TUESDAY 6 MARCH 2001 at 10.45AM IN ROOM 144 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

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

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

Also in attendance for public evidence session at 11.00am: Mr H McCracken, Mr P Gavan, and Mr B Graham (NIE)

The meeting opened, in private, at 10.45am

1. Public evidence session at 11.00am - presentation by Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) plc regarding the recent power cuts in the province.

1.1 A senior management delegation from NIE met with the Committee to discuss their handling of the recent power cuts in the province. A short presentation was followed by a question and answer session.

2. Any other business

2.1 The Chairperson reported on a letter received from the Minister, Sir Reg Empey, regarding 'Electricity and Gas Consumer Representation Arrangements'. A copy of the letter was circulated to all members.

3. Next meeting

3.1 The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday 8 March 2001, at 10.00am in Room 135, Parliament Buildings, in private session.

The meeting closed at 1.10pm

Mr P Doherty   (Chairperson)