Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.10 a.m. in private session.

1.Declaration of Interests

The Chairman reminded members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.

2.Minutes of the Meeting of 20 June 2000

The minutes were proposed by Dr I Adamson and seconded by Mr A Doherty as an accurate record of the last meeting of the Committee.

3.Matters Arising

1. The Chairman advised the Committee that three members had notified the Clerk of changes to their entries in the Register of Members' Interests.
2. The Committee agreed that an updated Register of Members' Interests would be republished before the summer recess.

Mr E Poots joined the meeting at 10.18 a.m.

3. The Committee noted that a summary of the regulations governing gifts, benefits and hospitality to Members that had been circulated.

4.Committee Enquiry into the possible appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards

The Committee noted draft terms of reference for the Committee Enquiry into the possible appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards and a draft press release that had been circulated. Following a discussion the Committee resolved that:

1. The Press Release should be issued.
2. A Notice should be placed in provincial papers advising of the Committee's intention to undertake the enquiry in the Autumn and inviting the submission of memoranda by interested organisations and individuals.
3. The Clerk will identify witnesses from whom the Committee will take evidence.
4. The Clerk will prepare a paper on procedures and practices in other legislatures.

5.Correspondence from the Chairman of the Procedures Committee re: additional Standing Orders

The Committee considered a draft response to the Chairman of the Procedures Committee, Mr Conor Murphy, about additional Standing Orders that had been circulated. The Committee agreed that the Chairman should issue the response to Mr Murphy.

6.Other Issues

The Committee considered three other issues referred to it. Appropriate action to be taken on each was agreed by the Committee.

7.Date of Next Meeting

It was agreed that the Committee would meet after the summer recess.

The meeting concluded at 10.35 a.m.

DONOVAN McCLELLAND
Committee Chairman