MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - 20th SEPTEMBER 2000
MINUTES OF THE NINTH MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2000 AT 10.30 AM
IN ROOM 106
1. Clerk to the Assembly - Selection Procedure
2. Minutes
3. Matters Arising
4. Accomodation Options
5. Staffing
6. Draft Standing Orders
7. Party Allowances
8. Any other business
9. Date and time of next meeting
Present: The Speaker
Mrs Eileen Bell
Rev Robert Coulter
Dr Dara O'Hagan
Mr Jim Wells (attended for the afternoon session)
In the Chair: The Speaker
In Attendance: Mr T Evans
Ms Campbell & Mr Cosgrave attended for the afternoon session
Mr B Martin, Mr J Sullivan and Mr R Sands attended for agenda item 1
Apologies: Mr John Fee
1. Clerk to the Assembly - Selection Procedure
1.1 The selection panel completed the sift process assessing all applicants against the eligibility criteria set out in paras 5.2 and 5.4 of the job specification.
1.2 The selection panel then considered the quality of the pool of eligible applicants and whether there was a need to re-advertise the post. At this stage the Speaker read out a written submission from Mr Fee setting out his assessment of the pool of applicants. After some deliberations the panel agreed that the selection panel should continue on the basis of the eligible candidates identified through the sift process.
1.3 The selection panel agreed not to use the shortlisting criteria and that all eligible applicants should now be invited to the assessment centre and interview process.
1.4 The selection panel assigned each of the interview criterion to individual panel members.
2. The minutes of the seventh and eighth meeting were accepted.
3. MATTERS ARISING
3.1 Stormont Estate
The Speaker referred to his response to Mr Robinson's letter on the issue of the location of the entrance to the children's playground car park. Work on the car park and vehicle entrance will be completed by early October.
3.2 Michael Flatley Concert and Festival of Speed
Members had some concerns about the preparation and clear up arrangements for the Festival of Motorsport.
3.3 Pager Service
Mr Waddell reported on progress in identifying appropriate options. It was agreed that a procurement exercise was probably required. Mr Waddell to take forward the preparation of a specification setting out the Assembly's requirements.
3.4 Functions and Tours
The Commission agreed the following revision to the regulations for tours now that an alternative tour restaurant facility is available.
'On sitting days Members may bring no more than six visitors to the basement restaurant.'
3.5 Ordering of Stationery
It was agreed that stationery and furniture can be paid for out of Party funding. Mr Cosgrave reported that a form is being designed for use by Party Whips. The Commission agreed revisions to a proposed set of rules on the use of Assembly stationery based on the House of Commons arrangements. A note to go out in the APN on the use of post paid envelopes.
3.6 Catering Study
Mr Evans reported that the Catering and Functions Committee are meeting on 5 October and will then bring the Catering report to an early Commission meeting.
3.7 Upper Car Park Passes
The Commission approved the list of additional officials to be provided with security passes. It was also agreed to provide one pass for Ministerial Special Advisers. Mr Waddell to consider the consequences of a proposal to allow Whips assistants access to the library and to provide set-down passes for the East upper car park on sitting days.
3.8 Trade Union Consultation
Mr Cosgrave reported on his meeting with NIPSA senior officials and the recently appointed local branch officers, when it was agreed that he would bring to the Commission a proposal for consultative arrangements based on the House of Commons practice.
3.9 University Internships
The Speaker updated Members on the internship pilot scheme with Queen's University due to start on 25 September.
3.10 Equality Issues
Mr Evans will be meeting Ms Lewsley on 21 September to discuss equality training. The Speaker informed Members of the recent secondment of a human rights lawyer from QUB who will provide training of ECHR issues and advice on the development of the Assembly's equality scheme.
4. ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
4.1 Members reflected on the recent series of visits to Ormiston House, the vacant bank building at the Massey Avenue gates and Annex C within the Estate. It was agreed that Annex C should only be a short term accommodation option (1 - 2 years).
4.2 The Speaker informed Members that a feasibility study in respect of Ormiston House was being carried out as part of the government disposal procedures, but that there was a difficulty under the current rules because the Commission has no vesting authority. It was agreed that the Speaker should write to the Minister for Finance and Personnel to ask if he would be prepared to use his vesting powers on behalf of the Commission.
5. STAFFING
5.1 The Commission noted the progress report on the Assembly's recruitment programme.
5.2 The Commission did not come to a resolution on all of the issues set out in the paper on pre-appointment checks. It was agreed to run with criminal record and financial checks in the interim and to give further consideration to the draft integrity questionnaire. Mr Evans to refer the questionnaire to the Assembly's human rights lawyer for equality and human rights proofing.
6. DRAFT STANDING ORDER FOR THE ASSEMLY COMMISSION
6.1 The Commission approved the draft Standing Order on the appointment of Members of the Assembly Commission. The Speaker agreed to write to the Chairman of the Committee on Procedures.
7. PARTY ALLOWANCES
7.1 There was some discussion on the issue of paying Assembly Business Managers. It was agreed that the Speaker should table this issue at the upcoming Speakers' conference with a view to asking SSRB to consider the matter on behalf of the new devolved institutions.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
8.1 The Commission considered a proposal from the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure to hold an exhibition in Parliament Buildings commemorating the Bi-centenary of the Act of Union. It was agreed that the Speaker should investigate possible location options before the Commission takes a decision on the principle of whether exhibitions are held in Parliament Buildings.
8.2 The Commission considered a request from Rev Dr Ian Paisley to make available low tables in the Senate Chamber during committee meetings. The Speaker agreed to consider possible design options.
8.3 The Commission agreed that the cost of the proposed seminar in Edinburgh for Women Parliamentarians should not be covered by OCAs but could be paid for out of Party Allowances. All Assembly Parties will be informed about the conference and the Commission's decision regarding the payment of the conference fee.
8.4 Mr Evans to liaise with Dr O'Hagan on the Sinn Fein request to have room 316 separated.
8.5 Dr O'Hagan proposed that the overseas rate for foreign travel needs to be reviewed. It was agreed that this should be considered when bringing forward a new Allowances Determination.
9. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Mr Evans to arrange a suitable date.
TOM EVANS
