Committee for the Economy

The Committee for the Economy agreed at its meeting of 29th April 2020 that items of correspondence for that meeting would be dealt with via correspondence.

This Record of Decisions was made, with reference to paragraphs (9) and (12), under ‘Assembly Standing Order 115. Temporary provision for statutory committees’:

(1) This Standing Order contains temporary provisions relating to committees established under Standing Order 48, and supersedes paragraphs (3)-(6) of Standing Order 46 and paragraphs (5) and (7) of Standing Order 49.

(8) A committee may agree to make decisions (including a decision not to meet) without meeting.

(9) This paragraph applies where a committee has agreed, or proposes to make, a decision without meeting:

a) Before a decision is to be taken, the chairperson must:

(i) inform members of the subject matter of the decision;

(ii) provide members with such supporting information as the chairperson considers relevant;

(iii) allow a reasonable time for members to consider the subject matter and supporting information; and seek consensus among members on the decision.

(12) A general record of the proceedings of a committee shall be maintained by the Committee Clerk.

 

Agreement was reached by correspondence from the following Members:

Dr Caoímhe Archibald (Chairperson)

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin (Deputy Chairperson)

Mr Gordon Dunne MBE

Mr Gary Middleton (through Mr Dunne)

Mr John O’Dowd (through Dr Archibald)

Mr Christopher Stalford (through Mr Dunne)

Mr John Stewart

Ms Claire Sugden

 

Agenda Item 11. Correspondence

Point 11.1: A Ministerial letter on the Minister’s intention to seek Executive agreement for the inclusion of Northern Ireland departments in a Westminster Statutory Instrument for EU

Exit Legislation on The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 providing them with a role regarding any future application by a public authority here to participate in a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC).

The Minister is asking the Committee to note her preferred option of a ‘dual approval’ approach which would mean the approval of the relevant department would be required before the BEIS Secretary of State can accept or reject an application by a NI public authority to join an EGTC.

Agreed: the Committee is content with the Minister’s approach.

 

Point 11.2: A Ministerial letter on the Transposition of EU Directive on Proportionality Test in Respect of Recognition of Professional Qualifications. This would allow the UK to maintain the existing level of co-operation with the EU on the recognition of profession qualifications during the Transition Period. Following this arrangements will need to be part of any deal between the UK and EU going forward.

The Minister supports the BEIS approach and is seeking Executive and Committee support.

Agreed: the Committee is content in principal with the Minister’s suggestion of supporting the BEIS approach. The Committee would like to explore further, mutual recognition of qualifications as part of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

 

Point 11.3: Departmental correspondence with regard to a notice of intention for the Department to bring a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) on the Corporate Governance and Insolvency Bill. This creates changes to Insolvency and Company Law Regimes as a Consequence of the Coronavirus Outbreak.

Members discussed that they would like the legislation to include credit unions, mutual societies, and individuals.

Agreed: the Committee to note the correspondence for now, prior to an oral briefing by the Insolvency Service, anticipated at the meeting on 6th April.

 

Point 11.4: Correspondence from the Committee for the Executive Committee regarding a document setting out the references within the New Decade, New Approach paper that fall within the remit of the Executive.

Agreed: the Committee to note the letter in anticipation of the briefing from officials.

 

Point 11.5: Correspondence from the Chair of the Committee for Finance seeking for the two Committees to meet to explore opportunities for a common approach to the issues being raised in regards to COVID-19 by each committees’ stakeholders.