20th October 2021
Minutes of Proceedings - 20 October 2021
2021-10-20 Draft Minutes.pdf (465.59 kb)
Committee for the Economy
Minutes of Proceedings
20th October 2021
Meeting Location: Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings
Present:
Dr Caoímhe Archibald (MLA (Chairperson)
Mr Keith Buchanan MLA
Mr Stewart Dickson MLA
Mr Mike Nesbitt MLA
Mr John O’Dowd MLA
Ms Claire Sugden MLA
Present by Video or Teleconference:
Mr Stephen Dunne MLA
Apologies:
Mr Matthew O’Toole MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Mr Peter Weir MLA
In Attendance:
Mr Peter Hall (Assembly Clerk
Mr Thomas Manning (Clerical Officer)
In Attendance by Video or Teleconference:
Ms Sinead Kelly (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Mr Michael Greer (Clerical Supervisor)
The meeting commenced at 10:04am in closed session.
Members agreed to move to agenda item 4.
4. Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill
The officials joined the meeting at 10:04am
Members received a briefing from:
Ms Stephanie Mallon,Bill Clerk, NIA
Ms Aobhinn Baker, AG5, Bill Office, NIA
Members discussed the potential Committee Amendments to the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.
Members agreed to move to open session at 11.18am
4. Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill
The officials joined the meeting at 11:18am
Members received a briefing from:
Mr Colin Jack, Director of Business & Employment Regulation, DfE
Ms Kellie Sprott, Employment Relations Policy and Legislation, DfE
Mr Laurence Rogers, Employment Relations, DfE
Members discussed the potential Committee Amendments to the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.
The Officials left the meeting at 11.39am.
Agreed: to the draft Committee amendments as discussed.
Members agreed to return to Agenda item 1.
1. Apologies
As noted above.
2. Chairperson’s Business
The Chairperson welcomed Matthew O’Toole to the Committee and put on record her thanks to Sinead McLaughlin for her work during her time on the Committee.
The Chairperson informed Members that this will be Thomas Manning’s last Committee meeting as he is due to leave the Assembly and the Chairperson thanked him for his work and support during his time in the Assembly.
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3. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the Minutes from the 13th October 2021.
5. Small-Scale Green Energy Bill
Members discussed the Small-Scale Green Energy Bill.
6. Matters Arising
Noted: Members noted a copy ofa Departmental response regarding Innovate UK and Bids.
Noted: Members noted a copy of correspondence from the EU Affairs Manager regrading a European Affairs Committee report on UK FTAs.
Noted: Members noted a response from the Department to the Committee’s request for further information on EU Exit, frontier workers and the EU Settlement scheme.
Noted: Members noted a response from the Department in relation to the joint letter from the Committee on the Administration of Justice.
Noted: Members noted a response from the Department on why the business case for the all-age apprenticeships programme was rejected by the Department and what work is now being done to take it forward.
7. Correspondence
Noted: Members noteda copy of various correspondence from the Lord Jay, Chair of the Sub Committee on the Protocol.
Noted: Members noteda copy of a Department for the Economy factsheet for September 2021 regarding online job posting trends.
Noted: Members noted a copy of the Departmental monthly economic update for October 2021.
Noted: Members noteda copy of a response from the Department to the Communities Committee regarding the British government’s current plans for the introduction of a gas and oil boiler ban on new build homes from 2025.
Noted: Members noteda whistleblowing complaint from the University and Colleges Union.
Agreed: to respond to advise the UCU of the Committee’s position.
Noted: Members noteda copy of the fourth report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules.
8. Any Other Business
Members discussed the approaching deadline for applying for the High Street Support Scheme.
Agreed: to arrange an informal meeting with Officials.
9. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Wednesday 3rd November 2021 in Room 30, Parliament Buildings at 10am.
The meeting was adjourned at 12.05pm.
Dr Caoímhe Archibald MLA
Chairperson, Committee for the Economy
3rd November 2021
