Present: Dr J Hendron (Chairman)
Ms P Armitage
Mr P Berry
Mrs J Carson
Mr T Gallagher (Deputy Chairman)
Ms C Hanna
Mr J Kelly
Mr A McFarland
Ms M McWilliams
Ms S Ramsey
Mrs I Robinson

In Attendance: Mr G Martin
Mr D Harkin
Mrs V Artt
Mrs K McFerran

Dr J Hendron took the Chair.

1. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.

2. Matters Arising

1. The launch of the Ambulance Service report, which was due on 9 February, has been postponed. The Committee will receive copies as soon as it becomes available.

2. Members noted the Department's responses to the Committee's concerns regarding its delay in receiving the Chief Medical Officer's report and the notification of Ministerial visits. On a point of clarification the Clerk will write to the Department to confirm the Committee's request to be advised of all the Minister's retrospective engagements and not just those within its Members' constituencies.

3. Several Members raised concerns regarding the entry in the minutes of 26 January recording the Committee's decision to write expressing concern that the Chairperson of the Advisory Board to the Food Safety Promotion Board is a food producer. The Chairman pointed out that the matter had been proposed and seconded with no dissension. He acknowledged, however, the importance, in future, of ensuring that all Members are aware of precisely what is being proposed and agreed to. Those Members who raised the issue can write individually or collectively to the relevant body to explain their respective positions on the matter.

3. Presentation by Departmental Officials on the Children (NI) Order

Panel Members:
Mr Leslie Frew, Director of Child and Community Care
Dr Kevin McCoy, Chief Inspector of Social Services Inspectorate
Mr John Clarke, Child and Community Care Directorate

The Chairman welcome the panel to the meeting at 2.40 PM after which they gave a brief presentation with accompanying papers followed by a question-and-answer session, which is summarised inAnnex A. The Chairman thanked the panel and they left the meeting at 3.50 PM.

4. Food Standards Agency

Agreed: The Committee agreed that Northern Ireland should participate within the new UK Food Standards Agency ( which will become operational from April 2000) as opposed to having its own separate body. The Clerk will write informing the Department.

5. AOB

1. The Clerk will request details of the three ongoing projects being undertaken by the Centre for Child Care Research at Queen's University.

2. Agreed: The Committee agreed a draft press release outlining its considerable concern regarding the implementation of the Children (NI) Order. The Clerk will arrange its issue.

3. Agreed: The Clerk will write to the Minister's Office expressing the Committee's strong view that there is an urgent need for an overall strategy for the full implementation of the Children Order.

6. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for 2.00 PM on Wednesday 16 February in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

02 February 2000 / Menu / 31 May 2000