Shadow Assembly Commission Minutes of Proceedings
12 February 1999
MINUTES OF THE FIFTEENTH MEETING
FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 1999 AT 2.00 PM
Present: Initial Presiding Officer
Mr R Coulter
Mr J Fee
Mr F Molloy
Mr P Robinson MP
Mrs E Bell
In the Chair: Initial Presiding Officer
In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Ms G Campbell, Mr Johnston
1. The minutes of the fourteenth meeting were accepted without change.
2. CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
The Initial Presiding Officer highlighted the essential preparatory work required for devolution.
3. MATTERS ARISING
3.1 Refurbishment of the Press Conference Facility
The Initial Presiding Officer reflected on the recent meeting of the Press Liaison Group. It was agreed that the Commission would consult the Executive and the Press Liaison Group when detailed plans become available.
3.2 Appointment of Clerk
No comments have been received on the psychological assessment documentation. Central Personnel Group (CPG) has issued the tender letters. CPG has been instructed to progress the pensions issue for the Clerk to the Assembly.
3.3 Stormont Estate
The Commission agreed to meet the Stormont Area Group on 19 February to discuss the proposal for a second concert and then inform the Secretary of State of its decision.
4. ACCOMMODATION
The Initial Presiding Officer presented the following proposals, designed to accommodate the Executive requirements, which were endorsed by the Commission.
- Gail McKibben moving to the basement;
- David Ferguson / Paul Sweeney - moving temporarily to 2nd floor and after devolution will vacate the building;
- Bill Office to rooms 153 / 155 (vacated by David Lavery);
- John Semple move to rooms 150 / 151; and
- Commission office relocated to 103.
Members agreed that the Executive should be informed that this is the final allocation. Mr Robinson asked for an earlier decision, to provide door-plates for all rooms, to be minuted.
5. STAFFING
The Initial Presiding Officer introduced the staffing paper, prepared by the Finance and Personnel Directorate, and highlighted the importance of the Assembly complying with equality legislation. Members received monitoring information by community background and gender and asked for:
- monitoring information by grade, Assembly directorate and function;
- draft equal opportunities code of practice; and
- advice on equality issues relevant to career progression.
The Commission discussed the staffing paper and identified shortfalls across all of the directorates. Members agreed to liaise with individual directors.
6. ESTIMATES
The Commission considered the draft estimates and identified a significant number of inadequate planning assumptions (committee costs) and omissions (research, printing and publishing). Mr Evans to check on the cost of Special Advisers.
The Commission agreed to meet the Board of Management to discuss the Staffing and Estimates papers.
7. PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
The Commission briefly reflected on the meetings with Roger Sands and the Stationery Office. The Initial Presiding Officer informed Members that a meeting had been arranged with David Court, Chief Executive of the Government Purchasing Agency, for 18 February.
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
All items deferred until the next meeting.
9. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Friday 19 February at 10.00 am, Room 152, Parliament Buildings.
TOM EVANS
Clerk to the Shadow Commission
