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COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES 1. Apologies Present: Clerk to the Committee: In attendance: The meeting commenced at 3.07 pm. Mr Agnew, Mr Maginness, Mr Dalton. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 13 February 2002 were agreed and signed by the Chairperson. Legislative Review The Chairperson advised that the Assembly had endorsed the recommendations in the report. A number of issues had been raised during the debate, particularly relating to parity legislation and consultation on Bills on reserved matters. The Chairperson advised that he would now write to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister asking them to bring forward proposals to the Committee for dealing with parity legislation. With regard to consultation on reserved matters, members were advised that draft procedures on this were being prepared by the Clerk to the Assembly. Action: Clerk Assembly Commission Members noted correspondence from the Assembly Commission advising that it was content with proposed Standing Order on appointments. Members were advised that a motion to effect the change had been tabled for 5 March. Visit to Westminster Arrangements to meet members of the Modernisation Committee had to be finalised. An itinerary would available at the next meeting. Action: Clerk Proposal for change in voting arrangements Members noted that advice from the Assembly Legal Advisor on the proposal from the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition stated that the motion was legally competent. Members were advised that all Party whips had been advised of this and their views on the proposal were sought by 5 March. Members were reminded that the Committee would be taking evidence for the Women's Coalition on Wednesday 6 March 2002. 4.1 Flexibility to go beyond 6:00pm Members outlined party positions on the options identified in the briefing paper. Members were reminded that the proposal was designed to facilitate those occasions where, because business has been delayed, there is insufficient time left before 6.00pm to complete the remaining Business on the Order Paper. It did not cater for those occasions where the Business Committee wished to schedule business beyond 6.00pm. This would continue to require a suspension of Standing Order 10(2) and 10(6). Following discussion it was agreed that Option 3 was the preferred option i.e. to allow sitting to continue at the Speaker's discretion but limit extension to one hour beyond 6.00 pm. The Committee further agreed that it should write to the Business Committee and seek its views on the proposal. Action: Chairperson 4.2 Earlier start to plenary on Mondays The Committee agreed the draft amendment to Standing Orders and agreed that the views of the Business committee be sought. Action: Clerk 4.3 Emergency business Members outlined party positions on the options identified in the briefing paper. Following discussion Members agreed on option 3, which allowed the Business Committee to decide if an urgent motion should be considered. The Committee also agreed that it should write to the Business Committee and seek its views on the proposal. Action: Chairperson The Committee continued its deliberation of the briefing paper in the light of party views, which had been sought in the period since the previous meeting. It was agreed that:
It was further agreed to inform the Chairpersons Liaison Group of option identified and to seek its views. Action: Clerk 6. REVIEW OF COMMITTEE SYSTEMS Members considered the briefing paper which outlined the proposed terms of
reference for the review of committee systems and some of the specific issues
which the Review would encompass. Action: Clerk The Committee agreed that a motion proposing the amendments to Standing Orders 52 and 64 should be tabled. Action: Clerk Question Time Members noted the correspondence from the Speaker requesting a meeting with the Chair to discuss the Committees proposed consideration of this issue. Members agreed that he should meet the Speaker and then report back to the Committee. Action: Clerk 9. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday 6 March 2002 in Room 152 Parliament Buildings at 3.00 pm. The meeting adjourned at 3:42 pm. C MURPHY |
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