Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Minutes of Proceedings - 26 January 2021

Northern Ireland Assembly Branch - Executive Committee

Present:

Mr William Humphrey MLA, Chair
Ms Michelle McIlveen MLA
Mr Jonathan Buckley MLA
Mr Mervyn Storey MLA
Mr Robin Newton MLA

Apologies:

Mr Stewart Dickson MLA
Dr Steve Aiken MLA

Also In attendance:

Mrs Diane Dodds MLA, Economy Minister
Mr John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI
Mr Simon Burrowes, CPA Branch Secretary
Ms Louise Close, Engagement Manager
Ms Nicola Crawford, Parliamentary Engagement Co-ordinator (Minutes)

1. WELCOME

The Chair welcomed Members of the CPA NI Executive Branch to the meeting.

2. APOLOGIES

Mr Stewart Dickson MLA and Dr Steve Aiken were unable to attend.

MEETING WITH ECONOMY MINISTER, MRS DIANE DODDS MLA, & MR JOHN MCGRILLEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF TOURISM NI

The Chair introduced the Economy Minister and Mr McGrillen to the members and thanked them for attending the meeting. The Chair gave them some background on the Branch and the planned programme of work, including hosting the BIMR Conference.

The Economy Minister thanked members for the invitation to the meeting and stated that it was good to be at the meeting and that she is keen to support the Commonwealth. She discussed the importance of showcasing Northern Ireland in its centenary year and advised that a task group had been set up within the Department to work on plans for the centenary alongside the NIO. She advised that Jeremy Gardner would be the contact for the task group and that he should meet the Executive Committee.

The Minister stated that she would be happy to support the Conference and any events at Westminster to promote Northern Ireland.

Mr McGrillen also stated his support for the Conference and that he would be happy to do a presentation on tourism at it.

ACTION: Invite Jeremy Gardner to the next Executive Committee meeting.

Mr Storey stated that he would like to see something produced for the centenary that would leave a lasting impression and cover the history of Northern Ireland but focus on what the country has achieved during the 100 years. He suggested that the Minister should use NI Screen to make a film, which would incorporate these aspects of NI.

The Minister advised that she would get Jeremy Gardner to find out what NI Screen is planning at the next task group meeting.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes were agreed.

4. MARKETING STRATEGY

The Deputy Secretary advised Members that Communications are working on the communications strategy for the Branch and that it would be presented at the next meeting.

The strategy will focus on a Facebook page, improved website pages, monthly video interviews with the Chair and press releases when relevant. A separate communications plan will be developed for the BIMR Conference.

5. PARTNER COUNTRIES

The Chair advised that Gibraltar CPA Branch have agreed to a partnership with the Northern Ireland Branch. A meeting will now be arranged with Gibraltar CPA to discuss the partnership further.

He also advised that Namibia CPA and Canada CPA will be approached to be partner countries. The CPA UK Africa Regional Programme Manager has sent an introductory email to the Namibian CPA Secretary regarding a possible partnership and a follow up letter will be issued to them.

A letter will also be issued to the Canadian Parliament.

ACTIONS:

• Arrange meeting with Gibraltar CPA.
• Issue a Press Release re the partnership with Gibraltar.
• Issue letters to Namibia and Canada.

6. BIMR CONFERENCE

(I) SURVEY RESULTS

The Chair advised Members that a survey was issued to BIMR members to ask them their thoughts and suggestions on the BIMR Conference and possible themes. The results of the survey were issued in Members packs. The Chair stated that ultimately it is the Committee's decision on the Conference theme and content.

(II) CONFERENCE WORKING GROUP

The Chair advised that, following on from the results of the survey, a working group will would be formed comprising of representatives from the Executive Committee and relevant members of the secretariat to finalise a theme for the conference, the plenary topics and possible speakers in the relevant fields.

The Chair stated that he would sit on the group and asked for volunteers from the other Members – Ms McIlveen, Mr Buckley and Mr Newton agreed to join the working group.

ACTION: First meeting of the working group to be arranged.

(III) TIMELINE

A timeline for the organisation of the Conference was issued to Members and the Chair advised that the Committee will need to review the COVID-19 restrictions in May and make a decision as to whether the conference should go ahead, held virtually or postponed. If the event has to be postponed, CPA UK have agreed that October would be a suitable date.

7. COMMONWEALTH DAY/INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

The Chair advised Members that Commonwealth Day will take place on Monday 8th March. The theme for this year has still to be confirmed. Once confirmed work will begin on an appropriate event to celebrate the occasion.

The Deputy Secretary advised Members about the prosed event For International Women's Day in conjunction with the Women's Policy Forum.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Meeting Quorum

The Chair suggested changing the meeting quorum to the Chair plus two. This was agreed by Members.

9. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The Chair thanked Engagement staff for organising the meeting. He also thanked the Minister and Mr McGrillen for attending.

The next meeting will take place on 23rd February.

WILLIAM HUMPHREY MLA
CHAIR