MINUTES OF THE TWENTY NINTH MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION HELD ON TUESDAY 17 JUNE 2008 AT 4.25PM IN ROOM 106
Present: The Speaker
Mr Stephen Moutray
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Sean Neeson
Apology: Mr Paul Butler
In Attendance: Mrs C Devon, Mr T Logue, Mr R Good, Ms C McGowan. Mr H Widdis was present for Agenda Item 1 – 3. Mr D McClarty was present for Agenda Item 1.
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THE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS PENSION SCHEME (NI) 2000
The Speaker welcomed Mr David McClarty, MLA, Chairman of the Pension Trustees to the meeting.
Mr McClarty provided Members with the background to the proposed amendments to the Assembly Members’ Pension Scheme (NI) 2000 in line with the Finance Act 2004 and the Pensions Act 2004.
Following discussion, Members agreed that the Commission should seek the general power to make amendments to the Assembly Members’ Pension Scheme (NI) 2000 at plenary on Monday 30 June. Members agreed that Mr Neeson would move the motion on the 30 June.
The Commission further agreed that the amendments proposed by the Trustees should be circulated to all Members of the Assembly Members’ Pension Scheme for consideration in advance of the debate on the 30 June.
The Interim Clerk/Director General informed the Commission that subject to the agreement of the resolution in plenary on 30 June 2008, and subject to any comments from MLAs on the details of the proposed changes, that the Assembly Commission would be invited to agree how to give effect to the amendments at their meeting on 1 July 2008.
Mr McClarty left the meeting at 4.35pm.
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CHAIRMANS BUSINESS
2.1 Judicial Review
Mr Widdis provided the Commission with an update in relation to the outcome of the recent judicial review. He informed Members that the judicial review had been withdrawn, in its entirety, by the applicants.
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MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting held on 3 June 2008 were agreed.
Mr Widdis left the meeting at 5.00pm
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ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
The Commission noted the contents of the Assembly’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2007 – 2008, which would now be presented to the Comptroller and Auditor General by the Assembly’s Accounting Officer early in week commencing 23 June 2008.
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UPDATE ON SENIOR APPOINTMENTS
The Commission noted progress made on the recruitment and appointment of the Clerk /Director General and Directors.
The Commission agreed that the new Clerk/Director General and Directors should be invited to meet Members as part of their induction visit on the 1 July 2008.
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS
6.1 Visitor Access to Members Dining Room
Mr Moutray informed Members that he had received complaints from colleagues in relation to visitors, accompanied by a Member, gaining access to the balcony adjacent to the Members Dining Room while Members were eating. The Commission agreed that officials look into the matter, and to the sanctions open to the Commission.
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 24 June, 15 minutes after the House rises
The meeting ended at 5.15pm.