CATERING AND FUNCTIONS COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEVENTH MEETING

23 November 1999

TUESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 1999 AT 2.00PM IN ROOM 135

Present: Mr PJ Bradley
Ms M Gildernew
Sir John Gorman

In the Chair: Sir John Gorman

In attendance Mr T Evans, Mr J Floyd, Mr P Waddell

Apologies: Mr P Berry, Mr C Wilson

1. MINUTES OF THE SIXTH MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November were agreed.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 It was noted that Trevor Annan had not yet responded to the Chairman's letter dated 5 November. It was agreed that a reminder should issue.

2.2 The Chairman requested that a sign be placed in the Basement Restaurant reminding customers not to remove crockery, cutlery or glassware.

2.3 Mr Evans reported that 2 December was the only available pre-Christmas Recess date for a visit to the Dail. It was agreed that the visit should be deferred to an early date in the New Year.

3. COMMISSION'S RESPONSE TO THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT

Mr Evans advised that the Commission had endorsed the Committee's Report and agreed that the Prior Options Study should deal only with catering services in accordance with the Committee's original terms of reference.

4. DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE AND CRITICAL PATH

4.1 The Committee agreed the following terms of reference:

'To make recommendations on the most appropriate delivery option for the provision of catering services in Parliament Buildings taking account of the unique requirements of a fully functioning legislature.'

In completing the study the successful consultant would be expected to:

trawl the views of key stakeholders;

research best practice in terms of in-house and outsourced catering operations; and

assess the future requirements of the Assembly.

4.2 It was agreed that the Committee would need to meet between 24 November and 10 December to determine the evaluation criteria for the appointment of consultants with the evaluation meeting taking place before the Christmas Recess. GPA to channel any enquiries from bidders through to Assembly officials.

4.3 The Committee recognised that it may be necessary to receive a presentation from each bidder if no clear winner emerges from the evaluation process. Mr Evans agreed to establish if Sue Harrison can provide ongoing advice and assistance to the Committee.

4.4 The Chairman agreed to write to Symonds and Mount Charles to advise them that a Prior Options Study is about to take place.