PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUB-GROUP TO CONSIDER THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FACING NORTHERN IRELAND

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 7 September 2006 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings at 10.00am.

In the Chair: Jim Wells

Present: Edmond Birnie
John Dallat
George Ennis
David Ford
Lord Morrow
Barry McElduff
David McNarry
Sean Neeson
Margaret Ritchie

In Attendance: Alan Patterson (Principal Clerk)
Shane McAteer (Clerk)
Colin Jones (Assistant Clerk)
Trevor Allen (Clerical Supervisor)

The meeting commenced at 11.07am in closed session.

1. Apologies

Mitchel McLaughlin.

Michelle Gildernew MP (Mr McElduff attended the meeting as Sinn Fein representative in place of Ms Gildernew).

Dr. Alasdair McDonnell MP (Mr Dallat attended the meeting as SDLP representative in place of Dr McDonnell).

Peter Weir (Lord Morrow attended the meeting as DUP representative in place of Mr Weir).

Ian Paisley Jnr (Mr Ennis attended the meeting as DUP representative in place of Mr Paisley Jnr).

2. Draft Minutes of Meeting on 5 September 2006

These were agreed for publication on the Assembly’s website.

3. Matters Arising

Members noted the submissions received from Maria Eagle MP and the Northern Ireland Youth Forum.

4. Motion Tabled on 4 September 2006

Members discussed the motion, tabled on 4 September 2006, that the Assembly approves the first report from the Committee on the Preparation for Government on the Economic Challenges Facing Northern Ireland.

Members were advised that it was envisaged that the motion would be debated on 11th and 12th September 2006.

5. Proposed Work Plan

Members discussed and agreed the proposed work plan for the future work of the sub-group.

The proposed list of witnesses to be called to give evidence was discussed and Members were asked to forward proposals for additional witnesses to the Clerk.

Members also agreed to forward party submissions on the sub-group’s revised terms of reference to the Clerk before 19 September.

6. Appointment of Economists

Members noted the situation regarding the appointment of two economists to assist with the continuing work of the sub-group and agreed the terms of reference for their appointment.

Sean Neeson joined the meeting at 12.03pm

7. Any Other Business

No other items of business were raised.

8. Next Meeting

The next meeting of the sub-group was arranged for Thursday 14 September 2006 at 10.00am and will include evidence sessions in relation to the economic package/peace dividend.

The meeting adjourned at 12.10pm.