Present:
The President
Rev R Coulter
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr D McClarty
Mr E Poots
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wells

1. WELCOME

The President welcomed members to the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

2. CPA CONFERENCE TO MARK GOLDEN JUBILEE OF HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II

The President informed Members that the Executive Committee of the UK Branch of the CPA has invited one parliamentarian from the NIA Branch to attend a Conference in Westminster on 10 - 15 March 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Copies of the agenda and spouses programme were circulated. Members AGREED that a reserve delegate should also be nominated. Mr David McClarty was proposed by Mr Roger Hutchinson and seconded by Mr Jim Wells and accepted the nomination. Mr Roger Hutchinson was proposed by Mr Jim Wells and seconded by Mr David McClarty as reserve delegate and accepted the nomination.

3. COMMONWEALTH DAY - MONDAY 11 MARCH 2002

Members were previously asked to give consideration on how to mark this event. The President suggested that a meeting could be arranged with Mr Mark Adair from the Community Relations Council who had set up a working group to plan a series of events within Northern Ireland during the year. Mr Moir and Mr Ross AGREED to take this forward.

The President asked if the Branch would like to organise some events to celebrate Commonwealth Day. After deliberation Members agreed to take forward the following suggestions.

1. Host a reception in Parliament Buildings for students from other Commonwealth countries presently studying in Northern Ireland and athletes who have won medals at The Commonwealth Games.
2. Organise a competition for primary 7 school children throughout the province on the theme of "Celebrating Diversity".

Members AGREED that a sub-committee of Mrs Joan Carson, Mr Roger Hutchinson and Mr Denis Watson would be formed to take forward proposals and would be assisted by Mr Moir and Mr Ross.

OBSERVANCE OF COMMONWEALTH DAY

The President informed the Committee that two young people, preferably between 18 - 25 years (Male and Female), have been invited to attend Commonwealth Day celebrations in London on Monday 11 March 2002. Those chosen should have an interest in the Commonwealth, Parliamentary affairs and display leadership potential. Members AGREED that the Young Farmers Club should be asked for nominations before 18 January 2002.

4. BRITISH ISLES & MEDITERRANEAN REGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2002

The President informed the Committee that the Branch has been invited to send up to 4 Members and one Official to the British Isles and Mediterranean Annual Conference in Wales between 8 - 13 April 2002. A spouses programme is also available. A decision on nominations would be taken at the next full meeting of the NI Assembly Branch.

5. ASSOCIATE OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP

Members AGREED that staff at Principal Clerk level and above would be entitled to avail of Associate Official Membership of the NI Assembly Branch of CPA. Appropriate application forms would be issued accordingly.

Mrs Joan Carson gave a brief update on her recent visit to Canada where she attended the inaugural session of the CPA Canadian Parliamentary Seminar with Mrs Carmel Hanna. Mrs Carson will make her report available at the next meeting of the Branch.

Mr Jim Wells enquired about the availability of reports from the meeting of Women Parliamentarians that took place at 47^th CPA in Australia. Mr Ross AGREED to follow this up.

Mrs Joan Carson further enquired if she was now a member of the Commonwealth Womens Parliamentarians. Mr Ross AGREED to provide further information.

7. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

Members agreed that the next CPA meeting would be held in late January early February 2002.

The meeting adjourned at 4.45pm.

Menu / 13 May 2002