COMMITTEE FOR ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, 17 APRIL 2008
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Paul Maskey (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Leslie Cree
Mr Simon Hamilton
Mr Alan McFarland
Mr Gerry McHugh
Mr Robin Newton
Mr David Simpson MP
In Attendance:
Mrs Lucia Wilson (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Paul Connolly (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stephen White (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Jim Nulty (Clerical Officer)
Apologies:
Mr Mark Durkan MP (Chairperson)
Ms Jennifer McCann
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP
Mr Sean Neeson
The meeting opened at 10.33am in public session.
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Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
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Declaration of Interests
There were no new interests declared.
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Draft minutes of the meeting held on 10 April, 2008
Agreed: - The draft minutes of the meeting on 10 April, 2008 were agreed.
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Matters arising
Members considered a draft Public Notice announcing the Committee’s Inquiry into the role and potential of Credit Unions and opportunities and barriers in Northern Ireland.
Agreed: - The draft Public Notice was agreed.
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Briefing from the Sustainable Energy Association
Representatives from the SEA joined the meeting at 10.35am.
Robin Newton joined the meeting at 10.39am.
Sustainable Energy Association representatives Ruth McGuigan, John Hardy and Kevin McNamee briefed the Committee on the withdrawal of the Reconnect grant scheme and the impact this will have on the promoting the growth of renewable energy in Northern Ireland. Key issues discussed included the uncertainty and difficulties facing the Renewables industry following the withdrawal of the Reconnect grant scheme and the absence of new building regulations which were expected to come into force from 1 April 2008.
Representatives from the SEA left the meeting at 11.15am.
Agreed: - Clerk to write to the Clerk of the Finance and Personnel Committee on the subject of building regulations.
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Briefing from the Climate Change Coalition (NI)
Representatives joined the meeting at 11.20am.
Climate Change Coalition (NI) representatives John Woods, Friends of the Earth, Claire Hannah, Concern, Lawrence McBride, Trocaire and Malachy Campbell, World Wildlife Fund briefed the Committee on the impact of climate change. Key issues discussed included steps which the Assembly could take in order to mitigate the effects of climate change including the introduction of a Northern Ireland Climate Bill, alternative energy sources and more stringent renewables targets.
Robin Newton left the meeting at 11.27am
David Simpson left the meeting at 12.00pm.
Representatives left the meeting at 12.01pm
Agreed: - Clerk to write to the Clerk of the Environment Committee on the subject of the UK Climate Bill. The Clerk is also to arrange briefing from the Sustainable Development Commission.
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Briefing from DETI Officials on the Renewables Obligation
Officials joined the meeting at 12.03pm
DETI officials, Jenny Pyper and Malachy McKernan briefed the Committee on the outcome of the UK consultation on the reform of the Renewables Obligation. Key issues discussed included the 2012 Renewables target, the forthcoming Renewables Directive, the banding of the obligation, grandfathering provisions and setting Renewables Obligation levels.
Officials left the meeting at 12.32pm.
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The Insolvency (Disqualification from Office: General) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2008
Members noted that the Examiner of Statutory Rules had no comment to make on this Statutory Rule.
Agreed: That the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee has considered The Insolvency (Disqualification from Office: General) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2008 and recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly.
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Forward Work Programme
Members noted the content of the most recent Forward Work Programme.
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Other Correspondence
Members noted letters from the First and deputy First Ministers and the DETI Minister regarding the Regional Innovation Strategy Action Plan 2008 -2011.
Members also noted the content of a letter from the Fermanagh District Council regarding the Start a Business Programme.
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Any Other business
Members noted papers presented to the Minister by the Northern Ireland Energy Agency on their proposals for a single Energy Agency.
Members noted an extract from a presentation provided by Premier Power Limited on aspects of the Single Electricity Market.
Members noted details of the invitations which have been extended to the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson regarding the US/NI Investment Conference.
Members also noted that the Examiner of Statutory Rules had advised that two Statutory Rules – SR 2008/133, Companies (Late Filing Penalties) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008 and SR 2008/134, Limited Liability Partnerships (Filing Periods and Late Filing Penalties) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2008, were both in breach of the 21-day rule. Members noted that the Examiner had investigated the breach and was satisfied that the Department had acted reasonably.
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Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 24 April at 10.30am in Room 21 Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 12.39pm.