Official Report 313KB pdf
In the second item on our agenda, members are invited to consider whether we wish to seek approval for the appointment of a budget adviser. The Parliamentary Bureau has asked all subject committees whether they wish to seek such an appointment this year, and it would like to consider all such requests at the same time. Do members have any comments on the paper that has been circulated?
In principle, I believe that we should have a budget adviser. Having an adviser has served us quite well in the committee's first two years this session and, as a former convener of the Finance Committee, I know that well-informed submissions from committees supported by advisers have proven useful to the Finance Committee.
You are quite right—today's decision is simply on whether to have an adviser. If we agree to have one, a further paper will be prepared on the different approaches that we might take. That paper might include potential nominees.
I agree with Des McNulty; it is very important that we move forward. In the past, we have had problems in finding a suitable person, so it will be important that we move quickly—perhaps getting a list before the summer break of the people whom we might consider.
If no other members wish to comment, are we agreed in principle that we would like to consider a future paper that explores the options for having a budget adviser?
Members indicated agreement.
We have come to the end of our agenda. I remind members that we will receive a briefing tomorrow at 1.15 on the carbon assessment mechanism that the Government is currently working on. The briefing will be in room Q1.04, with lunch.
Meeting closed at 16:38.