MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE ELEVENTH MEETING OF THE HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE IN ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ON THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2000
PRESENT: Dr E Birnie (Chairman)
Mr M Carrick (Deputy Chairman)
Mr R Beggs (Jnr)
Mr J Byrne
Rev R Coulter
Mr J Dallat
Mr W Hay
Mr R Hutchinson
Mr J Kelly
Mrs M McWilliams
Mrs M Nelis
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs E Sung, Ms A Colville, Mrs C McGrattan and Ms Leanne Tracey
1. Apologies
None were received.
2. Draft Minutes
Draft minutes of proceedings of the meeting of 8 June were agreed as amended.
3. Matters Arising
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Advisers
Members reviewed the latest situation concerning advisers on Student Finance, and for the Committee's first enquiry.
Agreed
To make a final decision in relation to the appointment of adviser(s) to the enquiry no later than Thursday, 22 June.
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Members' Interests
Requirements relating to declaration of interests were reviewed. The Chairman emphasised that it is better for members to err on the side of caution and declare an interest if their circumstances had changed or if they were just not sure.
4. Evidence session by Dr Robson Davison, Grade 5, Higher and Further Education
The Chairman warmly welcomed Dr Davison, Mr Alan McDonald and Mr Ian Houston, (on secondment to the Department from NEELB). He also welcomed supporting officials from the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment and officials from the Department of Education on behalf of the Committee. Officials were asked to discuss with members the progress to date on the Department's consultation exercise on Student Funding in Northern Ireland. Their presentation was recorded by Hansard and will be published as an annex to a Committee report to the Assembly on Student Funding. Officials completed their presentation at 3.55pm. Dr Birnie expressed the Committee's appreciation to the contributors.
5. Matters Arising (Closed session)
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Draft Equality Scheme
Noted.
Committee members noted advice from the Chair on matters concerning confidentiality of Committee Papers.
Agreed
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To review all contributions made by Committee Members, on the DHFETE Draft Equality Scheme before the meeting on Tuesday 20, with a view to agreeing a Committee response to the Department.
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Letter from Mr Molloy
Agreed
A letter from Francie Molloy, Chairman, Committee for Finance and Personnel was tabled in relation to public expenditure 2000/01, and End of Year Flexibility. In response to his request, members identified a number of priority areas that might benefit from additional or new monies for agreement at the next meeting; an access fund for mature and disabled students in Further and Higher Education; an increase in the number of HND places, especially in IT and technology related subjects; and provision of lifelong learning in the community, particularly regarding literacy and numeracy.
Agreed
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Press notice for issue on 15 June.
6. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 20 June at 12.30 pm or as soon as the House suspends for lunch.
Esmond Birnie
ESMOND BIRNIE
Chairman
22 June 2000