MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS- 11TH FEBRUARY 2000
MINUTES OF THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
HELD ON FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2000 AT 10.30AM
IN ROOM 106
Present: The Speaker
Mr Gregory Campbell
Mr John Fee
Rev Robert Coulter
Mrs Eileen Bell
Dr Dara O'Hagan
In the Chair: The Speaker
In Attendance: Ms G Campbell, Mr G Cosgrave
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
2. Meeting with the Minister of Finance & Personnel
3. Matters Arising from 21 January 2000 meeting
4. Any Other Business
5. Commission Sponsored Bills
6. Sound and Vision
7. Party Allowance Scheme
1. Minutes of the third meeting on 21 January 2000 were accepted.
2. MEETING WITH THE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
2.1 The Speaker reported on his meeting on 9 February with the Minister of Finance and Personnel at which a number of principles were established:
. the Finance and Personnel Committee and ultimately the Assembly should scrutinise the Commission's estimates;
. the Commission is committed to ensuring compliance with the full rigours of public accountability;
. the Minister, in agreeing to appropriate the money required for the Assembly's purposes, needs to be assured that the estimates are reasonable. There is a need to explore with DFP the process which would achieve this objective but with the proviso that it should not be the detailed scrutiny role which the Finance and Personnel Committee will undertake.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM 21 JANUARY 2000 MEETING
3.1 Stormont Estate
The Department of Finance and Personnel is to be asked to progress the car park at the children's playground and access from the Newtownards Road as a matter of some urgency.
3.2 Belfast Festival of Motoring
Arrangements are proceeding as planned.
3.3 Jim Aiken Proposal
Jim Aiken is currently in discussion with Michael Flatley.
3.4 Childcare
Mr Cosgrave confirmed that the current scheme is not available to Members' staff / party workers and therefore they have received no communication on this issue. Subject to agreement from the Secretary of State the Scheme will remain open for applications from Members.
3.5 Functions and Tours
Consideration of the revised guidance notes for functions and regulations for tours was deferred.
3.6 IT for Constituency Offices
It was agreed to delay the purchase of IT equipment for Constituency Offices.
3.7 Radio Pager Service
Nothing to report at this stage.
3.8 Fire Precautions
Fire drill to be held week commencing 21 February 2000.
3.9 Catering and Functions
55 completed questionnaires have been received from Members and it is intended to complete the Prior Options Study in the near future.
3.10 BBC and Press Association
Mr Cosgrave reported that the meeting with the BBC and Press Association had been cancelled at the request of the BBC.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 The following matters were discussed:
Royal Gun Salute: To be held at Hillsborough.
Mail Investigation: No further action required unless further evidence comes to light.
Monica McWilliams' Letter: Noted.
Drainage Report: The main recommendations were circulated.
Trade Union Side Consultation: The draft constitution was approved.
Proposal on Irish Linen Napery: Not appropriate to consider individual requests for Assembly contracts. Could form part of a future tendering exercise.
Multiple Sclerosis Society Request: Agreed.
University Internships: Not appropriate to cover at this stage. Magee University may also be making an approach.
Nexus Conference: Approved, subject to the naming of sponsor and scrutiny of the budget with any profit being remitted to delegates or the Assembly.
Dream Auction: Not approved.
3 Saturday Tour Requests: Agreed in principle.
Pilote Campers Group Request: Agreed.
Pauline Armitage Request: Staff have been requested to draw up an estimate for the work, setting out the rationale for what is proposed and the costs involved.
NIWC Request for Shelving: It was agreed that shelving fixed to the wall is not routinely provided and additional provision, ie, above and beyond a standard equipped office, should be met from Office Cost Allowance or Party Allowance.
Ordering of Stationery: The issue of whether discounts can be given for furniture, etc, for Constituency Office use needs to be addressed. Address labels to be added to bespoke stationery.
Refreshments: Can be made available outside the Senate Chamber but only water can be brought into the Chamber.
5. COMMISSION SPONSORED BILLS
5.1 Financial Assistance to Political Parties Bill
Has received Royal Assent.
5.2 Allowance to Members and Office-Holders
The Speaker reported that Mr Fee had brought the Commission's response to issues raised in relation to clause 3 dealing with severance payments back to the Finance and Personnel Committee. However, the Committee had decided to recommend the withdrawal of clause 3.
5.3 Pensions Bill
May have to request the Secretary of State to put down a Pensions Order to cover any period in suspension.
6. SOUND AND VISION
6.1 The contract is to be extended for a further month.
7. PARTY ALLOWANCE SCHEME
7.1 A further paper is required.
GERRY COSGRAVE
