WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER 2000 at 11.00AM IN ROOM 152 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: Mr P Doherty (Chairperson) Mr S Neeson (Deputy Chairperson) Mr A Attwood Mr D McClarty Dr A McDonnell Ms J Morrice Dr D O'Hagan

Apologies: Mr W Clyde Mr D S Dalton Ms P Lewsley Mr J Wells

In attendance: Mrs C White Mr J Nesbitt Miss J Presho

In attendance for public evidence session at 11.05am: Campaign to save Fermanagh Creameries - Mr P Dale, Mr C Charters, Mr F Taylor, Mr E Reihill, Mr E McGovern

The meeting opened, in private, at 11.00am

1. Chairperson's business

1.1 There was no Chairperson's business.

2. Publc evidence session - Campaign to save Fermanagh Creameries

2.1 The group gave a presentation to the Committee on the pending closure of the cheese factory at Lisnaskea and the impact on the area with the loss of 78 jobs.

Agreed - that a letter, in the first instance, should be sent to the Minister to see what can be done; and that a press release should issue expressing support for the campaign group. It was also agreed that the Committee Clerk should ascertain if the Committee have the power to call Dairycrest to give evidence.

3. Strategy 2010 Inquiry

3.1 There was further discussion on the Strategy 2010 report.

Ms Morrice joined the meeting at 12.25pm

4. Any other business

Agreed - that further information should be sought by the Committee Clerk from the Clerk for the Committee of the Centre on the role and responsibilities of the Economic Policy Unit.

The meeting closed at 12.50pm

Mr P Doherty (Chairperson)