COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURES WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2001 AT 3.00 PM IN ROOM 152, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

The meeting commenced at 3.05 pm

Present: Mr C Murphy (Chairman)
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr D McClarty
Mr P McNamee

Principal Clerk : Mr J Reynolds

Clerk to the Committee: Mr C McGarrity

In attendance:Mr J Crozier
Mr J Gillespie

1. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

1.1 The minutes of the meeting of 17 January 2001 were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

1.2 The Chairman introduced Mr C McGarrity as the new Clerk to the Committee and thanked the outgoing Clerk, Mr Reynolds, for his contribution to the Committee's work.

2. MATTERS ARISING

2.1 Visit to the Dáil - 21/22 February 2001

The Clerk outlined a draft programme and asked Members to confirm attendance and their preferred travel arrangements. The final itinerary was being prepared by staff in the Dáil and would be forwarded to Members on receipt.

3. WORK PROGRAMME

3.1 Standing Order 40

The Chairman advised Members of the proposed amendments to the Standing Order. Members agreed to amendments. The Motions are to be submitted to the Business Committee to be included on the No Day Named List.

3.2 Appointments to the Assembly Commission

The Committee agreed that the new Standing Order should be in the section "Other Orders" as number 74.

3.3 Procedure for formal expressions of condolence

Members agreed to await the outcome of the Business Committee's deliberations. A decision would then be taken on whether changes to Standing Orders were appropriate.

3.4 Private Members' Bills

The Chairman informed the Committee that a paper outlining the procedures in use in other places was being prepared. This would set out options on how Private Members Bills could be handled. It was agreed to defer discussion on this to the next meeting of the Committee.

3.5 Speaking Times during Plenary

This paper was noted for Members' consideration.

3.6 Plenary Timings

The Chairman spoke to the paper provided and outlined the options available. It was agreed that Members should seek the views of their parties before deciding on possible amendments. Members would report on their respective party positions at the next meeting.

3.7 Review of Legislative Process

The Chairman presented the Members with an overview of the issues which the submissions have raised to date. A paper for Members' consideration would be prepared on receipt of outstanding submissions.

4. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no further business.

5. DATE, TIME AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed the next meeting of the Procedures Committee would be held on Wednesday 28 February 2001 in Room 152, Parliament Buildings at 3.00 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 3.50 pm.

C MURPHY
Chairman