Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting opened at 11:04 am in public session.

1. Apologies

Apologies are detailed above.

2. Minutes of Proceedings of meeting held on 8 April 2008

Agreed:

- The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 8 April 2008

3. Report into the devolution of policing and justice matters

The following interests were declared:

Jimmy Spratt:

• Castlereagh District Policing Partnership

Ian McCrea:

• Cookstown District Policing Partnership

3.1 Recommendations relevant to the Assembly

Members noted the recommendations at Tab 2 which highlighted five specific recommendations for the Assembly to act on.

Agreed:
- That the Chairperson should write to the Speaker suggesting that the Committee should assume responsibility for taking the lead on five recommendations on behalf of the Assembly, and for monitoring the progress of the remaining thirty five recommendations.

4. Inquiry into Multiple Mandates

The following interests were declared:

Jimmy Spratt

• Castlereagh Borough Council
• Chairman of the Northern Ireland Joint Council
• National Joint Council in London
• Member of NILGA

Nelson McCausland

• Member of Belfast City Council

Ian McCrea

• Member of Cookstown District Council
• Member of NILGA

John O’Dowd

• Member of Craigavon Borough Council

George Robinson

• Member of Limavady Borough Council

4.1 Party Position Papers

Members noted the letter at Tab 3 which was forwarded to all Party Leaders and Chief Whips inviting their views on the issue of Multiple Mandates in light of recent announcements in relation to RPA and which had prompted responses from three parties only.

Agreed:

- That the Committee shall wait until all party papers are returned and circulated before addressing the issue further.

4.2 Potential Overlap of business

The Chairperson reported on his recent meeting with the Chairperson of the Environment Committee about a potential overlap of business.

Agreed:

- That the Committee await the outcome of the Environment Committee meeting of 8th May before proceeding further.

5. Correspondence with OFMdFM

Members noted the letter at Tab 4 from OFMdFM.

Agreed:
- That the Chairperson should write to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister inviting them to meet with the Committee to outline:

(i) Their proposals for the Efficiency Review Panel and

(ii) Any intentions they might have for the general operation of the Executive and the Assembly.

11.18 am Mr Alan McFarland joined the meeting

6. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 20 May at 11.00 am in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 11.19 am.

Mr Jimmy Spratt
Chairperson, Assembly and Executive Review Committee

6 May 2008