Minutes of Proceedings

COMMITTEE FOR ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
Thursday, 19 February 2009
ROOM 21, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: Mr Mark Durkan MP (Chairperson)
Ms Jennifer McCann (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Paul Butler
Mr Leslie Cree
Mr Simon Hamilton 
Mr Gerry McHugh
Mr Sean Neeson 
Mr Robin Newton 
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP

In Attendance: Mr Jim McManus (Assembly Clerk)
Mr Paul Connolly (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Stephen White (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Jim Nulty (Clerical Officer)

Apologies: Mr Alan McFarland
Mr Jim Wells

The meeting opened at 10.35 a.m. in public session with the Deputy Chairperson, Jennifer McCann in the Chair.

1. Apologies.

Apologies are detailed above.

2. Minutes of meeting held on 12 February 2009.

Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting on 12 February 2009 were agreed.

Mark Durkan arrived at 10.37 a.m. and took the Chair.

3. Matters Arising.

Members noted a paper from the Association of British Insurers concerning Trade Credit Insurance.

Members expressed concern regarding the late arrival of papers from the Department.

Members discussed further issues surrounding Project Kelvin.

4. Northern Ireland Economy Outlook

Officials joined the meeting at 10.57 a.m.

Alasdair McDonnell joined the meeting at 11.02 a.m.

David Sterling (G3), Head of Policy Group updated members on Project Kelvin. He then, together with Graeme Hutchinson (G6), Head of Economic Division and Tony Simpson (G7), Economics Division, briefed the Committee on the outlook for the Northern Ireland economy. Key issues discussed included forecasts on the numbers of people becoming unemployed, the EDF Sub-Group on the economy and their report on measures the Executive could take to help the local economy.

Sean Neeson joined the meeting at 11.50 a.m.
Jennifer McCann left the meeting at 11.55 a.m.

Officials left the meeting at 12.28 p.m.

5. Draft Enterprise Strategy

Members noted the draft Enterprise Strategy and letter from the Minister.

Agreed: Members agreed to defer comments at present until the Barnett Review has been concluded and an oral briefing has been provided.

6. Forward Work Programme

Member noted the current Forward Work Programme.

Agreed: Members agreed to undertake dual visits to suggested locations on 19 March.

Robin Newton left the meeting at 12.57 p.m. 
Paul Butler and Sean Neeson left the meeting at 12.58 p.m.

7. Correspondence

The Committee noted the following correspondence which had been issued for their information prior to the meeting:

• A copy of the Executive’s response to the Barroso Taskforce Report.
• Letter from the NI Independent Retail Trade Association regarding the possible ban on tobacco displays.
• Acknowledgement letter from Downing Street in connection with the Chair’s letter regarding the PMS.
• Copy of correspondence between Claire Thompson, Group Chief Executive, Glenfarm Holding Ltd and the Minister regarding the DARD rendering of cattle potentially contaminated by dioxins.
• Letter from Peter Luff MP, Chair of the Business & Enterprise Committee regarding Chair’s letter about finance guarantee scheme in Northern Ireland.
• Letter from Stella McArdle, Clerk, Committee on Procedures regarding their Inquiry into Legislative Consent.
• Letter from BMF Business Services regarding a ‘Delivering Planning Reform’ conference on 2 April 2009.
• Consultation document on the proposed Debt Relief Scheme for NI.
• Invitation to the Chair from the NI Local Government Officers Association to address their annual conference on the afternoon of 26 February in Armagh .
• Letter from Committee for Social Development regarding Fuel Poverty and Social Tariffs.

8. Any Other Business.

There was no other business.

9. Date, time and place of next meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 26 February at 10.30 a.m. in room 21, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.07 p.m.

Mark Durkan
Chairperson
Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment

February 2009