CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE FIFTH MEETING

19 October 1999

TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 1999 AT 2.00 PM

Present: Mr P Berry

Mr PJ Bradley

Sir John Gorman

Mr C Wilson

In the Chair: Sir John Gorman

In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Mr J Floyd, Mr D Gray, Mr P Waddell.

Apologies: Ms M Gildernew

1. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS

1.1 The Chairman reported that the Initial Presiding Officer had informed him of five incidents of foreign bodies being found in food served by Mount Charles. The Chairman expressed his dissatisfaction about not being made aware of the incidents and questioned the role of the Catering and Functions Committee.

1.2 Mr Evans reported that the Commission on 18 October had agreed that the Catering and Functions Committee should be asked to deal with complaints and routine operational issues, supported by the Keeper of the House, but reporting back to the Commission on major policy and contractual matters. The Chairman stated that he wanted the Commission to clarify the role of the Committee.

2. MATTERS ARISING

The minutes were adopted, proposed by Mr Berry and seconded by Mr Wilson.

3. MOUNT CHARLES - RECENT COMPLAINTS

3.1 The Chairman asked what action had been taken by Mount Charles to redress the recent difficulties. Mr Waddell reported that an independent food safety consultant had reviewed Mount Charles' procedures. Mr Floyd also confirmed that all the people effected by the incidents had received an apology and an offer of a free meal.

3.2 The Chairman reported a further incident involving a member of staff who is allergic to cheese and was provided with food that contained cheese as a secondary ingredient. The label on the product had not indicated that it contained cheese.

4. DRAFT REPORT

4.1 The Committee considered the draft Report and agreed that the report should be tabled at the next Commission meeting on 2 November.

5. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

5.1 Mr Wilson asked for clarification on the number of events which Members can sponsor.

5.2 The Committee agreed that the Chairman should write to Trevor Annan congratulating Mount Charles for winning the Taste of Ulster award and for the flower display in Parliament Buildings. It was also agreed the letter should indicate that the Commission has delegated to the Committee responsibility for dealing with complaints and routine operational issues and to remind Mount Charles that robust labelling procedures need to be in place to protect people with food allergies.