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

In attendance:
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Ms N Dunwoody Clerk Assistant
Mr J Torney Principal Clerk, Overseas Office
Ms G Campbell P/S Speaker
Mr J Ross
Ms E Gillen
Ms A Sloan

1. WELCOME

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

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING 3 DECEMBER 2001

The minutes of the meeting of 3 December 2001 were AGREED and signed by the President.

3. MATTERS ARISING

Reports from Women Parliamentarian meetings which took place at the 47^th CPA Conference in Australia, 2 - 14 September 2001

The President noted that the Reports were circulated to all Members at a branch meeting on 18 February 2002.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians

The President noted that information on membership of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentary Association was circulated at a meeting on 18^th February 2002.

4. DATE FOR AGM OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BRANCH OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

Members AGREED to hold the AGM on Monday 17 June 2002 at 4pm. The re election of Office Bearers will take place at this meeting.

The following reports were issued at the meeting and will be discussed at the AGM.

• A report on activities for the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002
• A financial report on the period 1 April 2001 - 31 March 2002

Mr Hutchinson, as Treasurer, presented a financial report on the period 1 April 2001- 31 March 2002.He was content with the accuracy of the report but expressed concern at the cost of the airfares to attend the CPA conferences. He was aware that the branch will be nominating members to attend the CPA conference in Namibia and suggested that only one delegate should attend to reduce the cost. Members deliberated and AGREED that this issue should be discussed at a later Executive Committee meeting when a draft costing exercise will be provided by the Overseas Office. Mr Hutchinson explained that the Officials had re profiled the budget in October 2001 from 48K to 33,500k. The President requested that if future financial decisions needed to be taken, the Executive Committee should be fully consulted by Officials.

Mr McClarty enquired if a payment could be made to the Ugandan Choir for their performance on Commonwealth Day. Members AGREED and asked the Overseas Office to liaise with Rock Ministries and offer a small performance payment for their excellent service.

5. 48^TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE, NAMIBIA 1-14 SEPTEMBER 2002

Members AGREED that the Branch should be represented at the conference however a decision on how many delegates/observers/officials should attend would be taken when a draft costing exercise is provided by the Overseas Office.

6. CONFERENCE OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND MEDITERRANEAN REGION - 2006

The President informed Members that the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the CPA has been offered the opportunity to host the 2006 conference. Members AGREED that they will decide on whether or not to formally accept this offer when a draft costing exercise is provided by the Overseas Office.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Conference on Enhancing Good Governance by Curbing Corruption, 10 - 14 June 2002

The CPA is currently placing particular emphasis on developing the oversight role of Parliaments and the promotion of good democratic practices such as a greater transparency and the avoidance of corruption. The President asked if he could have nominations for one Member to attend. Members Agreed that the Overseas Office should offer other members of the branch the opportunity to attend and the President would then nominate one person to represent the branch.

8. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

Members AGREED to meet in the next few weeks.

The meeting adjourned at 4.55pm

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The President