Shadow Assembly Commission Minutes of Proceedings
30 October 1998
FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 1998 AT 10.00 AM
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Initial Presiding Officer
Ms E Bell
Rev R Coulter
Mr J Fee
Mr Molloy
Mr P Robinson MP
In the Chair. Initial Presiding Officer
In Attendance: Mr T Evans, Ms G Campbell
Mr Waddell and Mr Johnston attended for part of the meeting.
1. Minutes of the sixth meeting were accepted without change.
2. Matters Arising
Parliament Buildings: Dates to view Parliament Buildings Artefacts will be arranged. Ulster Museum will report back in 2-3 weeks time on the environmental survey. The Post Office will be established before Christmas.
Smoking Rules: Members agreed a revision of the smoking rules which will go out in the next APN.
Car Parks: Mr Waddell to consider set down arrangements for Party workers transporting Members to and from Parliament Buildings.
The Commission agreed that the First and Deputy First Minister's Principal Press Officers should have access to the upper level car parks on non sitting days. Mr Waddell confirmed that it will be 2-3 weeks before the East-wing door is operational. Access through the East and West Wing doors will be restricted to holders of upper car park passes and Members.
Security: Members agreed that the Presiding Officer should continue to deal with
Security issues on behalf of the Shadow Commission.
Mileage and Allowances: The Presiding Officer is still awaiting a response from Mr Murphy. Members to be informed of OCA carry over arrangements for the first six months allowance up to 31 March 1999.
3. Shadow Commission Workplan
A short paper was tabled at the meeting. Members agreed that future meetings should be restricted to 2-3 substantive agenda items and matters arising with some issues tabled on a monthly basis.
4. Appointment of the Clerk/Deputy Clerks
This item was deferred.
5. Staffing Options post-devolution
This item was deferred.
6. Accommodation
The Shadow Commission endorsed Mr Waddell's proposal to move Committee Office staff to the fourth floor and provide the Shadow Executive with five additional rooms on the second floor on a temporary basis. Mr Waddell to provide an assessment of the per capita floor area allocation for each of the parties.
7. Draft Policy on Functions and Tours
Mr Johnston tabled two draft policies on functions and tours at Parliament Buildings. The policy on functions was agreed with some minor amendments. The draft policy on tours requires further consideration.
8. Library Research
Mr Evans to meet Mr Jardine, Chief Executive of NISRA, to discuss the secondment of a researcher.
9. Shadow Commission Remit
Mr Evans reported on his meeting with DOE officials. Members agreed that the Commission should have a veto on the use of public access areas of the Stormont Estate. Mr Evans, to follow up with DOE officials.
10. IT Issues
The Commission agreed on standard IT facilities for Members and Parties. All Members to have modems. Larger Parties to have one standard and two higher specification IT packages; Smaller Parties (5 Members) one standard, one higher specification and 2-3 Member Parties one standard package.
11. Any Other Business
Mr Evans to investigate simultaneous translation facilities in other Parliaments.
Members of the Commission felt that a visit to the House of Commons would be informative. Mr Evans to investigate.
12. Date of the next meeting
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 10 November at 2.3 0 pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
