COMMITTEE FOR ENTERPRISE , TRADE AND INVESTMENT
OFFICIAL REPORT
(Hansard)
Debt Relief Bill
17 June 2010
Members present for all or part of the proceedings:
Mr Alban Maginness (Chairperson)
Mr Paul Butler (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Gregory Campbell
Mr Leslie Cree
Mr Daithí McKay
Mr Stephen Moutray
Mr Sean Neeson
The Chairperson (Mr A Maginness):
We move to consideration of the Debt Relief Bill, and the first draft of the Committee Stage report. I advise members that I propose to work through the report, paragraph by paragraph. Members may indicate agreement or suggest amendments. However, as the Committee has gone through the issues at previous meetings, it should be straightforward.
Are members content that the executive summary at paragraphs 1 to 7 stand part of the report?
Members indicated assent.
The Chairperson:
Are members content that the introduction at paragraphs 8 to 12 stand part of the report?
Members indicated assent.
The Chairperson:
Are members content that the summary of the draft Debt Relief Bill as presented to the Committee at paragraphs 13 to 23 stand part of the report?
Members indicated assent.
The Chairperson:
Are members content that the summary of the Committee’s consideration of the Bill at paragraphs 24 to 43 stand part of the report?
Members indicated assent.
Mr Butler:
Can the timelines for the investigations be dealt with through subordinate legislation? Am I correct that the Department is saying at paragraph 24 onwards that there will not be a set timeline?
The Committee Clerk:
Yes; there will not be a timeline for the investigations. The Department did not think that was appropriate. From memory, I think that it said that investigations would be the exception.
Mr Butler:
OK.
The Chairperson:
Are members content that the clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill at paragraphs 44 to 46 stand part of the report?
Members indicated assent.
The Chairperson:
I advise members that the Committee will consider the entire report, along with minutes of proceedings, minutes of evidence and written evidence at next week’s meeting.
Mr Campbell:
What will be the timeline for the process beyond next week, assuming that that meeting comes and goes without any major hitch?
The Committee Clerk:
If the Committee’s final report is agreed next week, it will be taken to the Business Office and ordered to be printed. That will be the end of the Committee Stage. The Bill will then move to Consideration Stage, which I presume will happen after the summer recess. My understanding is that the timing for that is a matter for the Department.
Mr Campbell:
Is the Consideration Stage likely to happen in September?
The Committee Clerk:
Yes.
The Chairperson:
Is that, essentially, a formality if there are no amendments at Consideration Stage?
The Committee Clerk:
Yes; if there are no amendments.
The Chairperson:
Thank you.