Minutes of Proceedings - 30 October 1998

INTRODUCTION

1. The Chairman welcomed Mr Dallat to his first meeting of the Committee.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING

2. On the proposal of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Bell the minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true record. There were no matters arising.

DRAFT REPORT

3. The Chairman explained how the Draft Report had been prepared following bi-laterals between the Chairman and representatives of the Parties over the previous two weeks. The Chairman explained that as the most recent discussions had taken place on the previous afternoon, the final draft, tabled at the meeting, could not have been made available earlier.

4. The Chairman drew attention to the removal of reference to matters outside the remit of the Committee, previously circulated as Annex 2. He suggested that these would be referred to the Presiding Officer in a letter from the Committee. He explained that the letter would refer to:

  • the need to establish representation by the Assembly in Brussels;
  • the need for protocols on receiving foreign visitors to the Assembly; and
  • the need to clarify the Assembly's relationship with the Secretary of State.

5. After discussion the text of the Report was agreed except for the final sentence in Paragraph 9. Mr McCrea proposed that the wording should be accepted as drafted. Mr Bell seconded the proposal. Mr Hussey proposed an amendment to add the words, "through the Belfast Agreement," after the word 'locally' in the text.

6. Six members (Mr Bell, Mr Close, Mr Hussey, Mr McCartney, Mr McCrea and Mr Paisley) voted for the amendment. Mr Maginness and Mr Dallat voted against. Mr McElduff and Ms Nelis abstained. The Amendment was carried and became the motion.

7. On a second vote, to accept the text proposed by Mr Hussey, six members (Mr Bell, Mr Close, Mr Hussey, Mr McCartney, Mr McCrea and Mr Paisley) voted in favour. Mr Maginness and Mr Dallat voted against. Mr McElduff and Ms Nelis abstained. The Motion was carried.

AGREEMENT TO THE REPORT

8. The Chairman then proposed that the Committee accept the revised Report as the final Report of the Committee. It was agreed unanimously.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

9. The Chairman asked for views on the handling of the Plenary. It was agreed that no restriction should be placed on the number of speakers in the debate. The Chairman invited members to offer suggestions for his remarks in proposing the Report. Members complimented the work of the Clerk. Members suggested that the matters referred to the Presiding Officer should not feature in the comments from the Chairman.

10. Members of the Committee offered compliments to the Chairman for the fair and firm manner in which he had conducted its business.

CONCLUSION

11. There being no further business the Chairman thanked members for their participation and co-operation during the work of the Committee. The Chairman declared the meeting closed at 1.45pm.