Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2012/2013
Date: 17 October 2012
Venue: Room 21
Agreed: As the Chairperson and deputy Chairperson were not present Mr McNarry proposed that Mr Cathal Ó hOisín took the chair. This was seconded by Mr Dallat.
11.05am The meeting commenced in open session
1. Apologies
As above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
NONE
3. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting of 10th October 2012 subject to a minor amendment.
Agreed: A Member asked if evidence to a Committee Inquiry could be given “in camera” with the identities of potential witnesses protected. The Clerk agreed to investigate the matter and report back to Members at the next meeting.
4. Correspondence
Members noted the correspondence received.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Justice regarding Community Safety Strategy.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from DRD regarding Contract Staff Car Park Attendants Released as Part of Efficiency Savings and agreed to write to the Department expressing the Committee disappointment with the response as there seems to be no effort made to find alternative employment for the car park attendants that will lose their jobs.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from DRD regarding Rathlin Island Ferry Services.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee Office regarding Hansard Reports for Briefing Sessions on 3rd October 2012.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from fonaCAB & Value Cabs regarding Public Consultation on Taxis in Bus Lanes and agreed to forward to DRD for consideration.
Agreed: The Committee noted a research paper regarding rail investment in the UK and Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the DRD regarding queries arising from the Committee visit to Rathlin Island.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from the Clerk to the Education Committee regarding Home to School Transport and agreed to forward to the Department for comment.
Agreed: The Committee noted correspondence from three local councils regarding funding for ShopMobility schemes.
5. Committee Transport Inquiry Briefing
11.12am The following representative joined the meeting:
Brian Mahon
The representative presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.
11.23am Mr McAleer joined the meeting
11.41am Mrs Kelly joined the meeting
11.51am The representative left the meeting
6. Utility Regulator Briefing
11.52am The following representatives joined the meeting:
Jo Aston
Shane Lynch
The representatives presented to the Committee in respect of the above. Following the presentation, Members put questions.
12.20pm Mr McNarry left the meeting
12.25pm Mr McNarry rejoined the meeting
12.27pm Mr Easton left the meeting
12.30pm Mr Easton rejoined the meeting
12.31pm Mr Dallat left the meeting
Agreed: The Committee agreed to ask Research for a paper comparing other UK regulatory bodies to the Northern Irish Utility Regulator
12.38pm The representatives left the meeting
12.40pm Mr McNarry left the meeting
7. Any Other Business
Agreed: The Clerk provided an overview of the Committee End of Session report and members agreed the report subject to a minor amendment. Mr McNarry expressed his concerns around the amount of money spent on visits.
12.44pm Mr McAleer left the meeting
10. Date of the next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will be Wednesday 7th November 2012 at 10.30am in Room 21.
12.46pm The meeting was adjourned
Mr Jimmy Spratt MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Regional Development
7/11/12