Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Council Minutes

06 March 2003

Minutes of the Policy Development Committee

Thursday, March 6th, 2003

Present: Robin Wilson, Eamonn Deane, Dympna McGlade, Jessica Ellis.

Apologies: Ward Erwin

Overview

Dympna updated the Committee with regard to the Policy Development Programme.

Terms of Reference

It's important that the programme is able to respond to issues as they arise e.g. 'responding as Committee so decides to issues raised, i.e. flags, sentences for riotous behaviour etc'

Three routes for decision making process for PD Progrmame Committee, 1) email network for information and quick decision, 2) decision through Committee meeting, 3) proposals to go to Council. A common sense approach to be applied when determining the best route for each decision.

Terms of Reference to be amended to take one these points – agree to revised version next meeting.

Committee to provide feedback on draft operational plan.

CR Review

Approaches

Public Awareness – encourage media – working with Ray Mullan, Communications and Learning Resources Programme

Major Regional Organisational

Local Angle – LSP's/CRO's to take a lead role

Dympna to meet with Damien McKevitt, and ask him to write to CRO's.

Draft a letter to Chair of LSP's.

PD Programme to hold conference at the end of the consultation – book a date for the beginning of June as it allows enough time for a submission to Council on the 26th. Invite Gov. Departments, DSD, LSP, CRU etc.

PD Programme will develop PowerPoint presentation to explain the 'Shared Future' document – Committee members can assist with visits to target groups. CRC vision strap line by next meeting to have for presentation.

Media – Hearts and Minds, Spotlight, Insight. Provide ideas and suggestions for a programme.

Seminar with Interface Groups on March 26th organised by CRC in partnership with Chris O'Halloran, Belfast Interface Project

European/Core Funded group discussions are on going with Duncan.

Niall Fitzduff, Rural Community Network, will work in partnership with CRC to develop consultation seminars with rural groups

Produce an issues paper that we can give groups to assist the discussions. Robin to draft, and email for agreement before the next meeting.

Political Parties – 1. Invite to conference

Write to parties

Future Committee meetings

Three meetings before end of June:

Thursday 3rd April

Wednesday 7th May

Thursday 12th June

Thursday 4th September

Robin informed the Committee that Damien McElroy (new Council Member) wishes to join the PD Committee. This was welcomed and approval to be sought from Duncan.

Good Relations

Pilots suspended until clear message from Equality Commission – memorandum of understanding hopefully to be developed.

To remain on agenda

Any other business

Send schedule of meetings to Committee members and Programme staff. Nominate one to be held in Derry.

Staff are welcome to attend meetings if they choose.

Robin and Dympna to have a quick discussion before each meeting to address the agenda.

Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd April.