ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
Wednesday 2 February 2000 at 10.00am
In Room 144 Parliament Buildings
Present: Mr P Doherty (Chairperson)
Mr S Neeson (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr A Attwood
Mr G Campbell
Mr W Clyde
Ms P Lewsley
Mr D McClarty
Dr A McDonnell
Dr D O'Hagan
In attendance: Mrs C White
Mr J Nesbitt
Mr M Anderson
Miss J Presho
In attendance for part of meeting: Mr M Ennis (CBI)
Mr B Magee
Mr B Johnston
Mr C Foster
Mr N Smyth
Ms A Beattie
Mr P Booth (TGWU)
Ms A Gribbon
Mr M Cunningham
Mr G Douglas
Ms M Warnock
Mr G Hutton
1. Chairperson's Business
The Chairperson reported that both he and Mr Neeson had recently met representatives from NIE and were shortly due to meet representatives from Belfast International Airport. He reported that both he and Mr Neeson were also due to meet the Minister shortly.
2. Apologies
Apologies were received from Ms J Morrice.
3. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.
4. Matters arising
- The Chairperson reported that there had been no response from the Minister on the external visits issue. It was agreed that general information should be sought from the Department on internal visits; the committee will then decide what visits might be appropriate.
- North foreshore - it was agreed to defer this issue until next week's meeting.
- It was agreed that a number of business editors should be invited to an informal meeting shortly and that the Minister should also be invited.
- Seminars - the Chairperson advised that it was appropriate for 3-4 committee members only to attend seminars; the committee would decide which seminars should be attended and who should attend.
5. Strategy 2010
The Chairperson reported that 2 written submissions on the inquiry had been received.
6. Department's budget
It was reported that details of the Department's budget for the incoming year had been received; it was suggested that the matter could be discussed at the committee's meeting on 23 February, and that the Minister should be asked to attend on 1 March to answer any questions on the budget.
7. Draft press release
The draft press release was agreed.
8. Any other business
- It was reported that the Clerk of Committees had requested information about the committee's travel plans for the incoming year; it was agreed that it was too early to say what the travel plans might be. It was suggested that the Committee Clerk should write to the Clerk Assistant seeking some further information on the rules for travel and that the Chairperson should also raise the matter with the Assembly Commission.
- The Chairperson advised that he had received a letter from the Chairperson of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee requesting information on tourism; it was agreed that the information could be released to that committee.
9. Presentation by CBI
The CBI gave a presentation which included the role of the CBI, a brief overview of the NI economy, business priorities for the Assembly, key issues facing business, and enterprise, trade and investment issues. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The Chairperson thanked Mr Ennis and his team for their interesting and informative presentation. He advised Mr Ennis that the Committee had supported the exemption for NI from the Climate Change Levy. He also informed Mr Ennis that the committee's first inquiry would be on Strategy 2010.
10. Presentation by the Transport and General Workers' Union
Mr Booth, the National Secretary, and his team gave a presentation on the current difficulties facing the textile industry. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. Mr Booth mentioned that a strategy report had been produced on textiles and clothing with a number of recommendations. Mr Booth was informed about the Strategy 2010 inquiry; he was also advised that an individual trade union could forward a submission on Strategy 2010 to the committee. The Chairperson thanked Mr Booth and his team for their interesting and informative presentation.
11. Date of next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday 9 February 2000 at 10.00am in Room 144 Parliament Buildings.
Mr P Doherty
(Chairperson)