MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OFTHE THIRTY THIRD MEETING OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEEIN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGSON THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 2001

Present: Mr D Kennedy (Chairman)
Mr S Wilson (Deputy Chairman) 
Mrs E Bell
Mr O Gibson
Mrs P Lewsley
Mr B McElduff
Mr K Robinson

Apologies: Mr J Fee
Mr T Gallagher
Mr G McHugh

In Attendance: Mrs C Darrah 
Miss J Adair
Ms C Angelone

The Committee met at 10.33 a.m. in private session. Mr Andrew Clarke, who as part of his work experience was shadowing Mr Wilson, in his capacity as Lord Mayor of Belfast, was present.

Following the death of Mr Tom Benson, MLA, on 24 December 2000, the Chairman proposed that the Committee meeting should adjourn as a mark of respect.

The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Benson and extended condolences to the family circle on behalf of all members of the Education Committee. Members of the Committee also paid their individual tributes to Mr Benson. The Chairman and members remembered Mr Benson's wide experience and long-term commitment to education in Northern Ireland and the respect in which he was held by his colleagues within the Education Committee, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the wider community. Members asked the Chairman to write to Mr Benson's family on behalf of the Committee.

The Committee then held a minute's silence and the meeting adjourned at 10.45 a.m.

DANNY KENNEDY
Committee Chairman

January 2001