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
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Conor Murphy 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)
Mrs Roisin Donnelly
Mrs Gillian Lewis
Ms Laurie Roberts
Mr Paul McCrossan

Apologies:
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mrs Annie Courtney MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Michelle Gildernew MP MLA
Mr James Leslie MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

Dr Birnie joined the meeting at 2.04pm.

2. Chairperson's Business

1. Additional Meetings - EU Inquiry: The Chairperson advised members that it would be necessary to review the timescale of the Committee's agreement to, and publication, of the EU Inquiry Report as some submissions were still outstanding and the Statutory Committees needed more time to consider the draft EU framework document. The Chairperson presented two options to the Committee: to either postpone the publication until after the Easter recess or arrange additional meetings of the Committee in order to meet the deadline previously agreed. The Committee agreed to extend the agreed timescale until after the Easter recess.

Action: Clerk

2. Review of Inquiry discussion paper identifying key issues: The Committee agreed to discuss the paper relating to the EU Inquiry in closed session at the next meeting on 20 February 2002.

Mrs Bell joined the meeting at 2.08pm.

Mr Murphy joined the meeting at 2.11pm.

3. Report of visit to Washington: The Chairperson reported to the Committee on the visit to Washington on 6 February 2002 for the opening of the NI Executive Bureau. The Chairperson also gave feedback on additional meetings he had with the Staff Director of the House International Relations Sub-committee on Europe, the Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice and with representatives from the Irish Institute, Boston College. The Committee agreed to discuss in further detail proposals for a visit to America at the meeting on 20 February 2002.

Action: Clerk

4. Meeting with Junior Ministers: The Chairperson confirmed that the meeting between the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and the Junior Ministers to discuss co-operation on EU issues has been set for Monday 25 February 2002 at 12.00pm.
5. Meeting of the UK Chairs with EU Responsibilities: The Chairperson confirmed that the next meeting of the UK Chairs with EU responsibilities has been arranged for Monday 15 April 2002. This meeting will be hosted by the House of Commons and Lords.

3. Approval of Draft Minutes

The minutes from the previous meeting held on 6 February 2002 were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

4. Matters Arising

1. Draft Victims' Strategy: The Chairperson reminded Members that the response from OFMDFM to issues raised by the Deputy Chairperson at the last meeting had been issued to Members with a covering paper from the Principal Clerk on 11 February 2002. The Committee agreed to respond to OFMDFM:

• by welcoming the emphasis on inclusiveness in relation to the definition of a 'victim',
• expressing the Committee's concern that the two Victims' Units are not being amalgamated,
• and request further information about the planned publicity campaign.

Action: Clerk

1. Press release from OFMDFM about the publication of a report analysing racist incidents recorded in NI by the RUC 1996-1999: The Committee noted the press release.
2. Letter from OFMDFM giving an update on the progress of work with Freedom of Information: The Committee noted the update given.
3. Letter from OFMDFM about Draft Service Delivery Agreements: The Committee considered the letter and agreed to meet with OFMDFM to discuss the revised Draft Service Delivery Agreement when finalised.

Action: Clerk

4. Letter from The Speaker to the Minister of Finance and Personnel: The Committee noted the correspondence.
5. Clerks briefing paper and research paper about Patterns of Sectarianism and Segregation in Belfast and NI: The Committee agreed to be briefed by the Assembly Head of Research on his paper in closed session at the meeting of 20 February 2002.

Action: Clerk

6. Information from European Committees: The Committee noted the information including the Scottish Parliament EU Committee Agenda for 12 February 2002, the House of Lords European Committees notice on forthcoming public meetings and weekly agenda, and press releases from the House of Commons regarding the publication of reports on the European Arrest Warrant and EU proposals concerning animal testing and cosmetic products.
7. Letter from the Special Adviser: The Committee considered the letter from the Special Adviser requesting additional days for work undertaken in relation to the EU Inquiry. The Committee agreed to this request.

Action: Clerk

1. Evidence Session from the Federation of Small Businesses and Confederation of British Industry NI

The Evidence session began at 2.26pm. Evidence was taken from Ms Michelle Lestas and Mr Glyn Roberts from the Federation of Small Businesses and Mr Nigel Smyth (Director, CBI) and Mr Bryan Johnston (Chairman, Image Investments) on behalf of CBI NI. The representatives highlighted key considerations for the business sector in Northern Ireland in relation to the European Union. The Minutes of Evidence will appear in the Committee's report on the Inquiry.

Mr Maskey joined the meeting at 2.43pm.
Mr Murphy left the meeting at 2.45pm.
Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 2.48pm.
Mr Robinson joined the meeting at 3.08pm.
Ms Lewsley left the meeting at 3.17pm.
Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 3.22pm.

The evidence ended at 3.22pm and the representatives from FSB & CBI NI left.

2. Evidence Session from the NI Centre in Europe

The Evidence session began at 3.25pm. Evidence was taken from Mr John Kennedy (Chief Executive, NICE). Mr Kennedy gave background information about the work of NICE and identified current and future priorities for NI within the context of the European Union. The Minutes of Evidence will appear in the Committee's report on the Inquiry.

Dr Birnie left the meeting at 3.42pm
Mrs Bell left the meeting at 3.50pm
Mr Maskey left the meeting at 3.57pm

The evidence ended at 4.20pm and Mr Kennedy left the meeting.

3. Additional Information relating to the EU Inquiry

1. Written Submissions from organisations/bodies

The Committee noted the written submissions relating to the EU Inquiry from the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and a letter from OFMDFM responding to issues raised by the Committee.

2. Memorandum of Understanding and Concordat

The Committee noted receipt of the material relating to EU policy issues namely, the Memorandum of Understanding, Joint Ministerial Committee information and the Concordat on EU Policy Issues.

3. Report of Round Table discussions in Brussels: The Committee agreed that this paper is included in the EU Inquiry Report as an appendix to the minutes of this meeting.

1. Meeting with the Joint Committee on Human Rights: The Committee acknowledged the record of the lunch and informal meeting which took place on 7 February 2002.
2. OFMDFM Executive Information Service about Preparations for the Review of Public Administration: The Chairperson drew members attention to the press release issued on 12 February by OFMDFM about preparations for the review of public administration. The Committee agreed to discuss this subject in greater detail at the meeting on 20 February 2002. The Committee requested legal guidance regarding potential conflict of interest for Assembly members who are also Councillors in relation to this review.

Action: Clerk

8. Date & Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 20 February at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4.25pm.

Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
20 February 2002

The following paper provides a summary of the key issues raised in the Round Table discussion. The purpose of the Round Table was to provide an opportunity for the members to discuss and debate some of the ideas developed over the course of the inquiry. A number of participants with a wide range of experience in EU issues assisted the committee in the round table. These included

• Imma Buldu, Director, Patronat Catala pro Europa
• Donald MacInnes, Chief Executive, Scotland Europa
• Des Clifford, Head of Brussels Office, National Assembly for Wales
• Micheal O'Conchuir, European Alliance Group, Committee of the Regions [former head of Dublin European Office, Former head of Merseyside Regional Office]

All participants agreed that there is no one single model for a regional approach to EU issues. A region needs to look at its own needs and create its own model which responds to those needs. It is important to have flexibility to be able to respond to needs of the different sectors.

Both Scotland and Wales explained that they built on their experience pre devolution. In both cases the current approach is to work along with Scotland Europa and Wales European Centre respectively, not against them. This allowed them to build on the existing contacts and networks and use them as a platform for the region as a whole. In Catalonia they developed a public consortium to deal with EU issues as the government did not want to act alone.

The importance of the MEPS, CoR and ESC members was also discussed. These were identified as important elements in a successful regional approach. The MEPs have an important role with the increased powers of the European Parliament and the CoR and ESC are recognised as giving good opinions on issues.

It was suggested that success lies in building good foundations within the region. In Catalonia the model of partnership used in Brussels is replicated in the structures in the region and translated through into all sectors of society. These structures represent all the interests of society and the activities of the consortium include briefings, training, events etc for all sectors.

Local input was a major issue behind the success of the Merseyside office. Locally it was felt that all sectors should be involved. Europe needs to be credible and relevant for people on the street and this requires good communication.

The UKRep facilities and expertise across a wide range of EU issues are important as the members state role is central. However it was agreed that given the limited resources available to a region, making use of all networks, both formal and informal and all sectors is essential.

In order to have an influence in EU issues it is important to identify a limited number of strategic aims over along term period. Wales have decided they could not cover the whole pitch and therefore have identified 4 important strategic aims including Structural funds; Agriculture; State aids & competition; Inter-regional links.

In Catalonia there is a budget for public activities, working for whole of Catalan society. Staff follow different dossiers and policies rather than specific customers. This allows information to be shared with all interests. The Catalan structure includes an advisory committee with parliamentary, academic, local and socio-economic interests who meet once per year to agree activities.

All agreed that the EU is not just about funding. There is a need for a region to appear a serious and credible reliable partner. This means sharing resources, making best use of information to identify strategic objectives. Specific projects can be good to position Northern Ireland and if well defined can contribute to the policy agenda of the EC. It may then be possible to identify funding sources to sustain these projects and initiatives. When positioning a region within the EU, it was suggested that softer cultural aspects can bring good benefits.

It is important to ensure that the region has the capacity to deal with EU issues. In Wales they have set aside a budget to finance secondments to EC and UKRep for both officials and outside individuals from NGOs. The objective is to develop and make use of this expertise for the good of the region.

The Catalans have a comprehensive funding programme for training and development programmes. Scholarships also exist for Catalan students to study in European universities. Need to think about relationships in Northern Ireland and making use of expertise available to Northern Ireland.

The input of the European committee in Wales is seen as essential to its EU approach which requires the widest possible support - cross party and other sectors. The Executive welcome and benefit from the active involvement of the committee whose central role is to create a strategic forward thinking environment.

The committee can identify gaps in the system and establish wider priorities. Scrutiny of EU legislation forms a very small part of the work programme. They have decided to identify 5 or 6 priorities from the EC work programme and to use this to form a work programme for the committee. The objective is to agree a single document of direct significance to Wales. The committee also invite the ambassador for each presidency of the EU to meet the committee and receive presentations on issues of interest eg euro, transport etc.

In Catalonia the European Committee is not very active and tends to deal with broad issues such as the debate on European Governance.