COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRE
EU AFFAIRS SUB COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS:
TUESDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2002
ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr Edwin Poots MLA (Convenor)
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MLA
Mr Barry McElduff MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA
Apologies: Mrs Eileen Bell MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
In Attendance: Ms Stella McArdle (Committee Clerk)
Mrs Gillian Lewis
The meeting opened at 11.05am in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.
2. Convenor's business
The Convenor informed members that a number of evidence sessions had been arranged, although some witnesses still had to confirm their attendance. The First Minister of the Welsh Assembly, Mr Rhodri Morgan AM, had indicated that due to other commitments he would be unable to give oral evidence to the Sub Committee and it was agreed to ask for a written submission.
Action: Clerk
3. Approval of draft minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting on 11 June 2002 were agreed and signed by the Convenor.
Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 11.07am.
4. Matters arising
None.
5. Inquiry into the remit and workload of a Standing Committee on EU Affairs
(i) Evidence from Junior Minister, Mr Denis Haughey MLA
The evidence session began at 11.08am. Evidence on the remit and workload of a Standing Committee on EU Affairs was taken from Junior Minister, Mr Denis Haughey MLA, Mr Peter May, and Mr Paul Geddis, European Policy and Co-ordination Unit, OFMDFM. Mr Haughey agreed to provide further information on the work of the NICO.
Action: Clerk
The minutes of evidence will appear in the Sub Committee's Inquiry report.
The Junior Minister and officials left the meeting at 12 noon.
(ii) Evidence from Northern Ireland Centre in Europe
The evidence session began at 12 noon. Evidence on the remit and workload of a Standing Committee on EU Affairs was taken from Mr John Kennedy, Chief Executive, and Ms Claire Whitten, Northern Ireland Centre in Europe.
Dr McDonnell left the meeting at 12.17pm.
Mr Kennedy will forward a written submission for inclusion in the Sub Committee's report.
Action: Clerk
The minutes of evidence will appear in the Sub Committee Inquiry report.
The Chairperson and members congratulated Ms Whitten on her appointment as a member of the European Economic and Social Committee.
The representatives left the meeting at 12.39pm.
6. Any other business
None.
7. Date and time of next meeting
The next meeting of the EU Affairs Sub Committee will take place on Tuesday, 17 September 2002 at 11.00am in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.
The Convenor adjourned the meeting at 12.40pm.
COUNCILLOR EDWIN POOTS MLA
Convenor, EU Affairs Sub Committee, Committee of the Centre
17 September 2002