THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2002 AT 2.00 PM IN ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman) Mr G Kelly (Deputy Chairperson) Mr J Tierney Sir J Gorman Mr B Hutchinson Mr M Robinson Mr S Wilson
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew Mr E ONeill
In Attendance: Mr S Graham Mr L McLernon Miss K Kelly Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.12 p.m.
Private Session
1. Minutes of the meetings held on the 18th and 22nd April.
The minutes of the meetings were agreed.
2. Forward Plan of Business
Members noted the updated Forward Plan of Business.
The Clerk was asked to review the date of 14 May which had been scheduled for informal training on the handling of the Committee Stage of Legislation.
The Committee agreed that the Clerk explore the possibility for the proposed visit to a Dublin Travellers Site be rescheduled to mid - June.
3. Subordinate Legislation - Proposals
Agreed: The Committee was content with the Department's proposal to make Statutory Rule in respect of the following:-
Proposals for the Occupational and Personal pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) (Amendment) Regulations.
The Jobseeker's Allowance (Joint Claims) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.
The Clerk was asked to arrange for officials to give a further briefingon SR 97.
The Chairman undertook to discuss with the Speaker of the Assembly the parity aspects associated with adopting subordinate legislation.
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.28 p.m. Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 2.36 p.m.
Public Session
4. The Myner's Report - Institutional Investment in the UK A Review.
The Committee considered the Research paper and agreed the terms of the submission to the Department.
5. Regional Transportation Strategy
Members noted the letter from the Minister, dated 18 April and agreed the terms of a reply.
6. Europe Day Reception - Thursday 9th May: Hosted by the European Commission and the Committee of the Centre
Members noted the invitation from the European Commission and the Committee of the Centre and agreed to inform the Clerk if they plan to attend.
7. Any Other Business
European (EU) Structural Funds and Community Initiatives Inquiry
The Committee noted the letter from the Minister, dated 22 April, and agreed a copy be forwarded to the Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Supplementary Estimates 2002/03 - Seminar
Members noted the seminar has been organised for Wednesday 22 May and agreed to inform the Clerk if they plan to attend.
Landlord's Association
The Committee noted the letter from the NIHE, dated 22 April, and agreed to await the outcome of the meeting between the Association and Housing Executive planned for 9 May.
The Way Forward on Housing Finance: The New Approach
The Committee noted the letter from the Department, dated 27 March.
Following discussion Members agreed that the Chairman should write to the Minister expressing concern about references to the relative state of social housing and asked the Clerk to commission research to determine if the model could be applied in Northern Ireland.
Nobel Indices
Members noted the letter from the Minister for Finance and Personnel dated 18 April, and associated letter from the Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel, dated 25 April.
The Clerk was asked to make arrangements for a presentation as offered by the Minister for Finance and Personnel.
8. Date of Next Meeting
The next Committee meeting will be at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 2 May in Room 144 Parliament Buildings.
Mr F COBAIN
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
April 2002
