THURSDAY 9 MAY 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 E ONeill Mr S Wilson Mr T Hamilton Mr D O'Connor
Apologies: Ms M Gildernew
In Attendance: Mr S Graham Mr L McLernon Miss K Kelly Miss F Douglas
Mr Cobain took the Chair at 2.13 p.m.
Private Session
1. Minutes of the meeting held on the 25th April.
Subject to 2 minor amendments, the minutes of the meeting were agreed.
2. Forward Plan of Business
The Committee noted the updated Forward Plan of Business.
Members noted the informal training on the handling of the Committee Stage of Legislation has been scheduled for 12.30 p.m. on Monday 13 May in room 144 Parliament Buildings.
3. Matters Arising
Statutory Rule 97/2001
The Committee noted the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) (Amendment) Regulation 2002, was considered on Wednesday 8 May, by the Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation at Westminster and the Prayer of annulment was unsuccessful. The Committee agreed that the Chairperson should participate in the debate on Monday 13 May 2002.
Sunday Mirror Article concerning SR No. 97 / 2002
Members agreed the draft response to the Editor of the Sunday Mirror.
Mr S Wilson joined the meeting at 2.18 p.m. Mr J Tierney joined the meeting at 2.21 p.m.
4. Subordinate Legislation - Motion
The Committee passed the following Motion subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules' Report:
"The Social Development Committee has considered the following Statutory Rule:
SR 2002 No. 164 - The Social Security and Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002
and has no objection to the Rule"
Mr D O'Connor joined the meeting at 2.24 p.m.
Public Session
5. Presentation on the Noble Indices
The Chairman welcomed officials from NISRA to the meeting at 3.37 p.m.
In attendance:
Mr Edgar Jardine - Chief Executive
Mr Robert Beatty - Head of Demography and Methodology
Mr Jardine made a presentation to the Committee. A summary of the presentation is attached at Annex A.
The Chairman thanked the officials and they left at 3.37 p.m.
Mr B Hutchinson joined the meeting at 2.33 p.m.
Mr T Hamilton joined the meeting at 2.44 p.m.
6. National Insurance Contributions Bill
Members noted the letter from the Minister, dated 3 May, advising he is to recommend to the Assembly that the Paymaster General carry the amendments to benefits and pensions legislation in the Westminster Bill.
7. Postcomm's proposals for Promoting Effective Competition in UK Postal Service
Members noted the letter from Postcomm, dated 30 April, and the proposals for promoting effective competition.
8. General Consumer Council
The Committee noted the Council's offer to provide policy briefings as outlined in the letter from the Council, dated 1 May.
Private Session
9. Any Other Business
Issues raised with the Department for Social Development
The Committee noted the letter from the Department , dated 2 May, addressing issues raised by the Committee for Employment and Learning:
Social Security Agency's Information System
Childcare Subsidy
Department's responsibilities for New Deal
and agreed that it be referred to the Committee for Employment and Learning.
Mr E ONeill left the meeting at 3.48 p.m.
New TSN Action Plan
Members noted the letter from the Minister, dated 2 May.
10. Date of Next Meeting
The next Committee meeting will be at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 16 May in Room 144 Parliament Buildings.
Mr F Cobain
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
May 2002
