Committee for Health

Minutes of Proceedings

Thursday 16 September 2021

 

Meeting Location: Virtual meeting (Senate Chamber)

Present:

Colm Gildernew MLA (Chairperson)

Pam Cameron MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Gerry Carroll MLA

Present by Video or Teleconference:

Paula Bradshaw MLA

Jonathan Buckley MLA

Alan Chambers MLA

Órlaithí Flynn MLA

Cara Hunter MLA

Carál Ní Chuilín MLA

In Attendance:

Keith McBride (Clerk)

Brendan Miskelly (Clerical Officer)

In Attendance by Video or Teleconference:

Roisin Donnelly (Assistant Clerk)

Deirdre Farry (Assistant Clerk)

Jonathan Lamont (Clerical Supervisor)

 

The meeting commenced at 9.34 am in closed session.

1. Health and Social Care Bill: informal deliberations and consideration of amendments

Assembly Bill Clerks, Aoibheann Baker and Claire McCanny, joined the meeting at 9.34 am.

The Clerk briefed the Committee on potential options in respect of amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill.

The Committee discussed potential amendments to the HSC Bill relating to its concerns about the lack of detail and certainty on the structures that will replace existing commissioning arrangements with the dissolution of the Health and Social Care Board and as a consequence the termination of Local Commissioning Groups.

The Chairperson thanked the Bill Clerks for their attendance. The meeting moved to public session at 9.56 am.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that a Committee amendment should be drafted to include provision for legislative powers placing a statutory duty on the Department of Health to bring forward regulations on the new Integrated Care System Model/Framework to be laid in the Assembly and approved by way of the affirmative procedure.

Agreed: The Committee further agreed that an additional amendment be drafted that would provide that the Local Commissioning Groups should remain in place until such time as the above regulations are approved by the Assembly.

2. Apologies

There were no apologies.

3. Chairperson’s Business

1. The Chairperson provided an update on the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill event facilitated by the Patient and Client Council on 15 September.
   
   
2. The Chairperson raised the subject of Continuing Healthcare Assessments.
   Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek urgent written briefing from the Department of Health on this matter to include detail on the assessment of applications and responsibility for providing advice on eligibility.
   
   
3. The Chairperson raised the subject of staffing pressures within the Health and Social Care system.
   Agreed: The Committee agreed to ask the Minister of Health to urgently convene a meeting with staff representative bodies, including the unions, to acknowledge and address the concerns within the HSC system in relation to staffing pressures.
   
   

4. Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2021.

5. Matters Arising

The Committee considered a proposal made by Gerry Carroll at last week’s meeting that the Committee take a position in relation to the pay offer for health staff and discussed a number of potential amendments to the wording of Mr Carroll’s proposal.

The Deputy Chairperson declared an interest as having family members who working within the nursing profession.

Jonathan Buckley proposed that the Committee defer its consideration of

Mr Carroll’s proposal and other Members’ amendments to the main proposal until the meeting on 23 September 2021.

The question was put.

The Committee divided: Ayes 7; Noes 1.

 

AYES

Colm Gildernew

Pam Cameron

Paula Bradshaw

Jonathan Buckley

Alan Chambers

Órlaithí Flynn

Carál Ní Chuilín

NOES:

Gerry Carroll

Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer its consideration of Mr Carroll’s proposal and other Members’ amendments until the meeting on 23 September 2021.

The meeting was suspended at 10.34 am and resumed at 10.39 am. Cara Hunter joined the meeting at 10.39 am.

6. Autism (Amendment) Bill: Bill Sponsor Briefing

The following representatives joined the meeting at 9.39 am:

• Pam Cameron MLA, Bill Sponsor;
• Kerry Boyd, Chief Executive, Autism NI;
• Dr Arlene Cassidy, Special Advisor (Policy and Research), Autism NI; and
• Kelly Maxwell, Director of Family Support, Autism NI.

The Chairperson declared an interest as formerly being employed as a social worker.

Ms Cameron and Dr Cassidy briefed the Committee on the principles of the Autism (Amendment) Bill.

A question and answer session followed.

The Chairperson thanked the Ms Cameron and the representatives from Autism NI for attending.

The briefing session was reported by Hansard.

The meeting was suspended at 11.45 am and resumed at 11.53 am.

7. SR 2021/197 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The following officials from the Department of Health joined the meeting by video- conference at 11.53 am:

• Nigel McMahon, Chief Environmental Health Officer; and
• Marian McKeever, Health Protection Branch.

The officials briefed the Committee on eleven coronavirus restriction regulations. A question and answer session followed.

Officials were asked to provide further information on a number of issues raised during the briefing.

The Chairperson thanked the officials for attending. The briefing session was report by Hansard.

The Committee considered SR 2021/197 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Norther Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which removes the limit on persons who may participate in an outdoor gathering including a sporting event and makes a technical change to the regulations governing gatherings.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/197 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

8. SR 2021/199 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/199 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: removes references to sporting events which are now to be treated as a gathering; removes redundant references to review dates; permits live music at licenced and un-licenced premises; removes various restrictions on events for which an occasional licence is in place; and removes unnecessary provisions in relation to gatherings.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/199 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 9) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

9. SR 2021/201 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/201 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which provides that an organiser of an outdoor event for which there is an occasional liquor licence must require audience members to purchase a ticket in advance and must obtain visitor information.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/201 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 10) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

10. SR 2021/216 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/216 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which provides for the extension of the Face Coverings regulations until 24 March 2022.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/216 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

11. SR 2021/217 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which permits up to 15 persons from any number of households to meet outdoors at a private dwelling and removes the requirement for appointments to be made for close contact services.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/217 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

12. SR 2021/219 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/219 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021which removes the requirement to wear a face covering in a place of worship or a place where beliefs are practised, and enables vehicle examiners in a vehicle testing centre to remove their face coverings except when in a vehicle with a member of the public.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/219 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

13. SR 2021/220 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/220 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which permits the opening of theatres and concert halls subject to certain restrictions and increases the number permitted at a gathering indoors at a private dwelling to six persons from 3 households, or 15 from two households if one household consists of ten or more.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/220 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

14. SR 2021/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: permits music at indoor venues in addition to theatres and concert halls, subject to certain restrictions; reduces the required social distancing to one metre in hospitality venues; and makes a number of technical corrections.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

15. SR 2021/233 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/233 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: permits conferences and exhibitions with certain restrictions; removes the limit on persons who may be seated at a table to consume food and drink; removes the restriction on outdoor house parties, outdoor raves or outdoor gatherings at a private dwelling; removes references to bubbles; and makes some technical changes.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/233 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

16. SR 2021/250 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/250 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which permits those dancing at a wedding reception or a civil partnership reception not to wear a face covering.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/250 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

17. SR 2021/251 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/251 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: removes the requirement to obtain a ticket in advance of an indoor theatre or concert event and to have allocated seating; permits dancing at a wedding reception or civil partnership reception; removes the requirement to be seated at a table to order or collect food and drink; removes the requirement for music at an ambient level; removes the requirement for persons at outdoors part of premises to be seated to consume food or drink; and permits persons to play a gaming machine or play a game such as pool, snooker or darts.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/251 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 15) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and recommended that it be approved by the Assembly.

18. SR 2021/189 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The following officials from the Department of Health joined the meeting by video- conference at 1.00 pm:

• Carol Picton-Lynas, Head of Health Protection Branch 3; and
• Debra Sharpe, Deputy Head of Health Protection Branch 3.

The officials briefed the Committee on seven travel restrictions regulations. A question and answer session followed.

The Chairperson thanked the officials for attending. The briefing session was report by Hansard.

The Committee considered SR 2021/189 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: makes operator’s liability changes; revises on-board public health announcements; amends the Red and Green lists of countries; makes amendments relating to the persons who are exempt list; and removes the aircraft ban from a number of countries.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/189 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel and Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

19. SR 2021/213 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/213 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: allows fully vaccinated amber list arrivals not needing to self-isolate or take a day-8 test; amends the Red and Green lists of countries; introduces a new exempt category for fully vaccinated arrivals from amber list countries; imposes obligations on travel operators to check the evidence held by travellers claiming fully vaccinated exempt status and makes provision for the offences applicable in case of breaches of those obligations; and makes amendments as a consequence of the fully vaccinated exemption.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/213 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

20. SR 2021/214 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/214 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: excludes arrivals who have been in Metropolitan France in the 10 days prior to arriving in NI from claiming the fully vaccinated traveller exemption; amends wording to reflect the requirement of declaration on the Passenger Locator Form for those claiming the fully vaccinated traveller exemption; introduces a provision whereby regulation 4A of the Passenger Information Regulations does not apply in the case of the operator of a relevant service which commences in Metropolitan France.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/214 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

21. SR 2021/218 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/218 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which introduces a new exempt category for Seasonal Agricultural Workers who can claim an exemption from post-arrival testing and self-isolation when undertaking the exempt activity if they have travelled from an amber list country.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/218 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

22. SR 2021/225 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered 2021/225 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which: introduces a revised definition of self-isolation; creates the new category of amber plus list of countries; amends and expands the fully vaccinated traveller exemption.

Agreed: The Committee considered 2021/225 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

23. SR 2021/230 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/230 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which amends the Red, Green and Amber plus lists of countries; exempts UEFA guests and specific Villarreal fans travelling within a managed ‘bubble’ using chartered and private transport from self- isolation and post arrival testing to attend the UEFA Super Cup match to be held in Belfast on 11 August 2021; permits university students travelling to NI from a red list country to complete managed isolation in university accommodation; and requires travel operators to ensure that a person who declares an exemption within the Passenger Locator Form provides evidence to support their declared exemption status.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/230 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

24. SR 2021/241 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (2021 Consolidation) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021

The Committee considered SR 2021/241 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (2021 Consolidation) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 which clarifies that the requirement to self-isolate does not apply to a fully vaccinated amber list arrivals; amends the Red and Green lists of countries; removes the exemptions for UEFA Super Cup invitees and UEFA Super Cup Villarreal attendees which have now expired; amends the definitions of approved private test and approved private provider; and corrects a drafting error.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2021/241 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (2021 Consolidation) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the Rule.

The Chairperson advised Members that it would not be possible to consider all items of business on the Agenda before the end of the meeting.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to postpone its consideration of the remaining statutory rules listed on the Agenda and that agreement relating to the items of correspondence in the meeting papers would be sought via email.

25. Correspondence

Following the meeting on 9 September, the Committee considered and agreed actions in relation to the following items of correspondence by email:

1. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health responding to information requested by the Committee relating to access to GP services.
2. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health responding to information requested by the Committee on the role of creative art therapists within the HSC workforce.
3. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health responding to information requested by the Committee on hospital visiting guidance.
   Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the Minister's correspondence to the individual who had raised this matter with the Committee.
4. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health providing further information requested by the Committee on June Monitoring.
   Agreed: The Committee agreed to ask the Department of Health for an update on the recruitment of a locum or permanent psychiatrist for Brackenburn Clinic.
5. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health responding to issues raised by the Committee on the Mental Health Strategy.
   Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the Minister's correspondence to 123GP, who had raised this matter with the Committee.
6. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the confidentiality and human rights concerns expressed in responses to its consultation to make Hepatitis C a notifiable disease.
7. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the launch of the public consultation on the regional policy on the use of restrictive practices in HSC settings and regional operational procedure for the use of seclusion.
8. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination by those from ethnic groups.
9. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health providing his Department's programme for legislation and policy in this mandate.
10. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health providing an update on the progress of the public inquiries for which his Department has responsibility.
11. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the UK-wide consultations on proposed changes to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
12. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the introduction of the Health and Care Bill 2021 in Westminster.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from the Department of Health on the implications of this Bill for Northern Ireland.
13. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding Service Delivery Plan for Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
14. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health following the Brexit briefing of 1 July 2021.
15. The Committee considered correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland's briefing paper 'Reforming the Regulation of Healthcare Professionals in the UK'.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence, pending a briefing from the Department of Health on the implications of the Health and Social Care Bill 2021.
16. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the publication of the Independent Review into the RQIA Board Resignations.
17. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health advising the Committee of his intention to introduce the Adoption and Children Bill in the Assembly following the summer recess.
18. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding a drafting error with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
19. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding a UK wide consultation on original pack dispensing and supply of medicines containing Sodium Valproate.
20. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the Family Practitioner Services Independent Appeals Consultation Process.
21. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding the Terms of Reference for the Urology Inquiry.
22. The Committee noted correspondence from the Food Standards Agency in response to the Committee's request for its comments on correspondence from the Department of Health and Social Care, to the Chair of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee, regarding EU regulations on the hygiene of foodstuffs and related issues.
23. The Committee noted the Professional Standards Authority Annual Report and Accounts.
24. The Committee noted a submission from Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to the Department of Health's consultation on a new regional model of service for separated and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
25. The Committee considered correspondence from an individual regarding COVID-19 vaccines for suffers of anaphylactic shock.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this correspondence to the Department of Health for comment.
26. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Economy regarding the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.
27. The Committee noted correspondence from the Speaker's Office regarding access to information for those with sensory impairments.
28. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the Market Surveillance (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2021.
29. The Committee noted correspondence from the Minister of Health regarding engagement with Mesh Ireland, and noted further correspondence from Mesh Ireland on the matter of mesh implants and removal.
30. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the Delta Variant.
31. The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Finance regarding the report on an Independent Fiscal Council for Northern Ireland.
32. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding access to an ethical vaccine.
33. The Committee noted correspondence from Both Lives Matter regarding abortion pill reversal treatment.
34. The Committee noted further correspondence from the Chair of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee regarding the Explanatory Memorandum on EU regulations relating to the hygiene of foodstuffs and related issues.
35. The Committee noted correspondence from the Chair of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland Sub-Committee regarding the Explanatory Memorandum on EU regulations relating to the authorisation of health claims made on food.
36. The Committee noted correspondence from the Western Health and Social Care Trust regarding workforce issues affecting reproductive healthcare services.
37. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the targeted consultation on the Future Planning Model to replace the existing commissioning arrangement.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence, pending future engagement after the close of the consultation.
38. xxxviii. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department for Justice in response to the Committee's request for comments on correspondence received from the Committee on Administrative Justice relating to COVID-19 regulations and the right to protest.
39. The Committee noted correspondence from the Joint APG on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling & Addiction and Dual Diagnosis to the Minister of Health regarding tackling gambling related harm via education, treatment, regulation and enforcement.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to note the correspondence, pending the response from the Department of Health.
40. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding the treatment of COVID-19.
41. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the publication of the 34th report of the NHS Pay Review Body.
42. The Committee noted the Investing Activity Report for July 2021 from Investment Strategy Northern Ireland.
43. The Committee noted correspondence from the Independent Neurology Inquiry.
44. The Committee noted correspondence from the First Minister and deputy First Minister in response to the Committee's request that the Executive meet to discuss waiting times.
45. The Committee noted correspondence from Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People regarding the response to Proposals for a New Regional Service Delivery Model for Separated and Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children & Young People.
46. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding access to EU digital COVID certificates.
47. The Committee noted correspondence from the Community Foundation NI, regarding the findings from its report 'Evaluation of the Covid grant-making response of the Community Foundation in Northern Ireland, March – September 2020'.
48. The Committee considered correspondence from Education Authority regarding the use of weed killer on school premises.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward this response to the Pink Ladies cancer support charity.
49. The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health regarding the targeted consultation on the independent appeals process for primary medical contractors.
50. The Committee noted a copy of correspondence from an individual to the Minister of Health regarding the use of incentives to encourage young people to be vaccinated.
51. The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding Northern Ireland's COVID-19 response.
52. The Committee considered correspondence from the Committee for Justice seeking the Committee's views on the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Bill.
    Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek a copy of the Department of Health's response to the Bill.
53. The Committee noted the Examiner of Statutory Rules' first report of session 2021-2022.
    
    

26. Forward Work Programme

The Committee agreed its Forward Work Programme.

27. Any Other Business

There was no other business.