MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-SECOND MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON STANDARDS AND PRIVILEGES IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON TUESDAY 14 MAY 2002

Present: Dr I Adamson
Mr A Doherty
Mr K McCarthy
Mr D McClelland
Mr P McNamee
Mr J Wells

Apologies: Sir J Gorman
Mr D Hussey
Dr D O'Hagan

In Attendance: Mr J Torney
Mrs M Miskelly
Mrs J McMurray
Mrs L Stevenson

The Committee met at 10.04 a.m. in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed members to the thirty-second meeting of the Committee and apologised for his absence at the last meeting on 7 May 2002.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Sir J Gorman, Mr D Hussey and Dr D O'Hagan.

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 7 May 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 7th May 2002. (Proposed: Mr A Doherty: Seconded: Mr J Wells).

5. Matters arising from the minutes

Legislation - Committee Bill

Members noted that invitations to tender had issued to the four drafting firms approved by the Assembly Commission to draft legislation. The Principal Clerk advised the Committee that the closing date for replies is 28th May and that no replies have been received to date.

6. Committee Inquiry/Review of "The Code of Conduct" and "The Guide to
the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members"

The Committee noted a revised draft of the section entitled "The Advocacy Rule" for its review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members".

Members agreed to return at a later meeting to the issue of Members also being members of other legislatures and local councils and Members participating or accompanying delegations.

The Committee continued its review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members" and considered draft amendments to the section dealing with the Procedure for Complaints.

7. Any other business

The Committee considered a letter relating to a complaint and instructed the Principal Clerk to reply.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 21 May 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.42 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman

7 May 2002 / Menu / 21 May 2002