COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE

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 Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr Conor Murphy MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Mr Jim Shannon MLA

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

Apologies:
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

2. Chairperson's business

1. European Union Inquiry: The Chairperson informed members that there were difficulties in arranging a formal evidence session with Sir Nigel Sheinwald, UK Representative to the European Union. Members agreed that Committee office staff would endeavour to arrange an evidence session with Sir Nigel Sheinwald, by video conference, at the earliest available date. Action: Clerk

The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson thanked Committee office staff for their assistance in organising the recent successful visits to Westminster and the Scottish Parliament.

2. North Belfast Community Action Project: The Committee discussed the North Belfast Community Action Project which was set up at the beginning of December as a joint initiative between OFMDFM and DSD. Members agreed to invite OFMDFM officials to brief the Committee, in closed session, about progress on the project. Action: Clerk

3. Approval of draft minutes from previous proceedings

The minutes from the previous meetings on 9 and 11 January 2002 were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

Dr Birnie joined the meeting at 2.06pm.
Mrs Bell joined the meeting at 2.07pm.

4. Matters arising

Letter from OFMDFM about projects being carried out by their Research Branch: Members noted the response and agreed a copy of the letter be forwarded to the Statutory Committees and the Assembly Research and Library Services. Action: Clerk

5. Correspondence

1. Reply from OFMDFM giving an update on the Review of the NIEC and the provision of Independent Economic Advice and Research: The Committee noted the response and agreed a copy should be forwarded to the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee. Action: Clerk
2. Letter from The Lord Alderdice, The Speaker, about the House of Lords Constitution Committee Inquiry into Inter-Institutional Relations in the United Kingdom: The Committee debated the correspondence and agreed the Clerk would provide a paper for further consideration.

Mr Beggs joined the meeting at 2.10pm.

Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 2.11pm.

Action: Clerk

3. Memo enclosing the OFMDFM Forward Work Programme: The Committee considered the OFMDFM Forward Work Programme for the period January to June 2002.

Agreed - The Principal Clerk will continue to submit papers to the Committee for decision on the priority to be accorded to each issue;

• OFMDFM should provide an update about consultation on the proposed Single Equality Bill; and
• Members will inform Committee office staff of any topics for the Committee's next Inquiry.

Action: Clerk

1. Press Release about the launch of a Self Help Directory for Victims of the Troubles: Members noted the press release and requested copies of the directory. Action: Clerk
2. Letter from the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade NI about the Single Equality Bill: The Committee debated the issues raised in the letter.

Agreed - The Committee will examine the issues further when considering the draft Single Equality Bill later in the year and the Federation should be advised accordingly.

• A copy of the letter will be forwarded to OFMDFM.

Action: Clerk

Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 2.18pm.

1. Press Release from the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee about the Convention to prepare for the 2004 Inter-Governmental Conference: Members noted the press release.
2. Press Release from the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee about an evidence session on Animal Testing and Cosmetic Products: The Committee noted the press release.

6. Recording the Return of Postal Ballot Papers - Consultation by DTLR

The Committee considered the Clerk's paper and written submissions from organisations about the DTLR proposal to amend the Representation of the People Regulations to provide for the official recording of the receipt of postal ballot papers. Members discussed the proposal, the views of other organisations, the implications of the proposal and the practical issues involved.

Ms Lewsley left the meeting at 2.40pm.
Mr Shannon left the meeting at 2.45pm.
Mr Robinson left the meeting at 2.46pm.
Mr Murphy left the meeting at 2.59pm.

It was agreed the Clerk would prepare a draft report for distribution to members and consideration on Wednesday, 30 January 2002.

Dr Birnie left the meeting at 3.02pm.

Action: Clerk

7. Subordinate Legislation - Fair Employment (Specification of Public Authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001

The Committee considered the Fair Employment (Specification of Public Authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 Statutory Rule and report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

Agreed - That the Committee of the Centre has considered the Fair Employment (Specification of Public Authorities) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objections to the Rule.

8. Any other business

Westminster meetings: The members noted a summary of the meetings held at Westminster on 10 January with the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee and the House of Lords European Union Committee.

9. Date and time of next meeting

The next meetings of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 23 January 2002 and Thursday, 24 January 2002 in Brussels, and on Wednesday, 30 January 2002 at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.04pm.

Councillor Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
30 January 2002