Proceedings of the Sub-Group to Consider the Economic Challenges Facing Northern Ireland - 08 August 2006
Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 8 August 2006 in Room 135, Parliament Buildings at 10.00am.
In the Chair: Alban Maginness
Present: Dr Esmond Birnie
Michelle Gildernew MP
Naomi Long
Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP
Barry McElduff
David McNarry
Lord Morrow
Sean Neeson
Margaret Ritchie
Peter Weir
In Attendance: Alan Patterson (Principal Clerk)
Colin Jones (Assistant Clerk)
Trevor Allen (Clerical Supervisor)
Paul Stitt (Clerical Supervisor)
Dr Peter Gilleece (Senior Researcher)
The meeting commenced at 10.10am in closed session.
1. Apologies
David Ford (Naomi Long attended the meeting as Alliance representative in place of Mr Ford).
Mitchel McLaughlin (Mr McElduff attended the meeting as SF representative in place of Mr McLaughlin).
Ian Paisley Jnr (Lord Morrow attended the meeting as DUP representative in place of Mr Paisley Jnr).
2. Draft Minutes of Meetings on 3 August 2006
These were agreed for publication on the Assembly’s website.
3. Matters Arising
In response to an enquiry from Mr McNarry, Members noted that a detailed breakdown of the £16bn infrastructure package announced by the Secretary of State had been requested from officials.
Mr McElduff joined the meeting at 10.16am.
Members noted the correspondence from the Secretary of State on the further nominations to chair the sub-group. It was agreed that the position would be allocated on a rotational basis, subject to availability. It was also noted that the UUPAG had nominated Mr McClarty, as Mr Wilson was currently unavailable. Mr. McClarty will be added to the rota when the Secretary of State confirms his nomination
The Principal Clerk will seek formal procedural advice from the Preparation for Government Committee on whether a Member could act as a substitute at a meeting of the sub-group and later chair future meetings. Additionally, clarification would be sought on whether members of the Preparation for Government Committee, who were also members of the sub-group, could nominate a substitute for sub-group meetings or were required to attend.
Members noted the latest reports from the sub-groups of the Economic Development Forum and agreed that these should be treated as written evidence.
Ms Gildernew joined the meeting at 10.20am.
Members noted that the Youth Council had been contacted with a view to giving oral evidence and that they had referred the request to the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, who had yet to respond.
Dr McDonnell joined the meeting at 10.22am.
It was agreed that Dr Graham Gudgeon should be asked to submit written evidence to the sub-group.
Members noted receipt of the draft transcripts of the meetings on 3rd August 2006.
4. Evidence Sessions
The meeting continued in open session at 10.27am.
The sub-group took evidence from Eric Reid of Moy Park.
Mr McNarry left the meeting at 10.58am.
Mr McNarry joined the meeting at 11.10am.
Mr McElduff left the meeting at 11.25am.
Mr McElduff joined the meeting at 11.50am.
The sub-group took evidence from Clarke Black and Kenneth Sharkey of the Ulster Farmers Union
Mr McNarry left the meeting at 12.10pm.
The meeting was suspended at 12.20pm.
Ms Long left the meeting at 12.20pm.
Ms Gildernew left the meeting at 12.20pm.
The meeting was reconvened at 12.25pm.
Mr McNarry joined the meeting at 12.25pm.
The sub-group took evidence from William Wright of Wrightbus.
Lord Morrow left the meeting at 1.00pm.
Mr McNarry left the meeting at 1.08pm.
The meeting was suspended at 1.08pm as it was inquorate.
Ms Gildernew joined the meeting at 1.10pm.
The meeting was reconvened at 1.10pm.
The sub-group took evidence from Bruce Robinson and Mike Brennan from the Department of Finance and Personnel.
The meeting continued in closed session at 1.55pm.
5. Any Other Business
Members noted the written submission from the Freight Transport Association and the additional information from DETI.
Members agreed a draft press release for issue, subject to minor amendments.
6. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the sub-group was arranged for Thursday 10 August 2006 at 10.00am.
The meeting adjourned at 2.00pm.
