Present:
Mr C Murphy (Chairman)
Mr I Davis
Mr R Hutchinson (arrived 3.25 pm)
Mr A Maginness
Mr P McNamee
Mr D Shipley-Dalton

Clerk to the Committee:
Mr C McGarrity

In attendance:
Mr J Crozier
Mr J Gillespie

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

1.1 The minutes of the meeting of 7 February 2001 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

1.2 The Chairman welcomed Mr I Davis as a new Member of the Committee.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Visit to the Dáil - 21/22 February 2001

The Chairman referred Members to the Report on the visit to the Dáil. Members agreed the visit was a very worthwhile exercise. Particular points noted included:

• Committees, normally, had no set time-scale to complete their consideration of a Bill;

• a quorum was not required for Committee Stage;

• the Minister was required to be present at the Committee meeting during the scrutiny of legislation;

• only amendments made at the Committee Stage of a Bill were dealt with in the Report Stage.

3. WORK PROGRAMME

3.1 Legislative Review

The Chairman advised Members of the need to commence an analysis of submissions received. Members were provided with a summary of the issues raised in the consultation. It was agreed to maintain the objective of completing the review before the Summer Recess and therefore a draft report should be prepared for consideration by early May.

Members agreed that the Speaker's view on some of the key issues raised should be sought. It was agreed that the Chairman should meet the Speaker. Members also agreed that, if considered necessary, the Chairman should meet with the Chair of the Chairman's Liaison Group.

3.2 Private Members' Bills - Ballot for Financial Assistance

The Clerk outlined the options set out in the paper before the Committee. Members agreed that a procedure for a Ballot based on the Member's name was the best option. However, this raised a number of issues, including the allocation of time for debating Private Members' Bills.

It was agreed that the Chairman would write to the Chair of the Assembly Commission stating that the Committee had drafted procedures for a Ballot but pointing out that there were several consequential issues, including time for debates which should be addressed before a ballot is introduced.

3.3 Plenary Timings

Following discussion, it was agreed to table a Motion to amend the time for the start of the plenary session on Mondays to 12.00 mid-day. The new timings would come into operation as soon as possible after the Easter Recess.

It was further agreed that a Motion be tabled to keep the latest time for acceptance of amendments at 9.30 am.

It was agreed that the timings should be reviewed at the start of the Summer Recess.

Mr Hutchinson asked that it be recorded that the view of the Democratic Unionist Party was that there should be no change to existing timings.

3.4 Private Notice Questions (S.O.20(1))

The Committee agreed to table amendments to Standing Order 10(2)(c) and 20(1).

3.5 Correspondence - Children's Commissioner Inquiry

The Committee considered a letter from the Committee of the Centre. It was agreed the Committee had no comments to offer. The Clerk was instructed to reply accordingly.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

This matter was deferred to the next meeting of the Committee.

Members were provided with a workplan to cover the period up to the Summer Recess. The Chairman updated the Members on the progress of issues. Members noted the plan.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed the next meeting of the Procedures Committee would be held on Wednesday 25 April 2001 in Room 152, Parliament Buildings at 3.00 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 4.05 pm.