Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.13 am in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

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

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr A Doherty, Mr K McCarthy and 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 16 April 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 16^th April 2002. (Proposed: Dr I Adamson:Seconded:Mr P McNamee).

5. Matters arising from the minutes

Investigation Report received from the Assembly Ombudsman

Members noted that the First Report of the Committee had been published and distributed. Copies of the Clerk's letters to the Ombudsman, Mr Ian Paisley Jnr. and the Clerk to the Commission had been circulated.

Committee Bill

The Principal Clerk advised the Committee that discussions had taken place regarding proposals 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 that the legislation will be drafted as a Committee Bill and the Principal Clerk undertook to keep the Committee informed of progress.

Mr P Berry joined the meeting at 10.16 a.m.
Dr I Adamson left the meeting at 10.29 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 proposals regarding categories 1 - 6 of the Categories of Registrable Interests for its review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members". Members agreed to return to Category 4, Sponsorships, when further information is available.

The Committee continued its review of "The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members" and discussed categories 7 - 11.

7. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 30 April 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.49 a.m.

Mr Derek Hussey MLA
Deputy Chairman