PRESENT: Dr E Birnie (Chairman)
Mr M Carrick (Deputy Chairman)
Mr R Beggs (Jnr)
Mr J Byrne
Rev R Coulter
Mr J Dallat
Mr W Hay
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr J Kelly
Mrs M McWilliams
Mrs M Nelis

IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs E Sung, Ms A Colville, Mrs C McGrattan and Ms Leanne Tracey

1. Apologies

None were received.

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2. Draft Minutes

Draft minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 8 June were agreed as amended.

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3. Matters Arising

1. Advisers

Members reviewed the latest situation concerning advisers on Student Finance, and for the Committee's first enquiry.

Agreed

To make a final decision in relation to the appointment of adviser(s) to the enquiry no later than Thursday, 22 June.

2. Members' Interests

Requirements relating to declaration of interests were reviewed. The Chairman emphasised that it is better for members to err on the side of caution and declare an interest if their circumstances had changed or if they were just not sure.

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4. Evidence session by Dr Robson Davison, Grade 5, Higher and Further Education

The Chairman warmly welcomed Dr Davison, Mr Alan McDonald and Mr Ian Houston, (on secondment to the Department from NEELB). He also welcomed supporting officials from the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment and officials from the Department of Education on behalf of the Committee. Officials were asked to discuss with members the progress to date on the Department's consultation exercise on Student Funding in Northern Ireland. Their presentation was recorded by Hansard and will be published as an annex to a Committee report to the Assembly on Student Funding. Officials completed their presentation at 3.55pm. Dr Birnie expressed the Committee's appreciation to the contributors.

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1. Draft Equality Scheme

Noted.

Committee members noted advice from the Chair on matters concerning confidentiality of Committee Papers.

Agreed

2. To review all contributions made by Committee Members, on the DHFETE Draft Equality Scheme before the meeting on Tuesday 20, with a view to agreeing a Committee response to the Department.

3. Letter from Mr Molloy

Agreed

A letter from Francie Molloy, Chairman, Committee for Finance and Personnel was tabled in relation to public expenditure 2000/01, and End of Year Flexibility. In response to his request, members identified a number of priority areas that might benefit from additional or new monies for agreement at the next meeting; an access fund for mature and disabled students in Further and Higher Education; an increase in the number of HND places, especially in IT and technology related subjects; and provision of lifelong learning in the community, particularly regarding literacy and numeracy.

Agreed

4. Press notice for issue on 15 June.

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6. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday, 20 June at 12.30 pm or as soon as the House suspends for lunch.

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Esmond Birnie

ESMOND BIRNIE
Chairman
22 June 2000

13 June 2000 / Menu/ 20 June 2000