Northern Ireland Assembly, 9 May 2007

134 contributions from 32 members. The official report.

Assembly Business

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. You will be aware that shortly after the events in the House yesterday, an announcement was made to the effect that 500 workers are to lose their jobs in the Water Service. Is it in order to ask that the new Minister for Regional Development address the House at an early opportunity to reassure Water Service workers that there will be no compulsory redundancies?

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I am sure that the Minister for Regional Development will have heard the statement and will act accordingly.

David Burnside (UUP, South Antrim)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. As we move to the motion on the appointment of Statutory Committees, will Members have any opportunity to debate what was generally considered to be the weakness of those Committees in scrutinising and controlling executive decisions of Ministers in the previous Executive? Given that weakness, there should be widespread support in the House for strengthening them.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Today’s motions are business motions for which there is no opportunity for debate. However, I am sure that the Business Committee will consider any motion that the Member wishes to table in the Business Office.

Committee business

Appointment Of Chairpersons And Deputy Chairpersons Of Statutory Committees

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I am required to supervise the appointment of a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to each Statutory Committee, in accordance with the procedure set out in Standing Order 46.

I shall ask the nominating officer of each political party, in the order required by the formula contained in Standing Order 46, to select an available Statutory Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

For the information of Members, I have received notification from the SDLP that Mr John Dallat will act as the party’s nominating officer for the purposes of today’s business. I have also had notification from Sinn Féin that Mr John O’Dowd will act as nominating officer for his party.

I have been given advance notice by a number of Members that they are unable to attend proceedings today. Standing Orders provide that Members may accept nominations in their absence, and I will refer to each Member’s correspondence at the appropriate time.

I shall now call on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the highest figure, to select an available Statutory Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Mrs Iris Robinson to be Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which she has been nominated?

Iris Robinson (DUP, Strangford)

I accept the position of Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Mrs Iris Robinson appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Mr John O’Dowd to select an available Statutory Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Mitchel McLaughlin mar Chathaoirleach.

I propose that Mitchel McLaughlin be Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Mitchel McLaughlin (Sinn Féin, South Antrim)

Glacaim leis an oifig, a Cheann Comhairle. Go raibh maith agat.

I accept the nomination to be Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel. Go raibh maith agat.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley to select an available Statutory Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I propose that Mr Sammy Wilson be Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Sammy Wilson (DUP, East Antrim)

I accept the position of Chairman of the Committee for Education.

Mr Sammy Wilson appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Sir Reg Empey to select an available Statutory Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate Mr Danny Kennedy to be Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I have received a letter from Mr Kennedy — [Interruption.]

Order. I received a letter from Mr Kennedy, but I have been told that he is now in the Chamber. I suppose that he was trying to ensure that he would be able to accept his nomination.

Is Mr Kennedy willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Danny Kennedy (UUP, Newry and Armagh)

Yes, Mr Speaker. I apologise to you for any inconvenience that I have caused. There was an early indication that I might not be present, but I am happy to be present and to accept the chairmanship of the Committee that scrutinises the Office of the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. Thank you very much.

Mr Danny Kennedy appointed Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on John Dallat to select an available Statutory Committee and to nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I nominate Mr Mark Durkan to be Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I have certainly received a letter from Mr Mark Durkan, and I do not see him in the Chamber. His letter expresses his regret that he is unable to attend today’s proceedings. Mr Durkan makes it clear in his letter that, in the event of his being nominated, he is willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated.

Mr Mark Durkan appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Barry McElduff mar Chathaoirleach.

I propose that Mr Barry McElduff be Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Glacaim leis an oifig agus tá mé sásta bheith i mo Chathaoirleach an ar Choiste Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta.

I am happy to accept — [Interruption.]

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Order.

Barry McElduff (Sinn Féin, West Tyrone)

I am happy to accept the nomination, a Cheann Comhairle. Keep her lit. [Laughter.]

Mr Barry McElduff appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Dr Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select a nominee.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I put forward my colleague Rev William McCrea to be Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development. He is unable to be here because of parliamentary business in another place; I present this letter, which confirms his acceptance.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

On inspection, the letter is clear.

Dr William McCrea appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select a nominee.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Sue Ramsey mar Chathaoirleach.

I propose Sue Ramsey to be Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which she has been nominated?

Sue Ramsey (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Glacaim leis an oifig.

I accept the nomination as Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

Ms Sue Ramsey appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select a nominee.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Gregory Campbell to be Chairperson of the Committee for Social Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry)

I gladly accept the nomination for Chairperson of the Committee for Social Development.

Mr Gregory Campbell appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Social Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Sir Reg Empey of the Ulster Unionist Party to select a nominee.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate Fred Cobain to be Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Fred Cobain (UUP, Belfast North)

Yes, I am happy to be Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development.

Mr Fred Cobain appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Mr John Dallat of the SDLP to select and nominate.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I nominate Mr Patsy McGlone to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Patsy McGlone (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Mid Ulster)

A Cheann Comhairle, tá mé an-sásta glacadh leis an cheapachán mar Chathaoirleach ar an Choiste Comhshaoil.

I am happy to accept the nomination from my colleague for Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

Mr Patsy McGlone appointed Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

[Interruption.]

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Order. I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Mr Jim Wells to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Jim Wells (DUP, South Down)

I am happy to accept that nomination.

Mr Jim Wells appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Regional Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Paul Maskey mar LeasChathaoirleach.

I nominate Mr Paul Maskey to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Paul Maskey (Sinn Féin, Belfast West)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Glacaim leis an oifig.

I accept the nomination for Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Mr Paul Maskey appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call Mr David Ford of the Alliance Party to select and nominate.

David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim)

As nominating officer for the Alliance Party, and with the support of the United Community group, I have great pleasure in nominating Naomi Long as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which she has been nominated?

Naomi Long (Alliance, Belfast East)

I am willing to take up the office for which I have been nominated.

Mrs Naomi Long appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Centre.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Jimmy Spratt to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Jimmy Spratt (DUP, Belfast South)

I am willing to take up the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

Mr Jimmy Spratt appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Employment and Learning.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again upon Sir Reg Empey of the Ulster Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate Mr Tom Elliott to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Tom Elliott (UUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

I am willing and accept the nomination for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Mr Tom Elliott appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Michelle O’Neill mar LeasChathaoirleach den Choiste Sláinte.

I propose Michelle O’Neill to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which she has been nominated?

Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Glacaim leis an oifig.

I accept the nomination.

Mrs Michelle O’Neill appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Mr John Dallat of the Social Democratic and Labour Party to select and nominate.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I nominate Mr Dominic Bradley to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Dominic Bradley (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Newry and Armagh)

Gabhaim mo bhuíochas leat, a Cheann Comhairle. Tá mé toilteanach glacadh leis an ainmniúchán mar LeasChathaoirleach den Choiste Oideachais.

I am prepared and willing to accept my nomination as the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

Mr Dominic Bradley appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate David Hilditch to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Social Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

David Hilditch (DUP, East Antrim)

I accept the nomination.

Mr David Hilditch appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Social Development.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Molaim Cathal Boylan mar LeasChathaoirleach den Choiste.

I propose Cathal Boylan to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Cathal Boylan (Sinn Féin, Newry and Armagh)

Glacaim leis an oifig, a Cheann Comhairle.

I accept the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

Mr Cathal Boylan appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Environment.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call again on the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Mervyn Storey to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Mervyn Storey (DUP, North Antrim)

I am willing to accept the nomination.

Mr Mervyn Storey appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call on Sir Reg Empey of the Ulster Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate David McNarry to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I have received a letter from Mr David McNarry expressing his regret that he is unable to attend today’s proceedings. However, Mr McNarry’s letter makes clear that, in the event of being nominated, he is willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated.

Mr David McNarry appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

That concludes the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees.

I am also required by Standing Orders to ensure that all Members who do not hold ministerial, or junior ministerial, offices are offered at least one place on a Statutory Committee. The allocation of seats will be determined by the Business Committee and shall be approved by resolution of the Assembly. We shall return to that matter later.

Appointment Of Chairpersons And Deputy Chairpersons Of Standing Committees

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

The next item of business on the Order Paper is the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees. I am required to supervise the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons to each Standing Committee, with the exception of the Business Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 48(3) and the procedures set out in Standing Order 46. In accordance with Standing Orders, that process is separate and distinct from the process of filling the posts of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees.

I shall ask the nominating officer of each political party, in the order required by the formula contained in Standing Order 46, to select an available Standing Committee and to nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of that Committee

I call the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, as nominating officer of the political party for which the formula laid down in Standing Orders gives the highest figure, to select an available Standing Committee and to nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of that Committee.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Jeffrey Donaldson to be the Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

He is not in the House, but I have a letter from him stating that, in the event of his being nominated, he will accept the nomination.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

The letter is clear.

Mr Jeffrey Donaldson appointed Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call John O’Dowd to select an available Standing Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of that Committee.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim mé féin mar Chathaoirleach

I nominate myself as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, and I accept the nomination. [Laughter.]

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Order.

Mr John O’Dowd appointed Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley to select an available Standing Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of that Committee.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Lord Morrow to be the Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Maurice (DUP, Fermanagh and South Tyrone)

Very willing.

Lord Morrow appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call Sir Reg Empey to select an available Standing Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate Mr Roy Beggs to be Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Roy Beggs (UUP, East Antrim)

I confirm that I am willing to accept the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Roy Beggs appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Mr John Dallat to select an available Standing Committee and nominate a person who is a member of his party and a Member of the Assembly to be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of it.

John Dallat (Social Democratic and Labour Party, East Londonderry)

I nominate Mrs Carmel Hanna to be Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which she has been nominated?

Carmel Hanna (Social Democratic and Labour Party, Belfast South)

I am willing to accept the nomination.

Mrs Carmel Hanna appointed Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Raymond McCartney mar LeasChathaoirleach of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Raymond McCartney (Sinn Féin, Foyle)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Tá mé sásta agus toilteanach glacadh leis an phost seo.

I am willing to accept the nomination.

Mr Raymond McCartney appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Mr Robin Newton to be Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Robin Newton (DUP, Belfast East)

I confirm my acceptance of the position of Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

Mr Robin Newton appointed Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call on Mr John O’Dowd of Sinn Féin to select and nominate.

John O'Dowd (Sinn Féin, Upper Bann)

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Molaim Gerry McHugh mar LeasChathaoirleach

I nominate Mr Gerry McHugh to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I have received a letter from Mr Gerry McHugh as I understand there has been a death in his family. The letter makes it clear that he is prepared to accept the nomination.

Mr Gerry McHugh appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I call the Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley of the Democratic Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Ian Paisley (DUP, North Antrim)

I nominate Mr Mervyn Storey to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Mervyn Storey (DUP, North Antrim)

I am willing to accept the nomination.

Mr Mervyn Storey appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I now call Sir Reg Empey of the Ulster Unionist Party to select and nominate.

Reg Empey (UUP, Belfast East)

I nominate Mr Samuel Gardiner to be Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Is the Member who has been nominated willing to take up the office for which he has been nominated?

Samuel Gardiner (UUP, Upper Bann)

I have much pleasure in accepting that offer.

Mr Samuel Gardiner appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

That concludes the appointments of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees.

I propose, by leave of the Assembly, to suspend the sitting until 2.00 pm to allow the Business Committee to finalise the allocation of seats in the Statutory and Standing Committees. I ask members of the Business Committee to convene in Room 106 at 11.30 am. The outcome of the Business Committee’s deliberations will be published as soon as practicable before the sitting resumes and will be subject to the approval of the House.

The sitting was suspended at 11.05 am.

On resuming (Mr Speaker in the Chair) —

Membership Of Statutory And Standing Committees

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

Members should have received the documents that relate to the motions.

David Ford (Alliance, South Antrim)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Standing Order 48(4) requires that the principle of proportionality that applies to Statutory Committees should also apply to Standing Committees. It is my belief, and that of the United Community group, that the failure to include any Member from my group on the Assembly and Executive Review Committee means that the requirement set out in Standing Order 48(4) has not been met.

It also seems illogical that a Committee that is to review the total operation of the Assembly does not contain a single Member from a party outside the Executive. It appears that those who talked so much about inclusivity in the past are less anxious about inclusivity now. I understand that discussions are ongoing about the issue that I have raised; however, for the reason that I have outlined, the United Community group will not be supporting the motion.

Furthermore, in respect of Standing Order 51, it appears the ultimate contradiction that a party’s nominating officer — even if he is only that party’s acting nominating officer — can nominate himself to be Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. That Committee must be seen to be independent. Such a proposal would not be allowed in Westminster, the Oireachtas, Holyrood or Cardiff Bay. It is most damaging for the Assembly’s prospects that that nomination is going through. My group, through its representation on the Business Committee, recognises fully what is happening, but let no one say that our failure to divide the House implies that we accept the terms of the motion.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I am grateful to the Member for his point of order. However, I am satisfied that the Business Committee dealt with the matter properly.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved:

That this Assembly adopts the membership of the Standing Committees as detailed in NIA 2/06-07.

The Membership of the Standing Committees as detailed in NIA 2/06-07 is as follows:

Assembly and Executive Review Committee: Mr Jeffrey Donaldson (Chairperson); Mr Raymond McCartney (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Alex Attwood; Mrs Carmel Hanna; Mr Danny Kennedy; Mr Nelson McCausland; Mr Ian McCrea; Mr Alan McFarland; Ms Carál Ní Chuilín; Mr John O’Dowd; Mr George Robinson.

Audit Committee: Mr Robin Newton (Chairperson); Mr Samuel Gardiner (Deputy Chairperson); Dr Stephen Farry; Mr John O’Dowd; Mr Pat Ramsey.

Procedures Committee: Lord Morrow (Chairperson); Mr Mervyn Storey (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Francie Brolly; Lord Browne; Mr Willie Clarke; Mr Raymond McCartney; Mr David McClarty; Mr Adrian McQuillan; Mr Sean Neeson; Mr Declan O’Loan; Mr Ken Robinson.

Public Accounts Committee: Mr John O’Dowd (Chairperson); Mr Roy Beggs (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Willie Clarke; Mr Jonathan Craig; Mr John Dallat; Mr Simon Hamilton; Mr David Hilditch; Mr Trevor Lunn; Mr Patsy McGlone; Mr Mitchel McLaughlin; Ms Dawn Purvis.

Standards and Privileges Committee: Mrs Carmel Hanna (Chairperson); Mr Gerry McHugh (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Allan Bresland; Mr Francie Brolly; Mr Willie Clarke; Rev Dr Robert Coulter; Mr Alex Easton; Mr David Hilditch; Mr Adrian McQuillan; Mr George Savage; Mr Brian Wilson.

William Hay (Speaker, Foyle)

I remind members of the Business Committee that we are due to reconvene in 30 minutes.

Adjourned at 2.05 pm.