Minutes of Proceedings - 17 June 2002

1. Apologies

The apologies were noted.

2. Matters arising

There were no matters arising.

3. Evidence Session

Members noted the contents of a written brief from the Law Society of Northern Ireland on the proposed Draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland ) Order 2002.

2.15pm The Chairperson called the Law Society of Northern Ireland to be examined.

Members heard evidence from the Law Society of Northern Ireland on their role under the proposed new Draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. The Law Society of Northern Ireland was represented by Mr Joe Donnelly, Junior Vice President, Mr Paddy Kinney, Law Society Representative, Mr Barra McGrory, Law Society Representative and Mr John Bailie, Chief Executive.

2.31pm Ms Lewsley joined the meeting.

2.36pm Mr Kelly left the meeting.

2.55pm The evidence session closed.

It was agreed that the Committee would adjourn until 4.00pm when evidence would be taken from the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland. As the Chairperson would be unable to attend, it was further agreed to elect a co-opted Chairperson.

3.07pm Mrs Bell left the meeting.

3.07pm Mr McLaughlin left the meeting.

3.07pm The Chairperson adjourned the meeting until 4.00pm and left.

4.07pm Mr Hendron, Professor McWilliams, Mr Murphy and Mr Shannon joined the meeting.

4.07pm the meeting opened in public session-the Clerk in the Chair.

4. Co-option of Chairperson

In the absence of the Chairperson, the Clerk called for nominations for the position of co-opted Chairperson. Professor McWilliams proposed that Ms Lewsley be the co-opted Chairperson for this meeting. Dr Hendron seconded this and the nomination was accepted.

On their being no further nominations the Clerk put the question without debate.

Resolved, that Ms Lewsley, being the only candidate proposed, be the Chairperson of this Committee meeting.

5. Evidence Session

Members noted the contents of a written brief from the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland on the proposed Draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.

4.08pm The Chairperson called the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland to be examined.

Members heard evidence from the General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland on their role under the proposed new draft Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. The General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland was represented by Mr Stuart Beattie QC, Mr David Hunter QC and Mr Jim McNulty QC.

4.10pm Mr Beggs joined the meeting.

4.45pm Mr Murphy left the meeting.

4.55pm Professor McWilliams left the meeting.

5. Any other business

No other matters were raised.

6. Date and time of next meeting

The Committee agreed that the next meeting would take place on Monday 24 June 2002 at 1.30pm to consider a draft Report of the Committee's proceedings.

4.58pm the Chairperson adjourned the meeting.

Ms Patricia Lewsley MLA
Acting Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee
24 June, 2002