Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 2.02 p.m. in closed session.

1. Apologies

Apologies as above.

2. Consideration of evidence taken by the Committee on the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

The Committee noted that the Northern Ireland Audit Office had published its report on the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service accounts on Monday 8th April 2013 and that the Public Accounts Committee is considering this matter.
The Committee agreed a letter to the Public Accounts Committee regarding the evidence it had taken on this matter.

2.03 p.m. Mr Jim Wells joined the meeting.
2.04 p.m. Meeting moved to public session.

3. Chair's Business

The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding Pediatric Congenital Cardiac Surgery at the Royal Hospital.
The Committee noted that the Minister had launched a consultation on the guidelines on the termination of pregnancy and agreed to write to the Department requesting a summary of the consultation responses when it is complete.
The Chairperson advised members that the Committee's motion on suicide prevention would take place on Monday 15 April.
The Committee noted a Departmental press release on the GP contract for 2013/2014.
The Chairperson advised members that the Minister had agreed to meet members informally regarding ovarian cancer on Tuesday 23 April.
2.07 p.m. Ms Pam Brown joined the meeting.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding the Critical Care Building at the Royal Hospital.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding the North West Radiotherapy unit.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding the proposed Royal Maternity Hospital.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding updating GP surgeries.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding GPs' responsibilities in relation to welfare related claims.

4. Draft minutes of the meeting on Wednesday 20th March 2013.

The minutes of the Committee meeting on Wednesday 20th March 2013 were agreed.

5. Assembly Research & Library Service briefing on the Cuban health system and international collaboration between health systems.

The Committee was briefed on the Cuban health system and international collaboration between health systems.
The Committee agreed to forward the papers to the Department for information.
2.24 p.m. Mr Jim Wells left the meeting.

6. Statutory Rule. SR 2013/66. The Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The Committee considered SR 2013/66. The Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and had no objection to the Rule subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

7. Statutory Rule. SR 2013/73. The Health and Personal Social Services (Superannuation), Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The Committee considered SR 2013/73. The Health and Personal Social Services (Superannuation), Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and had no objection to the Rule subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

8. Statutory Rule. SR 2013/74. The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The Committee considered SR 2013/74. The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and had no objection to the Rule subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

9. Statutory Rule. SR 2013/77. The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The Committee considered SR 2013/77. The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013 and had no objection to the Rule subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

10. Statutory Rule. SR 2013/78. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.

The Committee considered SR 2013/78. The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 and had no objection to the Rule subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.

11. Matters rising

The Committee noted a response from the Minister regarding the registration of sports therapists and agreed to forward this to Mr Jim Allister MLA who raised this matter with the Committee.

The Committee noted a response from the Minister regarding the prevention of childhood accidents in the home and agreed to take evidence from the Public Health Agency on this matter. The Committee also agreed to copy the Ministers letter to Mr Regan.

The Committee noted a response from the Public Health Agency about the implementation of the Protect Life Strategy and agreed to copy this to the Niamh Louise Foundation who raised this matter with the Committee.

The Committee noted a letter from the Royal College of General Practitioners regarding ovarian cancer.

The Committee noted a response from the Minister regarding the Commissioning Plan for 2013/2014.

12. Correspondence

The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding the Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health and Wellbeing and agreed to write to the Department for further information.

The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding a consultation on an amendment to Regulation 17 (Case Management Review Function) of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (Membership, Procedure, Functions and Committee) Regulations (Northern Ireland).

The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding Residential Care.
The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding Dental Services provided by Oasis Healthcare.
The Committee agreed to forward a letter from the Committee for Finance and Personnel to the Public Health Agency.
The Committee agreed to forward a letter from the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure to the Minister.
The Committee noted a response from the Department of Justice regarding prosecutions under the Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979.
The Committee noted a letter from Doctors Milliken, Kenny and Moynihan regarding changes to the GPs Contract and agreed a response.
The Committee noted a letter from Dr Treanor regarding changes to the GPs Contract and agreed a response.
The Committee noted a letter from Dr McFerran regarding changes to the GPs Contract and agreed a response.
The Committee noted a letter from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy regarding Transforming Your Care.
The Committee noted a letter from GlaxoSmithKline regarding an Inhaler Recycling Scheme.
The Committee noted a letter from the Family Fund and agreed to write to the Department about the issues raised.
The Committee noted a letter from the General Medical Council regarding Good Medical Practice Guidance.
The Committee noted a letter from Mr McCarthy regarding Accident & Emergency waiting times at the Royal Hospital and agreed to forward this to the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust for a response

The Committee noted a letter from Ms Davidson.
The Committee noted a letter from Mr McCloy.

The Committee agreed to sponsor an event for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

13. Forward Work Programme.

The Committee noted its Forward Work Programme

14. Any other Business.

No other business was discussed.

15. Date, time and place of next meeting.

The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 17th April 2013 at 2.00 pm in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 3.01 p.m.