MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - 14th JUNE 2000

MINUTES OF THE SIXTH MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2000 AT 12.30 PM IN ROOM 106

Present: The Speaker
Rev Robert Coulter
Mr Gregory Campbell
Mr John Fee
Mrs Eileen Bell
Dr Dara O'Hagan

In the Chair: The Speaker

In Attendance: Ms G Campbell, Mr T Evans & Mr N Johnston.
Mr Rogers attended for part of the meeting.

1. Minutes of the fifth meeting on 2 June were accepted.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Stormont Estate

The Speaker reported on his meeting with David Ferguson, DFP, when it was confirmed that planning approval for the car park at the children's playground has been granted and that work is due to commence at the end of week commencing 19 June. David Ferguson has also offered the support of Office Accommodation Branch in exploring the Ormiston House proposal. Commission Members to visit Ormiston House at an early date.

2.2 Michael Flatley Concert

Mr Evans to discuss with Aiken Promotions profit sharing options for the hospitality elements of the Michael Flatley concert to be held in Parliament Buildings.

2.3 Pager Service

Mr Waddell to bring a paper to an early Commission meeting.

2.4 Functions and Tours

Consideration of the revised guidance notes for functions and regulations for tours was deferred to a future meeting.

2.5 IT for Constituency Offices

An information leaflet to be circulated to all Members setting out the logistics of how the installation of IT in all constituency offices will be taken forward.

2.6 Catering Study

The consultants will present the study findings to the Catering and Functions Committee on 26 June. The cost of soft drinks and food in the Members' bar to be reviewed.

2.7 BBC and Press Association (PA)

Mr Evans to meet with BBC and PA to discuss the following accommodation options and bring back a set of proposals for consideration by the Commission:

· BBC to have sole use of corridor B40; and

· PA to have sole use of part of corridor B46.

2.8 Parking of Broadcast Unit in the Upper Car Park

It was agreed that BBC and UTV will each be allowed to park one van, on a temporary basis, along the back wall of the upper west car park. UTV to be encouraged to take up the offer of installing a satellite dish on the roof of Parliament Buildings.

2.9 Trade Union Consultation

Mr Fee emphasised the importance of facilitating TU representation for all secretariat staff. Mr Evans to write to TU side to ask for a response to the draft constitution and to communicate the Commission's view that a single union representation is not appropriate.

2.10 University Internships

Mr Evans and Mr Johnston to meet with representatives of QUB.

2.11 Appropriation Issues

The Directors to attend the next Commission meeting, scheduled for 3 July, to present an early draft of the 2001-02 Estimates using the current budget as the baseline. At an early meeting after the Summer Recess the Commission will then agree the Estimates to be presented to the Assembly.

2.12 Requests for Passes

OFM / DFM have been asked to co-ordinate all requests from Departments for permanent passes. The Speaker informed Members that he had asked Mr Waddell to monitor the usage of the upper level car parks to inform the Commission's deliberations on the future allocation of upper level car park passes.

2.13 Equality Scheme - Section 75 Responsibilities

The Speaker informed Members that he is awaiting advice from OFM / DFM as to when the Commission is likely to be designated a public authority.

3. STAFFING

3.1 Staffing

The Speaker updated Members on the current recruitment programme and reported that the Secretariat will be approaching District Councils, through the local Government Staff Commission, with a view to securing staff on short term secondments. Members agreed to advertise the Clerk to the Assembly post before the Summer Recess with the provisio that, if there is doubt about the quality of response, the Commission reserves the right to re-advertise the post.

4. ALLOWANCES TO MEMBERS AND OFFICE-HOLDERS

4.1 The Commission agreed the draft amendments and general approach to the consideration stage of the Allowances Bill as proposed by Mr Fee.

5. PENSION SCHEME

5.1 Mr Coulter agreed to move the resolution seeking the Assembly's endorsement of the nominations for the Pension Trustees. A seminar on the Pension Scheme has been arranged for lunchtime on Monday 3 July which will be led by Grant Ballantine, Government Actuaries Department.

6. SOUND AND VISION

6.1 The Commission agreed that the purchase of the Sound and Vision equipment should be negotiated prior to the completion of the tender process. The selection panel are scheduled to meet on Friday 23 June.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 The Commission considered a request from Patricia Lewlsey for training for Members on equality issues. It was agreed that, in the first instance, a questionnaire should issue to Members to assess the demand for equality training.

7.2 The following issues were raised:

· lack of shower facilities for Members;

· the need for ashtrays and rubbish bins at all entrances to Parliament Buildings; and

· the provision of IT facilities in the Chamber for Ministers and key personnel.

7.3 The Speaker agreed to put a note in the APN alerting Members to the shower facilities in the basement and confirmed that the issue of providing IT facilities in the Chamber is being considered.