COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 2007
ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr Mervyn Storey (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Francie Brolly
Lord Browne
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr Raymond McCartney
Mr David McClarty
Mr Adrian McQuillan
Mr Declan O’Loan
Mr Ken Robinson
In attendance: Stella McArdle (Clerk)
Elaine Farrell (Assistant Clerk)
Linda Hare (Clerical Supervisor)
The meeting opened in public session at 2.01 p.m.
1. Apologies
Lord Morrow
Mr Sean Neeson
2. Minutes of the Meeting on 30 May 2007
Members agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 30 May 2007.
Mr Ken Robinson arrived at 2.02 p.m.
3. Chairperson’s Business
There was no Chairperson’s Business.
4. Matters Arising
Following a discussion regarding the delivery of meeting packs, Lord Browne requested that his papers be delivered to his room in Parliament Buildings.
Members noted correspondence from the Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Mr Samuel Gardiner, confirming that the Committee have considered the proposed amendment to Standing Order 53 and are now content that the Committee on Procedures takes forward the arrangements to give effect to the amendment.
5. Standing Orders
(a) Ministerial Statements
Following receipt of a letter from OFMDFM in relation to the possibility of amending Standing Orders to allow Ministers to bring matters to the attention of the Assembly by way of a written Ministerial Statement, Members agreed to invite Officials from OFMDFM to the meeting on 27 June 2007 to explain Ministerial Statements in more detail.
Mr Willie Clarke arrived at 2.08 p.m.
Mr David McClarty arrived at 2.09 p.m.
Members also agreed that the Business Committee and Party Whips should be consulted on this issue. Mr Declan O’Loan suggested that consideration should be given to including written Ministerial Statements in the Order Paper.
Action: Clerk
(b) Other amendments
Members agreed that the Clerk would prioritise potential amendments to Standing Orders and bring them back to the Committee on a rolling basis. The prioritised list would be brought to the Committee for approval.
Action: Clerk
6. Terms of Reference for Inquiries
Members agreed the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Electronic Voting. It was agreed that advice from staff within the Assembly responsible for IT and the operations and structure of the Chamber, is sought as a matter of urgency. Members agreed the list of potential witnesses to provide written evidence and suggested that Party Whips and Committee Chairs should also be consulted, and that a survey should be held to gauge Member’s opinions on electronic voting.
Members agreed the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Committee Systems and Structures. Members agreed the list of potential witnesses to provide written evidence and suggested that Party Whips should also be consulted. Members also agreed that Assembly Research and Library Services conduct a survey of Members to gauge their opinions. Members raised a query on how Whips are informed of Members attendance at Committee meetings.
Action: Clerk
7. Forward Work Programme
Members agreed the Forward Work Programme from June 2007 – December 2007.
Members agreed that Wednesday would be the most appropriate day of the week to conduct visits. The Clerk agreed to provide appropriate briefing papers prior to the visit.
Action: Clerk
8. Correspondence
Members noted correspondence from Mr McNarry to The Speaker regarding the scheduling of meetings, which had been forwarded the Committee on Procedures for information.
9. Any other business
Mr Declan O’Loan expressed concern regarding the Dress Code in the Chamber and felt that this may be an issue for the Committee on Procedures. The Clerk advised this was an issue dealt with under Speaker’s Rulings, but would seek clarification and report back to Members at the next meeting.
Action: Clerk
10. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 27 June 2007 at 2.00 p.m. in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.
The meeting adjourned at 2.39 p.m.