Minutes of Proceedings

Session: 2008/2009

Date: 05 January 2009

COMMITTEE FOR THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 5 JANUARY 2009
ROOM 144, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS

Present: 
Mr Danny Kennedy (Chairperson) 
Mrs Naomi Long (Deputy Chairperson) 
Ms Martina Anderson 
Mr Tom Elliott 
Mrs Dolores Kelly 
Mr Ian McCrea 
Mr Francie Molloy 
Mr Stephen Moutray 
Mr Jim Shannon
Mr Jimmy Spratt

In Attendance: 
Mrs Cathie White (Assembly Clerk) 
Mr Keith McBride (Assistant Assembly Clerk) 
Mrs Lynda Mulholland (Clerical Supervisor) 
Ms Helena Maginness (Clerical Officer)
Ms Patricia Casey (Bill Clerk)

2.31 p.m. The meeting opened in public session.

1. Apologies

Mr McElduff, as he did not receive notification until the morning of Monday 5 January.

2. Briefing by junior Ministers on the proposed Financial Assistance Bill

2.35 p.m. Junior Ministers and officials from OFMDFM joined the meeting.

Junior Ministers Donaldson and Kelly briefed the Committee on the proposed Financial Assistance Bill and sought the Committee’s agreement for the accelerated passage of the Bill through the Assembly. A question and answer session followed.

3.25 p.m. Mr Elliott left the meeting. 
3.57 p.m. Junior Ministers and officials from OFMDFM left the meeting.

Mr Moutray proposed that the Committee support the accelerated passage of the proposed Financial Assistance Bill through the Assembly.

The Committee divided on the proposal: Ayes 7; Noes 0; Abstentions 2.

Ayes: Ms Martina Anderson, Mr Danny Kennedy, Mr Ian McCrea, Mr Francie Molloy, Mr Stephen Moutray, Mr Jim Shannon, Mr Jimmy Spratt.

Noes:

Abstentions: Mrs Naomi Long.

Mrs Dolores Kelly did not vote.

Agreed: The Committee supports the accelerated passage of the proposed Financial Assistance Bill through the Assembly.

3. Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 7 January 2009 at 2.00 p.m. in Room 144.

4.01 p.m. The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.

Mr Danny Kennedy 
Chairperson, 
Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister