Minutes of Proceedings - 06 May 2008
Present:
Mr Robin Newton (Chairperson)
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Billy Armstrong
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr John Dallat
Mrs Carmel Hanna
Mrs Anna Lo
Mr Fra McCann
Mrs Claire McGill
Mr George Savage
In Attendance:
Mrs Mairead Mageean (Assembly Clerk)
Miss Eleanor Murphy (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Jonathan Young (Clerical Officer)
Dr Robert Barry (Assembly Research Service)
Apologies:
Mrs Naomi Long
The meeting opened at 4.08pm in public session.
1. Apologies.
Apologies are detailed above.
2. Declaration of Interests.
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant pecuniary or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
Mr McQuillan declared that he is currently on a career break from the Post Office.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 29 th April 2008.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of the 29 th April.
Mr W Clarke joined the meeting at 4.10pm.
4. Matters Arising.
The Chairperson informed Members that Committee had written to Post Office Ltd and the Secretary of State for the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory reform requesting an extension to the consultation period and expressing concern about the implication of the closures.
Agreed: Members agreed that the Clerk follow up with Post Office Ltd and the Secretary of State regarding a response to the Committee’s letters.
5. Committee Correspondence.
Members noted receipt of a letter from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIITRA) and several letters from members of the public regarding the closure of Groomsport Post Office.
6. Research Briefing.
Dr Robert Barry of the Assembly Research Services briefed the Committee on supplementary statistical data relating to the closures.
Mr Dallat joined the meeting at 4.17pm.
The Chairperson suspended the meeting at 4:25pm to allow for plenary division.
The Chairperson reconvened the meeting at 4.37pm with the following Members present:
Mr Robin Newton, Mr Willie Clarke, Mrs Claire McGill, Mr George Savage, Mr Adrian McQuillan, Mrs Anna Lo, Mrs Carmel Hanna, Mr Trevor Clarke, Mr Tom Buchanan.
Mr McCann rejoined the meeting at 4.39pm.
Agreed: Members agreed that Dr Barry seek a meeting with the Post Office to clarify a number of issues relating to the methodology of their statistical data.
7. Evidence Session – Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
Mr Armstrong joined the meeting at 5.53pm.
The witnesses joined the meeting at 4.53pm.
Members took evidence from the following witnesses:
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive, NIIRTA
Charles Henderson, Parkhall Post Office (Antrim)
Liam McGranaghan, Blacks Road Post Office (West Belfast)
Sean Gormley, Carlisle Circus Post Office (North Belfast)
A question and answer session followed presentations from Mr Roberts, Mr Henderson, Mr McGrahaghan and Mr Gormley.
Mr Dallat left the meeting at 5.09pm.
Mr T Clarke left the meeting at 5.13pm.
Mr T Clarke rejoined the meeting at 5.15pm.
Mr McCann left the meeting at 5.25pm.
Mr McCann rejoined the meeting at 5.26pm.
The witnesses left the meeting at 5.40pm.
8. Postwatch Submission.
Members noted the presentation submitted by Postwatch.
Agreed: Members agreed to take oral evidence from Postwatch on Monday 12 th May, time to be arranged.
9. Any Other Business.
Mr Willie Clarke proposed that the Clerk write to NILGA seeking a written submission to the consultation.
10. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8th May, Room 144 at 5:00pm.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 5.48pm.
