Minutes of Proceedings

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10.30 and declared the meeting open to the public. 

1. Preparation for the meeting with the Minister

1.1 Copies of the letter of 17 October from the Minister's Private Secretary regarding the draft budget proposals were distributed to members.

1.2 The Committee deliberated.

Mr McHugh attended the meeting at 10.40.

2. Beef Exports

2.1 The Minister, Ms Brid Rodgers, and DARD officials, Mr Pat Toal (Deputy Secretary) and Mr Gerry Lavery (Assistant Secretary) were called in at 11.00.

2.2 The Minister made a short statement on the current position regarding the consultation process on the proposal to acquire BSE low incidence status for Northern Ireland and on the anticipated timescale for submission to and consideration by the European Union.

2.3 The Minister reported that there had been a small number of responses against the proposed scheme and that the percentage of negative responses was higher in Great Britain than in Northern Ireland. The Minister said she was determined to secure a positive outcome and stated that it remained her top priority.

2.4 The 2 two DARD officials left the meeting at 11.20.

3. Draft Budget proposals

3.1 The Minister was joined by DARD officials Mr Danny McNeill (Deputy Secretary) and Mr Gerry Lavery (Assistant Secretary).

3.2 The Minister made a detailed statement to the Committee (copies of which were circulated to members after the Minister left) and took questions from members.

3.3 In response to a question from the Chairman, the Minister agreed that in future years she would consult with the Committee in good time to allow members to make recommendations regarding proposed bids, prior to the announcement of the draft budget.

3.4 The 2 DARD officials left the meeting at 12.05.

The Chairman left the meeting at 12.05 and Mr Savage assumed the Chair.

4. Fisheries Issues

4.1 The Minister was joined by Mrs Evelyn Cummins (Assistant Secretary) and Mr Jim Prentice (Fisheries Division).

4.2 The Minister made a short statement to the Committee and took questions from Members on the Cod Recovery Plan, the forthcoming December Fisheries Council meeting and the under 10 metre fleet.

Mr Bradley left the meeting at 12.10.

4.3 The Minister and her officials left the meeting at 12.45.

5. Consideration of the budget proposals

5.1 The Committee deliberated.

5.2 Resolved: that the Committee would agree its response to the Committee for Finance and Personnel at the meeting on Friday 20 October.

6. Date of Next Meeting

6.1 The next meeting was agreed for 10.00 on Friday 20 October and papers for that meeting were distributed to members.

The Deputy Chairman brought the meeting to a close at 13.00.