Report from the Partnership Committee following its meeting held on 25 November 2003

Main Discussion Points

Respects were paid in respect of Valerie McKernan

Minutes of the last meeting
GH asked that the minutes of the 30 October 2003 be altered: The Social Welfare Act 1997 to be changed to The Universities Act 1997.

Matters arising from minutes of last meeting
JC asked whether Margaret Ramsay is scheduled to attend a future Partnership Committee meeting in relation to the PRSI integration issue discussed at the last meeting. MF explained that due to circumstances, to be discussed later, the meeting had to be rescheduled at short notice.

Draft Action Plan
The revised action plan was agreed and signed off. MF to send it to the PVG tomorrow. The PVG found no substantial difficulties with the University's action plan. Details outlined in correspondence received from Prof Seamus McGuinness dated November 2003.

Despite the University only receiving general acceptance of the Action Plan by the PVG, we are nonetheless required to submit a progress report on the action plan by the 26 November. This too was agreed and will be sent to the PVG by MF.

Any Other Business
Skillnet Annual Conference postponed until January. Instead a networking opportunity will be held, focusing on the EU Information and Communication Directive due to be implemented in 2005. Union and management representatives are encouraged to attend