Present:
Mr D McClelland (Chairman)
Dr I Adamson
Mr R Beggs
Mr P Berry
Mr A Doherty
Mr K McCarthy
Dr D O'Hagan
Mr J Wells

Apologies:
Sir J Gorman
Mr P McNamee

In Attendance:
Mr J Torney
Mrs M Miskelly
Mrs J McMurray
Mr J Wright

The Committee met at 10.02am in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed members to the twenty-third meeting of the Committee and conveyed his thanks to the Deputy Chairman, Mr Beggs, for his attendance at recent meetings of the Chairpersons' Liaison Group.

2. Apologies

Apologies received from Sir J Gorman and Mr P McNamee.

3. Declaration of Interests

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

4. Minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 15 January 2002.
5. Matters arising from the minutes

Publication of Updated Register of Members' Interests.

Members noted a "Note for Editors" which was issued to editors of local, regional and national newspapers on Tuesday 22 January. The note clarified that a 'Nil Return' entry in the Register of Members' Interests indicated that a member had completed a Members Interests' Registration Form but considered that he/she had no relevant interests to declare.

Mr P Berry joined the meeting at 10.09 a.m.

The Principal Clerk was instructed to prepare a draft minute reminding members of the importance of declaring interests when tabling questions and participating in committee and plenary business. The minute will advise Members that the Principal Clerk and the Clerk are available to provide advice and guidance in relation to registering interests.

Appointment of Assembly Commissioner for Standards.

The Committee noted a letter of 17 January 2002 from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to the Speaker, which refers to a review of the Office of the Northern Ireland Assembly Ombudsman.

The First and Deputy First Ministers have undertaken to write again to the Speaker when the terms of reference of the review of the Assembly Ombudsman's office are available.

Update on complaints received by the Clerk of Standards

Members noted that three complaints have now been passed to the Assembly Ombudsman for possible investigation. The Clerk advised that the Ombudsman has written to the complainants and that the Committee will be kept informed of progress.

Sir Nigel Wicks, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life

Members noted that the presentation by Sir Nigel Wicks on the work of the Committee on Standards in Public Life has been provisionally arranged to take place on the afternoon of Tuesday 12 March. Additional information and a draft programme will be provided when they are available and after discussion with Sir Nigel's office.

6. Committee powers to recommend to the Assembly the imposition of a sanction or penalty

Members noted proposed amendments to Standing Orders 57 and 64. The changes will allow the Committee to recommend to the Assembly the imposition of a penalty for a breach of or failure to comply with the Assembly Code of Conduct.

The Committee agreed that the Chairman would write to the Chairman of the Committee on Procedures, to table the proposed amendments to Standing Orders for consideration by the Assembly.

(Proposed: Mr A Doherty, Seconded: Mr R Beggs)

7. Any Other Business.

A detailed review of the Assembly "Code of Conduct" and the "Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members" by the Committee was discussed.

The Committee instructed the Principal Clerk to prepare an outline paper on such a review for consideration at the next meeting of the Committee.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting.

The Committee provisionally agreed to meet on Tuesday 12 February 2002 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.32 a.m.

Mr Roy Beggs Jnr MLA
Deputy Chairman.