Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.01 a.m. in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed members to the thirty-sixth meeting of the Committee.

2. Apologies

An apology was received from Dr D O'Hagan.

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 11 June 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 11th June 2002. (Proposed: Mr A Doherty: Seconded: Mr P Berry).

Mr K McCarthy joined the meeting at 10.05 a.m.

5. Matters arising from the minutes

Legislation - Committee Bill

Copies of the draft Committee Bill entitled "Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Assembly Standards) Bill" and the draft Explanatory and Financial Memorandum had been circulated.

Mr Arnold, the Bill Clerk, joined the meeting at 10.05 a.m. to answer Members questions regarding the documents.

Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the Bill should be finalised and submitted to the Speaker. Members also noted that the Secretary of State's approval will be sought.

Dr I Adamson joined the meeting at 10.16 a.m.

The Chairman thanked Mr Arnold and he left the meeting at 10.17 a.m.

Procedure for Complaints

Members noted that amendments to "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members" to introduce a Rectification Procedure would be recommended to the Assembly in the Committee's final Report on changes to the Guide.

6. Committee Inquiry/Review of "The Code of Conduct" and "The Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members"

The Committee noted and agreed a proposed circulation list, a draft Press Notice and a draft advertisement, relating to the Committee's Consultation Report on Proposed Amendments to the Northern Ireland Assembly "Code of Conduct and the Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members".

7. Any Other Business

Committee on Standards in Public Life

The Chairman advised the Committee that he and the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland had given evidence on 14 June to Sir Nigel Wicks' Committee on Standards in Public Life in London, which is conducting an inquiry into Standards of Conduct in the House of Commons.

The Committee agreed that a Press Release about the Chairman's evidence session should be issued and instructed the Clerk accordingly.

The Chairman thanked the Principal Clerk and his staff for their work in preparing for the evidence session.

Mr P McNamee informed the Committee that it was likely he would be replaced by another member of his Party on the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

The Chairman thanked Mr McNamee for all his assistance during his time as a Member of the Committee and drew particular attention to the important contribution he had made to the work of the Committee.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 25 June 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.26 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman