Mr WF Gillespie, Chair - Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

- 2 -Following discussion, the Minutes were signed as a true record, on the motion ofMr Campbell, seconded by Mr Harper.Arising from the Minutes:Appointment of Temporary Discipline CommitteeThe Chair sought an update on progress with respect to a temporary DisciplineCommittee to deal with a case outstanding under the old Fire Service (Discipline)Regulations Northern Ireland 1985.The Director of Human Resources explained that some Members had confirmed theiravailability and the Meeting was scheduled to take place on 21 November 2006.Draft Standing OrdersMr McKay sought an update with respect to the Equality Impact Assessment of the draftStanding Orders.The Director of Human Resources informed Members that a letter had been forwardedto the Equality Commission seeking guidance on the matter but that, to date, no replyhad been received.Long Service IncrementThe Chair informed Members that no agreement had been reached at the National JointCouncil Meeting held on 29 September 2006. He explained that a small Working Grouphad been established and would continue to work towards an agreement on the matter.The Chair also explained to Members that the first half of the Long Service Incrementwould be removed from 1 November 2006 and the remainder in July 2007 inaccordance with the 2003 Agreement and the 3-month postponement agreed in June bythe National Joint Council. He reminded Members that the Board, at its last Meeting,had agreed not to commence the deduction on 1 October 2006 and to await theoutcome of the Meeting on 29 September 2006.In response to a query from Mr McKay, the Chair explained that Continual ProfessionalDevelopment payments would be phased in as the Long Service Increment was phasedout. He stated that savings from the removal of the Long Service Increment would bedevoted to Continual Professional Development.During further discussion, Mr McKay proposed that NIFRS postpone the phasing out ofthe Long Service Increment in order to give the Board an opportunity to hear the FireBrigades’ Union’s perspective on the matter. As no-one seconded Mr McKay’sproposal, the motion failed. Members agreed that the Board should honour the nationalagreement.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006