Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 10.05am in public session.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Chairperson’s Business

Members considered a response from the Department to the request for a written briefing on the ICT Working Group.

Agreed: to seek a briefing from the Department for Employment and Learning.

3. Minutes of meeting held on Thursday 10 January 2013.

Members considered the draft minutes of the 10 January 2013.

Minutes were agreed with a slight amendment.

4. Matters Arising

Members considered the response by the Department regarding projects funded through ERDF.

Agreed: to seek further information on each of the projects including the purpose for which funding would be used.

Members considered the response by OFMDFM to the inquiry into renewable energy.

Agreed: to seek confirmation on when the Department will receive the outcomes of the study on the consolidation of energy vires.

Members considered the response by the Department to a committee query on energy efficiency.

Agreed: to invite the OFMDFM official with responsibility for this area of work to brief the Committee.  .

Members noted the key documents from Derry City Council regarding City of Culture 2013 which had been sent electronically to all members.

5. InterTradeIreland: - Oral Briefing

Representatives joined the meeting at 10.13am

Phil Flanagan joined the meeting at 10.14am

Members received an oral briefing from Mr. Thomas Hunter McGowan, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aidan Gough Strategy and Policy Director and Ms. Margaret Hearty Director of Programmes and Business Services of InterTradeIreland.

Key issues discussed included: successful key projects, Horizon 2020 event and future research.

Paul Frew joined the meeting at 10.35am

Robin Newton Joined the meeting at 10.41am

Alban Maginness left the meeting at 10.54am

6. Work of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC) and the Economy.

Members noted that BCTC were unable to brief the Committee.

Agreed: to defer briefing from the BCTC to a later date.

Agreed: to question NITB officials on the issue when they brief the Committee on the 31 January.

Agreed: to receive in the future a briefing from the Invest NI on impact of the disturbances on the economy and inward investment.

Agreed: the Chairperson to meet with the Minister.

7. The Budgetary Flexibility of Invest NI: Written Briefing from Assembly Research. 

Assembly Research Officer joined the meeting at 11.30am

Paul Frew left the meeting at 11.37am

Sue Ramsey joined the meeting at 11.40am 

Alban Maginness returned to the meeting at 11.50am

Members considered the research paper.

Agreed: to provide Invest NI with the research paper and ask for their views.

Agreed: to ask the Department for Finance and Personnel if they intend in the future to implement the budget exchange system arrangements.

8. The Green Job Estimates: Written Briefing from Assembly Research

Members considered the research paper.

Agreed:  to ask the Department for Employment and Learning how the deficit of skills in green jobs is being addresse

Agreed: to commission research on the level and nature of skills required.

Agreed: a draft motion to be prepared for consideration at next week’s meeting.

9. Subordinate Legislation: SR: 2012/454 (Meter Testing and Stamping) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

Members considered the following subordinate legislation SR: 2012/454 Gas (Meter Testing and Stamping) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

Agreed: the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has considered and, subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules, has no objection to the rule.

10. Update on the Report on the Inquiry into Renewable Energy and the Strategic Energy Framework (SEF) implementation Plan: Written Briefing from DETI

Members considered the update briefing on the Inquiry into Renewable Energy and the Strategic Energy Framework Implementation Plan.

Agreed: to receive from the Department a briefing on the outcome of the EMR seminar in June held with the Financial Sector.

Agreed: to receive the outcome of the commissioned analysis of the structure of a small-scale FIT when it is completed.

Agreed: to receive an update on uptake in the first phase of the NI RHI.

11. European Commission Work Programme – Pilot Project

Members considered the briefing papers from the Committee for the Office of the First and deputy First Minister.

Agreed: to seek a progress report from the Department on the priorities identified.

12. Correspondence

Members noted the following items of correspondence for action:

i. Open University – Seeking to brief the Committee

Agreed: to receive a written briefing from the Open University.

Members noted the following items of correspondence

ii. Committee for Social Development – SRBI response.

iii. Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure – SRBI response

i. DETI response to Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure regarding the World Police and Fire Games.

ii. Utility Regulator clarification of points raised on the 15 November.

iii. DETI and the UK Wide Consultation concerning the export and import of hazardous chemicals.

iv. Committee for the Office of First and Deputy First Minister regarding the consideration of the Department’s response to the Inquiry into Renewable Energy.

13. Any other business

Members considered the Northern Ireland Assembly Legislative Strengthening Trust workshop for Committees.

Agreed: The Committee Office to co-ordinate a date and time and inform the Committee.

14. Date, time and place of next meeting       

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on 24 January at 10.00 am Room 30, Parliament Buildings.

15. PMS

Agreed: to request Administrator’s Report

16. City of Culture

Agreed: to consider options for a visit.

The Chair adjourned the meeting