Minutes of Proceedings

1. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Speaker sought any declarations of interest from the Commission in relation to items of business being discussed. None were declared.

2. COMMISSION VISIT TO DUBLIN

Mr Tony Logue provided the Commission with details relating to the programme and transport arrangements for the upcoming visit to the Houses of Oireachtas on Thursday 23 June 2011. For the benefit of new Members, Mr Logue also provided a brief background on the establishment of a North South Parliamentary Forum, including details on the recent conference held in the Slieve Donard on the 7 th – 8 th October 2010.

3. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL REVIEW PANEL

The Clerk/Director General spoke to a paper relating to the appointment of Members to the Independent Financial Review Panel (IFRP) in accordance with Section 4 (1) of the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.

Mr Reaney provided the Commission with a brief overview of the appointments process for the Chair and Panel Members to the IFRP. Following consideration on a number of matters it was agreed to progress appointments for IFRP as outlined within the paper and discuss the terms of appointment with one prospective appointee and provide an update to the Commission.

Mr McElduff left the meeting.

4. QUESTIONS TO THE ASSEMBLY COMMISSION FOR ORAL ANSWER

Mr Logue informed the Commission that he had received notification of 14 questions to the Assembly Commission for Oral Answer on Tuesday 28 June 2011. Following consideration, it was agreed to group several of the questions of similar themes for response and that electronic briefings would issue to all Commission Members for consideration on Friday 24 June 2011.

5. Valuations of rental of Constituency Offices

The Clerk/Director General provided Members with an update in relation to the rental valuations that had been conducted to date on Constituency Offices. Following consideration it was agreed that further information would be provided on the process for the Commission’s consideration on 23 June 2011.

6. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next Commission meeting will take place on Tuesday 28 June 2011 at 4.00pm in Room 144.

Meeting ended at 4.30pm

Tony Logue
Head of Commission and Corporate Support Unit