COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY, 5TH DECEMBER 2007
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Rev Dr Robert Coulter (In the Chair)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Alex Easton
Mr David Hilditch
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Brian Wilson
In Attendance: Dr Kevin Pelan (Clerk to the Committee)
Miss Eleanor Murphy (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Lindsay Dundas (Clerical Officer)
Apologies: Mrs Carmel Hanna
Mr Gerry McHugh
Mr Francie Brolly
Mr Willie Clarke
Mr George Savage
The meeting opened at 2:06pm in public session.
1. Nomination of Acting Chairperson
As apologies had been received from the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, the Clerk called for nominations for a Chairperson. Mr Easton proposed that: the Rev Robert Coulter act as Chairperson for the meeting. Mr Bresland seconded this and the nomination was accepted.
On there being no further nominations the Clerk put the question without debate.
Resolved: That Rev Coulter being the only Member proposed, act as Chairperson for the Committee.
Rev Coulter welcomed Members to the fourteenth meeting of the Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to hold the meeting in public session.
2. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
3. Declaration of Interests.
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
4. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 28th November 2007.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of the 28th November 2007.
5. Matters Arising.
There were no matters arising.
6. New Regulations on the Registration of Political Donations.
The Chairperson informed Members that Mr Séamus Magee and Dr Róisin McLaughlin from the Electoral Commission would make a presentation to Committee on the new regulations for registering donations to political parties. The Chairperson advised Members that the purpose of this information session was to aid the Committee’s deliberations on the review of the Categories of Registrable Interests.
Mr Magee and Dr McLaughlin joined the meeting at 2:12pm.
Dr McLaughlin made a presentation on the new regulations on donations to political parties in Northern Ireland and discussed with the Committee the implications of the new requirements on both Members and Parties.
Mr Magee and Dr McLaughlin left the meeting at 2:55pm.
The Chair advised Members that the new regulations could potentially impact upon several of the Categories of Registrable Interests.
Mr Wilson left at 2:58pm.
Agreed: Members agreed that the Clerk explore with the Electoral Commission the need for developing a memorandum of understanding/agreement in regards to dual reporting arrangements.
7. Review of the ‘Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members’: Categories of Registrable Interests 5-7
Members considered a paper on Categories 5-7 of the ‘Categories of Registrable Interests’ section of the Guide.
Agreed: Members agreed a number of options for Registrable Interests Categories 5-7 for inclusion in the draft consultation document.
Agreed: Members agreed that the Clerk should liaise with the Electoral Commission in regards to the impact of the new regulations for registering donations to political parties on the Categories of Registrable Interests, and that the Committee would review any Categories affected by the new regulations.
8. AOB.
The Clerk informed Members of the implications for the Committee resulting from the Deputy Chairperson’s resignation from his party and that the Committee would be kept informed of any developments.
9. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 12th December at 1:00pm in Room 21, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3:19 pm.