Minutes of Proceedings

The Committee met at 10.06 a.m. in private session.

1. Deputy Chairman's Introduction

The Deputy Chairman welcomed Members to the thirty-ninth meeting of the Committee.

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr J Wells.

3. Declaration of Interests

The Deputy 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 10 September 2002

The Committee adopted the minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 10th September 2002. (Proposed: Mr K McCarthy: Seconded: Mr P Berry).

5. 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 period on the Committee's Inquiry ended on 16th September and Members were referred to written submissions received from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

Members considered comments and observations contained in the submissions and agreed to revise the Committee's proposed recommendations accordingly.

The Committee instructed the Clerk to seek legal advice on the proposed guidance relating to the acceptance by an Assembly Member of a bribe.

Sir John Gorman joined the meeting at 10.12 a.m.

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

Members noted that the Second Stage of the Bill was passed by the Assembly on 10th September and that the Bill now stands referred to the Committee of the Centre for its Committee Stage.

Members noted that the Committee of the Centre has called the Chairman to give oral evidence on the Bill to the Committee on Wednesday 9th October 2002.

7. Register of Members' Interests: Fourth Edition

The Deputy Chairman reminded Members to complete and return, to the Clerk, the Members' Interests Registration Form that had been issued to them.

8. Date and Time of Next Meeting

The Committee agreed to meet on Tuesday 1 October 2002 at 10.00 a.m. in Room 135, Parliament Buildings.

The meeting concluded at 10.30 a.m.

Mr Derek Hussey MLA
Deputy Chairman