Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance for public evidence session at 11:00am: Fishing Inquiry - Environment and Heritage Service - Dr R Ramsay, Mr J Lamont, Dr J Faulkner and Mr B Davidson

In attendance for public evidence session at 12:00noon: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill - DRD - Water Service Agency - Mr H Thompson and Dr B Storey

In attendance for public evidence session at 12:40pm: Fisheries (Amendment) Bill - DARD - Rivers Agency - Mr M Hamilton and Mr J Allister

The meeting opened, in private, at 10.35am

1. Chairperson's business

1. The Chairperson reminded members of the rules of the Senate Chamber and the use of mobile phones.
2. The Chairperson advised members that a response had been received from the Minister addressing the Committee's concerns on the Department's consultation prior to the introduction of Carp to Ballyroney Lake. Members noted the contents of the letter.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mrs Nelis, Mr McMenamin, Mr Davis and Mr McElduff.

3. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 19 October were agreed.

4. Matters arising

1. . The Chairperson advised members that the Minister's appearance before the Committee yesterday had been reported in a number of today's newspapers.
2. . The Committee Clerk advised members that Minutes of Evidence of public sessions would now go onto the Internet and would also be available for purchase.

Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 10:49am
The Committee moved into public session at 11:00am

5. Public evidence session - Fishing Inquiry - DoE - Environment and Heritage Service

The Environment and Heritage Service gave evidence, in public, to the Committee on its inquiry into Inland Fishing.

6. Public evidence session - Fisheries (Amendment) Bill - DRD - Water Service Agency

The Water Service Agency gave oral evidence, in public, to the Committee on the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill.

Mr Wilson left the meeting at 12:26pm

7. Public evidence session - Fisheries (Amendment) Bill - DARD - Rivers Agency

The Rivers Agency gave oral evidence, in public, to the Committee on the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill.

The public session ended at 12:50pm

8. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Tuesday 7 November at 10:00am in the Senate Chamber.

The meeting closed at 12:50pm

Mr E ONeill
(Chairperson)