Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance at 10:45am for a presentation to the Committee on the work of the Agency: Mr George Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency.

The Chairperson opened the meeting, in public, at 10:40am.

1. Chairperson's business

1.1. The Chairperson reminded members that mobile phones should be completely turned off.

1.2. The Committee agreed that the Chairperson would, in his capacity as Committee Chairperson, accept an invitation from the United States of America's Ambassador to Ireland, to attend an Independence Day celebration in the Dublin Embassy, on 4 July 2002.

1.3. The Committee welcomed the additional allocation of £2.9 million received by the Department in the June monitoring round, in particular, the allocation of £1 million for a NI - wide Community Sports Programme.

1.4. The Committee noted that the Department had none of its bids met under the first element of the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative.

2. Presentation by Ulster-Scots Agency

2.1. The Chairperson welcomed Mr George Holmes, Deputy Chief Executive, and expressed the Committee's wish to ensure that sufficient progress was being made in gaining wider recognition for the Ulster-Scots language and culture. He also highlighted the Committee's concerns about the degree of slowness in the process to recruit and appoint a Chief Executive.

2.2. The Chairperson invited Mr Holmes to make a presentation on the Agency's activities and achievements since its formation.

2.3. It was agreed that Mr Holmes would respond in writing to a number of questions which addressed the Committee's various areas of concern and that he would meet again with the Committee after the summer recess to discuss further progress.

3. Minutes of meeting of 27 June 2002

3.1. The draft Minutes of Proceedings of the meeting of 27 June 2002 were agreed.

4. Matters arising

4.1. There were no matters arising.

5. Update on proposed Fisheries (Amendment No 2) Byelaws (NI) 2002

5.1. The Committee noted the Minister's letter of 26 June 2002 confirming that the final number of tidal draft licences which will be available next year under the proposed Fisheries (Amendment No 2) Byelaws (NI) 2002 will be two.

6. Correspondence from Foyle Association of Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers

6.1. The Committee noted the letter of 26 June 2002 from the Foyle Association of Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers enclosing copy correspondence from the Association to the Loughs Agency. This voiced concerns about the Agency's conservation strategy and the production of smolts. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for comment.

7. Correspondence from Ulster Angling Federation

7.1. The Committee noted the Ulster Angling Federation's letter of 21 June 2002 about changes in the Rivers Agency's procedures for consulting with fishery owners on proposed drainage works published in the Notice of Annual Maintenance 2002/2003. It was agreed that the matter would be referred to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development seeking comments on the change in policy.

8. Appointments to the Northern Ireland Events Company

8.1. The Committee noted information from the Department regarding those persons who have confirmed their membership of the Board of the Northern Ireland Events Company. It was agreed to ask the Department to provide further details on the make-up of the Board, including geographical spread.

9. Any other business

9.1. The Chairperson reported that the Speaker had discussed with him the possibility of arranging a reception in Parliament Buildings for the Republic of Ireland World Cup soccer squad under the sponsorship of the Committee. It was agreed that the Committee Clerk would make initial inquiries, which would also include the possibility of combining the event with recognising the 20th anniversary of the Northern Ireland soccer squad's achievements in Spain in 1982.

9.2. Mr Hilditch advised the Committee that he had been alerted to the possible publication of an article about the Sheridan Group.

10. Date of next meeting

10.1. The next meeting of the Committee will take place at 10:15am on 5 September 2002, in Room 152.

The Chairperson brought the meeting to a close at 11:34am.

E ONeill
Chairperson