COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES
Minutes of Proceedings
Wednesday, 25th June
Room 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Lord Morrow (Chairperson)
Mr Mervyn Storey (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Mickey Brady
Lord Wallace Browne
Mr David McClarty
Mr Adrian McQuillan Mr Declan O’Loan
Mr Ken Robinson
In Attendance:
Ms Stella McArdle (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Wendy Young (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Ms Linda Hare (Clerical Supervisor)
Apologies:
Mr Sean Neeson
Mr Francie Brolly
The meeting opened at 2.00pm in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 11th June 2008
Agreed - the draft minutes of the meeting held on 11th June were agreed.
2.02pm Mr Ken Robinson joined the meeting.
3. Chairperson’s business
The Chairperson informed the Committee of the recent meeting held with 3 members of the Committee on Procedures with the members of the Committee on Procedures and Privileges of the Seanad Éireann.
4. Matters arising
The Chairperson raised the issue of rescinding Committee decisions, namely that of the submission time for Ministerial Statements.
Agreed -The Members agreed that they were content not to rescind its decision to make copies of statements available 30 minutes before the Statement is to be delivered.
2.12pm Mr Mervyn Storey joined the meeting.
5. Motions for amending standing orders
The Committee noted the document detailing the motions going to Plenary to amend standing orders.
Agreed – The Committee agreed the need for quorum and a voice from both sides to be present at the debate on these motions.
6. Dates of Meetings to Summer Recess 2009
Agreed - The Committee noted the forward work programme and agreed that the first meeting of the 2008/09 session should be 10 th September.
7. FoI requests during Summer Recess.
Agreed - The Committee agreed that it is content that the authority to submit views on the releasing or withholding of information in any non-routine/contentious FoI requests be delegated to the chairperson and deputy chairperson.
8. Any Other Business
The Committee noted the paper tabled regarding the Canadian legislative Assemblies suitable for the forthcoming best practise visit.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that one member from every party should attend.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that visits should be made to Ottawa and Ontario.
The Committee noted that the Clerk may be in contact over the Summer Recess regarding arrangements for the Canadian visit.
The Committee noted the press release on the inquiry into Assembly Questions tabled at thee meeting.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the press release for the inquiry into Assembly Questions.
9. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 10 th September 2008 at 2.00 in Room 152 Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.29 pm.