Minutes of Proceedings - 06 November 2001

Present:
Mr Roger Hutchinson MLA, Chairperson
Mr Kieran McCarthy MLA, Deputy Chairperson
Mr Alban Maginness MLA
Mr Gerry McHugh MLA
Prof. Monica McWilliams MLA
Dr Dara O'Hagan MLA
Mr Ken Robinson MLA

Attendees:
Mr Tony Logue, Committee Clerk
Mr Damien McVeigh

Apologies:
Mr Billy Bell MLA
Mr David Ervine MLA

2.15pm the meeting opened in private session-Mr McCarthy in the Chair.

1. Apologies

The apologies were noted.

2. Draft Minutes of Proceedings

Resolved, that the draft Minutes of Proceedings for Tuesday, 23 October 2001 be agreed.

3. Matters arising

No matters were raised.

4. Correspondence

4.1. Northern Ireland Office.

Members noted a written response from the Northern Ireland Office on a number of matters raised during the Committee's evidence session. Those matters were in relation to multiple injuries formula; insurance and pension payments; medical evidence; and loss of earnings.

Resolved, that the relevant responses be appended to the Committee's Report.

On a further point, members discussed the matter regarding the attendance of the officials at that session and the specific parameters of their attendance.

Resolved, that the Clerk make a formal response on behalf of the Committee.

4.2. Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre.

Members noted a written submission from the Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre on the proposed draft criminal injuries compensation scheme.

Resolved, that the submission be appended to the Committee's Report.

4.3. Coiste na n-Iarchimí

Members noted a written submission from Coiste Na n-Iarchimí on the proposed draft criminal injuries compensation scheme.

Resolved, that the submission be appended to the Committee's Report.

4.4. Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Members noted a letter from the Commission, which expressed their thanks for the opportunity to submit evidence to the Committee.

4.5. Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

Members noted a written submission from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers on the proposed draft criminal injuries compensation scheme.

Resolved, that the submission be appended to the Committee's Report.

4.6. Law Society of Northern Ireland

Members noted a supplementary written submission from the Law Society of Northern Ireland, which outlined their proposals to improve the operation of the existing compensation arrangements.

Resolved, that the supplementary submission be appended to the Committee's Report.

2.26pm Mr Hutchinson joined the meeting and assumed the Chair

5. Draft Report on the Committee's Proceedings

Members considered a draft Report on the proceedings of the Committee.

2.53pm Mr Maginness joined the meeting.

Resolved, that a further draft shall be considered at the next meeting.

6. Any other business

No other matters were raised.

7. Date and time of next meeting

The Committee agreed that it would next meet on Tuesday, 13 November 2001 to consider a further draft Report on the Committee's proceedings.

3.15pm the Chairperson adjourned the meeting.

Mr Kieran McCarthy MLA
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON
13 November 2001