Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance for public evidence session at 11.00am: North Antrim Anglers Association - Mr B McAffee, Mr W Reynolds

In attendance for public evidence session at 12.00pm: Braid Angling Club - Mr P Morgan, Mr S Coulter

The meeting opened, in private, at 10.20am

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr Hilditch, Mr Agnew and Mr Wilson.

2. Chairperson's business

1. The Chairperson reminded members of the rules on the use of the Senate Chamber.
2. The Chairperson reported that a letter had been sent to Mr Allen wishing him a speedy recovery after his recent illness.
3. Agreed - to send a letter to Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission expressing the Committee's concerns about the recent attacks on bailiffs patrolling the River Mourne.

3. Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.

4. Matters arising

1. The Chairperson reported that a visit had been arranged to Harperstown and Randalstown hydro-electric power stations and Movanagher fish farm for Friday 30 June.
2. The Chairperson reported that a presentation had been arranged on hydro schemes for Monday 26 June.
3. The Chairperson advised members of the Committee's response to the Chairperson of the Finance and Personnel Committee on the allocation of Public Expenditure money and End Year Flexibility money. He advised that a request had been made for funding to be made available for fishing improvements in rivers and lakes to improve both Game and Coarse fishing, and to carry out a detailed study into access and participation in the Arts for people who live in disadvantaged areas.

5. Regional Development Strategy

The Chairperson advised that the Chairperson of the Regional Development Committee had requested the Committee's views on the Regional Development Strategy. It was agreed that a response should be made, but that the issue should be deferred to next week's meeting. The Chairperson asked members to put any comments on the Strategy in writing to the Committee Clerk prior to next week's meeting.

Mr McElduff left the meeting at 10.37am

6. Inland Fishing Inquiry

i. Submissions - it was reported that a number of submissions had been received within the past few days; the Chairperson advised that, although the closing date for written submissions was today, 22 June, he would accept submissions that were received a few days late.

ii. The Committee Clerk advised that there may be some delay in preparing summaries of the submissions in view of the numbers received recently.

Mr Shannon arrived at 10.45

iii. The Chairperson explained the procedures for dealing with Minutes of Evidence and advised that members should submit any amendments to the Minutes issued recently to the Committee Clerk by 27 June.

7. Any other business

The Chairperson advised that an invitation had been received from the Chairperson of the Laganside Corporation, Mr Anthony Hopkins, to visit the Cathedral Quarter; it was agreed to defer this visit until after recess.

Ms Nelis left the meeting at 10.55am

8. Evidence session - North Antrim Angler's Association

North Antrim Angler's Association gave oral evidence, in public, to the Committee on its inquiry into Inland Fisheries.

9. Evidence session from Braid Angling Club

Braid Angling Club gave evidence, in public, to the Committee on its inquiry into Inland Fisheries.

10. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Monday 26 June at 12.00 noon in Room 152.

The meeting closed at 12.55pm

Mr E ONeill
(Chairperson)