Chairpersons' Liaison Group

Minutes of proceedings 19 May 2026

Room 30, Parliament Buildings

Present:                

Robbie Butler MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Phillip Brett MLA
Paul Frew MLA
Peter Martin MLA
Matthew O’Toole MLA

Apologies:            

Kellie Armstrong MLA
Paula Bradshaw MLA
Jonathan Buckley MLA
Alan Chambers MLA
Ciara Ferguson MLA
Colm Gildernew MLA
Cathy Mason MLA
Nick Mathison MLA (Chairperson)
Daniel McCrossan MLA
Philip McGuigan MLA

In Attendance:      

Roisin Kelly (Clerk)
Mary Kerr (Senior Assistant Clerk)
Charmaine McBride (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Danielle Saunders (Clerical Supervisor)
Lesley Hogg (Chief Executive/Clerk to the Assembly)
Gareth McGrath (Director of Parliamentary Services)
Frank Geddis (Clerk Assistant)
Paul Gill (Clerk Assistant)
Lisa McElherron (Clerk Assistant)

The meeting commenced at 1:31pm in closed session.

Gareth McGrath left the meeting at 1:31pm

1. Apologies

As above.

2. Chairperson’s Business

There was no noted Chairpersons’ Business

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

Agreed: Chairpersons agreed the updated minutes of the meeting (as tabled) held on 24 March 2026.

4. Matters Arising

Letter from the Chairpersons’ Liaison Group (CLG) to the Committee for Standards and Privileges (CSP) regarding proposed revision to the existing Guide to the Role of Committee Chairpersons

Members noted that a response was issued by CLG to the CSP on 15 April 2026 regarding revisions to the existing Guide to the Role of Committee Chairpersons.

Updates to Guidance for Witnesses appearing before Assembly Committees and Guide to the Role of Committee Chairpersons

Members noted that updated Guide for Witnesses and the updated Guide to the Role of Committee Chairpersons has been circulated to Committees and all Members.

Members agreed to proceed to Agenda item 6 due to time constraints affecting quorum.

Gareth McGrath joined the meeting at 1:33pm

6. Correspondence

Letter from the Clerk to the Committee for Standards and Privileges (CSP) to CLG regarding Committee on Standards and Privileges Report: NIA 155 22-27

Members noted that the CSP wrote to CLG on 5 May 2026, following agreement of the Committee’s report on a complaint against Members.

In terms of the use of the ‘embargo’ marking on Assembly Committee reports as applicable, the Committee recommends that CLG issues guidance to all MLAs, Members’ staff and party staff on the meaning and purpose of the marking, including the basis on which such reports are made available to MLAs via the Business Office and electronically.

There was a brief discussion on this topic. Officials will prepare draft guidance and bring a paper for discussion to the next CLG meeting in June 2026.

Matthew O’Toole left the meeting at 1:40pm

The meeting lost a decision-making quorum at 1:40pm

Members returned to an informal discussion on Agenda item 5.

5. Committee Induction Programme

Members had an informal discussion and reflected on their respective committees’ early meetings. Suggestions were identified for committee induction and development needs and; for development activities for new and returning Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons.

The Clerking and Member Support (CAMS) Office will circulate a note of the suggestions with the opportunity to provide input offered to Chairs not present at today’s meeting.

Peter Martin left the meeting at 1:51pm

Phillip Brett left the meeting at 1:51pm

Nick Mathison (Chairperson)

19 May 2026