Present:Mr D McClelland (Chairman)
Mr R Beggs Jnr
Mr P Berry
Mr A Doherty
Mr P McNamee
Dr D O'Hagan
Mr J Wells

ApologiesMr K McCarthy

In AttendanceMr A Rogers
Mrs D Williams

The Committee met at 9.30am in closed session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed the members to the twelfth meeting of the Standards and Privileges Committee and introduced Mr Rogers who will be clerking the committee in Mr Torney's absence.

The Committee Members requested that a letter expressing their best wishes and hopes of a speedy recovery be sent to Mr Torney.

2. Declaration of Interests

The Chairman reminded members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each committee meeting.

3. Minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 13 February 2001.

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 13 February 2001. (Proposed: Mr J Wells, Seconded Mr P Berry)

4. Committee's Report on the Possible Appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards

The Chairman informed Members that the Committee's Report is scheduled for debate on Monday 2 April 2001 at 1.00p.m.

The Committee agreed that the Chairman would introduce and give an overview of the Report and that during the debate a representative from each of the parties comprising the Committee, would speak briefly on a specific area relating to the Report.

5. Proposed Press Notice

The Committee agreed that the proposed press notice should issue subject to an amendment to reflect all the contributions made to the inquiry.

The Committee Chairman requested the Clerk to liaise with the media to ensure widespread coverage of the Report.

6. Date and Time of Next Meeting

To be arranged by the Clerk in due course.

The meeting concluded at 10.27am.