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HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS: THURSDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2001 ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS Present: In Attendance: Apologies:
Meeting opened at 2.05pm in open session.
Agreed as amended, "that the reference to Ms Carson in the list of members present, should be amended to Mrs Carson."
Proposed: Mr Dallat. Seconded: Mrs Carson. A detailed summary of the Department’s bids for Executive Programme Funds was issued. Members were to consider this in preparation for next week’s briefing from officials. Members were reminded that the paper was confidential. Extracts from the Enterprise, Trade and Industry Committee’s draft report on Strategy 2010, had not yet been received. Members agreed that, in preparation for their examination of the role of National Training Organisations, the Clerk should request written briefing from the Department on the number and remit of NTOs, and how they interact both with the Training and Employment Agency and Boards in sectors such as construction and textiles.
Action: Clerk. The Chair updated members on his discussion with Dr Kenneth Bishop on the role of PhD graduates in the Northern Ireland Labour Market. It was significant to the current Inquiry that a balance is maintained between the need to improve the intelligence infrastructure and the danger of over-supply of particular types of qualified labour. Dr Bishop’s opinion was that PhD graduates can be regarded by potential employers as over-qualified, with little work experience. Members agreed that information should be obtained from Queens University and the University of Ulster on the number and types of PhDs undertaken recently; whether graduates had subsequently found employment and whether there was an opportunity for students studying for PhDs to go on work placements.
Action: Clerk. Members considered correspondence form the Department detailing current membership, remuneration and length of appointment of members of the Training and Employment Agency’s Board. Details of membership of all the NDPBs and consultative committees within the Department’s remit were also provided. Members requested further information on the T & EA Board Chairman’s responsibilities; the frequency of their meetings; other allowances paid to Board members and the geographical spread of membership. Remuneration for members of all other NDPBs and consultative committees would also be requested.
Action: Clerk. The Department had been unable to provide staff turnover figures requested for Further Education Colleges. This information was held by Teachers Branch in the Department of Education who had responsibility for running the payroll for Further Education College staff. A letter had been sent to the Chair of the Education committee seeking approval to obtain this information.
Action: Clerk. Members noted the Department’s Forward Programme for Legislation. Members considered the Minister’s letter and associated press release detailing the designation of tertiary sector institutions within the terms of Section 75’s equality requirements.
2.50pm. Mr Hutchinson joined the meeting.
Members were invited to visit Shorts Bombardier’s Training Centre.
3.35pm. Mr Hutchinson left the meeting.
Members were briefed on the above proposals by Mr Roy Gamble, Assistant Secretary, Employment Rights and New Deal Division, and Mr William Caldwell, Deputy Principal, Industrial Relations and Redundancy Branch. It was agreed that the Clerk would draft a response based on today’s debate, for consideration at next week’s meeting. Additionally, further research would be requested on the European Court of Justice model.
Action: Clerk.
3.55pm. Mr Hay left the meeting.
Members considered Statutory Rule 54/2001: Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001,to increase the limits applying to certain awards form Industrial Tribunals and other amounts payable under employment legislation. Members had no objections to the policy implications of this Rule. Members considered details of the Minister’s announcement of an additional £7 million from the Science Research Investment Fund. Members welcomed the additional monies, and agreed that a Press Release should be issued by the Chairperson. Additional information should also be requested from the Department in the area.
Action: Clerk. It was agreed that the written submission received from Shorts would be sent to the Education Committee, highlighting the particular example on numeracy that was highlighted during today’s evidence session. The remit of the current Inquiry into "Education and Training for Industry" should be forwarded to all Committee Chairs.
Action: Clerk.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4.30pm. Esmond Birnie |