Minutes of Proceedings

COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

~ NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BRANCH ~

MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS

MONDAY 2 JULY 2001 AT 1.00 PM

IN THE READING ROOM, LIBRARY

The meeting began at 1.20 pm

Present:
The President
Rev R Coulter
Mr R Beggs
Mr D McClarty
Mr D Ford
Mr D Kennedy

Apologies:
Sir J Gorman
Mr S Foster
Mrs E Bell
Mr A Doherty
Mr S Neeson

In attendance:
Mr A Moir Clerk to the Assembly
Mr J Reynolds Principal Clerk of Business
Ms G Campbell
Mr J Ross
Ms E Gillen

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting of 1 May 2001 were AGREED and signed by The President.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Contributions for 'Parliamentarian' Journal

The President reminded Members of the request from the 'Parliamentarian' Journal to supply individual Party contributions on how Northern Ireland government is working. Those Members wishing to submit a contribution should liaise with John Ross at their earliest convenience.

3. REPORT ON 32^nd CONFERENCE:

BRITISH ISLES AND MEDITERRANEAN REGION MEETING,

EDINBURGH 17-20 JUNE 2001

3.1 Rev R Coulter provided Members with an account of events at the Conference in Edinburgh. At the Conference it was suggested, for educational purposes, some future meetings should involve both Clerks and Members of the CPA. The President asked Rev Coulter to detail a reply stating that the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch had no objections to these proposals.

The President thanked Rev Coulter for an interesting and informative report and suggested that Members going on future trips should Mr Coulter's example and provide a written account. (See attached report)

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

4.1 'Parliamentarian' Journal

The President confirmed that all Members had now received a copy of the 'Parliamentarian' Journal.

4.2 Membership of CPA

The President clarified that party support staff were unable to apply for membership of the Northern Ireland Assembly Branch of the CPA.

4.3 CPA Australian Visit

Mr Kennedy suggested that during a forthcoming visit to Australia with the Finance and Personnel Committee he was willing to make contact with CPA Officials who would be involved in the organisation of the 47^th Annual Conference in Melbourne and Canberra. Mr Ross AGREED to provide him with some contact details.

4.4 Canadian Visit

The Speaker informed Members that the Canadian Delegation who visited the Assembly last week were very keen to welcome Members and staff on a return trip to Canada.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place shortly after the trip to Australia in September 2001.

The meeting adjourned at 1.45 pm.

THE LORD ALDERDICE
The President