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NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY 1. Apologies Present: Clerk to the Committee: In attendance: The meeting commenced at 3.12 pm in closed session. Mr F Agnew, Mr D McClarty, Mr I Davis. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes of the Committee meeting held on 6 March 2002 were agreed and signed by the Chairperson. Visit to Westminster Members noted the report of the Committee's visit to Westminster on 20-21 March 2002 had been worthwhile and agreed that the visit would assist them in the forthcoming reviews of Assembly Questions and Committee systems and procedures. Assembly Questions With members' agreement, the Clerk spoke on the briefing paper detailing some of the issues which the review might address. The Committee agreed the proposed scope of the review and timetable for action as outlined in the paper. Action: Clerk Proposal by the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition The Committee questioned Ms Clare McGivern, Director of Assembly Legal Services, on legal issues which were raised in the proposal for revised Assembly voting arrangements. Following discussion, the Committee agreed that it could not support the proposal and would therefore not table an amendment to Standing Orders. It instructed the Clerk to draft a reply to the Women's Coalition. It was agreed that the draft reply should be circulated to members as soon as possible to allow them to comment. On receipt of any comments, the reply should issue next week. Action: Clerk Amendments to Standing Orders With the agreement of the members, the Clerk spoke to the proposed changes to Standing Orders which arose out of the Committee's Report on the Review of the Legislative Process. Members were advised that there were a number of drafting changes to those debated in the Report. There was also a substantive change relating to accelerated passage which arose from concerns expressed during debate on the Report: The proposed amendment now required the Minister to consult the Committee before introducing the Bill. There would, however, be no requirement for the Committee's consent before the Bill was introduced to the Assembly. It was explained that this would formalise what was happening in practice. It was agreed that the amendment to Standing Order 41 (Scrutiny of Statutory Rules) would not be moved at this point as further discussion was to take place with the Legislative Draftsman and the Examiner of Statutory Rules. A number of suggested grammatical changes would also be made at this time, rather than waiting until the end of the session. Under Standing Orders the Committee was empowered to make these without moving them in plenary. The Committee agreed that, with the exception of Standing Order 41, all amendments as presented should be tabled with the Business Office. Action: Clerk Members considered two letters from the Chairpersons' Liaison Group and discussed whether the suggestion to lower the quorum for committee meetings should be addressed now as a separate issue, or included in the review of committee systems and procedures. The Committee agreed to discuss this item at its next meeting after consulting with their parties. Members noted letters from Rt Hon Robin Cook MP and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Members discussed the timing of committee meetings and the desirability of changing the day or time the committee met. The Clerk was instructed to seek members' views and suggestions. Action: Clerk 9. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday 24 April in Room 152 Parliament Buildings at 3.00 pm. The meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm. C MURPHY Chairperson, Committee on Procedures |
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