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COMMITTEE FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING Present: Dr Esmond Birnie MLA (Chairman) In Attendance: Dr Andrew Peoples Apologies: Mrs Joan Carson MLA The meeting opened at 2.07pm in open session. The Chairman welcomed Mr Doherty, who had replaced Mr Byrne on the Committee for Employment and Learning. 1. Apologies Apologies are detailed above. 2. Draft Minutes of 9 May 2002 Agreed. Proposed: Prof McWilliams. Seconded: Mr Carrick. 3. Draft Minutes of 16 May 2002 Agreed. Proposed: Mr Carrick. Seconded: Prof McWilliams. 4. Matters Arising Prof McWilliams raised concerns as to who had responsibility for providing information to potential students on Social Security benefits who wished to commence a course in further education. This was particularly relevant in the context of widening social access. It was agreed to write to the Minister seeking clarification. Action: Clerk 2.12pm. Dr Adamson joined the meeting. 5. Proposed Merger of the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College with the University of Ulster The Chairman outlined the background to the proposed merger and the issues debated by members so far. He commended the Committee Office for the summary paper on the submissions to the public consultation undertaken by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and noted that approximately eighty percent of the submissions were against the proposal. Members noted that the summary of the major issues arising from the consultation process, which had been requested from DEL, had still not been received. Members noted further correspondence recently received from the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster. 2.21pm. The meeting continued in closed session to examine and debate the economic appraisal carried out in relation to the merger, which had been categorised as 'commercial-in-confidence' by DEL. 2.30pm. Mr Doherty left the meeting. Members agreed to ask the Minister to meet with the Committee as soon as possible to discuss the Committee's concerns in relation to the merger and to forward the Committee's concerns for a written response. Action: Clerk 3.00pm. Mr Hutchinson joined the meeting. 6. Correspondence Members considered correspondence received in confidence raising concerns at the recent process for appointing governing bodies for Further Education Colleges. It was agreed to issue a holding response and to write to the Minister for further clarification. Action: Clerk 3.07pm. The meeting continued in open session. 7. Briefing from Northern Ireland Assembly Research on the Department for Employment and Learning's Role in Administering European Union Funding The following areas were covered in the briefing from Northern Ireland Assembly Research:
Members agreed to request an oral briefing from DEL on their administration of EU funding. Action: Clerk The Committee agreed not to respond to the Committee for Finance and Personnel's Inquiry into 'European Structural Funds and Community Initiatives,' but to request the draft recommendations prior to publication of the Committee's Report. Action: Clerk 3.35pm. Prof McWilliams left the meeting. 8. Legislation Members noted the draft copy of the Employment Bill and the associated draft Explanatory and Financial Memorandum. Members noted that the Chairman had written to the Minister, requesting the Department to set out both the differences and similarities in the draft Bill with the employment legislation currently passing through Westminster. 3.45pm. Mr Dallat left the meeting. Members were briefed on the Committee's role in primary legislation by Mr M Wilson, Principal Clerk of Bills and Mr G Thompson, Clerk of Bills. 9. Correspondence (cont) Members debated correspondence from the Chairman of the Education Committee, highlighting their concern at the health and safety issues at Stranmillis University College and asking for regular updates. Members agreed to forward this correspondence to the Minister for Employment and Learning. Action: Clerk Members considered a letter from the Minister indicating that responsibility for processing requests for work permits by Northern Ireland employers would transfer from DEL to the Home Office from 1 July 2002. Members agreed to write to the Minister for further information on the potential effect on processing such requests. Members noted further information from DEL on the secondment of Mr Walters' to Action Mental Health. 4.20pm. Mrs Nelis left the meeting As the meeting was inquorate, the Chairman adjourned the meeting. Dr Esmond Birnie MLA |