Present were:-
Rev Dr Wm McCrea MP (Chairperson)
Ms C Hanna (Deputy Chairperson)
Mrs J Carson
Mr A Doherty
Mr D Ford
Mr D McClarty
Mr M McLaughlin
Mr M Murphy
Mr E Poots
Mr D Watson

Apologies:-
Mr J Leslie

In attendance:
Mr J Simmons (Committee Clerk)
Mr J Beatty (Assistant Clerk)
Mr J Nulty (Executive Support)
Miss M Devine (Administrative Support)

The meeting commenced at 10.34am.

1. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 10 May 2001 were agreed.

Mrs J Carson and Ms C Hanna joined the meeting at 10.34am.

2. Matters arising from previous meetings

Replies Outstanding

(a)Proposed ferry crossing - the outcome of the economic appraisal from Newry and Mourne District Council is awaited;
(b)Hare Coursing - further legal advice is awaited from the Department;
(c)DVTA Fees - a reply is awaited from the Department; and
(d)Waste Management Plans Timetable - a reply is awaited from the Department.

(a) TPO's in Jordanstown

The Committee were advised of two further letters received about the removal of trees in Jordanstown.

Agreed: To write to the Department for an urgent update and to urge adequate protection for the remaining trees.

(b)Foot and Mouth Disease Information

The Committee welcomed the information from the Department on the advice given on the use of disinfectants during the current Foot and Mouth Disease crisis.

Statutory Rules.

The Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Amendment Regulations (NI) 2001

The Committee noted the report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The Following Motion was put and agreed:

"That the Environment Committee has considered the Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Amendment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objection to the Rule."

Mr D Ford joined the meeting at 10.41am.

(b) The Motor Cycles (Protective Headgear) Amendment Regulations (NI) 2001

The Committee noted the report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. The following Motion was put and agreed by the Committee:-

"That the Environment Committee has considered the Motor Cycles (Protective Headgear) Amendment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objection to the Rule."

(c) The Local Government (General Grant) Order 2001

The Committee noted the response from the Department regarding the calculation of the Standard Penny Product rate.

Agreed: That the Committee had no comment to make on the SL1 for the Order.

4. Presentation by the RSPB on ASSIs.

Mr Clive Mellon, RSPB, joined the meeting at 10.46am and gave a presentation on the Department's Consultation Document on ASSIs. After the presentation, Mr Mellon answered questions from the Members.

Mr M Murphy joined the meeting at 11.13am.

The Chairperson thanked Mr Mellon for his presentation and he left the meeting at 11.17am.

5. Presentation by the Department on ASSIs.

Mr Richard Rogers, Mr Graham Seymour and Mr Dermot Leonard, Officials of the Department, joined the meeting at 11.18am and gave a presentation on the Department's Consultation Document on ASSIs. After the presentation, the Officials answered questions from the Members.

Mr M McLaughlin joined the meeting at 11.30am.

The Chairperson thanked the Officials for their presentation and they left the meeting at 11.55am.

Mrs J Carson left the meeting at 11.55am.

6. AOB

(a) 2001 Budgets and Main Estimates

The Committee discussed a letter and associated papers received from the Finance and Personnel Committee on changes to the 2001 Budget process and details of this year's Main Estimates.

Mr D Ford left the meeting at 12.05pm.

Agreed: To write to the Finance and Personnel Committee expressing concerns at the time given for replies and to ask to be kept informed of issues relevant to the Committee.

(b) PPS 7 - Quality Residential Environments

The Committee discussed a letter from the Department relating to the forthcoming publication of the PPS 7.

Agreed: Members will consider the letter and inform the Committee Secretariat of any concerns during the coming week.

Mr E Poots left the meeting at 12.10pm.

(c) Request from RSPB

The Committee considered a request from the RSPB to give a presentation on resources for Nature Conservation in EHS.

Agreed: To receive a presentation from the RSPB.

7. School Transport Draft Public Inquiry Report - Specialist Advisor's Report.

The Committee considered the comments of the Specialist Advisor on the latest draft of the Inquiry Report.

Mr E Poots rejoined the meeting at 12.12pm.

Agreed: To invite the Specialist Adviser to a Committee meeting to discuss his comments.

8. Meeting with Minister

The Chairperson updated the Committee on a recent meeting he and the Deputy Chairperson had with the Minister, Mr Sam Foster.

Agreed: To write to the Department advising of the Committee's preference to have the planning amendments legislation in respect of TPOs to be advanced.

Mr D Ford rejoined the meeting at 12.25pm.

9. Date of next Meeting

The Committee discussed the arrangements for forthcoming meetings.

Agreed: To meet as and when required before the next meeting at 10.30am on Thursday, 14 June 2001 in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting closed at 11.39am.

Dr Wm McCrea MP MLA
Committee Chairperson