Minutes of Proceedings

The Chairperson opened the meeting, in closed session, at 11:45am.

1. Chairperson's business

1.1. The Committee agreed to hold the meeting in closed session.

1.2. The Chairperson reminded members to completely switch off mobile phones.

1.3. The Committee agreed, in the light of the negative media coverage, in particular in the Irish News on 22 February 2002, about the "Catch and Release" Byelaws, to issue a press release clarifying the position and drawing attention to the Committee's call for a common policy to be introduced for Lough Melvin.

2. Minutes of the meeting of 21 February 2002

2.1. The draft Minutes of Proceedings of 21 February 2002 were agreed.

3. Matters arising

3.1. There were no matters arising.

4. EU Framework document - draft response

4.1. The Committee agreed a response on the EU Framework document to issue to the Committee of the Centre.

5. Ulster Canal

5.1. Members noted the Department's letter of 21 February 2002 providing an update on the possible re-opening of the Ulster Canal and the Department's intention to make a presentation to the Committee prior to consultation with other relevant bodies and organisations.

6. Report on the Cultural Tourism and the Arts Inquiry

6.1. The Committee continued the initial scrutiny of the draft report, prepared by the Specialist Advisor and agreed that the Clerk would redraft identified areas.

Mr Hilditch left the meeting at 12:18pm.
Mr McMenamin attended the meeting at 12:20pm.

7. Any other business

7.1. Members noted the letter of 25 February 2002 from Disability Sports Northern Ireland and agreed to meet with a delegation from the organisation on 28 February 2002.

8. Date of next meeting

8.1. The next meeting of the Committee will take place at 10:15am on Thursday 28 February 2002 in Room 152.

The Chairperson brought the meeting to a close at 12:23pm.

E ONeill
Chairperson