Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting opened in public session at 1.30pm.

1. Apologies

The apologies are noted above.

2. Briefing from DCAL regarding December/January Monitoring

The Committee noted the Department’s paper on December/January Monitoring.

The following officials joined the meeting at 1.30pm:

Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Ms Deborah Brown;

Director of Culture Division, Mr Arthur Scott; and

Head of Sport, Mr Colin Watson.

Mr Cathal Ó hOisín joined the meeting at 1.31pm.

Mr William Irwin joined the meeting at 1.34pm.

Mr David Hilditch joined the meeting at 1.35pm.

The officials briefed the Committee.

Mr Hilditch made a declaration that he is Chairperson of the Andrew Jackson Centre Steering Group.

Mr Michael McGimpsey joined the meeting at 1.41pm.

A question and answer session followed.

The officials left the meeting at 1.56pm.

Agreed: That the Committee should write to the Department to flag up concerns about 50% of the money allocated to the Ulster Scots Academy being surrendered in the current financial year and asking what assurances can be given that this would not be repeated in years 2, 3 and 4.

Agreed: That the Committee should contact the Department to seek further information on the MAGUS Capital Grant Programme.

3. Any other business

There was no other business.

4. Date and Time of Next Meeting         

The next meeting of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure will take place on Thursday 08 December 2011 at 10.30am in Room 21, Parliament Buildings.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.58pm

Miss Michelle McIlveen MLA
Chairperson, Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure
15 December 2011