COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY, 24th September 2008
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chairperson)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Jonathan Craig
Mr David Hilditch
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr George Savage
In Attendance:
Mr John Torney (Principal Clerk)
Mr Paul Gill (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Hilary Bogle (Assistant Clerk)
Miss Carla Campbell (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Lindsay Dundas (Clerical Officer)
Apology:
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chairperson)
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Brian Wilson
The meeting commenced at 2.08pm in public session.
Chairperson’s Introduction
The Chairperson welcomed Mr Jonathan Craig to his first meeting as a member of the Committee.
1. Apologies
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Declaration of Interests
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 17 th September 2008
The draft minutes of the meeting held on 17 th September 2008 were approved by the Committee.
Proposed: Mr David Hilditch
Seconded: Mr Alastair Ross
4. Matters Arising
Agreed: Members agreed that the Chairperson should write a letter on behalf of the Committee, to Dr Kevin Pelan and Miss Eleanor Murphy expressing the Committee’s appreciation of their hard work and commitment during the period in which they acted as Clerk and Assistant Clerk to the Committee.
5. Review of the Code and Guide
Members noted the background paper prepared by the Clerk.
Agreed: Following discussion Members agreed
- the 12 principles of Personal Conduct as set out in the draft Consultation document;
- the three points on public duty as set out in the draft Consultation document;
- that it is not necessary to specifically refer to legislation on the paragraph on Equality;
- that the Principles of Conduct as set out in Volume 1 of the Consultation document should be incorporated into the main body of the Code of Conduct to form an integral part of the Code; and
- that an Introduction outlining the structure and purpose of the code should be drafted by the Clerk for discussion at a future meeting.
6. Correspondence
Members noted correspondence received.
7. Any other business
There was no other business.
8. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 1 st October 2008 at 2.00pm in Room 135 Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.25pm.