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STATES OF JERSEY
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MEETINGS OF THE STATES IN 2006 (P.199/2005): AMENDMENT
Lodged au Greffe on 20th September 2005 by the Deputy of St. Martin
STATES GREFFE
MEETINGS OF THE STATES IN 2006 (P.199/2005): AMENDMENT ____________
In paragraph (b), for the dates in Column 3, substitute the dates shown in the table below–
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Tuesday 17th January | Wednesday 18th January | Thursday 19th January |
Tuesday 31st January | Wednesday 1st February | Thursday 2nd February |
Tuesday 14th February | Wednesday 15th February | Thursday 16th February |
Tuesday 28th February | Wednesday 1st March | Thursday 2nd March |
Tuesday 14th March | Wednesday 15th March | Thursday 16th March |
Tuesday 28th March | Wednesday 29th March | Thursday 30th March |
Tuesday 11th April | Wednesday 12th April | Thursday 13th April |
Tuesday 25th April | Wednesday 26th April | Thursday 27th April |
Tuesday 9th May (Liberation Day) |
|
|
Tuesday 16th May | Wednesday 17th May | Thursday 18th May |
Tuesday 23rd May | Wednesday 24th May | Thursday 25th May |
Tuesday 6th June | Wednesday 7th June | Thursday 8th June |
Tuesday 20th June | Wednesday 21st June | Thursday 22nd June |
Tuesday 4th July | Wednesday 5th July | Thursday 6th July |
Tuesday 18th July | Wednesday 19th July | Thursday 20th July |
Tuesday 12th September | Wednesday 13th September | Thursday 14th September |
Tuesday 26th September | Wednesday 27th September | Thursday 28th September |
Tuesday 10th October | Wednesday 11th October | Thursday 12th October |
Tuesday 24th October | Wednesday 25th October | Thursday 26th October |
Tuesday 7th November | Wednesday 8th November | Thursday 9th November |
Tuesday 21st November | Wednesday 22nd November | Thursday 23rd November |
Tuesday 5th December | Wednesday 6th December | Thursday 7th December |
DEPUTY OF ST. MARTIN
REPORT
Few Members would disagree that the pattern and volume of States business has, in recent times, changed considerably. This is also the case in relation to States Sittings. In 1997 there were 24 States Sittings. In 2002 and 2004 the States met on 45 occasions.
Due to the increase in the number of sittings, in 2004 the States agreed to a new format of sittings for 2005, which the Privileges and Procedures Committee is proposing to replicate for 2006.
I welcomed and supported the principle of the new format but now believe that experience has shown that by agreeing to set aside the Tuesday following the scheduled Tuesday as a second reserve day, it has created a state of limbo for that week. This is because it is unsafe to arrange any other States business on that day, or indeed the next day, in case those days are required to complete the scheduled States business from the week before.
Whilst States Sittings should take preference, there is no reason why we cannot organise ourselves in a more business-like manner. I believe that, in the interest of good government, the second reserve day and, if necessary, the third reserve day, should be in the same week as the scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday. By agreeing to my proposal it would ensure that Members could arrange States business in the following week with a degree of certainty that they will not be cancelled due to States Sittings.
Next year will be the first year of ministerial government. Ministers will require a certain degree of certainty when scheduling or arranging meetings both inside and outside the Island. My amendment should make that possible.
It will also assist the Scrutiny Panels in organising their business, particularly when setting dates for public hearings. Experience has shown that, due to the uncertainty of States Sittings, it has created problems in setting dates for hearings which require witnesses or advisors from outside the Island. My amendment should rectify the problem.
There may be some members who are of the view that by sitting on the 3 or possibly 4 consecutive days could be too arduous. I do not share that view as I believe that States members not only have the stamina but also the ability to curtail the length of debates by being more brief and business-like when participating in States debates.
The format I am proposing will contain States Sittings to one week and will lead to greater certainty for States members, the Greffier and staff, the media and general public.
There are no financial or manpower implications arising from this amendment.