Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.04 am in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed members to the twenty-eighth meeting of the Committee.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr A Doherty, Sir J Gorman and Mr P Berry.

3. Declaration of Interests

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

4. Minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 9April 2002

5. Matters arising from the minutes

Investigation Report received from the Assembly Ombudsman

Members noted that the First Report of the Committee is currently being printed and will be ready for distribution shortly.

Withdrawal of Complaints

The Committee noted a letter to Party Whips asking them to advise Party members of the new procedures associated with the withdrawal of complaints against Assembly Members.

Dr D O'Hagan joined the meeting at 10.07 a.m.

6. Committee Inquiry/Review of "The Code of Conduct" and "The Guide to

the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members"

The Committee noted the first draft of the introductory section to the review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members".

Mr D Hussey joined the meeting at 10.29 a.m.

Members discussed Categories 1 - 6 of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members" and instructed the Clerk to seek further clarification in relation to Category 4. The Clerk undertook to provide further information at the next Committee meeting on 23 April.

7. Summary of main issues arising from Sir Nigel Wicks' visit to the

Northern Ireland Assembly

The Committee noted a summary of the main issues arising from Sir Nigel Wicks' visit to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 12 March and also noted an invitation to the Chairman of the Committee and to the Northern Ireland Assembly Ombudsman to give evidence to the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Members welcomed the ongoing contact with the Wicks Committee.

8. Any Other Business

The Committee noted that steps are to be taken to bring forward legislation to make the duties of Commissioner for Standards a statutory function of the Office of the Northern Ireland Assembly Ombudsman.

Members noted an invitation to a "Europe Day Reception" on Thursday 9 May 2002 to be hosted by the European Commission and the Committee of the Centre in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings.

9. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 23 April 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.47 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman