COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2009
ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
Mr Declan O’Loan (Chairperson)
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Francie Brolly
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Trevor Clarke
Rev Robert Coulte
Mr Paul Maskey
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Brian Wilson
In Attendance:
Mr Paul Gill (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Hilary Bogle (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Gerard Rosato (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Christopher McNickle (Clerical Officer)
The meeting commenced at 2.05pm in closed session.
Chairperson’s Introduction
The Chairperson welcomed Members to the meeting.
Agreed: Members agreed that today’s meeting be held in closed session.
1. Apologies
There were no apologies received.
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.
Reverend Coulter declared that the complainant in the Report from the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards on a complaint against a Member was his solicitor.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 16 th September 2009
The draft minutes of the meeting held on 16 th September 2009 were approved by the Committee.
Proposed: Mr Willie Clarke
Seconded: Mr Paul Maskey
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Report from the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards
Members noted the contents of a Report, distributed to Members in advance of today’s meeting, which was received from the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards on a complaint against a Member.
2.08pm Mr Brolly joined the meeting.
2.08pm The Chairperson welcomed Dr Tom Frawley, Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards and Mr John MacQuarrie, Director for Standards and Special Projects, Ombudsman’s Office and invited them to make a presentation to the Committee. After the presentation Dr Frawley and Mr MacQuarrie answered a number of questions from the Committee.
Agreed: Following discussion Mr Willie Clarke put the proposal that the Committee accept the Report and recommendations of the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
The Chairperson put the question: that that the Committee accept the Report and recommendations of the Interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
The Committee divided:-
AYES |
NOES |
ABSTENTION |
| Mr Francie Brolly | Mr Allan Bresland | Reverend Coulter |
| Mr Willie Clarke | Mr Thomas Buchanan | |
| Mr Paul Maskey | Mr Trevor Clarke | |
| Mr Declan O’Loan | ||
| Mr Brian Wilson |
The motion was carried.
Agreed: Members agreed the draft Committee report.
2.55pm Mr Ross joined the meeting.
6. Northern Ireland Ombudsman: Operating Costs
Members noted the contents of a letter received from the Interim Assembly Commissioner in response to issues raised at the last meeting.
Members noted the Northern Ireland Ombudsman’s Resource Accounts for 2008-2009.
7. Any other business
Agreed: Members agreed that the Clerk should write to party whips about the preparations for the introduction of the new Code and Guide.
8. Time, date and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held at 2.00pm on Wednesday 30 th September 2009 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.25pm.