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

Apologies:Mr A Doherty
Mr D McClarty

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 10.18am.

The minutes of the meeting of 21 June 2001 were agreed.

Mrs J Carson joined the meeting at 10.19am.

2. Matters arising from previous meetings

The Committee considered a letter from the Department that gave details of the legal advice it had received regarding the issue of permits.

Ms C Hanna joined the meeting at 10.20pm.

Agreed:(i) To seek clarification on use of the legal advice; and

(ii) To question the ongoing issuing of permits.

(a) Proposed ferry crossing - the outcome of the economic appraisal from Newry and Mourne District Council is awaited;

(b) Ballyrickard Landfill Site - update awaited;

(c)Telecommunication Masts - a reply is awaited from the Department; and

(d)Best Value Draft Bill - a reply is awaited from the Department.

(a) Giant's Causeway

The Committee considered a response from Moyle District Council regarding the future development of Visitor Centre facilities at the Giant's Causeway.

Mr J Leslie joined the meeting at 10.26am.

Agreed:To invite representatives of the National Trust and Moyle District Council to attend next week's Committee meeting.

(b) Councillors' Allowances

Dr Wm McCrea, Ms C Hanna and Mr M Murphy declared an interest as Councillors before the following item was discussed.

In the light of legal advice received, Dr Wm McCrea vacated the Chair and absented himself from the meeting along with Ms C Hanna and Mr M Murphy while this item was discussed. The remaining Members agreed that Mr J Leslie should take the Chair for discussion on this item.

Ms Finnegan, Official from the Department, joined the meeting at 10.32am and gave a presentation on the outcome of the Consultation exercise on Departmental proposals and the current proposals.

After her presentation, Ms Finnegan answered questions from the Members. The Chairperson thanked Ms Finnegan and she left the meeting at 10.50am.

Agreed: That, while accepting the proposals as an interim measure, to write to the Department with the Committee's concerns.

The Committee read the complete Draft Report and agreed some amendments.

Agreed: (i) To ensure that the Report is inclusive for children with disabilities:

(ii) To arrange for the Report to be published in September 2001.

4. Presentation on proposals for a draft Planning Amendment Bill

Mr D Small, Mr J Lambe and Mr N McKillen, Officials from the Department joined the meeting at 11.57 and gave a presentation on the proposed draft Bill.

Mr E Poots joined the meeting at 12.01pm.

After their presentation, the Officials answered questions of concern from the Members.

Mr M McLaughlin left the meeting at 12.35pm.

The Chairperson thanked the Officials and they left the meeting at 12.47pm.

Mr D Watson left the meeting at 12.47pm.

Agreed: That the Officials would return in September to update the Committee on progress and how the Committee's concerns will be addressed.

5. Game Preservation Amendment Bill

The Committee noted the commencement of the Committee stage of this Bill and discussed how to proceed.

Agreed: (i) To put down a 30 day extension Motion for the Agreement of the Assembly; and
(ii) To receive presentations from representatives of the Department, CAiNI and BASC in early September 2001.

6. Draft Response to Executive's Position Report

Agreed:To defer discussion on the draft response until next week's meeting.

7. Presentation on the Planning (NI) Order 1997 - Increases in Fees

Mr W Reavie and Ms S Archibald, Officials from the Department joined the meeting at 12.51am and gave a presentation on the above proposed Rule.

Mrs J Carson left the meeting at 12.53pm.

After the presentation, the Officials answered questions from the Members.

The Chairperson thanked them and the Officials left the meeting at 1.06pm.

Agreed: That the Committee had no comment on the proposed Rule.

8. Road Safety Strategy Consultation Document

Agreed: To defer discussion on the draft response until next week's Committee meeting.

9. Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations 2001

The Committee noted the Regulations.

10. AOB

There were no items for discussion.

11. Date of next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 5 July 2001 at 10.30am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting closed at 1.08pm.

Dr Wm McCrea MLA
Committee Chairperson