SHADOW COMMISSION

MINUTES OF THE FIFTEENTH MEETING

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 1999 AT 2.00 PM

Present: Initial Presiding Officer

Mr R Coulter

Mr J Fee

Mr F Molloy

Mr P Robinson MP

Mrs E Bell

In the Chair: Initial Presiding Officer

In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Ms G Campbell, Mr Johnston

1. The minutes of the fourteenth meeting were accepted without change.

2. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS

The Initial Presiding Officer highlighted the essential preparatory work required for devolution.

3. MATTERS ARISING

3.1 Refurbishment of the Press Conference Facility

The Initial Presiding Officer reflected on the recent meeting of the Press Liaison Group. It was agreed that the Commission would consult the Executive and the Press Liaison Group when detailed plans become available.

3.2 Appointment of Clerk

No comments have been received on the psychological assessment documentation. Central Personnel Group (CPG) has issued the tender letters. CPG has been instructed to progress the pensions issue for the Clerk to the Assembly.

3.3 Stormont Estate

The Commission agreed to meet the Stormont Area Group on 19 February to discuss the proposal for a second concert and then inform the Secretary of State of its decision.

4. ACCOMMODATION

The Initial Presiding Officer presented the following proposals, designed to accommodate the Executive requirements, which were endorsed by the Commission.

Members agreed that the Executive should be informed that this is the final allocation. Mr Robinson asked for an earlier decision, to provide door-plates for all rooms, to be minuted.

5. STAFFING

The Initial Presiding Officer introduced the staffing paper, prepared by the Finance and Personnel Directorate, and highlighted the importance of the Assembly complying with equality legislation. Members received monitoring information by community background and gender and asked for:

The Commission discussed the staffing paper and identified shortfalls across all of the directorates. Members agreed to liaise with individual directors.

6. ESTIMATES

The Commission considered the draft estimates and identified a significant number of inadequate planning assumptions (committee costs) and omissions (research, printing and publishing). Mr Evans to check on the cost of Special Advisers.

The Commission agreed to meet the Board of Management to discuss the Staffing and Estimates papers.

7. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

The Commission briefly reflected on the meetings with Roger Sands and the Stationery Office. The Initial Presiding Officer informed Members that a meeting had been arranged with David Court, Chief Executive of the Government Purchasing Agency, for 18 February.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

All items deferred until the next meeting.

9. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Friday 19 February at 10.00 am, Room 152, Parliament Buildings.