COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

~ NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BRANCH ~

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

MONDAY 10 JUNE 2002 AT 4.00 PM

IN THE READING ROOM, LIBRARY

The meeting began at 4.00 pm

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

Apologies:
Mrs E Bell

In attendance:
Mr A Moir, Clerk to the Assembly
Mr J Reynolds, Deputy Clerk to 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 third meeting of the Executive Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING 13 MAY 2002

The minutes of the meeting of 13 May 2002 were AGREED and signed by the President.

3. MATTERS ARISING

Conference British Islands and Mediterranean Region 2006

The Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been offered the opportunity to host the 2006 conference. The President noted the draft estimate of cost, which was drawn up using guidelines from the conference held in Edinburgh 2001 and Cardiff 2002. The President suggested that the costs could be reduced if external agencies were approached to host some dinners/lunches. Members agreed that this is a prestigious event and although the costs appear high the benefits of hosting this event would be immense in promoting Northern Ireland.

Members AGREED that a letter accepting the invitation to host the conference should be sent to CPA headquarters.

48th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Namibia, 1-14 September 2002

The President noted the draft cost involved in sending representatives to the conference in Namibia. He suggested that officials should obtain a few more estimates for flights with other airlines in order to compare prices for the best option.

Members AGREED to send one delegate and one observer to the conference. Members proposed Mr D McClarty to attend as the delegate and Mr R Hutchinson as substitute with Mrs E Bell as the observer and Mr A Maginness as substitute. The Clerk to the Northern Ireland Assembly may wish to send an official to the Conference for the meeting of the Society of Clerks at Table.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Messengers choir from Uganda

The President noted a letter from Rock Ministries (N.I.) Trust requesting £450 for their performance on Commonwealth Day, 11th March 2002. Members Agreed that this was a reasonable request and the sum requested should be paid.

Conference of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, Wales 2002

Rev Coulter suggested that a thank you letter should be sent on behalf of delegates who attended the conference.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The President reminded Members that the Annual General Meeting of the Branch would be held on 17 June 2002 at 4pm in the End Reading room of the Library.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

Members AGREED to meet on Monday 17th June 2002 after the AGM

The meeting adjourned at 4.25pm

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The President