Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2012/2013
Date: 26 September 2012
Venue: Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings
The meeting commenced at 2.02 p.m. in public session.
1.Apologies
Apologies as above.
2. Chair’s Business
The Committee noted a letter from the Minister regarding Paediatric Cardiac Surgery.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding the use of the MRI scanner at the South West Hospital.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding guidance on Caesarean Sections.
The Committee agreed a response to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister & deputy First Minister regarding its scrutiny of European issues.
The Chairperson reminded members that the Committee would be holding an informal meeting with health related groups on Thursday 27th September 2012.
The Committee noted a letter from the Learn and Grow Charitable Organisation regarding its study visit to Cuba.
2.10 p.m. Mr Sam Gardiner joined the meeting.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department regarding “trolley wait” times.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting on Wednesday 19 September 2012
The minutes of the Committee meeting on Wednesday 19 September 2012 were agreed.
4. Assembly Research presentation on 2012/2013 resource budget.
2.29 p.m. Mr Jim Wells joined the meeting.
Mr Pigeon brief the Committee on the 2012/2013 resource budget.
The Committee agreed to seek further information from the Department.
5. Evidence session with Departmental officials on 2012/2013 resource budget & October monitoring round.
The Committee took evidence from:
Ms Julie Thompson Deputy Secretary, Resources & Performance Management Group
Mr Peter Toogood Director, Finance Directorate
Dr Bernie Stuart Director, Investment Directorate
2.42 p.m. Mr John McCallister joined the meeting.
2.58 p.m. Ms Sue Ramsey left the meeting.
2.58 p.m. Mr Jim Wells took the Chair.
3.15 p.m. Mr Conall McDevitt left the meeting.
3.18 p.m. Mr Conall McDevitt rejoined the meeting.
3.18p.m. Mr Kieran McCarthy left the meeting.
3.21 p.m. Mr Kieran McCarthy rejoined the meeting.
A question and answer session ensued.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department for further information.
6. Review on Health Inequalities - Assembly Research presentation.
Dr Thompson briefed the Committee.
3.55 p.m. Mr Gordon Dunne left the meeting.
3.58 p.m. Mr Gordon Dunne rejoined the meeting.
4.02 p.m. Ms Maeve McLaughlin left the meeting.
4.11 p.m. Mr John McCallister left the meeting.
4.18 p.m. Ms Pam Brown left the meeting.
The Committee agreed that its review on Health Inequalities would focus on Early Years.
The Committee agreed to hold an additional meeting on Thursday 25 October 2012 to take evidence from the Head of the World Health Organisation European Office on its European Health Strategy.
7. Forward Work Programme.
The Committee noted its Forward Work Programme.
8. Matters arising.
The Committee noted responses from the Minister regarding Transforming Your Care and agreed to write to the Department again about this matter.
The Committee noted a report on its event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and agreed to write to the write to the Department about the issues raised.
The Committee noted a letter from Lighthouse regarding its event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Committee noted a response from the Minister regarding desinewed meat and agreed to return to this matter at its next meeting.
9. Correspondence.
The Committee noted a letter from the Commissioner for Children & Young People regarding its review of Transitions to Adult Services for Young People with Learning Disabilities.
The Committee noted a letter from I'DGO seeking a meeting with it and agreed to invite the group to an informal meeting.
The Committee noted a letter from Novartis seeking a meeting with it and agreed to ask the company to provide it with a written brief.
The Committee noted a letter from Niamh seeking a meeting with it and agreed to invite the group to an informal meeting.
10. Any other Business.
The Committee agreed to write to the Department seeking an update on the treatment of osteoporosis.
11. Date, time and place of next meeting.
The next Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd October 2012 at 2.00pm in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4.38 p.m.
