MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
RELATING TO THE REPORT
Thursday, 8 November 2001
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
Mr E ONeill
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr S Wilson
Mr T Hamilton
Apologies: Mr G Kelly
Mr D O'Connor
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss F Douglas
Ms A Montgomery
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.23 p.m.
Private Session
5. Housing Inquiry
The Committee discussed the arrangements for the debate on its first report on the Inquiry into Housing in Northern Ireland and agreed the terms of the draft Press Release.
The Committee also considered a letter from the Minister, dated 7 November, about the proposed Housing Bill and asked that arrangements be made for a presentation to the Committee.
The Committee discussed and agreed the proposed Terms of Reference for the next phase of the Housing Inquiry
"To investigate the extent of Homelessness in Northern Ireland, to examine current proposals in Northern Ireland for dealing with Homelessness, to conduct comparisons with England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, to identify models of good practice, and produce a report." The Committee agreed that written submissions should be sought by 10 January 2002 with a view to scheduling oral evidence sessions in February 2002.
The Committee agreed the Chairman should write to the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Chairman of the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee about the proposed Inquiry.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 6 DECEMBER 2001
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr G Kelly
Mr S Wilson
Mr B Hutchinson
Apologies: Mr D O'Connor
In Attendance:Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.08 p.m.
2. Matters Arising
Housing Inquiry Phase 2 - Homelessness
The Committee considered a paper about the research element of the Inquiry into Homelessness and agreed, after discussion about the need for 'objectivity', that Research and Library Services should be invited to bring forward proposals to enable consideration to be given to making an appointment immediately after the Christmas recess.
Members agreed the Chairman write to the Minister highlighting the Committees deep concern at the growing level of homelessness in Northern Ireland and the urgent need for increased action to address it.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 17 JANUARY 2002
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Sir J Gorman
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr S Wilson
Mr B Hutchinson
Apologies: Mr G Kelly
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.06 p.m.
Private Session
8. Homelessness
Members noted the letter from the Minister, dated 8 January, indicating the Department will not be making a submission to the Committee's Inquiry into Homelessness. The Clerk confirmed that Members would be issued with copies of the written submissions which had been received in relation to the Homelessness Inquiry. Members undertook to consider the submissions in order to make decisions on 24 January about those organisations to be called to give oral evidence.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 24 JANUARY 2002
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Sir J Gorman
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr D O'Connor
Mr B Hutchinson
Apologies:
In Attendance:Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.16 p.m.
Private Session
8. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) - Written Submissions
Members reviewed the written submissions concerning the second phase of the Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) and the proposed schedule for Oral Evidence sessions.
Following discussion the Committee agreed that the majority of oral evidence sessions should be arranged at the beginning of the regular Thursday meetings of the Committee (prior to the disposal of normal Committee business) but that, where necessary, oral evidence sessions might be convened in the early part of Tuesday afternoons. Members agreed that the oral evidence sessions should commence in the week beginning 4 February with the aim of completing these sessions by 15 March. The Clerk was asked to arrange oral evidence sessions with those organisations which the Committee had selected from the list of those which had made written submissions.
The Committee further agreed that, over the next 8 weeks, it would be necessary to extend the duration of Committee meetings in order to dispose of all the business before it.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
TUESDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2002
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr E ONeill
Mr T Hamilton
Mr J Tierney
Mr M Robinson
Mr D O'Connor
Apologies: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
Mr S Wilson
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
The Committee Clerk took the Chair at 02.15 p.m. and called for a Member to speak.
Private Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Research Paper.
The Chairman welcomed Alison Montgomery, Senior Researcher who presented an outline Research Paper which identified three themes, namely, Social, Legal and Financial which will form the basis of the Research document to be provided to the Committee in relation to its Inquiry. Members noted the paper and agreed the proposed format.
Public Session
2. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By Children's Law Centre
The Chairman welcomed the members of Children's Law Centre to the meeting at 2.27 p.m.
In attendance: Mr Liam Mackle - Advice Line Co-ordinator
Mrs Sandra McNamee - Training and Education Officer
Miss Carragh McAreavy - Student Placement
Mr Mackle made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The Chairman requested that the Children's Law Centre submit a supplementary written submission concerning a number of areas highlighted in the discussions.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairman thanked the members of the Children's Law Centre and they left at 3.03 p.m.
3. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By S & E Belfast HSS Trust / Emergency
Out of Hours Service
The Chairman welcomed the members of S & E Belfast HSS Trust / Emergency Out Of Hours Service to the meeting at 3.03 p.m.
In attendance: Mrs Jane Barry - Manager of Emergency Out Of Hours Service
Mr Philip O'Hara - Principal Social Worker North & West Trust
Mrs Barry made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed. The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairman thanked the members of the S & E Belfast HSS Trust / Emergency Out Of Hours Service and they left at 3.24 p.m.
MR E ONEILL, Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 7 FEBRUARY 2002
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Mr T Hamilton
Mr J Tierney
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Sir J Gorman
Mr D O'Connor
Apologies: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr S Wilson
Mr G Kelly
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Private Session
Ms Gildernew took the chair at 2.09 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by NIACRO
The Chairperson welcomed the members of NIACRO to the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
In attendance: Mr Pat Conway - Director of Development
Mrs Sile McLean - Settlement Services Manager
Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 2.19 p.m.
Mr D O'Connor joined the meeting at 2.29 p.m.
Mr M Robinson left the meeting at 3.02 p.m.
Mr T Hamilton left the meeting at 3.13 p.m.
The members of NIACRO made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed. The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked the members of NIACRO and they left at 3.15 p.m.
MS M GILDERNEW
Committee Chairperson
[Extract]
TUESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2002
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr E ONeill
Mr D O'Connor
Mr S Wilson
Apologies: Mr G Kelly
Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.04 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
in Northern Ireland
The Chairman welcomed the members of Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland to the meeting at 2.10 p.m.
In attendance: Mr Kieran Walsh - Director Northern Ireland
Mrs Adele Burgham - Policy and Professional Practice Officer
Mr David Fotheringham - Head of Policy
Members expressed sympathy following the tragic fire at the Morning Star Hostel in Divis Street, Belfast and the Chairman undertook to write a letter of condolence on behalf of the Committee.
The members of the Chartered Institute of Housing made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairman thanked the members of the Chartered Institute of Housing in Northern Ireland and they left at 3.16 p.m.
Mr J Tierney left the meeting at 2.27 p.m.
Mr E ONeill left the meeting at 3.00 p.m.
F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 14 FEBRUARY 2002
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Sir J Gorman
Mr D O'Connor
Mr S Wilson
Mr G Kelly
Apologies: Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Private Session
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.06 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Shelter Northern Ireland
The Chairman welcomed representatives from Shelter Northern Ireland to the meeting at 2.09 p.m.
In attendance: Mr Laurence Moffat - Campaign Officer
Mr Ray Cashell - Committee Member
The representatives from Shelter Northern Ireland made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed. The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
Mr E ONeill joined the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
Mr G Kelly joined the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.26 p.m.
Mr D O'Connor left the meting at 2.44 p.m.
The Chairperson thanked the members of Shelter Northern Ireland and they left at 2.51 p.m.
Mr F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
TUESDAY, 19 FebRUARY 2002
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr J Tierney
Mr E ONeill
Mr T Hamilton
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.53 p.m.
Mr Cobain indicated that he would be vacating the Chair during the presentation and agreed by the Committee that Mr ONeill should take the Chair on Mr Cobain's departure.
In the confirmed absence of the Deputy Chairperson, the Chairman called for a Member to speak.
Mr J Tierney moved
"That Mr E ONeill do take the Chair of the Committee on it being vacated by Mr Cobain."
The Chairman asked for a seconder to the motion.
Mr B Hutchinson seconded the proposal.
The Chairman asked for any other nominations. There were no other nominations.
The Chairman put to the Members
"The question is that Mr E ONeill takes the Chair when vacated by Mr Cobain".
The Committee agreed the question.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Homefirst Community Trust Antrim
The Chairman welcomed the members of Homefirst Community Trust, Antrim, to the meeting at 2.53 p.m. and apologised for the delay in beginning the proceedings.
In attendance: Mrs Mary O'Boyle - Social Care Manager
Mr David Burns - Senior Social Worker
Mrs Enda Arrell - Senior Practitioner Addictions Team
Mr Hamilton joined the meeting at 3.01p.m.
The members of the Homefirst Community Trust, Antrim, made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
Mr Cobain vacated the Chair at 3.08 p.m.
Mr Cobain left the meeting at 3.08 p.m.
Mr ONeill took the Chair at 3.08 p.m.
The Chairman thanked the members of the Homefirst Community Trust Antrim Ireland and they left at 3.21 p.m.
2. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health & Social Services Trust
The Chairman welcomed the members of Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health & Social Services Trust to the meeting at 3.22 p.m and apologised for the earlier delay in beginning the proceedings.
In attendance: Mr Tom McGrath - Support & Lodging Scheme Co-ordinator
Mr Peader White - Project Team Leader
The members of the Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health & Social Services Trust made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
MR E ONEILL
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Thursday, 21 February 2002,
room 144, Parliament buildingS.
Present: Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Sir J Gorman
Mr G Kelly
Apologies: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr D O'Connor
Mr S Wilson
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Miss A Montgomery
Mr G Harbison
Private Session
The Committee Clerk took the Chair at 2.20 p.m. and called for a Member to speak.
Mr B Hutchinson moved "That Mr E ONeill do take the Chair of the Committee"
The Clerk asked for a seconder to the motion.
Mr J Tierney seconded the proposal.
The Clerk asked for any other nominations. There were no other nominations.
The Clerk put to the Members "The question is that Mr E ONeill takes the Chair" The Committee agreed the question.
Mr E ONeill took the Chair at 2.22 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By Northern Ireland Housing Executive
The Chairman welcomed representatives from Northern Ireland Housing Executive to the meeting at 2.24 p.m.
In attendance: Mr Paddy McIntyre - Chief Executive
Mr Colm McCaughley - Director Client Services
Mr Stephen Graham - Assistant Director Homelessness
Mr G Kelly joined the meeting at 2.45pm
The representatives from Northern Ireland Housing Executive made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked the members of Northern Ireland Housing Executive and they left at 3.24p.m.
MR E ONEILL
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
Tuesday 26 February 2002,
Room 135, parliament buildings
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr G Kelly
Mr E ONeill
Mr T Hamilton
Apologies: Mr J Tierney
Sir J Gorman
Mr S Wilson
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.14 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing.
The Chairman welcomed the members of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing to the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
In attendance: Alan Rea - Director of Housing, BIH Association
Christopher Williamson - Director of NI Federation of Housing Associations
Ms Maura McNally - Director Dungannon & District Housing Association
The members of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairman thanked the members of the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing and they left at 3.09 p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr S Wilson
Mr G Kelly
Apologies: Sir J Gorman
Mr D O'Connor
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Miss A Montgomery
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.14 p.m.
Public Session
2. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By Simon Community Northern Ireland
The Chairman welcomed representatives from Simon Community Northern Ireland to the meeting at 2.15 p.m.
In attendance: Carol O'Bryan - Chief Executive
Fiona Boyle - Director of Research & Development
Mr Fergal Lynn - Director of Accommodation & Resettlement
The representatives from Simon Community Northern Ireland made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked the members of the Simon Community Northern Ireland and they left at 3.15 p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
TUESDAY 5 MARCH 2002,
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr E ONeill
Mr S Wilson
Mr G Kelly
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
Apologies: Sir J Gorman
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss F Douglas
Private Session
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.15 p.m.
Mr Cobain indicated that he would be vacating the Chair during the presentation and it was agreed by the Committee that Mr ONeill should take the Chair on Mr Cobain's departure.
In the confirmed absence of the Deputy Chairperson, the Chairman called for a Member to speak.
Mr G Kelly moved "That Mr E ONeill do take the Chair of the Committee on it being vacated by Mr Cobain."
The Chairman asked for a seconder to the motion.
Mr M Robinson seconded the proposal.
The Chairman asked for any other nominations. There were no other nominations.
The Chairman put to the Members "The question is that Mr E ONeill takes the Chair when vacated by Mr Cobain" The Committee agreed the question.
Public Session
3. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Housing Rights Service.
The Chairman welcomed representatives from Housing Rights Service to the meeting at 2.16 p.m.
In attendance: Janet Hunter - Director Housing Rights Service
Nicola McCrudden - Policy & Communications Co-ordinator
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.21 p.m.
Mr B Hutchinson joined the meeting at 2.25 p.m.
The representatives from Housing Rights Service made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked the members of the Housing Rights Service and they left at 2.44 p.m.
4. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence by Open Door Housing Strabane.
The Chairman welcomed the representative from Open Door Housing Strabane to the meeting at 2.45 p.m.
In attendance: Paddy McGettigan
The representative from Open Door Housing Strabane made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairperson thanked Mr Paddy McGettigan for his presentation taking into consideration that it had been requested at short notice. Mr McGettigan left at 3.30 p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
TUESDAY 12 MARCH 2002,
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr T Hamilton
Mr M Robinson
Mr E ONeill
Mr D O'Connor
Apologies: Mr G Kelly
Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
Mr J Tierney
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr S Wilson
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mrs Janette Anderson
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.23 p.m.
Public Session
1. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness) Oral Evidence By Council for the Homeless (Northern Ireland).
The Chairman welcomed the members of Council for the Homeless (Northern Ireland) to the meeting at 2.25 p.m.
In attendance: Ms Ricky Rowledge - Director of Council of the Homeless Northern Ireland
Mr Tom McCann - Chair of Council for the Homeless Northern Ireland
Ms Nuala Toman - Policy & Information Officer of Council for the
Homeless Northern Ireland.
The representatives from the Council for the Homeless (Northern Ireland) made a presentation to the Committee and a question and answer session followed.
The discussions are recorded separately in verbatim minutes of evidence.
The Chairman thanked the representatives of the Council for the Homeless (Northern Ireland) and they left at 3:18p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 21 MARCH 2002,
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr T Hamilton
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr S Wilson
Mr G Kelly
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson)
Sir J Gorman
Mr D O'Connor
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Mrs Janette Anderson Miss F Douglas
Miss A Montgomery
Private Session
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.13 p.m.
13. Homelessness Research Paper.
The Chairman welcomed Patricia Casey, Roisin Kelly and Gary Andrews from the Research Department and asked Alison Montgomery, Senior Researcher to lead on the presentation of the Homelessness Research paper.
The presentations included:
n
The Legal Dimension
n
The Social Dimension
n
The Financial Dimension of Homelessness.
The Chairman thanked the Researchers for their presentations and they left at 4.20 p.m. the Committee agreed that the paper be included in the Committee's Report on Homelessness.
Mr S Wilson left the meeting at 4.20 p.m.
14. Any Other Business
NIHE Social Development Inquiry - Homelessness
The Committee noted the letter from Paddy McIntyre Chief Executive NIHE, dated 11 March, which detailed the formal responses received to the NIHE Homelesness Strategy and Services Review Consultation document.
Members agreed that the correspondence be included in the Committee Report on the Inquiry into Homelessness.
NIAO Report 'Housing the Homeless'
The Committee noted the NIAO report and agreed to await the Public Accounts Committee response.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
MONDAY 22 April 2002,
In room 106 parliament buildings
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr E Oneill
Mr J Tierney
Sir J Gorman
Mr M Robinson
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Miss K Kelly Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 12.46 p.m.
Private Session
4. Housing Inquiry (Homelessness)
The Committee agreed the format for the report.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 2 MaY 2002,
room 144 parliament buildings
Present: Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr J Tierney
Sir J Gorman
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr E ONeill
Apologies: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Ms M Gildernew
Mr S Wilson
Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly Mr B Green
Mr Kelly took the Chair at 2.17 p.m.
Private Session
9. Any Other Business
Committee for Employment and Learning - Housing Inquiry (Homelessness)
Members noted the letter from the Deputy Chairman Committee for Employment and Learning, dated 29 April, and the letter to Dr Esmond Birnie from the Minister for Employment and Learning, dated 16 April, in which the Minister for Employment and Learning gave a commitment to participate in the PSI working group on Homelessness.
MR G KELLY
Committee Deputy Chair
[Extract]
THURSDAY 16 MaY 2002,
room 144 parliament buildings
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Sir J Gorman
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr S Wilson
Mr D O'Connor
Apologies: Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms M Gildernew
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.34 p.m.
Private Session
5. First Reading of the Homelessness Report
The first reading of the Homelessness was deferred.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 23 MaY 2002,
ROOM 144 PARLAIMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr S Wilson
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
Sir J Gorman
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly
Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.15 p.m.
Private Session
8. Any Other Business
First Reading of the Homelessness Report
Members agreed to begin the first reading of the Homelessness Report in closed session on Tuesday 28 May at 1.00 p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
TUESDAY 28 MaY 2002,
ROOM 135 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr S Wilson
Mr D O'Connor
Mr E ONeill
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
Mr M Robinson
Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 1.09 p.m.
Private Session
Second Report on the Inquiry into Housing in Northern Ireland (Homelessness): First Reading Draft Report
The Chairman invited the Committee to consider the first three sections of the main Report, and following discussion, the Clerk was invited to undertake a series of drafting amendments.
The Committee agreed that remaining sections of the draft Report be given a first reading at the Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 30 May.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 30 MaY 2002,
ROOM 144 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
Sir J Gorman
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly
Miss F Douglas
Miss A Montgomery
Mr J McVey
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.16 p.m.
Private Session
7. Draft Homelessness Report
The Committee completed the first reading of the Draft Homelessness Report and the Clerk was asked to include agreed amendments for a final reading at the Committee meeting on Thursday 6 June.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]
THURSDAY 6 JUNE 2002,
ROOM 144 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman)
Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr M Robinson
Sir J Gorman
Mr E ONeill
Mr J Tierney
Mr S Wilson
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
Mr D O'Connor
Mr T Hamilton
In Attendance: Mr S Graham
Mr L McLernon
Miss K Kelly
Miss F Douglas
Miss A Montgomery
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.17 p.m.
3. Homelessness Report - Final Reading
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.39 p.m.
The Committee conducted a final reading of its Second Report on the Inquiry into Housing in Northern Ireland (Homelessness).
Section 1 agreed.
Section 2 agreed.
Section 3 agreed, subject to the correction of minor typographical errors and the re-wording of Priority needs.
Mr E ONeill joined the meeting at 2.42 p.m.
Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 2.57 p.m.
Sir J Gorman left the meeting at 3.05 p.m.
Section 4 agreed, subject to the following amendments:
Rewording of Recommendation 2
Removal of Recommendation 3
Removal of 'urgent and' from Recommendation 4
Inclusion of 'individual' in recommendation 7 and explanation for priority need.
Inclusion of 'support' in Recommendation 9 and addition of explanation.
Recommendations 10, 11 and 12 to be amalgamated.
Include 'for the NIHE and partner organisations following 'Code of Practice' last sentence
4.2.
Remove Recommendation 15
Recommendation 16 remove 'and adopt minimum standards' insert 'for those individuals
Dealing with the homeless.
4.4 insert explanation 'in light off'
Recommendation 25 insert explanatory sentence.
Section 5 agreed subject to the inclusion of the text from Recommendation 15 and references to financial resources and political direction.
The Committee further agreed to the inclusion of a series of annexes to the report.
Resolved: That the Draft Report should be ordered for printing, subject to amendments.
Mr M Robinson left the meeting at 3.50 p.m.
Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 4.10 p.m.
Sir J Gorman joined the meeting at 4.14 p.m.
MR F COBAIN
Committee Chairman
[Extract]