| Office of the Speaker |
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUB-GROUP TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACING NORTHERN IRELAND
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 20 July 2006 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings. In the Chair: Francie Molloy Present: Dr Esmond Birnie In Attendance: Cathie White (Clerk) The meeting commenced at 10.00am 1. Apologies Dr McDonnell MP (Dr Farren attended the meeting as SDLP representative in place of Dr McDonnell MP) Mr McLaughlin (Mr McElduff attended the meeting as Sinn Féin representative in place of Mr McLaughlin) 2. Welcome and Introductions It was agreed that the meeting would continue in closed session and that the proceedings of the sub-group would be recorded by Hansard. The Chairperson welcomed members to the first meeting of the sub-group and introduced the sub-group support staff. 3. Sub-group Procedures and Terms of Reference Members noted the Procedures and Terms of Reference for the sub-group. It was agreed that the sub-group would meet on a twice weekly basis (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) at 10am. It was agreed that evidence sessions would be held in public session unless otherwise requested by the witness. 4. Declaration of interests The Chairperson reminded members that under Standing Order 20(d) ‘Before taking part in any debate or proceeding of the Assembly, a member shall declare any interest, financial or otherwise, which is relevant to that debate or proceeding, where such interest is held by the member or an immediate relative.’ Members were advised that ‘proceeding’ of the Assembly includes meetings of the sub-group. 5. Privilege The Chairperson advised members that under paragraph 6 of schedule 1 of the Northern Ireland Act 2006 ‘a written or oral statement made by a member in or for the purposes of the Assembly is to be privileged from action for defamation unless it is proved to have been made with malice.’ This privilege also extends to meetings of the sub-group. Members were asked to note that privilege does not extend to press conferences or statements made to the press. 6. Briefing Papers Following a short presentation by Dr Gileece on his briefing paper on ‘Issues Affecting the Economy in Northern Ireland’, members put forward their views on the economic challenges facing Northern Ireland. Mr Ford left the meeting at 10.30am 7. Evidence Sessions An initial list of witnesses was reviewed and it was agreed that where possible witnesses should be invited to forward a written submission for the consideration of the sub-group, which may be followed up with an evidence session. 8. Draft Work Programme It was agreed that the draft press release on the first meeting of the sub-group should be released subject to minor amendment. The chairperson advised members that the other chair can attend the meetings of the sub-group as an observer. Mr Neeson joined the meeting at 11.50am 10. Next Meeting The next meeting of the sub-group was arranged for Tuesday 25 July at 10.00 am. The meeting adjourned at 11.53am |