Thursday 25 October 2001 AT 2.00 PM IN ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: Mr F Cobain (Chairman) Ms M Gildernew (Deputy Chairperson) Sir J Gorman Mr E ONeill Mr B Hutchinson Mr M Robinson Mr J Tierney

In Attendance: Mr S Graham Mr L McLernon Miss F Douglas Mr M Finnegan

Mr Cobain took the chair at 2.15 p.m.

1. Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2001.    

The minutes of the meeting were agreed.

2. Matters Arising    

Social Security Fraud Bill

Members noted that a letter has been sent to the Minister for Social Development about consultations on the NI Code of Practice.

Copies of the GB Code of Practice were provided to the Members.

Legislative Programme 2001/2002    

The Chairman confirmed that he had written to the Minister for Social Development enquiring what plans he has to consult with the Committee in advance of publishing, for consultation, his proposals for a Housing Bill.

Subordinate legislation    

The Committee noted the assurance given by the Clerk about the basis for adopting the Motion to enable the Examiner to send his Report to the relevant Department.

Review of Community Relations Policy    

The Chairman confirmed that the Committee's response on the Working Paper has been sent to the Chairman of the Committee of the Centre.

NIHE Loans    

Following further consideration of a letter, dated 16 October, from the Minister for Social Development, about loan charges, the Chairman undertook to respond indicating that the Committee continued to have concerns and urging action to have the loans re-negotiated at keener rates of interest.

Mr M Robinson joined the meeting at 2.22 p.m.

Dungannon Visit    

The Committee agreed to undertake a visit to the 'One Initiative' in Dungannon, on Wednesday 21 November, and the Clerk was asked to make the appropriate arrangements.

3. Subordinate Legislation - Motions    

The Committee passed the following Motions subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules' Report:

"The Social Development Committee has considered the following Statutory Rules:

SR 2001 No. 373 - The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001,

SR 2001 No. 386 - The Social Fund (Cold Weather Payments) (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001

and has no objection to the Rules."

4. Consultation Paper on a Victims' Strategy    

The Committee discussed and agreed that the Clerk should submit a response to the Consultation Paper.

Mr M Robinson left the meeting at 2.34 p.m.     Ms M Gildernew joined the meeting at 2.44 p.m.

5. Proposed Children (Leaving Care) Bill    

The Committee discussed and agreed that the Clerk should submit a response to the Clerk of the Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee. The Committee further agreed that the Chairman should write to the Minister for Social Development about the lack of consultation on the decision to make amendments to the social security system.

Mr M Robinson re- joined the meeting at 2.55 p.m.

6. Report on Housing in Northern Ireland    

Members considered and agreed the handling arrangements and the terms of the Motion for the proposed debate.

7. Any Other Business.

Fuel Poverty and Health    

The Committee noted the details of a fuel poverty scheme being carried out in Armagh and Dungannon areas.

The Clerk was asked to make arrangements for representatives of the Health and Action Zone in Armagh to make a presentation at a future meeting of the Committee.

8. Date of Next Meeting    

The next Committee meeting will be at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 8 November 2001 in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

MR F COBAIN

COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

NOVEMBER 2001