Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 26 October 2011
Venue: Room 144, Parliament Buildings
The meeting commenced at 1.17pm in open session.
Chairperson’s Introduction
The Chairperson welcomed Committee Members to the meeting.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the meeting should move into closed session when considering the legal advice under agenda Item 5 – Update on the Appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards.
1. Apologies
As detailed.
2. Declaration of Interests
The Chairperson reminded Members of their obligation to declare any relevant financial or other interests before and during each Committee meeting.
The Chairperson declared an interest in the tabled correspondence to be considered under Item 6.
3. Draft minutes of the meeting held on 5 th October 2011
Agreed: The draft minutes of the meeting held on 5 th October 2011 were agreed by the Committee.
4. Matters arising
There were no matters arising.
5. Update on the appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards
The Committee noted the Clerk’s Paper, Legal Advice, Research Paper and draft correspondence from the Committee to the Committee on Procedures.
1.19pm the meeting moved into closed session
The Chairperson welcomed Ms Tara Caul, Head of Legal Services Office, Assembly Legal Services and invited her to brief the Committee on the Legal Advice.
1.22pm Mrs Overend joined the meeting
The Chairperson thanked Ms Caul for attending the meeting.
Agreed: Following a briefing by the Clerk on the issues outlined in the draft Committee correspondence to the Committee on Procedures, the Committee agreed the draft correspondence to be sent to the Committee on Procedures.
1.31pm the meeting returned to open session
The Chairperson welcomed Mr Ray McCaffrey, Research Officer and invited him to brief the Committee on the Research Paper.
Following discussion the Chairperson thanked Mr McCaffrey for attending the meeting.
The Clerk outlined the way forward to the Committee.
6. Any other business
All-Party Group on Rugby
The Chairperson declared an interest as the Chairperson of the proposed All-Party Group on Rugby.
Agreed: Members noted the Registration Form for the formation of an All-Party Group on Rugby and approved its formation.
Presentation by the Electoral Commission on ‘Regulations of Political Donations in Northern Ireland
The Chairperson referred to the presentation by the Electoral Commission on ‘Regulations of Political Donations in Northern Ireland’ which took place on 25 th October 2011.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the presentation by the Electoral Commission should be circulated to all MLAs for information.
Agreed: The Committee agreed a press release to be issued.
7. Time, date and place of next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Wednesday 23 rd November 2011 at 1.15pm in Room 144, Parliament Buildings.
The Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 1.49pm.
