gray, officials in Anti Discrimination Unit from OFMDFM.

Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 3.25pm.
The officials left the meeting at 3.36pm.

III Committee reply to the NI Executive Response to the Disability Rights Task Force - Consultation Document

Members considered their reply to the NI Executive Response to the Disability Rights Task Force - Consultation Document. The reply was agreed subject to amendments and additions. Action: Clerk

7. Any other business

Recording the Return of Postal Ballot Papers - Consultation by DTLR: Members considered the Clerk's paper and accompanying consultation document. The Committee agreed to seek written views from bodies/organisations and consider the issue further in the New Year. Action: Clerk

8. Date and time of next meeting

The next two meetings of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, 18 December 2001, at 10.00am in Room 144, and on Wednesday, 9 January 2002, at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

5 December 2001/ Menu / 18 December 2001