REPORT OF THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEETING ON 9 MARCH 1992

VENUES

Whilst Strand One discussions [will] normally take place in Belfast, when mutually convenient, they might be moved to London.

Clarification was sought on whether the sub-committees as well as the plenary session might meet in London, and it was agreed that any part of the Strand 1 deliberations might take place in London, if convenient to all concerned.

FORMAT OF TALKS

The format of the previous Talks with three people at the table and four behind for plenary sessions [will] be retained and the normal working week [will] run from Monday to Wednesday, although flexibility to go beyond that [is] available if the delegations agree it would be useful.

It was agreed that minutes of sub-committee meetings be forwarded to all those attending in future, rather than just party leaders.

TIMETABLE

Delegations would be prepared to work on to the middle of August if a gap of that length could be agreed by the two Governments. This should only be as a last resort as delegates would also need a holiday.

If the two Governments found it acceptable, the four delegations could agree to ask for the Inter Governmental Conference following the gap to be moved.

AGENDA

Workplan for Strand One: Items 1-6 have been completed, although some further discussion on Item 6 might be useful.

The Government team [would] table a paper to the party delegations drawing together the common themes emerging from the submissions put to the previous Talks process by each of the parties. This paper would focus discussion for the plenary meetings after the election, and might lead to areas of work being identified which could best be remitted to sub-committees.

It was agreed that more work needed to be done to the Government team paper "Realities and Common Themes" to take account of the 28 June party submissions before the paper would be ready for presentation to the plenary session. All Government Team papers would also be dated in future.