COMMITTEE FOR EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS: THURSDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2001
ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present:
Dr Esmond Birnie MLA (Chairman)
Mr Mervyn Carrick MLA (Deputy Chairman)
Mr Roy Beggs MLA
Mr Joe Byrne MLA
Mrs Joan Carson MLA
Mr John Dallat MLA
Mr William Hay MLA
Mr Roger Hutchinson MLA
Prof Monica McWilliams MLA
Mrs Mary Nelis MLA

In Attendance:
Dr Andrew C Peoples
Ms Hilary Bogle
Ms Anne Colville
Mr Michael Meehan

Apologies:
Mr John Kelly

Meeting opened at 2.06 pm in open session.

The Chairman informed the meeting that two officials from the Department for Employment and Learning would be briefing the Committee at 2.30 pm on the draft Budget 2002/03 and the draft Programme for Government.

1. Apologies

Apologies are detailed above.

2. Approval of draft minutes of 4 October 2001

Agreed. Proposed: Mr Dallat. Seconded: Mrs Nelis.

2.08pm Mr Beggs joined the meeting.

The Chairman informed members that the Report from the Inquiry into Education and Training for Industry is scheduled for debate at 12.30pm on Monday 15 October 2001 and outlined the order of the debate.

2.10pm Mr Carrick joined the meeting.

It was agreed that copies of the draft press release, as amended, should be sent to the press with an embargo until the time of the debate.

Action: Clerk

2.15pm Mrs Carson joined the meeting.

The Chairman informed members that, along with the Deputy Chairman, he had met with the Minister on Tuesday 8 October 2001, to discuss the key recommendations from the Inquiry.

3. Matters Arising

The Chairman thanked Mrs Nelis for forwarding a letter she had received from the North West Centre for Learning, highlighting concerns on the issue of local training funding from central government. Arising from this it was agreed that the Department should be asked to provide a detailed update brief on New Deal.

Action: Clerk

Members noted the information on the EQUAL Programme.

Members noted the contents of a paper from the University of Ulster on the Executive's Position Report: Programme for Government and Budget. The Chairman informed members that the Vice-Chancellor of Queens University would attend next week to give oral evidence and that the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster was available on Tuesday 16 October. It was agreed that this meeting would take place at 2.30 pm in room 152, Parliament Buildings.

Action: Clerk

The Chairman pointed out that the most urgent priority was for the Committee to agree its response on the Executive Programme Funds.

2.32pm Dr Robson Davison and Mr Jim Russell, Department for Employment and Learning briefed the Committee.

The following areas were discussed: -

• Proposed budget reductions and additions

• Research and Development funding

• Further Education/Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Links

• Office of Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal Website

• E-business kiosks

3.00pm Mr Hay left the meeting.

• Skills Agenda (Priority Skills)

• Employers for Childcare - match funding

• EQUAL - match funding

3.15pm Mr Hutchinson left the meeting.

The Committee debated and agreed its response, the following areas were highlighted: -

1. Top priority should be given to the bid for Research and Development followed jointly by the Further Education/Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Link and Skills Agenda (Priority Skills) bid.

2. The Committee is concerned at the lack of follow-through on the failed bids made in the earlier part of the year.

3. The Committee is concerned with the overall approach to bidding for Executive Programme Funds.

4. The entire process needs to be more open and transparent with Departments consulting Committees prior to the submission of bids.

The Committee agreed that the Chairman should agree the final response and forward to the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

Action: Clerk

3.27pm Professor McWilliams joined the meeting.

5. Correspondence

Members noted a paper on the role and purpose of the Chairpersons' Liaison Group, seeking views from the Committee. It was agreed that members would make their views known directly to the Chairman by noon Tuesday 16 October 2001.

3.32pm Mrs Carson left the meeting.

Members noted the Minister's response on the Committee for the Environment's Report on 'Children Travelling to and from School'.

Members noted the response from the Construction Industry Training Board with regard to the generic term "craftsmen".

6. Legislation

Members considered Statutory Rule 319/2001, which has been laid in the Business Office, together with the Report from the Examiner of Statutory Rules. It was agreed that:

• the Committee for Employment and Learning has considered Statutory Rule 319/2001 - Part-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and has no objection to the Rule.

The Clerk was directed to inform the Business Office and notify the Department.

Action: Clerk

The Chairman informed the meeting that accompanied by the Clerk, he had met with Dr Hughes from the Careers Guidance Unit, University of Derby, who has carried out widespread research on Careers Guidance. She has undertaken to send the Committee more information. Dr Hughes also stated that she would be happy to brief the Committee.

Action: Clerk

Members noted the letter of response from the Minister on the Taskforce on Employability and Long-term Unemployment. Professor McWilliams wished to register her dissatisfaction and disappointment with the response, Mrs Nelis supported this. After discussion, Professor McWilliams proposed that a press release registering the Committee's concerns be issued; this was seconded by Mrs Nelis. Debate ensued in connection with the content of the press release. It was agreed that the Chairman would send a press release following consultation with the Deputy Chairman.

Action: Clerk in conjunction with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 16 October 2001 at 2.30 pm in Room 152, Parliament Buildings. This will be an informal meeting.

The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 3.52pm.

Dr Esmond Birnie, MLA
Chairman, Committee for Employment and Learning
18 October 2001

4 October 2001 / Menu / 18 October 2001