Minutes of Proceedings

2:01 pm The meeting opened in public session.

1. Apologies

Apologies are listed above.

2. Minutes of the meeting on 27 February 2013

Agreed: The minutes of the last meeting were agreed. 

2:03 pm Mr McKay entered the meeting.

3. Matters Arising

Correspondence from the Committee of Finance and Personnel

The Committee noted correspondence from the Clerk to the Committee of Finance and Personnel enclosing correspondence from the Department highlighting the current position on outstanding Post Project Evaluations (PPEs).

2:05 pm The meeting went into closed session.

4. Preparation Session on ‘Literacy and Numeracy Achievement in Schools’

The Committee explored core issues arising from the Audit Office report in preparation for its forthcoming evidence session on 13 March 2013.

2:09 pm Mr Girvan entered the meeting.

2:37 pm Mr McQuillan left the meeting.

2:38 pm Mr McQuillan entered the meeting.

2:40 pm Mr Copeland left the meeting.

2:42 pm Mr Girvan left the meeting.

2:45 pm Mr Copeland and Mr Girvan entered the meeting.

3:00pm External advisers entered the meeting.

3:18 pm Mr Hussey left the meeting.

3:39 pm Mr Copeland and Mr McKay left the meeting.

5. MOR

The Committee noted a Clerk’s brief setting out the background on the issue of Memorandum of Reply.

The Committee also noted a digest of correspondence from Dr Stephen Farry, Minister of Employment and Learning and his accounting officer; Mr Edwin Poots, Minister of Health, Social Service and Public Safety and his accounting officer; and Mr Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development and his accounting officer; all replying to outstanding queries on MORs on adult literacy and numeracy, care in homes for older people, and NI Water governance and performance.

Agreed:  The Committee agreed to give further consideration to this matter at its meeting on 20 March 2013.

6. Inquiry on ‘PSNI: Use of Agency Staff’

Agreed: The Committee noted a briefing note on this matter and agreed to consider it further at its meeting on 20 March 2013.

4:06 pm Mr Clarke left the meeting.

7. Any other business

Visit to the Welsh Assembly

The Chairperson briefed the Committee that the Business Committee had agreed to schedule the consideration stage of the Special Advisors Bill on 19 March, which could impact on the attendance for the proposed visit. 

The Chairperson asked members to confirm whether they can still attend before travel arrangements are confirmed.

8. Date, time and place of next meeting 

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 at 2:00 pm in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4:11 pm.

Mrs Michaela Boyle
Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee
13 March 2013