MINUTE OF THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS HELD ON 25 March 2009

Present:

Sir John Blelloch Joint Chairman

Mr Brian Currin Joint Chairman

Dr Adrian Grounds, Dr Silvia Casale , Mr Donal McFerran , Ms Clodach McGrory ; Mrs Mary Gilpin; Dr Peter Curran

Moya Cushley Secretary to the Commissioners

Kerry McIlwaine

Karen Weir Minute- taker

Apologies: Mr Ian Dunbar; Dr Duncan Morrow

1. •  The note and minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
   
2. •  The Commissioners were provided with an update on the distribution of secure storage facilities for their case papers including lockable briefcases and cabinets. They were also advised that encrypted laptops have been ordered.
   
3. •  The Commissioners discussed the meeting which took place between nominated Commissioners, the Secretary of State's representatives, the Attorney General's representative and other bodies to discuss damaging information. At this meeting the Commissioners raised their concerns regarding the quality and accuracy of damaging information. Mr Currin will, on behalf of the Commissioners, write to the Secretary of State asking for an assurance that the Commissioners and the Special Advocate will be provided with source material on request.
   
4. •  It was agreed that quotations for psychology reports must be submitted and approved prior to the initiation of the report.
   
5. •  The current position of each case within the Sentence Review was discussed.
6. •  Commissioners heard a report on staffing changes and restructuring within the Secretariat.
   
7. •  Sir John Blelloch , Joint Chairman, advised the Commissioners that he would like to retire at the end of March 2010.
   
8. •  The next meeting is scheduled for Friday 12 June 2009.

25 March 2009.

MINUTE OF THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS HELD ON 12 June 2009.

1. The note and minute of the previous meeting were discussed and agreed.
2. The Commissioners agreed a reminder letter should be issued to the Secretary of State to address their concerns relating to damaging information and special advocates.
3. The Commissioners were advised that the legal tender should be advertised shortly.
4. The Commissioners agreed that the policy document for the payment of prisoners' representatives should be reviewed and the fee structure should mirror that of the Legal Aid Commission.
5. The Commissioners decided psychology quotations should be monitored and solicitors should be referred to the British Psychology website where a list of Northern Ireland based psychologists is readily available.
6. The Sentence Review Commissioners draft report for 2008/2009 was discussed and minor amendments were agreed. This report will be laid before Parliament on 9 July 2009.
7. The current position of each case within the Sentence Review was discussed .
8. The Commissioners were advised that a business case and project initiation document for new Secretariat accommodation had now been submitted for consideration.
9. The Commissioners will receive their encrypted laptops shortly and the appropriate access training will be provided.
10. The next Plenary meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 September 2009.

12 June 2009

MINUTE OF THE OF PLENARY MEETING OF THE SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS HELD ON 22 SEPTEMBER 2009

Present:

Sir John Blelloch -Joint Chairman

Mr Brian Currin -Joint Chairman

Dr Adrian Grounds

Mr Donal Mc Ferran

Ms Clodach McGrory

Mrs Mary Gilpin

Mrs Moya Cushley - Secretary to the Commissioners

Mrs Karen Weir - Secretariat

Mrs Laura Foley - Minute taker

Apologies:

Mr Ian Dunbar, Dr Peter Curran

1. The note and minute of the previous meeting were discussed and agreed.
2. A meeting will be arranged with the Policing and Justice Minister, Mr Paul Goggins MP to address the Commissioners' concerns relating to damaging information and Special Advocates.
3. The Commissioners were advised that the legal tender process should be completed by the end of December 2009.
4. The impact of the recent judgement in the AF case was discussed.
5. The meeting with the NI Legal Aid Commission was discussed and it was agreed to draft revised policy guidelines on the fee structure.
6. The current position of each case within the Sentence Review was discussed.
7. New Secretariat accommodation is under discussion and any move will be in the New Year.
8. The next Plenary meeting will be held on Friday 11 December 2009.

22 September 2009

MINUTE OF THE OF PLENARY MEETING OF THE SENTENCE REVIEW COMMISSIONERS HELD ON 11 DECEMBER 2009

Present:

Mr Brian Currin Joint Chairman,

Dr Adrian Grounds, Mr Donal Mc Ferran, Dr Duncan Morrow

Ms Clodach McGrory, Dr Peter Curran

Mrs Moya Cushley, Secretary to the Commissioners

Mrs Karen Weir, Secretariat, Mrs Laura Foley Minute taker

Apologies:

Sir John Blelloch, Mr Ian Dunbar, Dr Silvia Cassale, Mrs Mary Gilpin

1. The note and minute of the previous meeting were discussed and agreed.
2. A meeting will be arranged with the Policing and Justice Minister, Mr Paul Goggins MP to address the Commissioners' concerns relating to damaging information and Special Advocates.
3. The Commissioners were advised that the legal tender process has now been completed.
4. Draft revised policy guidelines on the fee structure was discussed and this work is ongoing.
5. The Policy on the Review of Cases was reiterated and will be discussed further.
6. The current position of each case within the Sentence Review was discussed.
7. New Secretariat accommodation is under discussion and any move will be in the New Year.
8. The next Plenary meeting will be held on Friday 26 March 2010.

11 December 2009