Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting opened in closed session at 10.41am.

Agreed : The draft press release regarding Libraries NI’s announcement was agreed, subject to the outcome to the consultation.

The meeting moved into open session at 10.44am.

1. Apologies

The apologies are noted above.

2. Draft Minutes of Meeting Held on 13 October 2011

The Committee agreed the minutes of 13 October 2011.

3. Matters Arising

Agreed : The Committee agreed to write to the Minister to ascertain a timescale for a Departmental briefing on the project approach for the review of Arm’s Length Bodies.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department regarding outstanding Post Project Evaluations.

Agreed : The Committee agreed to write to Libraries NI regarding single staffing in some libraries across Northern Ireland.

Agreed : The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from the Northern Ireland representatives on the Committee of the Regions onto the Forward Work Programme.

4. Briefing from DCAL on 2013 World Police and Fire Games

The Committee noted the Clerk’s paper.

The following officials joined the meeting at 10.48am.

Head of 2013 World Police and Fire Games, DCAL, Mr Donal Moran;

Deputy Chair, 2013 World Police and Fire Games and Chief Fire Officer for NI Fire and Rescue Service, Mr Peter Craig;

Chief Executive, 2013 World Police and Fire Games, Mr David Ferguson; and

Head of Games Delivery, 2013 World Police and Fire Games, Mr Alistair McGowan.

Mr Michael McGimpsey joined the meeting at 10.50am.

The officials briefed the Committee.

A question and answer session followed.

The officials left the meeting at 11.45am.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to all Statutory Committees and the Assembly Commission to advise them of the benefits of the World Police and Fire Games; and to encourage them to seek a briefing from 2013 World Police and Fire Games Ltd.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to request an update on the Federation’s visit to Northern Ireland.

Mrs Brenda Hale left the meeting at 11.55am.

5. Briefing from DCAL on European Issues

The Committee noted the Clerk’s paper.

Dr Dan Hull spoke to his research papers.

Ms Joanne McConway joined the meeting at 12.06pm.

Ms McConway briefed the Committee.

A question and answer session followed.

Mr David Hilditch left the meeting at 12.20pm.

Ms McConway left the meeting at 12.23pm.

Mr Cathal Ó hOisín left the meeting at 12.23pm.

The Committee noted that members had been invited to a series of Breakfast seminars from Arts and Business Northern Ireland.

6. Committee’s Inquiry on Maximising the Potential of the Creative Industries

Mr Cathal Ó hOisín returned to the meeting at 12.25pm.

The Clerk provided an update to the Committee on the progress of the launch of the Committee’s Inquiry into Creative Industries.

7. Written briefing from DCAL on Monthly Outturn

Agreed : The Committee agreed to write to the Department for details on the forecast variation for Annually Managed Expenditure.

8. Forestry Bye-laws Consultation

The Clerk spoke to her paper on the Forestry Bye-laws consultation.

Mr David Hilditch returned to the meeting at 12.27pm.

Agreed : The Committee agreed to write to the Committee of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline its views on the draft Forestry bye-laws.

Agreed : The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from Northern Ireland MEPS, representatives from the European Unit in Belfast City Council, and a representative from OFMDFM.

9. Correspondence

Agreed : The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on: its NI2012 programme of events; and its involvement in the World Police and Fire Games.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Northern Ireland Museums Council on its Annual Report and Financial Statements 2010-11.

Mr Michael McGimpsey left the meeting at 12.34pm.

Agreed : The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing in November from the BBC Trust on the consultation Delivering Quality First.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department on its upcoming consultations and outcome of policies screened.