GIFT SHOP HOUSE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING

27 January 1999

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY 1999 AT 2.45 PM

Present:Mr PJ Bradley

Ms J Carson

Mr B McElduff

Mr K McCarthy

Mrs I Robinson

In the Chair:Mrs I Robinson

In Attendance:Ms G Campbell, Mr T Evans, Mr P Waddell

1.Welcome and Introduction

Mrs Robinson welcomed Members to the first meeting of the Gift Shop House Committee. Ms Carson expressed concern about the appointment of the Chairperson in advance of the first meeting. The Clerk explained that it was the unanimous decision of the Shadow Commission.

2.Chairperson's Remarks

Mrs Robinson outlined the background to the establishment of the Committee explaining that it was a House Committee and not a Sub Committee of the Shadow Commission, evidenced by the explicit terms of reference.

"To make recommendation to the Assembly Commission on the establishment, stocking and management of an Assembly Gift Shop"

2.Terms of Reference

There was a general discussion on the terms of reference and Members agreed the following rules:

  quorum, three elected Members with no substitutes;

  notice of meetings at least one week in advance;

  Members to receive papers at least 2 days prior to a meeting; and

  voting by majority.

4.Action Plan

Mr Waddell tabled a sketch proposal for the Gift Shop. Members viewed the proposed location for the shop and identified the need for display and storage facilities. Mr Waddell to contact DOE. The Committee agreed to invite the House of Lords Gift Shop to its next meeting and Mr McElduff to liaise with Leinster House. The Committee agreed that the Assembly motif would be used for all souvenirs.

5.Any Other Business

Members raised a number of issues:

  size of the budget for the establishment of the gift shop;

  who would be responsible for budgets and staff; and

  the need to source local products.

6.Date of the Next Meeting

Tuesday 9 February at 2.00 pm in Room 152.