MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS - 11th DECEMBER 2001

MINUTES OF THE FORTY-FIRST MEETING
OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION
HELD ON TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2001 AT 3:00 PM
IN ROOM 106

PRESENT: The Speaker
Dr D O'Hagan
Rev R Coulter
Mr J Fee
Mrs E Bell

IN THE CHAIR: The Speaker

APOLOGIES: Mr J Wells

IN ATTENDANCE: Mr T Evans, Mr A Moir, Mr G Cosgrave, Mr P Carlisle, Mr M Barnes, Mr D Millar, Mr A Black, Miss G Campbell, Mr S Burrowes, Mrs A Peacocke, Miss C Cleland (in attendance for Item 3), Mr G Colan-O'Leary (in attendance for Item 2).

Mr P Terrington (PricewaterhouseCoopers) in attendance for Item 5

1. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes of the fortieth meeting of the Assembly Commission, held on 27 November 2001, were accepted.

2. CHAIRMAN'S BUSINESS

2.1 Aiken Proposals

Nothing further to report at this stage.

2.2 Members' Dining Room

Members noted the guidelines relating to the pilot scheme. Mr Evans advised Members that there had been a favourable response to the Brasserie in its first week of operation.

2.3 Press Bar and Atrium

The refurbishment to the Press Bar will begin week commencing 24 December 2001. The Press Bar will be closed during the month of January 2002 with the date for the re-opening to be confirmed in late January.

2.4 Visitors Access to the Basement Restaurant

Members noted the revised regulations relating to visitor access to the Basement restaurant.

2.5 Incident in the Great Hall

It was agreed that that Commission should meet with the Press Liaison Group early in the new year to discuss the future management of press conferences. The Commission considered correspondence from Dr Paisley to Mr Colan-O'Leary requesting access to statements made by Doorkeepers as part of the Head of Security's internal investigation of the incident in the Great Hall on 6 November. It was agreed that Mr Evans should reply to Dr Paisley indicating that the Commission will only release statements by order of the courts. It was also agreed that the police can interview Doorkeepers as part of any investigation.

2.6 Commemorative Inscription

The Speaker outlined the arrangements for the inscription ceremony.

2.7 Members' Satisfaction Survey

Mr Moir advised that 63 Members had completed the survey and that he would provide a report for the next meeting.

2.8 Printing Contract

The Speaker advised that the deadline for receipt of tenders had passed and that the Assessment Panel would be meeting to assess bids received for the main and subsidiary contracts.

2.9 Christmas Card Launch

Members agreed that the official launch of the Assembly Christmas card had been very successful.

2.10 Accommodation

Mr Evans reported on the issues raised at the meeting with the Residents' Liaison Group on 27 November 2001.

The Speaker reported that the proposed meeting with the Royal Ulster Architectural Society had to be deferred.

The Speaker also advised that a meeting with the Chief Executive of the Roads Service had been scheduled for 18 December 2001 to discuss access issues relating to Ormiston House and to communicate residents' concerns about the proposed Pirrie Road entrance. Members were invited to attend this meeting.

The Commission considered correspondence from Mr Maskey requesting additional Ministerial accommodation in Parliament Buildings. Dr O'Hagan agreed to advise Mr Maskey that there is no additional accommodation available but that Sinn Fein may wish to consider a reconfiguration of existing party accommodation.

2.11 Transport Pilot

Mrs Peacocke advised that the pilot scheme is now operational. Members agreed that there should be a standing note in the APN reminding Members and Secretariat of the service.

3. DISABILITY ISSUES

3.1 Ms Cleland presented a detailed paper setting out progress with the implementation of the proposals agreed by the Commission on 7 November. It was agreed that the short term proposals should be implemented as quickly as possible. A paper setting out proposals for the implementation of the more substantial projects, required to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, to be prepared for April 2002. Ms Cleland to brief Ms Lewsley on the Commission's plans with regard to disability issues.

4. SSRB REVIEW / PARTY ALLOWANCES

4.1 The Speaker advised members of SSRB's concerns about the low number of interviews achieved with individual members and that he had also raised this with the Business Committee. Members agreed to encourage Party colleagues to respond to approaches from the consultants.

4.2 The Commission considered a paper setting out the support arrangements for Political Parties at Westminster, Scotland, Wales, The Dail and the NI Assembly. Members agreed that the Commission should meet with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister and that the issue should also be raised at the Business Committee

5. REVIEW OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PAY AND GRADING

5.1 Mr Terrington provided an update on progress with the review. Members suggested further amendments to the draft Statement of Principles on the understanding that it remained a draft statement allowing for further refinement by the Commission. Members agreed to provide comments on the staff questionnaire by close of play on 13 December. PricewaterhouseCoopers to provide an interim report by 21 December.

5.2 Dr O'Hagan enquired whether the Assembly Commission had been designated as a public authority under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. Mr Evans advised that the Assembly Commission is likely to be included in the next designation order. It was agreed that a draft Equality Scheme should be prepared for consideration in early February.

6. STAFFING ISSUES

6.1 Members agreed the recruitment priorities for the period to June 2002 and the composition of the interview panels for the senior posts.

6.2 Mr Moir presented a paper detailing the procedures for dealing with newly appointed staff during the probationary period. It was agreed that PWC should be asked to flesh out the principles highlighted in Mr Moir's paper.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

7.1 Media Monitoring Service

Dr O'Hagan advised that the service provided by the NIO's media monitoring unit is about to be discontinued. The Commission asked for a paper setting out all the options for the provision of a media monitoring service.

7.2 Belfast Telegraph Request

The Speaker advised that the Belfast Telegraph had asked for detailed information on Members' Allowances. It was agreed that information on Members' Allowances should initially be made available through the Commission's Annual Report and ultimately through the Commission's Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. Commission members agreed to consult with their Parties on the publication of information on Members' Allowances.

7.3 Dr O'Hagan advised that the Department of Trade and Industry provided funding for Public Buildings using alternative energy services. Mr Evans to follow up.

7.4 Mr Fee raised two issues; the need for additional lighting in the East Staff Car Park and the Assembly Commission's Annual Report.

TOM EVANS