COMMITTEE FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY, 10TH JUNE 2009
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Ms Sue Ramsey MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Robin Newton MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Alex Attwood MLA
Mr Paul Butler MLA
Rev Dr Robert Coulter MLA
Mr Alex Easton MLA
Ms Anna Lo MLA
Mr David McClarty MLA
Mrs Claire McGill MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter Hall (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Trevor Allen (Assistant Committee Clerk)
Mr Andy Cooper (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Bill Kinnear (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr David Hilditch MLA
Mr William Irwin MLA
The meeting opened at 10:02am in public session
Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
12.36pm Mr Irwin left the meeting
1. Minutes of the meetings held on 13 th May and 9 th June 2009
Agreed: The minutes were agreed.
2. Departmental update on the Steps to Work Programme
10.12am Mr Attwood joined the meeting
The Committee received an update briefing from Departmental officials: Patricia McAuley, Director of Preparation for Work Division, Tommy McVeigh, Head of Quality and Performance Branch, and Sheila McNeill, Head of Programme Management and Development Branch, on the Department’s Steps to Work Programme. The briefing was followed by a question and answer session.
10.23am Mr Butler joined the meeting
3. Departmental briefing of the Education Bill and Amendments to the Bill
The Committee received a briefing from Departmental officials: Daryl Young of FE Programmes Branch, and Harry McCullough of Learning and Curriculum Policy Branch, on the Education Bill and amendments to that Bill. The briefing was followed by a question and answer session.
4. Departmental Response to the Committee’s Report on the Review of Teacher Education
Agreed: Members noted the Department’s response to the Committee’s Report on the Review of Teacher Education and agreed to write to the Minister seeking additional information and clarification on a number of issues.
5. Subordinate Legislation
Members noted the following SL1 from the Department for Social Development:
- The Social Security (Incapacity Benefit Work-Focused Interviews) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009
Agreed: Members agreed to defer a decision on the proposed regulations until the meeting on 17 th June.
6. Matter Arising
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DEL briefing paper to the Education Committee, 27 th May, on Teacher Education
The Committee noted a paper from the Department following the briefing to the Education Committee on 27 th May 2009.
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ETI Report: “An evaluation of provision for learners with special educational needs or disabilities in Further Education and Training for Success”
Agreed: The Committee noted the above report from the Education and Training Inspectorate and agreed to forward the report to relevant stakeholders for comment.
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Update on Chairperson / Deputy Chairperson’s meeting with NIC-ICTU – 13 th May
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson updated Members on a meeting with NIC-ICTU in 13 th May in relation to the protection of workers.
Agreed: Members agreed to write to the Department on the issues raised during the meeting and also agreed to write to MEPs in relation to the potential implications of the Globalisation Fund on the issues raised.
11.36am Mr Easton left the meeting
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Update on Committee visit to FOSEC – 20 th May
Members were updated on the Committee visit to Foyle School and Employer Connections (FOSEC) on 20 th May 2009.
11.37am Mr McClarty left the meeting
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Update on Committee visit to NIE – 27 th May
The Chairperson updated Members on the Committee visit to Northern Ireland Electricity’s Apprentice Training Facility at Nutts Corner, Crumlin, on 27 th May 2009.
11.40am Mr Easton returned to the meeting
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Update on Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson’s meeting with the Minister regarding ITE places – 2 nd June
The Chairperson / Deputy Chairperson updated Members on the meeting with the Minister regarding ITE places on 2 nd June 2009 and the Committee noted the confirmed intake to ITE courses for the 2009-2010 academic year.
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Committee Motion on “Availability of Discounted College Courses for Older People” – 9 th June
Members discussed the Committee’s motion on the “Availability of Discounted College Courses for Older People” that took place on 9 th June 2009. Members noted correspondence from Dame Joan Harbison, Older Peoples’ Advocate, in relation to the debate.
Agreed: Members agreed that a transcript of the debate should be forwarded to representatives of Age Concern / Help the Aged (NI) who gave evidence to the Committee and also to other relevant stakeholder organisations. Members also agreed that the Committee should host an event to raise awareness of the issues in September / October.
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Learning Disability Week
Members noted arrangement for Learning Disability Week and indicated intention to participate.
7. Chairperson’s Business
Members noted a number of items of correspondence and agreed responses. The Committee was updated on a number of recent events attended by the Chairperson / Deputy Chairperson and other Members. Members also noted a number of forthcoming events to be attended by the Chairperson and/or Deputy Chairperson.
8. Departmental Press Notices
Members noted a number of Departmental press notice issued recently.
9. Any Other Business
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Departmental apprenticeships update
Members noted a Departmental update on the situation regarding occupancy and leavers of apprenticeship programmes.
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Proposals for Tribunal Reform – briefing papers to OFMdFM Committee
The Committee noted a paper from the OFMdFM Committee on proposals to transfer responsibility for administrative support for Tribunals sponsored by Northern Ireland Departments to the Northern Ireland Court Service as part of the reform of the tribunal system.
Agreed: Member agreed that the issue should be raised at the meeting on 17 th June for further consideration and that the views of the Department and Law Centre (NI) should be sought.
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QUB Press Release – “Queen’s builds £2.3 million bridge with the Far East”
Members noted a press release from Queens University on proposals for research and education agreements with leading Chinese universities.
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Irish News Press Article – “City Centre Jobs Kiosk Open for Business” (21 st May)
Members noted an article published in the Irish News on 21 st May relating to the new “city centre jobs kiosk” established by Belfast City Council.
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DEL 2009-10 Balanced Scorecard
Members noted the Department’s Balanced Scorecard for 2009-2010.
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Correspondence from ETI Committee – Matrix of Business Support
Members noted the above correspondence.
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Correspondence for meeting with Learn and Grow – 10 th June at 1.00pm in Room 21, Parliament Buildings
Members noted the above correspondence and indicated their intention to attend the meeting.
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Revised Forward Work Programme – for information
Members noted the Committee’s revised Forward Work Plan.
12:12pm The meeting moved into closed session
10. Consideration of Draft Committee Report on the Way Forward for Apprenticeships
Agreed: The Committee agreed the Executive Summary and Key Recommendations sections of the report.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to hold an additional meeting on Tuesday 16 th June for final consideration of the report.
11. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Tuesday, 16 th June at 10.00am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12:23pm.