PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE PRESIDING OFFICER WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 1999 AT 2.00pm IN ROOM 135, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
Present:
The Initial Presiding Officer
Mr M Durkan
Mr D Ford
Mr B Hutchinson
Mr E McGrady MP
Prof M McWilliams
Mr F Molloy
Mr M Morrow
Mr P Robinson MP
Mr C Wilson
Mr J Wilson
In attendance:
Mr M Barnes
Mrs G Campbell
Mr J Reynolds
Mr N Johnston
Miss A Moore
Apologies were received from Mr I Davis and Mr R McCartney.
1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed
2. MATTERS ARISING
Publication of the Report by the Ad Hoc Committee (Port of Belfast): The Committee expressed its concern that members of the press had been given access to the Report by the Ad Hoc Committee (Port of Belfast) before Assembly Members.
Agreed: That the Initial Presiding Officer would discuss the matter with the Joint Chairmen of the Committee and that he would give a ruling at a future plenary meeting.
That the Initial Presiding Officer would discuss with the Joint Chairmen the possibility of making copies of the Report available to Members.
All other matters arising are dealt with under item 3.
3. FORTHCOMING BUSINESS/ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEXT PLENARY
Membership of Statutory Committees: The members indicated that they had not yet had an opportunity to consider the proposal that the 2 extra places be allocated to the smaller parties. The matter was deferred to the next meeting.
Motion for the Exclusion of Sínn Féin: The Initial Presiding Officer said that he was taking legal advice on whether the proposer of the Motion or the respondent should be last to speak during the debate and that his decision would take account of a meeting to be held with the proposer.
Running of d'Hondt: The affirmation of the pledge of office was discussed.
Agreed: That the Initial Presiding Officer would read out the pledge of office at the start of proceedings and that once nominated Ministers (Designate) would each state that they affirm the pledge of office as required by the Initial Standing Orders.
Other Assembly Business Post-Devolution: The Initial Presiding Officer reported that for Members' salaries to be paid, the Assembly Commission would need to be appointed and the budget approved by the Assembly. The support of the Finance Minister would also be required.
The Initial Presiding Officer will put forward a Business Motion for the appointment of a Business Committee to consist of 11 Members.
4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Divisions: : The Initial Presiding Officer suggested that a trial run of the procedures for divisions should take place after the next CAPO meeting.
5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Committee was arranged for Friday 16 July at 2.00pm*.
Joe Reynolds
