Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 15 June 2011
Venue: Room 29
2:00 pm The meeting opened in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.
2. Minutes of the meeting on 1 June 2011
Agreed:The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.
3. Evidence on the NI Audit Office Report ‘Reducing Water Pollution from Agricultural Sources – The Farm Nutrient Management Scheme’ .
The Committee took oral evidence on the above report from:
- Mr Gerry Lavery, Accounting Officer, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
- Mr John Smith, Finance Director, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
- Mr Brian Ervine, Head of Environmental Policy, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
- Mr Michael Brennan, Head of Central Expenditure Division, Central Finance Group, Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP); and
- Mr Stephen Fay, District Valuer, Land and Property Services, Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP).
2:50 pm Mr Dallat left the meeting.
2:55 pm Mr Dallat entered the meeting.
3:10 pm Mr Copeland left the meeting.
3:12 pm Mr Copeland entered the meeting.
3:17 pm Mr Girvan entered the meeting.
3:35 pm Mr McLaughlin left the meeting.
3:37 pm Mr McLaughlin entered the meeting.
3:54 pm Ms McCann left the meeting.
3:56 pm Mr Girvan left the meeting.
3:59 pm Mr Girvan entered the meeting.
4:00 pm Mr Frew left the meeting.
4:01 pm Mr McLaughlin left the meeting.
4:10 pm Ms McCann entered the meeting.
4:13 pm Mr Frew and McLaughlin entered the meeting.
4:14 pm Mr Easton left the meeting.
4:35 pm Mr McLaughlin entered the meeting.
The witnesses answered a number of questions put by the Committee.
Agreed:The Committee agreed to request further information from the witnesses.
4. Evidence on the Public Accounts Committee report on ‘Excess Votes (Northern Ireland) 2009-2010’ .
The Committee took oral evidence on the above report from:
- Mr Gerry Lavery, Accounting Officer, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
- Mr John Smith, Finance Director, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD);
- Mr Michael Brennan, Head of Central Expenditure Division, Central Finance Group, Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP); and
4:45 pm Mr McLaughlin left the meeting.
4:46 pm Mr Girvan left the meeting.
4:54 pm Mr Copeland left the meeting.
4:56 pm Mr Copeland entered the meeting.
5:00 pm Mr Girvan entered the meeting.
The witnesses answered a number of questions put by the Committee.
7. Any other business.
Mr Dallat raised concerns regarding recent correspondence from Sir Bruce Robinson, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
Agreed: The Committee agree to receive further advice before agreeing its next course of action.
8. Date, time and place of next meeting
Agreed:The Committee agreed to begin its next meeting at the earlier time of 1.00 pm.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 at 1:00 pm in room 144.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 5:20 pm.
