Minutes of Proceedings

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr F Agnew.
The Committee noted that the Minister was unable to attend today's meeting due to illness.

2. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.

3. Matters arising

Safety improvements at sports grounds - the Committee noted that discussions were still taking place in the Department on how the funding of 2m for safety improvements should be distributed.
Language Promotion and the Odyssey Project - a response from the Department on these issues is expected shortly.

4. Statutory Rule

The Departments response on this matter was discussed. The differences in the licence fees between NI and the ROI, and between NI and GB were noted. It was agreed that further information was required from the Department. It is hoped that the matter will be concluded at the next meeting of the Committee on 27 January.

5. Draft Press Notice

It was agreed that some additional points should be added to the terms of reference.

6. Programme of future meetings & visits.

1. The Committee agreed on the programme for future meetings and visits. Some members stated that Friday may not always be a suitable day for visits due to constituency work. Regarding the visit to Armagh on 11 February the members agreed to use their own transport to get to Armagh. It was suggested that a map of Armagh might be useful.
2. It was agreed that the Minister should be invited to meet the Committee on 10 February.
3. Inland Waterways - It was agreed that this organisation should be invited to meet the Committee on 3 February.
4. The Chairperson reported that the Senate may not always be available for public meetings. However, portable sound equipment can be made available for Room 152.

7. Any other business

1. Department's budget - the Chairperson reported that one of the duties of the Committee was to scrutinise the Department's budget. Details of the Department's budget for next year has been requested. The Chairperson advised that the issue should be put on the agenda for next week's meeting and discussed in detail at the meeting with the Minister.
2. Interest Groups - a list of interest groups which could be invited to give written evidence on the fishing inquiry was circulated and agreed by the members. The members were advised to send any additional names to the Committee Clerk by next week.
3. The members requested information on the "Irish Society for Fishing Rights".
4. The members requested information about the location of the Book of Armagh.
5. United Christian Broadcasting - It was agreed that this issue would be deferred until next week.

8. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday 27 January 2000 at 10.15am in Room 152 Parliament Buildings.

Mr E ONeill
(Chairperson)