Present:
The Speaker
Mr F Agnew
Mrs E Bell
Mrs J Carson
Rev R Coulter
Mr A Doherty
Mr D Ford
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr D Watson
Mr J Wells

Apologies:
Mr S Foster
Mrs B Rodgers
The Rt Hon J Taylor MP

In attendance:
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr J Reynolds Principal Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell
Mr J Ross

1. NOTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The note of the previous meeting of 27 February 2001 was AGREED and signed by the Speaker.

The Speaker welcomed Mr Arthur Moir, Clerk to the Assembly, to the meeting.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 The Rev Robert Coulter proposed that the Speaker should attend the General Assembly in Australia in September 2001 when the admission of the Northern Ireland Branch would be taken. It was suggested that a number of Members should also attend as observers. It was AGREED to defer a final decision until the Annual General Meeting when further information relating to this event will be available.

3. DRAFT CONSTITUTION

3.1 Members confirmed the adoption of the draft constitution as the rules of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

4. BRITISH ISLES AND MEDITERRANEAN REGION MEETING

4.1 Two Members of the Branch have been invited to attend the 32^nd Conference of the British Isles and Mediterranean Region meeting in Scotland between 17-20 June 2001. The Branch AGREED the nominations of Reverend Robert Coulter (proposed/seconded by Jim Wells/Eileen Bell) and Roger Hutchinson (proposer/seconded by Jim Wells/David Ford). Members AGREED that if there was the possibility of securing a further invitation to attend this event it may be taken up by Mr Alban Maginness.

5. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

5.1 The Branch AGREED that membership should be available to all Assembly Members on completion of the relevant forms so that issues such as quorums can be managed. Application forms relating to membership and entitlement to The Parliamentarian journal will be issued to all Members. A note to this effect will be included in the All Party Notice on 5 April 2001.

5.2 It was AGREED that the minutes of meetings will be sent to all Members of the Branch. They will also be available through the Library, the NI Assembly website, and the Weekly Information Bulletin.

6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

6.1 Members AGREED that the Annual General Meeting should be held on Tuesday 1 May 2001 at 2.30 pm in the Reading Room of the Library.

6.2 Mrs Eileen Bell requested that information should be made available on Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP). Mrs Joan Carson agreed, to forward, through the Business Office, some information on CWP.

6.3 Mr Jim Wells enquired if party support staff could become associate officials of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. It was AGREED that this matter would be taken forward with CPA secretariat officials in London and discussed at the next meeting.

6.4 The Speaker informed Members that interest had been expressed in forming a Commonwealth Society of Ireland which would be distinct from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. This organisation would give an opportunity for those living throughout Ireland to promote an understanding of the nature and workings of the Commonwealth. The Speaker requested that if any Member knew of individuals who might be interested in such a project to forward details to his Office.

7. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Northern Ireland Branch was the Annual General Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 1 May 2001 at 2.30 pm in the Reading Room of the Assembly.

The meeting adjourned at 3.05 pm.