Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

10 April 2008

Confirmed Minutes

In Attendance: John Cousins (Chair), Chris O’Halloran, Sean Coll, Caroline Wilson and Jim Campbell.

Apologies: Nigel McKinney, Micháela Mackin, John Clarke, Frances McClelland and Sheena Funston

Staff: Jacqueline Irwin, Duncan Morrow, Joan Clements, Carol Taylor, Brian Mullan, PaulJordan and Rebeka Boctor.

Minutes from previous meeting (4^th December 2007)

Agreed with no alterations.

Matters Arising:

Brian Mullan advised the committee that the Soft indicators full report is due at next Committee meeting.

Chris O’Halloran requested further information with regard to Peace 3 and the Peace 2 extension. Paul Jordan advised visits with Peace 2 extension and SUPB indicated at an extension to span from July to September; however this has not been released in writing. Duncan Morrow provided Committee with update on Peace 3 and Peace 2 extension.

Officers Reports:

Joan Clements & Brian Mullan

Joan Clements has carried out support visits with groups, to reflect over the past year and look ahead at incoming year. This made difficult by lack of information with regard to next years funding.

Shankill Stress

New admin support has reflected positively, group appears to be doing well. Their own bank account has now been set up.

Ballymurphy Women’s Group

Following half-year verification revealed overspends, Committee was contacted. ACE reports estimated £50,000 cash injection to clear debts. Meeting for all funders set up for 21^st April 2008. Joan will email update to Committee.

South East Fermanagh Foundation

Gordon Black has resigned from post. A recruitment process in place to replace him.

Who Cares for the Carers Update

Armagh Health Trust meeting has now been rescheduled for 21^st April 2008.

Brian Mullan.

Final quarter payments were made, bringing total up to over £2,000,000.00

Since last meeting Core Funding Scheme has had approval. Salary has been the only increase cost to the scheme this year.

Brian Mullan advised is in the process of end of year verification visits. Using visits to clarify overspends and underspend, and reallocation.

Questions arising among groups with regard to end of Peace 2.

Issues: Omagh Support and Self Help Group.

Group have had consultation regarding wording inscribed on the new Omagh Bombing Memorial stone.

Seal Coll highlighted that not all friends are represented within the Omagh Support and Self help Group.

Ashton Centre

Irene Sherry arranged successful conference- “Regeneration”. Brian Mullan and Caroline Wilson congratulated her work for the day.

Carol Taylor & Frances McClelland

Carol Taylorspeaking on behalf of herself and Frances McClelland, informed committee of progress with project expenditure verifications. The deadline for which is the 11^th April 2008, all groups re expected to submit receipts by this date for the last final payments to be processed. Files are intended to be closed by Mid-May.

Victims and Survivors Funding and developing scheme reopened on 3^rd March 2008. Over 130 applications have already been received for funding. Development scheme already over subscribed.

Examples of Good Practice:

Armagh Phoenix group: Cultural identity trip to Dublin. Seen as a major step for a single Identity group, to engage in exploring culture of others. The two day visit was deemed a success by many members who partook.

WAVE:

As part CR week WAVE are looking to hold a conference to explore the role of media in reporting on the Troubles. The conference will include a strong representation to engage in discussion on a panel.

Special Requests:

NOVA

Sean Coll declared interest in NOVA and left the room as discussion commence. Brian Mullan updated the Committee of the status of the group.

Option 4 Agreed: Approval for Rent, Heat and Electricity. Rejection for stationary and mileage costs.

SOUTH DOWN ACTION HEALING WOUNDS

Joan Clements gave an update on previous requests and decisions made. Joan Clements gave update on current status of the group. Paul Jordan provided information from John Fitzsimons- Financial Director. CRC officers to discuss procedures to continue funding with VU. Can continue process.

Small Grant Application

Ref: No 08/0099 Regimental Association of UDR – Enniskillen Branch – committee approved grant aid of up to £9385.00.

Any Other Business

Change of structure in the Council hope to arrange a time for committee to gather together to mark work.

Duncan Morrowthanked John Cousins and committee for all their hard work.

Caroline Wilson thanked John Cousins for his guidance as chair.

Date of Next Meeting:

Date, time and locations of meetings for the next 12 months will be emailed to committee.