COMMITTEE FOR ENTERPRISE, TRADE & INVESTMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2007
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr Mark Durkan MP (Chairperson)
Mr Paul Maskey (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Leslie Cree
Mr Simon Hamilton
Ms Jennifer McCann
Mr Alan McFarland
Mr Sean Neeson
Mr David Simpson MP
In Attendance: Ms Lucia Wilson (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Paul Connolly (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stephen White (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Jim Nulty (Clerical Officer)
Apologies: Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP
Mr Robin Newton
The meeting opened at 10.36 a.m. in public session.
1. Apologies.
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Declaration of Interests.
There were no new interests declared.
3. Minutes of meeting held on 15 November 2007.
Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting on 15 November were agreed.
4. Matters Arising.
The Committee noted that a number of DETI research projects, on issues relating to the work of Invest NI, are nearing completion and will be provided to members soon.
The Committee noted papers provided by the Environment Committee, in response to a request to the DOE Departmental Assembly Liaison Officer, on the proposed Runkerry Development. The papers included planning application form, site drawings and environmental statements. These papers will be held in the Committee Office for members’ perusal.
The Committee noted recent press reports on discussions between Moyle District Council and the National Trust regarding the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre.
The Committee noted a letter sent by the Committee Chair to the DETI Minister seeking clarification on the Ministers’ role as Tourism Minister in safeguarding future strategic direction of tourism in the Causeway area.
The Committee noted changes in the likely timescale for their consideration of the forthcoming UK Energy Bill.
Agreed: That the Clerk would ask the Department to provide an advance briefing paper for members as quickly as possible and that officials would brief the Committee at its’ meeting on 13 December.
5. Finalisation of Committee Response to the draft Programme for Government and the draft Budget
The Committee considered draft responses provided by the Clerk which incorporated comments received from the Federation of Small Businesses, the Confederation of British Industry, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action and the Carbon Trust.
Mr Neeson joined the meeting at 11.38 a.m.
Mr Maskey left the meeting at 12.09 p.m.
Members discussed the draft Programme for Government, the draft Investment Strategy 2008 – 2011 and the draft Budget and suggested additions and amendments to the draft responses.
Mr McFarland left the meeting at 12.31 p.m.
Mr Simpson left the meeting at 12.42 p.m.
Miss McCann left the meeting at 1.04 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 1.04 p.m. as a quorum was not present.
Miss McCann rejoined the meeting at 1.08 p.m.
The meeting recommenced at 1.08 p.m.
Agreed: That the Clerk would redraft the Committee responses and submit for members consideration at next weeks’ meeting.
6. Credit Unions – Terms of reference for Review & Research Paper.
The Committee considered a paper provided by the Clerk on draft terms of reference for a Review of Credit Unions and a research paper on The Implications of Financial Services Agency Regulation of Credit Unions.
Agreed: That members’ would further consider the draft terms of reference at next weeks’ meeting.
Agreed: That Hansard would be asked to attend next weeks’ meeting to cover the Credit Union Review.
7. Forward Work Programme.
The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme November – December 2007.
8. Any Other Business.
The Committee noted an invitation from The Quarry Products Association to sponsor an event to launch their new brochure in the Long Gallery. The Chairperson advised that he would be sponsoring the event and asked other members to consider doing likewise.
Members noted details of a publication, ERINI – Review of Industrial Derating Policy.
Agreed: That members’ would discuss this issue at a later meeting.
Members noted a letter from the Institute of Directors welcoming the opportunity to brief the Committee.
Agreed: That the Clerk should make arrangements for this.
Members noted a letter from the DETI Minister regarding the sixth meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council.
Members noted a letter from Tommy Gallagher, MLA regarding visits hosted by Invest NI made by potential inward investors to Northern Ireland.
Agreed: That the Clerk would reply to Mr Gallagher advising him that his concerns would be raised during briefing to be provided by Invest NI officials on 13 December.
9. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 29 November 2007, in room 21, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.34 p.m.