Matters arising from minutes of last meeting
The Chairperson reported that contact was made with the Quality Assurance Office regarding the policy on membership of the Peer Review Committee.  The issue is under discussion with the Standing Committee of the Quality Assurance Group.

Correspondence
No correspondence to report.

Car Parking
A discussion took place regarding the introduction of paid parking. MF tabled a document from A Grannell, Buildings and Services Department, which was in response to an email sent to him on behalf of SIPTU/Partnership Committee. Following a discussion on the information provided, the main outcome was that it was decided to write to the Grounds and Buildings Committees’ and seek further clarification on some areas of the policy.  For example, what is the exact use of the red car stickers and at what stage did they change from being a permit.  Also, the Committee discussed the possibility of having pay and display for visitors and a permit car park for staff/students.  They raised the question of why is it not possible to issue permits.  In addition, it was questioned if there is to be a review of the scheme after the first year.  It was mooted that something as fundamental as car parking should have been discussed with the Partnership Committee, prior to being sanctioned by the Governing Authority. Finally, the majority of the Partnership Committee felt that they should be more involved from the outset in respect of issues such as car parking. 

AOB
The Chairperson welcomed Mary Rose O’ Shea and Bronwyn Molony as Non-Union members to the Partnership Committee. 

It was agreed to send a letter to the President highlighting the existence of the Partnership Committee and its function as a forum for discussion on issues of common interest in the University.

The Committee were reminded of Family Friendly Day on the 3 December 2002.  It was felt that the area of family friendly initiatives merited a discussion in itself.

TB informed the Committee that he is going to attend a workshop on racism shortly and asked if it would be appropriate to invite the speaker to give a small presentation on the topic in the New Year.   The Committee agreed to hold this discussion at a forthcoming meeting.