Minutes of Proceedings

In attendance for public evidence session at 11.00am: Bann System Ltd - Cmdr. Campbell, Mr E Montgomery, Mr D Agnew, and Mr T Miller

In attendance for public evidence session at 12.00pm: Ulster Angling Federation - Mr J Haughey, Mr N McCreight, Mr A Kilgore

The meeting opened, in private, at 10.17am

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from Mr D Hilditch and Mr E McMenamin.

2. Chairperson's business

i. The Chairperson reminded members of the rules on the use of the Senate Chamber.

ii. The Chairperson reported on a letter he had received from the Minister regarding the allocation of financial resources for a Modernisation Fund under the banner of Agenda for Government. The Chairperson advised that the Minister stated he had received an additional £3m to take forward two specific programmes of work. It was agreed that the Minister's letter should be copied to the members.

3. Minutes of the last two meetings

The minutes of the last two meetings were agreed.

4. Matters arising

i. The Chairperson reminded members that a presentation on the environmental impact of Hydro-schemes on Inland Fishing was due to take place after recess.

ii. Members discussed the potential problem of not having a quorum during public evidence sessions, and the sound difficulties in the Senate Chamber.

5. Programme of work - post recess

Agreed - that all the major interest groups on the draft programme should be invited to give evidence and that a geographical spread of angling clubs should also be invited. It was also agreed that two full days of public evidence sessions should be arranged for 5 September and 7 September to speed up the evidence gathering process.

Mr Shannon joined the meeting at 10.35am

6. Inland Fishing Inquiry

Agreed - that the draft press release, highlighting the level of interest shown in the inquiry, should be issued.

7. Public evidence session - Bann System Ltd

Bann System Ltd gave oral evidence, in public, to the Committee on its inquiry into Inland Fishing.

Ms Nelis left the meeting at 11.29am

Mr McElduff joined the meeting at 11.30am

8. Public evidence session - Ulster Angling Federation

The Ulster Angling Federation gave oral evidence, in public, to the Committee on its inquiry into Inland Fishing.

Mr McElduff left the meeting at 12.40pm

Mr Shannon left the meeting at 12.55pm

9. Any other business

The Chairperson advised that the Department had requested feedback on the "Future Search" conference report. It was agreed that members would send their responses to the Committee Clerk within the next two weeks.

10. Date of next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Tuesday 5 September at 10.15am in the Senate Chamber.

The meeting closed at 1.20pm

Mr E ONeill
(Chairperson)