Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 9.55 a.m. in private session.

1.Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed Mr Berry to his first meeting of the Committee and reported that he had written to Mr Poots thanking him for his contribution to the work of the Committee.

2.Declaration of Interests

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

3.Minutes of proceedings of the Meeting of 22 September 2000

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 22 September 2000. (Proposed: Dr Adamson, Seconded: Mr Doherty)

4. Consideration of options

The Committee agreed that the Clerk would circulate papers on the investigation of complaints by parliaments in other countries and the options open to the Committee in considering the possible appointment of a Commissioner for Standards.

5. Investigation of complaints in the Dail

The Committee instructed the Clerk to prepare and circulate a paper on the handling and investigation of complaints in the Dail.

At 10.10 a.m. the Committee moved into public session.

6.The following witnesses were called and examined:

Professor Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner, The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner

Mr David Melding, Chairman of the Standards Committee of the National Assembly for Wales

Dr Maurice Hayes, former Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and former Northern Ireland Ombudsman

Mr Wells joined the meeting at 10.03 am.

Dr Adamson left the meeting at 10.15 am.

7.Date of next meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 17 October at 10.00 am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 12.50 pm.

Mr Donovan Mc Clelland
Chairman