Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Chairman's Introduction

The Chairman welcomed Members to the fortieth meeting of the Committee.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr M Coyle, Dr D O'Hagan and Mr J Wells.

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 24 September 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 24th September 2002. (Proposed: Dr I Adamson: Seconded: Mr K McCarthy).

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

The following witnesses were called and examined: 
Dr Maurice Hayes, Former Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services and Former Northern Ireland Ombudsman.
Professor Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
Mr Ciaran O'Maolain, The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

Mr D Hussey joined the meeting at 10.42

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

Sir J Gorman left the meeting at 10.29

The Committee agreed to a small number of proposed amendments to the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (Assembly Standards) Bill.

Mr K McCarthy left the meeting at 11.14

7. Register of Members' Interests: Fourth Edition

The Committee noted progress in publishing an updated edition of the Register of Members' Interests.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 8 October 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings. 

The meeting concluded at 11.24 a.m.

Mr Donovan McClelland MLA
Chairman