Minutes of Proceedings - 08 January 2001

Present:
Mr Alban Maginness MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Fraser Agnew MLA
Mr Seamus Close MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA
Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Mr David McClarty MLA
Mr Mark Robinson MLA
Mr Sammy Wilson MLA

In Attendance:
Dr Andrew C Peoples (Committee Clerk)
Mr John Conlan
Mrs Gillian Lewis

Apologies:
Mr William Bell MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Sue Ramsey MLA

Meeting opened at 2.07pm in public session.

1. Apologies

The apologies are listed above.

2. Approval of draft minutes of previous proceedings

The minutes were agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

3. Matters arising from meeting of 19 December 2000

The Chairperson reminded the members of the Secretary of State's letter to Lord Alderdice outlining that comments should be received from the Assembly no later than 12 February 2001.

4. Evidence from the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)

Evidence on the Financial Investigations (NI) Order 2001 was taken from Detective Superintendent David Thompson and Detective Chief Inspector Alan Mains from the RUC.

2.13pm Mr Ervine joined the meeting
2.16pm Mr Robinson joined the meeting
2.21pm Mr Agnew joined the meeting

5. Evidence from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise

Evidence on the Financial Investigations (NI) Order 2001 was taken from Mr Bill Logan and Mr Donald Toon from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. It was agreed that they would forward additional information.Action: Clerk.

6. Any other business

The Chairperson informed members that The General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland would not be able to provide a written submission until after their meeting of 17 January 2001 and the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux would not be submitting a written response.

The Committee agreed to ask the Criminal Assets Bureau, Dublin for an oral presentation. Action: Clerk.

7. Dates of future meetings

The next meeting of the Committee is to be held on Tuesday, 9 January 2001 at 10.30am in Room 144 in Parliament Buildings. A further meeting for Tuesday 16 January 2001 at 10.30am was agreed.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.28pm

Alban Maginness MLA
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee - Financial Investigations (NI) Order 2001
8 January 2001