Minutes of Proceedings

Present: Mr Declan O’Loan (Chairperson) 
Mr Willie Clarke (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Thomas Buchanan
Mr Trevor Clarke
Reverend Dr Robert Coulter
Mr Billy Leonard
Mr Paul Maskey
Mr Alastair Ross
Mr George Savage
Mr Brian Wilson

In Attendance: Mr Paul Gill (Assembly Clerk)
Ms Hilary Bogle (Assistant Clerk)
Mr Michael Greer (Clerical Supervisor)
Mr Christopher McNickle (Clerical Officer)

Apology: Allan Bresland

The meeting commenced at 2.00pm in open session.

Chairperson’s Introduction

The Chairperson welcomed Members to the meeting. The Chairperson also extended a welcome to all witnesses and in particular Sir Christopher Kelly, Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life who had travelled to Northern Ireland to give evidence as part of the Committee Inquiry.

1. Apologies

Apology as above.

2. Declaration of Interests

The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.

3. Draft minutes of the meetings held on 10th February 2010

Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting held on 10th February 2010 were agreed by the Committee.

4. Matters arising

There were no other matters arising.

5. Inquiry on enforcing the Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members and the appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards

Members noted the Clerk’s Paper and written submissions received.

Evidence Session – Sir Christopher Kelly, Chairman, Committee on Standards in Public Life

The Chairperson welcomed Sir Christopher Kelly, Chairman, Committee on Standards in Public Life who was accompanied by Mr Peter Hawthorne, Assistant Secretary, Committee on Standards in Public Life and invited Sir Christopher to brief the Committee.

Following a question and answer session the Chairperson thanked Sir Christopher once again for travelling to Northern Ireland to attend the meeting.

Evidence Session – Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

The Chairperson welcomed Mr Ciarán O Maolain, Head of Legal Services; and Ms Angela Stevens, Caseworker, Legal Services, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and invited Mr O Maolain to brief the meeting.

Following a question and answer session the Chairperson thanked Mr O Maolain and Ms Stevens for attending the meeting.

Agreed: Members agreed the draft press release for issue.

6. Any other business

There was no other business.

7. Time, date and place of next meeting

The next meeting will take place at 1.15pm on Wednesday 24th February 2010 in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.27pm.

Mr Declan O’Loan MLA
Chairperson, Committee on Standards and Privileges
24th February 2010.