COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2009
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr Declan O’Loan (Chairperson)
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Allan Bresland
Mr Francie Brolly
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr Brian Wilson
In Attendance: Mr Paul Gill (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Vincent Gribbin (Assistant Clerk)
Ms Tara McKee (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Christopher McNickle (Clerical Officer)
Apologies: Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Paul Maskey
The meeting commenced at 1.20pm in public session.
Chairperson’s Introduction
The Chairperson welcomed Members to the meeting.
1.22 Mr Wilson joined the meeting.
1.22 Mr Bresland joined the meeting.
1. Apologies
Apologies as above.
2. Declaration of Interests
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 25th November 2009
Agreed: The Committee agreed the draft minutes of the meeting held on 25th November 2009.
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Update on Inquiry on the appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards
The Committee considered an update report and forward work plan for its inquiry on the appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the way forward for the inquiry as outlined in the update report.
6. Review of All Party Groups
The Committee considered an update report on its review of All Party Groups and draft Regulations on All Party Groups.
Agreed: The Committee agreed on two amendments to the draft regulations and agreed that the draft Regulations be circulated to all Members for comment.
7. Correspondence
Members noted a letter from the Police Service for Northern Ireland in relation to clarifying responsibilities regarding the Northern Ireland Assembly Code of Conduct and agreed that the Chairperson, deputy Chairperson and Clerk should meet with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and report back to the Committee.
Members noted a letter from the Committee to the Interim Commissioner for Standards.
8. Any other business
The Committee discussed the sending of Christmas cards by the Committee.
Agreed: Members agreed to the sending of Christmas Cards to a number of individuals and organisations.
The Members of the Committee joined in thanking Mr Brolly for his contribution to the Committee.
The Committee also noted that its previous Chairperson, Mrs Carmel Hanna, was due to retire and agreed to write to her to wish her well in the future.
9. Time, date and place of next meeting
The next meeting will take place at 1.15pm on Wednesday 13th January 2010 in room 144, Parliament Buildings. Lunch will be available from 1.00pm.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.53pm.