Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting commenced at 1.30pm in open session.

Chairperson’s Introduction

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the meeting should be held in open session.

The Chairperson welcomed Committee members to the meeting. 

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Declaration of Interests

The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.

Members noted the registered interests of Mr Ian McCrea who has replaced Ms Paula Bradley as a member of the Committee.

3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 7^th November 2012

Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting held on 7^th November 2012 were agreed by the Committee. 

4. Matters arising

Agreed: The Committee noted the registered interests of Mr Douglas Bain, Northern Ireland Assembly Commissioner for Standards and agreed that they should be placed on the Committee’s page on the Assembly website.

5. Legacy Report of the former interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards

The Committee noted the legacy report of the former interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards.

The Chairperson welcomed Dr Frawley to the meeting and invited him to brief the Committee on his report.

1.47pm  Mr Eastwood  joined the meeting.

1.52pm Mr McCann left the meeting.

Following the briefing the Committee thanked Dr Frawley for his contribution to the the Assembly during his eleven year period as interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards and wished him well in the future.

Dr Frawley paid tribute to the contribution of his former colleague Mr John MacQuarrie; Ms Marie Anderson, Deputy Ombudsman; Ms Gillian Coey, Investigative Officer; and Ms Dawn Roberts, Dr Frawley’s Personal Assistant.

Dr Frawley also thanked the former and current committee staff for their support and assistance.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward a copy of the former interim Assembly Commissioner for Standards’ legacy report to Mr Douglas Bain.  The Committee also agreed that a copy of the report should be placed on the Committee’s page on the Assembly website.

1.58pm Mrs Overend left the meeting

6. Northern Ireland Assembly Legislative Strengthening Trust

The Committee noted the Clerk’s Paper.

Agreed: Following a briefing by the Clerk, the Committee agreed that the Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members be amended to include an exemption in respect of participation in the Northern Ireland Assembly Legislative Strengthening Trust’s Professional Development Programme for Members.  This was agreed subject to the Assembly’s website being updated to provide detail of the programme.

7. Code of Conduct – Revised Complaints Procedure

Members noted the Clerk’s Paper.

Agreed: Following a briefing by the Clerk, the Committee agreed the draft updated complaints procedure.  The Committee agreed that the Code of Conduct should be updated and reissued to Members.

8. Any other business

Agreed: The Committee agreed the Chairperson should send Christmas cards on behalf of the Committee to those named on the tabled distribution list.

9. Time, date and place of next meeting

Members will be informed of the time, date and place of next meeting by Committee Office staff.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 2.01pm.

Mr Alastair Ross MLA
Chairperson, Committee on Standards and Privileges
Wednesday 13^th February 2013