COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2007
ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Lord Morrow (Chairperson)
Mr Francie Brolly
Lord Browne
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr Raymond McCartney
Mr David McClarty
Mr Sean Neeson
Mr Ken Robinson
In attendance:
Ms Stella McArdle (Clerk)
Mrs Elaine Farrell (Assistant Clerk)
Ms Linda Hare (Clerical Supervisor)
Apologies:
Mr Adrian McQuillan
Mr Declan O’Loan
The meeting opened in public session at 2.05 p.m.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson reported that it had been acknowledged at a meeting of the Chairperson’s Liaison Group that the publication of committee research papers was a matter for consideration by individual committees.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that research papers for the Committee on Procedures could be published on the website.
The Chairperson informed the Committee that he would be sending a Christmas card to all those who had appeared in front of the Committee and those whom the Committee had met in Scotland and Westminster.
3. Draft Minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2007.
Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2007 were agreed.
2.07 p.m. Mr Francis Brolly arrived.
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Committee Systems and Structures
The Committee were briefed by Mr Gerry Millar, Belfast City Council and SOLACE. A question and answer session ensued.
2.10 p.m. Mr Willie Clarke arrived.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Millar for his informative briefing.
6. Private Legislation – Terms of Reference
The Committee discussed the detail surrounding the inquiry into Private Legislation which is scheduled to commence in January 2008.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the terms of reference, the list of potential witnesses and advisors, commissioned research, a best practice visit to Dublin, a press notice and a full day of evidence taking on 20 February 2008.
7. Amendments to Standing Order 15 and 48
The Chairperson noted that the Order Paper was now issuing two weeks in advance. The Committee considered a number of options for an amendment to Standing Order 15.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to take the various options for amending Standing Order 15 back to their parties and report back at the next meeting.
The Committee discussed the various potential issues with an amendment to Standing Order 48.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Draftsperson should now be instructed to amend Standing Order 48.
8. Report on Committee visit to Westminster
The committee noted the report on the Committee visit to Westminster.
Agreed: Members agreed to forward any additional information or alternations to the report to the committee office.
9. Electronic Voting
The Committee noted the results of the survey on Electronic Voting.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to go into closed session to discuss consideration of issues relating to Electronic voting,
The meeting went into closed session at 3.02 p.m.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to reissue the survey on Electronic Voting both in hard copy and by e-mail.
3.15 p.m. Mr Francis Brolly left the meeting.
10. Correspondence
The Committee noted correspondence from the Speaker in relation the naming of individuals or organisations during an Assembly debate. The Chairperson advised that the Speaker has asked if the Committee on Procedures could consider introducing a procedure which would allow an individual to know in advance if they were going to be mentioned in a negative manner during a debate.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk would conduct research into the procedure in other legislatures and seek legal advice also.
3.20 p.m. Mr David McClarty left the meeting.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Speaker in relation to Ministerial Statements in which he has asked if the committee could consider whether the Assembly’s procedures governing ministerial statements might be improved, taking into account concerns raised by the Business Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that this issue would be discussed in greater detail at the next meeting when the Clerk would come back with a number of proposals.
The Committee noted correspondence from the Chairperson of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister which asks the Committee on Procedures to consider whether there is a need for further guidance to be provided on whether a committee can revisit a decision that has already been taken.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that this was not an issue for the Committee on Procedures and that the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister should be advised accordingly.
11. Any other business
The Committee discussed the arrangements around the agreed visit to the Dáil, scheduled to take place in February 2008.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the visit should take the form of a one day visit with no overnight stay required. The Committee also agreed to travel arrangements.
The Chairperson reported that following a number of “significant happenings” during the week, there was no provision for a Members to raise this in the Chamber and that a procedure should be in place to allow for this.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Clerk would look at this issue in greater detail and report back to the Committee at the next meeting.
12. Date, time and place of the next meeting.
The date of the next meeting is Wednesday 28 November 2007 at 2.00 p.m. in Room 152, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.35 p.m.