Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 19 October 2011
Venue: Room 29
2:05 pm The meeting opened in public session.
1. Apologies
Apologies are listed above.
2. Minutes of the meeting on 12 October 2011
Agreed: The minutes of the last meeting were agreed.
3. Matters Arising
Correspondence from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development seeking comments on the proposed changes to compensation arrangements for Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis.
Agreed: The Committee agreed not to respond to the consultation as it fell outside the remit of the Committee, and to correspond with the Agriculture Committee to that effect.
Correspondence from Sir Bruce Robinson
The Committee noted correspondence from Sir Bruce Robinson providing updated information on secondments within the NICS as previously undertaken.
2:21 pm Mr Copeland entered the meeting.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to consider a summary of correspondence received and a draft response to Sir Bruce at the next meeting.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the correspondence to the Committee for Finance and Personnel for its information.
2:35 pm The meeting went into closed session.
Whistleblower Correspondence
The Committee noted a brief from the Clerk to the Committee detailing correspondence received from two whistleblowers, both of whom requested anonymity at this initial stage.
Agreed: The Committee agree to forward the information to the Audit Office to investigate the issues and to report back to the Committee upon completion.
4. PAC Report on ‘Reducing Water Pollution from Agricultural Sources – The Farm Nutrient Scheme’
The Committee noted correspondence from Mr Gerry Lavery, Accounting Officer, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development providing the additional information sought by the Committee following its evidence session on 28 September 2011.
5. PAC Report on ‘Managing Criminal Legal Aid’
The Committee noted correspondence from Mr Nick Perry, Accounting Officer, Department of Justice providing the additional information sought by the Committee following its evidence session on 21 September 2011.
6. PAC Report on ‘Creating Effective Relationships between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector’
The Committee considered an issues paper on this evidence session.
7. Any other business
The Committee asked for options for handling the meeting of 30 November given anticipated industrial action on that date.
8. Date, time and place of next meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at 2:00 pm in the Room 29, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 4:53 pm.
