Present:
The Speaker
Mr F Agnew
Mrs E Bell
Mrs J Carson
Rev R Coulter
Mr N Dodds
Mr A Doherty
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClarty
Mr I Paisley Jnr
Mr E Poots
Mr D Watson
Mr P Weir
Mr J Wells

Apologies:
Mr D Ford

In attendance:
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr M Barnes Clerk Assistant
Ms G Campbell
Mr J Ross

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting of 3 April 2001 were AGREED and signed by the Speaker.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 General Assembly

The Speaker AGREED to attend the General Assembly in Australia in September 2001 when the admission of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch would be taken. The Speaker suggested that he would represent the Branch on this occasion but that it would not necessarily be appropriate for him to represent the Branch on all such occasions.

Members proposed that Rev Robert Coulter, Mr Jim Wells, Mrs Eileen Bell and Mr Alban Maginness should also attend in an observer capacity.

2.2 British Isles and Mediterranean Region Meeting

Rev Robert Coulter, Mr Arthur Doherty, and Mr Roger Hutchinson will be attending the meeting in Scotland between 17-20 June 2001. They will be accompanied by an Assembly Official. Representatives will shortly be contacted by John Ross with regard to the logistics of the visit.

2.3 Associate Official Membership

Although party support staff are unable to avail of membership of the CPA the Speaker outlined the efforts of certain individuals in establishing a Commonwealth Society of Ireland. It was hoped that the establishment of this organisation would be well supported since it was open to all members of the community.

3. ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS

3.1 The following Members were elected to office:

The following Members were nominated for election to the Executive Committee:

After a secret ballot the following Members were returned to serve on the Executive Committee:

Mrs Eileen Bell, Rev Robert Coulter, Mr David McClarty, Mr Edwin Poots, Mr Denis Watson and Mr Jim Wells.

All Officials will be elected to serve the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the CPA until the next Annual General Meeting. It was AGREED that a meeting of the Executive Committee should be convened as soon as possible.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 Parliamentary Journal

The Speaker advised Members that a request had been received from the 'Parliamentarian' Journal to supply individual party contributions on how Northern Ireland government is working. Each article should be between 1,500-2,000 words in length and should include a photograph of the contributor. Those Members wishing to submit contributions should liaise with John Ross.

The Speaker informed Members that they should receive copies of the 'Parliamentarian' Journal from mid-May onwards.

4.2 Minutes of Meetings

The Speaker informed Members that minutes of meetings are now available on the website, Weekly Information Bulletin and laid in the Library. The website will also include a list of Members and details on forthcoming events.

4.3 The Speaker reported that a delegation from the Canadian Parliament led by Speaker Milliken would be visiting Parliament Buildings on 25/26 June 2001. It was suggested that a meeting with the Branch could be filtered into the programme of events which is currently being developed.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was AGREED that the next meeting of the Branch would be convened after the General Election. Members will be informed in due course.

The meeting adjourned at 3.10 pm.