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Council Minutes
May 2007
31st May 2007
MINUTES OF THE ONE HUNDRED & TWENTY-SECOND MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 30th MAY @ 1.30 p.m.
IN THE BOARDROOM, CRC’S OFFICES IN THE LINEN GREEN CENTRE, MOYGASHEL, DUNGANNON
1768/07 PRESENT: Action:
Mr E McCartan (Chair), Dr D Stevens, Ms M Hetherington,
Mr C O’Halloran, Ms E Gallagher, Mr T McCusker, Mr N McCausland,
Mr M Wardlow, Mr R Wilson.
1769/07 APOLOGIES:
Mr W Erwin, Mr J Cousins, Ms M Muldoon, Mr D O’Loan, Ms C Wilson.
CRU: Mr Drew Haire
1770/07 IN ATTENDANCE:
Dr D Morrow [CEO], Ms J Irwin {Deputy CEO], Mr J Fitzsimons [P/D DFAP], Mr R Mullan [P/D Communication & Resources], Mr J Dennison [P/D EU Prog], Ms G Attwood [PO/Policy Prog], Ms H Scott [P/Secretary].
1771/07 OBSERVER:
None
1772/07 MINUTES:
The Minutes from the previous meeting (28th March 2007) having been circulated, were taken as read. Adjustments to Mins 1761/07 and 1763/07 passed on from CRU were noted.
1773/07 CHAIRS BUSINESS:
(1) Peter Robinson MP: The Chair informed members that this meeting had finally taken place (20th April). The morning appointment had to be postponed to a lunchtime slot due to Mr Robinson’s workload and the fact that his wife was in hospital on that day. He said he felt the meeting had been useful and the CEO had been able to highlight key “Shared Future” themes.
(2) Recruitment: [Mins 1756/07 and Paper tabled at meeting “ AOB notes for members” refers] The Chair extended thanks (on behalf of Council) Mr Fitzsimons and his staff for his work around this process. He said he was aware of the various delays and rescheduling of interview dates and the additional administration this had entailed.
1773/07 Chairs Business continued: Action:
Recruitment: Mr McCartan informed members that the process was now almost complete and that the final interview would take place on Monday and he hoped that the panel would be able to identify and appoint approximately 12 people who could join the Council, 6 in the short term (Sept) and a further 6 in the longer term.
Mr McCartan said that in the meantime, and because of the delays, current Council members were being invited to extend their terms of office, some members had had been approached in this regard and others would be approached in the near future. [Previous arrangements were set out in Paper CRC/118/09/06/01 at the September 2006 Council meeting]
CEO
[Paper tabled at meeting “notes for members” Item No. 3 states]
“In order to facilitate a smooth transition, current Council members due to retire on 30 October 2007 will be asked to remain members until 31st March 2008/ Thos members not due to retire, will be asked to remain members until 31st March 2009, when a new group of members will be appointed”
Mr McCusker reminded Council that new members would need to be ratified by Council at the appropriate Council meeting.
Mr McCartan suggested that consideration should be given to a CIPFA “away day” for all members (i.e. not just new members).
(3) Mr Colin Neilands: The Chair advised that Mr Neilands had tendered his resignation due to “current workload and personal commitments”. He said that although Mr Neilands had not attended many Council meetings he had played an important role in the European Committee. The Chair suggested that the CEO write to Mr Neilands thanking him for his commitment.
(4) Meetings with Junior Ministers: The Chair suggested that attempts should be made to set-up meetings with Junior Ministers e.g. Ian Paisely Jnr and Jerry Kelly and with Assembly members from other parties.
The CEO confirmed that both Margaret Ritchie MLA and Catriona Ruane MLA had requested meetings with CRC staff re A Shared Future agenda and that these meetings had been considered to have been useful.
CEO
1774/07 MATTERS ARISING:
1 Governance Review [Mins 1759/07] refer: The CEO said that a meeting planned had been inquorate and this had now fallen behind
1174/07 Matters Arising continued: Action:
2 Pathfinder : Forward Learning [Mins1761/07] Mr Haire noted that a similar proposal had gone to Community Bridges and queried how this proposal would relate to the bid they had received.
1775/07 REVIEW 2006/2007 - PRESENTATION BY DR MORROW Action:
The CEO reviewed 2006/007 under the following headings:
Ø Establish with partners a shared vision of reconciliation, tolerance and mutual trust translated into practical policies and actions.
Ø Relevant responses to critical issues and disputes
Ø Redefine CRC’s role as a peace building and reconciliation body
Ø Identify models of good practice
Ø Effective delivery of all agreed targets
The Chair said that the resources issue needed to be addresses in terms of remuneration and new premises. He suggested that discussions with OFMDFM needed to take place in order to ascertain whether resources would be provided otherwise operational planning around A Shared Future would need to be amended.
CEO
Mr Wilson expressed concern about the lack of engagement from business sector and the Unions on the Shared Future debate. He felt that attempts should be made to address this.
The CEO reported that he had had a lunch meeting with the Institute of Directors and that emphasis had been on sustainability of the political situation in terms of economic growth and development. He agreed that there seemed to be a lack of engagement from the business sector.
Mr Wilson suggested that CRC write to the business sector and the Unions with a view to initiating dialogue.
This was agreed. CEO
1776/07 A SHARED FUTURE UP-DATE:
[Papers CRC/122/05/07/01 and appendix (matrix) refer]
The CEO indicated that OFMDFM had raised concerns about CRC meeting Ministers without first liaising with their Dept. He pointed out that initial meetings had arisen because Ministers had requested to speak to CRC. The CEO said that this matter needed to be clarified and to this end a meeting between himself, the Chair and OFMDFM was being arranged. CEO
1776/07 A Shared Future Up-date continued: Action:
The Chair said that roles, responsibilities and relationships needed to be clarified in light of the (new) Assembly arrangements.
Some members expressed concerns about having to “ask permission” and being “dictated to”.
Mr McCusker suggested that everyone need to learn the “new rules” and how to deal with new people. He thought that it might be helpful if OFMDFM had “advance notice” of any meetings.
The CEO said that it was intended to re-establish the A Shared Future sub-committee. CEO
1777/07 OPERATIONAL PLANNING:
[Papers CRC/122/05/07/02(a) & (b); 02.1(i) & (ii) & 02.2 refer]
Operational Plan (1st draft): Ms Irwin informed members that they would receive quarterly updates.
Some members reported missing pages. It was agreed that the draft Operational Plan would be sent via e-mail to all members and that they should let Ms Irwin know (within a week) if there were any amendments/suggestions.
Secretary
Performance Review 06-07:
This paper was agreed - no amendments mooted.
The Chair thanked Ms Irwin for her work in preparing the operational planning documents.
Equality Up-date: Ms Irwin indicated that she and John Fitzsimons would be meeting with Dr John Kremer (QUB) on 31st May to discuss the next stage of CRC’s EQUIA process.
Mr McCausland pointed out that in terms of employment figures, there was a difference between Catholic and Protestant and he wondered if there was anything else the Council could do, besides the “welcoming statement” to address this.
Ms Irwin indicated that the differences had arisen relatively recently because when she came to Council the employment figures were around 50-50. She said that staff were aware of this, would continue to monitor the situation and would welcome any suggestions as to how else this might, within the legal framework, be addressed.
1778/07 CR WEEK REVIEW: Action:
[Paper CRC/122/05/07/03 refers]
The above paper outlines the main themes and events.
Mr Mullan reported that CR Week had been well covered by both radio and press. He said there had been 15 radio interviews and 150 press articles over a 2-3 week period. He said that the pre launch event 10 days prior to the week had helped raise the profile. Mr Mullan said that the only disappointment was the lack of TV coverage but CR week had unfortunately coincided with the introduction of the smoking ban which had been given priority by TV programmes.
The Chair suggested that the current format of CR Week might have reached saturation point and that consideration might be given next year to e.g. running with a “theme” or changing the “product” in some way to make it different and to hold interest.
The Chair extended warm congratulations to Mr Mullan for the success of this week.
R Mullan/CEO
1779/07 PEACE III PROGRAMME:
[Paper CRC/122/05/07/04 refers]
Mr Dennison informed members that CRC had been earmarked as one of the (two) support and delivery mechanisms for the new Programme though roles were unclear at this stage. He said CRC had been in consultation with Boarder Action regarding a role-out support programme. Mr Dennison said that the deadline imposed by SEUPB had been very tight and for this reason CRC had indicated that it’s tender would be submitted “as risk” on the basis that it required Council approval and comment and could be subject to changes. Mr Dennison said that if awarded, any contract would be brought to Council for scrutiny and ratification.
The CEO said that priority one was “Peace at Local Level” and that CRC’s bid was based on the nations of District Councils not exceeding 11 clusters. He said at this stage we did not know what the clusters were or how many.
The Chair suggested there were two issues (i) where the RPA had parked Good Relations Officers/Good Relations Panel and (ii) numbers of District Councils.
Mr McCusker enquired whether it might help if a small group of Council members were part of this EU debate. CEO
1780/07 POLICY PAPER: Action
[CRC/122/05/07/05 refers]
Consultation Paper on Proposed Irish Language Legislation for NI
Mr Wilson thanked Ms Attwood for her hard work on the paper.
There was a discussion around whether or not to specifically mention the education due to the fact that the Irish Media section is undergoing a review by the Department of Education at the moment.
Mr McCausland agreed with the recent report of the Committee of Experts (for the Charter) which recommended that the British government development a comprehensive policy on Irish Language. He agreed that approaches should be developed but disagreed with a legislative approach. Mr McCausland asked that the section referring to Ulster Scots be strengthened, he stated that debates and had taken place and resolute action now needed to happen.
Mr Wardlow suggested caution as this was also an education issue and he felt CRC should take care not be perceived as promoting Irish Language (and cultural matters as this tended to be a contentious issue.
Mr McCusker suggested a compromise in terms of A Shared Future which linked educational issues, linguistic diversity and heritage.
The Chair asked members if they would endorse the paper subject to agreed amendments.
The paper, subject to amendments, was agreed by the majority of members present.
Mr McCausland dissented on this issue of legislation.
CEO/Ms Attwood
1781/07 PATHFINDER PROPOSALS:
[Papers CRC/122/05/07/06 and 06.1 refer]
(Mr McCausland declared an interest and left the boardroom @ 15:45 hrs)
(1) Bonfire Management Scheme (06)
The above paper (06) outlines the background, considerations and recommendations relating to this proposal.
The CEO said that the efforts were being made to move away from the negative overtones to bonfires being a reflection of heritage and cultural celebration.
1781/07 Pathfinder Proposal (Bonfire Management) continued: Action
The CEO said that Belfast City Council has developed a plan with 3 CR elements and that this proposal was requesting assistance for the first year of this proposal.
Amount requested: £39,850.00
Amount recommended: £34,275.00
Amount approved: £34,275.00
(2) LINC Resource Centre (06.1)
The above paper (06.1) outlines the back, considerations and recommendation relating to this proposal.
The CEO said that this proposal was unusual but it was “bone fide” and the organisation had strong links to the working class community it the area. He indicated that he was recommending a salary support to cover salary and NIC costs for the period June-Dec 2007.
Amount recommended: £13,500.00
Amount approved: £13,500.00
1782/07 FINANCES:
[Papers CRC/122/05/07/07(i), 07(ii), 07.1(A) – (B) refer]
Notes to Profile of Expenditure - 07(i)
Profile of Expenditure - 07(ii)
Grant Review - 08.1 (A) – (B)
Mr Fitzsimons indicated that as anticipated expenditure in April ‘07 had been on a low level. He said that a letter of offer from CRU had been received in May confirming the 2007/08budget at broadly the same level as 2006/07 but giving some additional funds in 2007/08 for pension costs, internal audit and refurbishment.
Mr Wardlow reiterated the Core Funding Committee’s concerns that the money allocated had yet again not been increased which would necessitate some difficult funding decisions this year.
Mr O’Halloran pointed out that concerns re insufficient funding for the Core Funding Programme has been raised three years ago and the review of Core Funding was “still on hold”.
1782/07 Finances continued: Action:
The CEO said that a decision had been made not to move to tranche funding but to strictly monitor commitment on a regular basis. He said that this method was considered to be more flexible to demand and this was seen as one of the benefits of the Scheme. The CEO pointed out that the last year’s early closure had been due to the fact that half the budget had been committed the previous year and anticipated “reallocation” of resources had not materialised.
Mr Wardlow suggested that it was important that this Scheme was closely monitored because if it closed early the Core Funding Committee would have no “safety net”.
The Chair said that it was hoped to have a meeting with Mr Billy Gamble regarding CRC’s independence and the Core Funding issue would be raised.
CEO/Chair
(Mr Dennison left the boardroom at 4.00 p.m.)
1783/07 CEO’s REPORT:
[Paper CRC/122/05/07/08 refers]
This report outlines the main areas of work.
Parades: The CEO confirmed hat he had been approached by the Secretary of State’s office to act and as community relations and political advisor to a new Review of Parading being established with cross party support. He emphasised that this was not a review of the Parades Commission and that the first meeting was had taken place on 22 May.
White City/Whitewell: The CEO stated that there were a number of difficult issues regarding the erection of a 25ft fence and more specifically that the fence is to run through the grounds of Hazelwood Integrated Primary School which would effectively turn the school into a front line of a new interface. He pointed out that at this time of political change it was a concern that there were still plans to erect barriers but no plans to take them down. The CEO indicated that they were looking at other integration issues, also at means of engaging with local residents.
Mr McCusker said that he thought it had been agreed that there should be a protocol that if a wall/fence is suggested that CRC should be advised immediately.
A general discussion followed and concerns were raised re:
Lack of dialogue re “peace walls”
Policing of interface areas/resources for policing
Up-to-date review of peace-walls.
1783/07 CEO’s Report continued: Action:
Policing diversity: The CEO said he and the Deputy had met with IFI and had encouraged them to support the exploration of a pilot training programme for the District Policing Partnerships to address difficult and controversial issues.
1784/07 SECTOR REPORTS:
[Papers CRC/122/05/07/09 to 13 refer]
These papers outline the main areas covered by the Sectors.
Funding & Development Programme
(Paper CRC/121/03/07/09 refers)
European Programme
(Paper CRC/121/03/07/10 refers)
Policy Development Programme
(Paper CRC/121/02/07/11 refers)
IFI Community Bridges Programme
(Paper CRC/121/03/07/12 refers)
Communication & Learning Resources
(Paper CRC/121/03/07/13 refers)
1785/07 AOB:
None
[Note: Recruitment Issues paper tabled for AOB was dealt with in Minute 1773/07 Item No. 2 under Chair’s Business]
1787/07 DATES OF MEETINGS:
Thursday 28th June 2007 (AGM)
Thursday 27th Sept 2007
· Wednesday 28th Nov 2007 (Linen Green Centre, Moygashel)
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