Minutes of Proceedings

The Chairperson declared the meeting open to the public at 10.05am.

1. Apologies

Apologies were indicated as above.

2. Welfare Reform Bill

The Chairperson reminded Members that the formal Committee Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill had recommenced following the Ad Hoc Committee’s report to the Assembly which was debated on 29 January 2013. 

Mr Mickey Brady and Ms Paula Bradley provided the Committee with an overview of some of the recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Committee.

The Chairperson acknowledged the good work of the Ad Hoc Committee and suggested that      Members may wish to consider the recommendations contained in the report as deliberations on the Bill continue.

The following Departmental officials joined the meeting at 10.20am:

• Mr Michael Pollock; and
• Ms Martina Campbell

Members held a discussion on the Minister’s response to issues raised by the Committee on the Welfare Reform Bill.

Mr Michael Copeland joined the meeting at 10.23am

The Committee agreed to further consider the Minister’s response after his briefing to the Committee on 31 January 2013.

The Chairperson thanked the officials for their attendance at the meeting.

The officials left the meeting 10.27am

This session was recorded by Hansard

3. Any Other Business

The Chairperson advised Members that the Committee were scheduled to receive a briefing from the Bill Clerk on Committee amendments but due to commitments with    another Committee the Bill Clerk would not be able to attend.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to reschedule the briefing by the Bill Clerk to 31 January 2013.

4. Date, time and place of next meeting

The next meeting will take place at 10:00am on Thursday 31 January 2013 in Room 144 Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 10.38am.

Mr Alex Maskey
Chairperson, Committee for Social Development
7 February 2013