Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance for public evidence session at 10:30am: Cultural Tourism and the Arts Inquiry - Arts Council of Northern Ireland - Prof. Brian Walker, Chairman, Ms Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive and Mr Nick Livingston, Director of Strategic Development.

In attendance at 11:40am for question and answer session on the International Motor Sports Limited's report on the review of short circuits and on the demand, viability and feasibility of establishing a Regional Motor Sports facility - Sports Council for Northern Ireland - Mr Eamonn McCartan, Chief Executive, Mr Nick Harkness, Director of SCLF and Mr Stephen Wilson.

The meeting opened, in public, at 10:20am.

1. Chairperson's business

1.1. The Chairperson thanked the Deputy Chairperson and members for moving Committee business in his absence during the last two meetings.

1.2. Members agreed a letter of sympathy to issue to the President of Boston College in the wake of the terrible events that took place in the United States last week.

2. Minutes of the meeting of 13 September 2001

2.1. Minutes of the meeting of 13 September 2001 were agreed.

3. Matters arising

3.1. There were no matters arising.

4. Cultural Tourism and the Arts Inquiry

4.1. Members agreed that the findings contained in the report on the Committee's study visit to Paris and Barcelona would be incorporated in the recommendations in the final report.

4.2. The Committee agreed to defer the appointment of a Specialist Adviser to a future meeting.

Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 11:00am.

5. Public evidence session - Cultural Tourism and the Arts Inquiry - Arts Council of Northern Ireland

5.1. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland gave evidence, in public, to the Committee on the Cultural Tourism and the Arts Inquiry.

5.2. The Committee agreed to write to the Minister supporting the case made by the Council for additional funding for artists and arts organisations.

6. Any other business

6.1. Members were asked to note details of the Department's bids for Executive Programme Funds. It was agreed that the bids would be discussed with the Minister as part of the Committee's consideration of wider budgetary issues in the coming weeks.

Mr Wilson joined the meeting at 11:35am.

6.2. The Committee discussed concerns relating to the sustainability of the Knightride heritage attraction in Carrickfergus. Members agreed that the Clerk would make contact with Carrickfergus Borough Council to establish the current position.

7. Sports Council for Northern Ireland - International Motor Sports Report

7.1. The Sports Council for Northern Ireland answered members' questions about the report by International Motor Sports Ltd on the review of existing short circuits and on the demand, viability and feasibility of establishing a Regional Motor Sports facility in Northern Ireland.

7.2. Members agreed that the Committee would write to the Minister reiterating its support for motorcycle road racing and asking the Minister to consult with the Committee before any decision is taken on the recommendations contained in the report.

7.3. The Committee agreed to issue a Press Statement reiterating its support for motorcycle road racing.

Mr McCarthy left the meeting at 12:25pm.

8. Inland fisheries issues

8.1. The Committee agreed a letter to issue to the Minister about water levels in the River Maine.

8.2. The Committee agreed to include the recent escape of farmed salmon at Glenarm among the issues to be discussed with the Fisheries Conservancy Board at next week's meeting.

8.3. The Committee agreed to invite Glen Oak Fisheries to discuss the problems facing the Aquaculture industry.

8.4. The Committee agreed to discuss the Department's Action Plan for implementation of the recommendations in the Inland Fisheries Report at a future meeting.

8.5. The Committee noted and agreed that the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee should take the lead in the consideration of the Statutory Rule -Drainage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (NI) 2001 - proposed by the Rivers Agency. The Clerk will advise the Clerk of the Agriculture Committee.

8.6. The Committee received correspondence from the Department containing full details of the terms of reference and specification for the appointment of consultants to undertake the review of the Fisheries Conservancy Board. Members agreed to write to the Minister to seek his assurance that the Committee would be involved in the process.

The meeting closed at 1:05pm.

E ONeill
Chairperson