Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2007/2008
Date: 14 May 2008
Venue: Room 135, Parliament Buildings
The meeting opened at 2.05pm in closed session.
Chairperson’s Introduction
The Chairperson welcomed Members to the twenty sixth meeting of the Committee.
Agreed: Members agreed to hold the meeting in closed session and to record the proceedings.
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.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2008.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of the 30th April.
4. Matters Arising.
The Chair informed the Committee that the consultation on the Code and Guide had been released on schedule and the relevant Press Releases and Public Notices issued to the relevant media and press outlets.
5. Issues relating to previous complaint
The Chair appraised the Committee on the issue to be discussed with Mr Ian Paisley Jnr. This related to Mr Paisley’s public assertion that he had been vindicated by the report of the Interim Commissioner for Standards in relation to a complaint submitted by Mr Declan O’Loan.
Mr Paisley Jnr joined the meeting at 2.15pm.
Mr Paisley Jnr was asked into the meeting and invited to read a prepared statement.
The Committee questioned Mr Paisley on his comments and following this thanked him for attending the meeting.
Mr Paisley left the meeting at 2.41pm.
Mr Wilson joined the meeting at 2.35pm.
Following discussion Mr Ross proposed that the Committee should take no further action on the matter. This was seconded by Mr Easton.
The Committee divided: Ayes 3; Noes 3
AYES
Alex Easton
Alistair Ross
David Hilditch
NOES
Francie Brolly
Carmel Hanna
Brian Wilson
The motion fell.
Mr Brolly proposed that the Committee request that the Interim Commissioner for Standards should speak to Mr Paisley about his, Mr Paisley’s, interpretation of the Interim Commissioner’s report in order to resolve this issue. This was seconded by Mr Wilson.
The Committee divided: Ayes 3; Noes 3
AYES
Francie Brolly
Carmel Hanna
Brian Wilson
NOES
Alex Easton
Alistair Ross
David Hilditch
The motion fell.
Following further discussion the Committee agreed to a further meeting on the 21 st May to attempt to resolve this issue.
6. Consultation List
The Committee noted the list of consultees to be contacted in respect of the consultation on the Code and Guide.
7. Any Other Business
The Committee approved the All Party Assembly Group on Climate Change.
Mr Wilson declared and interest as a member of this group.
The Committee noted legal advice on the handling of complaints in the event that the Assembly is suspended.
8. Date, time and place of next meeting.
Wednesday 21st May 2008, at 2.00pm in Room 135.
