Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 27 June 2011
Venue: Room 106
1. Introduction and Apologies
1.1 Apologies were noted from Mr P Maskey, Mr J McCallister and Mrs K McKevitt.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 21 June 2011
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 21 June were agreed and signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters arising
3.1 With reference to paragraph 7.2 of the minutes, members noted that details of late responses to written Questions had been issued to Whips.
3.2 The Speaker advised members that, in relation to this matter, he had written to the First Minister and deputy First Minister; asked that the junior Ministers raise it with their Executive colleagues; and also intends to raise it with the Head of the Civil Service.
4. Revised Order Paper for Tuesday 28 June 2011
Nomination to act as Principal Deputy Speaker
4.1 The Speaker advised members that a request had been received to include the nomination process for a Principal Deputy Speaker as business for Tuesday 28 June.
4.2 Mr Ramsey asked if all the necessary arrangements regarding Standing Orders were in place to allow the nomination process to proceed. The Speaker confirmed that everything was in order and that, once a nomination had been agreed with cross-community support, the Deputy Speaker concerned would immediately become Principal Deputy Speaker .
4.3 Members noted a briefing paper outlining the arrangements in the Chamber for the nomination process and for the associated debate(s).
4.4 Mr Weir sought confirmation that the arrangements in the Chamber would reflect those for the nomination of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The Speaker confirmed that the process would be very similar; and advised members that any attempt to widen the debate on a nomination would not be permitted.
4.5 Members agreed to include the nomination process for a Principal Deputy Speaker on the Order Paper for Tuesday 28 June.
5. Any Other Business
5.1 Members noted that, as Ms M Boyle is now unavailable, Mr B McElduff would now move the Adjournment Topic in her place on Tuesday 28 June.
5.2 Members noted that the possibility that the motion tabled by the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety on the Order Paper for Tuesday 28 June may not be moved.
6. Date and Time of next meeting
6.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30pm on Tuesday 6 September 2011 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 10.38am.
