Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.08 a.m. in private session.

1. Chairman's Introduction

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

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr A Doherty and Mr D Hussey.

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 18 June 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 18th June 2002. (Proposed: Mr P McNamee: Seconded: Dr I Adamson).

5. Matters arising from the minutes

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

The Committee noted that the 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" had been printed and distributed.

Members also noted that a Public Consultation advertisement would be placed in the local press.

Legislation - Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Assembly Standards) Bill

The Committee noted that the "Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Assembly Standards) Bill" had been finalised and submitted to the Speaker; the Bill has also been submitted to the Secretary of State as part of it deals with a reserved matter.

Members also noted that the Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday 2 July.

6. Referral of Complaint Against Senior Members of the SDLP to the Assembly Commission

A letter from the Speaker stating that the Assembly Commission had considered the Committee's Report on a complaint against senior members of the SDLP had been circulated.

Members noted that the Commission welcomed the Committee's proposal to make appropriate amendments to the Code of Conduct to make provision for similar complaints to be dealt with by the Committee in the future.

7. Register of Members' Interests

The Committee instructed the Clerk to update and publish the Fourth Edition of the Register of Members' Interests in September/October 2002.

Mr K McCarthy left the meeting at 10.23 a.m.

8. Any Other Business

Forward Work Programme

Members noted the Committee's Forward Work Programme for September - December 2002. 

9. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee provisionally agreed to meet on Tuesday 10 September 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings. 

The meeting concluded at 10.26 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman