COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS: WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2002
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Mr Oliver Gibson MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Roy Beggs MLA
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Barry McElduff MLA
Mr Conor Murphy 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
Mr Paul McCrossan
Ms Laurie Roberts

Apologies:
Mr Edwin Poots (Chairperson)
Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Mrs Annie Courtney MLA
Mr Fred Cobain MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Mr Alex Maskey MLA
Mr Eugene McMenamin MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA

The meeting began at 2.06pm in closed session.

1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.

2. New Appointment to Committee
Mr Barry McElduff MLA was welcomed on his appointment to replace Ms Michelle Gildernew MP MLA on the Committee. The Deputy Chairperson asked Mr McElduff to forward confirmation to the Committee of interests that he considered related to the Committee's Terms of Reference or to work which the Committee may undertake.
Action: Clerk

3. European Union Inquiry
The Special Adviser joined the meeting at 2.07pm.
Emerging Recommendations - remaining issues for decision
The Deputy Chair invited discussion on the options presented in the Clerk's memo. Members agreed to consult with their respective Parties before confirming the recommendations for inclusion in the Draft EU Report. The Deputy Chairperson asked members to forward their views to the Clerk before 5pm on Monday, 4 March 2002.

Mr Beggs joined the meeting at 2.11pm.
Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 2.16pm.
The Specialist Adviser left the meeting at 2.22pm.

Action: Clerk

4. Patterns of Sectarianism & Segregation in Belfast & NI
(a) Briefing by the Assembly Head of Research
The Committee heard further briefing from the Assembly Head of Research about Patterns of Sectarianism & Segregation in Belfast & NI as agreed at last week's meeting. The briefing session began at 2.24pm. Members received a short presentation covering the key issues contained in the paper prepared by the Head of Research on this subject.

Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 2.36pm.

The Committee agreed that the paper prepared by the Assembly Head of Research should be forwarded to OFMDFM.

The briefing session ended at 2.45pm.
Mr Murphy left the meeting at 2.46pm.
The meeting opened in public session at 2.46pm

(b) Briefing by Dr Peter Shirlow, University of Ulster
The briefing session began at 2.47pm. Dr Shirlow's presentation covered findings from his published research about sectarianism and segregation in interface areas of Belfast and commented on the media coverage of his work. Dr Shirlow confirmed that the press reports in January on the research were inaccurate and advised the Committee that his discussions with journalists had been misinterpreted.

Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 3.10pm.

The briefing session ended at 3.24pm and Dr Shirlow left the meeting.

5. Chairperson's Business
(a) Conference of the EU Information Network in NI: The Deputy Chairperson advised members that the European Commission Representation in NI is holding a conference in conjunction with the European Information Network on Thursday 28 March 2002. The Deputy Chairperson confirmed that the Chairperson had agreed to address the conference about the progress of the European Inquiry on behalf of the Committee.
(b) Europe Day: The Deputy Chairperson advised members that the Committee had been asked by the European Commission Representation in NI to co-host this year's annual reception to mark Europe Day on 9 May 2002. The Committee agreed to co-host a lunchtime event in Parliament Buildings.
Action: Clerk

6. Approval of Draft Minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting held on 20 February 2002 were agreed and signed by the Deputy Chairperson.

7. Matters Arising
None.

8. Correspondence
(a) Letter from the Director of Childcare NI: The Committee noted the letter from the Director of Childcare NI regarding her change of post.
(b) Letter from the Joint Committee on Human Rights: Members noted the letter of thanks to the Committee and Committee staff following the Joint Committee on Human Rights visit to Belfast on 7 February 2002.
(c) Information from the European Committees: The Committee noted receipt of the Weekly Agenda from the Scottish Parliament European Committee.
(d) Correspondence from OFMDFM: Members noted the letter from OFMDFM updating the Committee that the appointment of a Children's Commissioner would be delayed until the autumn.

9. Regional Transportation Strategy
The Committee considered the proposed Regional Transportation Strategy. Members were asked to forward details of any issues they wanted to raise to the Principal Clerk. The Committee noted that Ms Lewsley is to meet the Minister to discuss the disability issues in the Regional Transportation Strategy. It was agreed that the strategy document would be reviewed in further detail after that meeting.
Action: Members

10. Draft Guide to Consultation Methods for NI Public Authorities
The Deputy Chairperson invited discussion on the Draft Guide to Consultation Methods for NI Public Authorities produced by OFMDFM. Members agreed that a response to the Draft Guide from the Committee should highlight the missed opportunity by OFMDFM to produce this consultation document as one that reflected the best practice principles advocated.
Action: Clerk

11. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act
Members discussed the variances between the information presented in the consultation material and the information that was presented in the SL1 on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act forwarded by OFMDFM to the Committee. The Committee agreed to:

• ask OFMDFM to forward further information including equality impact assessment details about the additional organisations presented in the SL1.
  Action: Clerk

12. Planning & Water Appeals Commissions
Members discussed the Planning & Water Appeals Commissions for which responsibility has been transferred to OFMDFM. The Committee agreed to:

• seek the necessary amendment to Standing Orders to enable the Committee to examine issues relating to the Planning & Water Appeals Commissions.
• ensure that papers are copied to the relevant Statutory Committees in the interim.
• give further consideration to the Quinquennial Review as a high priority area of work.
  Action: Clerk

13. Any Other Business
None.

14. Date & Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday, 6 March at 2.00pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Deputy Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.44pm.

Mr Edwin Poots MLA
Chairperson, Committee of the Centre
6 March 2002

20 February 2002/ Menu / 6 March 2002