ASSEMBLY BUSINESS

List of Motions and Proposed Amendments

A no day named motion is the term given to a motion for which no date has been fixed for debate.

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS

Suspending Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4)

That Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) be suspended for 10 June 2013.

[Minister of Finance and Personnel]
[23 May 2013]

Supply Resolution for the Northern Ireland Main Estimates 2013-14

That this Assembly approves that a sum, not exceeding £8,271,268,000, be granted out of the Consolidated Fund, for or towards defraying the charges for Northern Ireland Departments, the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, the Food Standards Agency, the Northern Ireland Audit Office, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2014 and that resources, not exceeding £8,558,118,000, be authorised for use by Northern Ireland Departments, the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, the Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Complaints, the Food Standards Agency, the Northern Ireland Audit Office, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation and the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2014 as summarised for each Department or other public body in Columns 3(b) and 3(a) of Table 1.3 in the volume of the Northern Ireland Estimates 2013-14 that was laid before the Assembly on 29 May 2013.

[Minister of Finance and Personnel]
[23 May 2013]

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Independent Environment Protection Agency

That this Assembly recognises that a high standard of environmental governance is beneficial for the welfare of society; notes that Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK and Ireland which does not have an independent environmental protection agency; concurs with the 2004 Macrory and 2007 Burke reports which recommended the establishment of an independent environmental protection agency; and calls on the Executive to establish a fully independent and well-resourced environmental protection agency which corresponds with the recommendations of these reports.

[Mr S Agnew]
[04 September 2012]

Banning of Wild Animals in Circuses

That this Assembly recognizes that the unnatural performance and tight confinement of animals in circuses is cruel, morally wrong and detrimental to animal welfare; agrees with the intention of the Westminster government to introduce a ban on the use of wild non-domesticated animals in circuses in England; believes that the Executive ought to support efforts to free these islands of the cruel use of animals in circuses; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to introduce and ensure appropriate enforcement of a strict ban on the use of wild non-domesticated animals in circuses.

[Mr S Agnew]
[Mr R Newton]
[Mr J Wells]
[04 September 2012]

Kangaroo Care

That this Assembly recognises that kangaroo care, including skin-to-skin contact, offers benefits for all babies and, in particular, preterm and low birth weight infants who experience more normalised temperatures, heart rates, respiratory rates and increased weight gain when this approach is used; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to introduce a policy for all maternity units to promote, where practicable, kangaroo care for a baby by its mother, or other carer, as soon as possible after birth.

[Mr S Agnew]
[04 September 2012]

Social Housing Construction Targets

That this Assembly notes that the Social Housing Development Programme for 2012/13 to 2014/15 proposes the construction of 4,600 new social homes; acknowledges previous findings of the Net Stock Model which indicated the need for 1,900 new homes to be built each year in addition to another 600 to bridge shortfalls from previous years; expresses concern at these figures for the proposed construction levels of new social housing; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to review the situation urgently and to detail how he will limit the impact of the continuing housing shortfall on the social housing waiting list, the level of homelessness, and the provision of adequate social housing for some of the most socially disadvantaged and vulnerable residents.

[Mr M Copeland]
[04 September 2012]

Abolition the Agricultural Wages Board

That this Assembly notes that the National Minimum Wage covers such issues as the minimum rate of pay, sick pay, employee holiday entitlement and therefore could be applied to the agriculture sector; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board.

[Mrs J Dobson]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Action to Eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis

That this Assembly recognises the proven role which badgers play in the spread of bovine tuberculosis; notes that if additional progress is to be made in eradicating this disease, genuine partnership working between the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and farmers is essential; further recognises that inaction is no longer an option; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide more detail on the wildlife intervention programme as a matter of urgency.

[Mrs J Dobson]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Adopting an Area-Based Approach for the Warm Homes Scheme

That this Assembly notes the valuable contribution of the Warm Homes Scheme to date in making homes warmer, healthier and more energy efficient, and the important role the Scheme plays in tackling the fuel poverty crisis; further notes the success of the Kirklees Warm Zone Scheme which used an area-based approach and which was able to assist many more homes with much fewer resources; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to commission a study into whether a similar area-based approach could be adopted for the operation of the Warm Homes Scheme in Northern Ireland.

[Mr M Copeland]
[Mr S Agnew]
[04 September 2012]

Energy Performance Certificates

That this Assembly notes the successful introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) in 2008; further notes the benefit of cost-effective recommendations on how to improve further the energy performance of buildings and the subsequent reduction in energy bills; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to investigate the feasibility of making it mandatory for properties, with a reasonable expectation of habitation, to meet a minimum EPC rating determined by the Department.

[Mr M Copeland]
[04 September 2012]

European School Milk Subsidy Scheme

That this Assembly notes that the purpose of the European School Milk Subsidy Scheme is to maintain, or increase, the consumption of milk products by school children and, ultimately, to encourage continued consumption through later stages in life; further notes that the Scheme enables Education and Library Boards to provide milk to pupils at a reduced price; expresses concern at the relatively low level of awareness and uptake of the Scheme in Northern Ireland; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to work closely with the Minister of Education to review the Scheme and develop an action plan to increase the involvement of schools and children.

[Mrs J Dobson]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Family Fund

That this Assembly recognises that families with a child who is disabled, or seriously ill, often face significant additional financial pressures; notes that the Family Fund provides financial lifelines to such families; further notes, with regret, that a reduction in funding has resulted in the Family Fund being unable to continue to offer grants; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure that the level of funding provided is adequate to meet the existing demand and reflects the overall increase in grant applications.

[Mr J McCallister]
[Mr S Gardiner]
[04 September 2012]

Funding for Care for the Elderly

That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to undertake a review of how care for the elderly is funded, including the effectiveness of the attendance allowance, funding for residential care and how people can be further encouraged to remain at home for as long as it is feasible and safe to do so.

[Mr J McCallister]
[Mr S Gardiner]
[04 September 2012]

Lifting the Ban on Homosexual Men Donating Blood

That this Assembly notes that Northern Ireland is now the only region in the United Kingdom where homosexual men are banned from donating blood; notes the findings of the report on Blood Donor Selection Criteria Review in April 2011; considers it to be unreasonable and intolerant to continue to turn away suitable donors; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to lift the ban and to adopt the same safeguards as have been implemented across the rest of the United Kingdom.

[Mr J McCallister]
[Mr S Gardiner]
[04 September 2012]

Relocation of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Headquarters

That this Assembly notes the proposed relocation of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development headquarters as outlined in the 2011-2015 Budget Spending and Savings Proposals; agrees that public sector jobs should be spread equally across all areas of Northern Ireland; expresses concern at the proposed level of expenditure on the project in the current budgetary circumstances; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure that her Department investigates all available options, including reviewing suitable publicly-owned vacant properties, before committing to the construction of new headquarters.

[Mrs J Dobson]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Retention of Special Needs Management Allowance

That this Assembly notes that the Special Needs Management Allowance reflects the extra costs of providing care and services for some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable housing association tenants; accepts that if the payment is removed it could have significant consequences on the hundreds of people who are living relatively independently because of the allowance; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to acknowledge that there remain significant concerns over the original review and that until these issues can be resolved the Allowance should remain in place.

[Mr M Copeland]
[04 September 2012]

Review of the 2012 Administration of the Single Farm Payment

That this Assembly notes the importance which farmers placed on receiving accurate maps in a timely manner to assist them in completing their 2012 Single Application Forms; notes with regret that there was a failure to finalise the new maps under the Land Parcel Identification System in advance of the 2012 cycle; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to conduct an urgent review of the administration of the farm maps and the issuing of Single Farm Payments to ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated.

[Mrs J Dobson]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Safeguards for Breastfeeding Mothers

That this Assembly notes that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for both mother and child; recognises that Northern Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the United Kingdom and that there remains a significant disparity between the rate in deprived areas compared to the Northern Ireland average; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure that the rights of women to breastfeed are protected and that businesses are aware of their responsibilities for providing facilities for breastfeeding mothers.

[Mr J McCallister]
[Mr S Gardiner]
[04 September 2012]

Access to Finance

That this Assembly notes that small and medium-sized businesses make up a significant majority of the business community; recognises the difficult environment in which they are currently trading; expresses concern about the difficulties that many of these businesses have had in accessing finance; and calls on Her Majesty's Treasury to set Northern Ireland specific targets for bank lending.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[04 September 2012]

Access to Public Procurement Opportunities

That this Assembly notes that public procurement is an important part of the economy; further notes the ongoing work in other devolved regions in this area; and calls on the Minister of Finance and Personnel to take action to ensure that he is providing sufficient access for small and medium sized enterprises to public procurement opportunities.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr M Nesbitt]
[04 September 2012]

Adequate Resources for PSNI

That this Assembly recognises the severe threat which exists from dissident republicans; fully supports the Police Service of Northern Ireland in combating this threat; and calls on the Minister of Justice to ensure the provision of adequate resources to the Chief Constable.

[Mr T Elliott]
[Mr R Hussey]
[04 September 2012]

Alternative to Parades Commission

That this Assembly expresses concern at the performance of the current Parades Commission; notes the growing discontent among key stakeholders, as well as a lack of confidence within communities; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to engage with all the main locally represented political parties to bring forward proposals for a workable alternative to govern parades.

[Mr M Nesbitt]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mr R Swann]
[Mr T Elliott]
[04 September 2012]

Appointments to Victims and Survivors Forum

That this Assembly recognises that the vast majority of victims are anonymous; further recognises the need for all government and statutory agencies to take account of the needs of victims; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to review the composition of the Victims and Survivors Forum, and the appointments process, to ensure that maximum cross-community confidence is achieved.

[Mr M Nesbitt] [R]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mr T Elliott]
[04 September 2012]

Avoidable Delay within the Criminal Justice System

That this Assembly expresses concern over the level of avoidable delay within the criminal justice system; notes the findings of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate Progress Report of January 2012 that the situation is worsening in some instances; recognises the negative implications of avoidable delay for many victims and witnesses as well as for cost effectiveness; and calls on the Minister of Justice to specifically outline how organisations within the criminal justice system are reforming their case management processes.

[Mr T Elliott]
[Mr R Hussey]
[04 September 2012]

Dealing with the Past

That this Assembly notes with concern that the current mechanisms for dealing with the past are operating in an imperfect and imbalanced manner; further notes the on-going trauma which this is causing to many victims and survivors of the troubles as well as the many families who are affected; and calls on the First and deputy First Minister to carry out a review of the structures which are dealing with cases from the past including Coroner’s Courts.

[Mr T Elliott]
[Mr R Hussey]
[04 September 2012]

Devolution of Corporation Tax

That this Assembly recognises the potential benefits which a lower rate of Corporation Tax has for rebalancing the economy; notes that the intended timescale for agreement within the Ministerial Working Group has lapsed; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister, working alongside the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, to deliver on the devolution of Corporation Tax.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr L Cree]
[Mr R Beggs]
[04 September 2012]

Export Strategy

That this Assembly recognises the importance of increasing exports to new and emerging markets in promoting growth within the economy; notes the targets contained within the Economic Strategy to raise exports by 60 percent by 2014/15; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to put in place a more ambitious export strategy.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr L Cree]
[04 September 2012]

Funding for Pipe Bands

That this Assembly recognises the role which pipe bands play socially, culturally and economically; notes the various successes which our pipe bands have had throughout the previous years; further notes the importance of adequate government research and support in this field; and calls on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to work with the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in increasing funding for pipe bands and maximising the tourism potential for the benefit of the local economy.

[Mr R Swann]
[Mrs S Overend]
[04 September 2012]

Smart-Metering Technology

That this Assembly notes the twin benefits of smart-metering technology in meeting carbon reduction targets and tackling fuel poverty; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to integrate the use of this technology into the wider energy strategy.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr K McCarthy]
[Mr T Lunn]
[04 September 2012]

Genealogical Tourism

That this Assembly notes the vast number of globally celebrated people with Ulster Scots connections; recognises the potential of genealogical tourism for Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to work with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to use the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture to promote Northern Ireland as a tourist destination, particularly in Scotland and America.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Strategy on Youth Participation in Sport

That this Assembly notes the annual number of deaths as a result of obesity-related illnesses and the opportunities to reduce long-term health costs by investing in sport; further notes that sport participation rates in Northern Ireland are among the lowest in the United Kingdom and Ireland; and calls on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to develop a cross-departmental strategy, which highlights key targets and performance indicators, to increase youth participation in sport.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr K McCarthy]
[Mrs J Cochrane]
[04 September 2012]

Hydraulic Fracturing

That this Assembly notes the on-going exploration as on the potential for hydraulic fracturing of rock to extract shale gas; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to ensure that a detailed environmental impact assessment which confirms no resulting environmental damage to the area is in place before any hydraulic fracturing is carried out.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr T Elliott]
[04 September 2012]

Integrated Cultural Tourism Strategy

That this Assembly notes the financial benefits of a thriving cultural heritage; agrees that there is potential to exploit this sector further in Northern Ireland and to build on a shared future through integrated cultural heritage; and calls on the Minster of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to work with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and Tourism Ireland to create a Northern Ireland specific, integrated cultural tourism strategy.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr K McCarthy]
[Mr T Lunn]
[04 September 2012]

Agri-food Strategy

That this Assembly recognises the continued growth in our agri-food industry, despite difficult economic circumstances; notes that there is further potential to boost this sector; further notes that neighbouring competing regions have more advanced strategies and are out-performing Northern Ireland; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to develop an advanced and cross-departmental agri-food strategy with set targets for growth.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr K McCarthy]
[Mrs J Cochrane]
[04 September 2012]

Teaching of Computer Science in Schools

That this Assembly believes that Computer Science is key to providing the necessary skills that the industry requires to make Northern Ireland a leader in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector; further believes that there is an important difference between the school subjects of ICT and Computer Science; and calls on the Minister of Education to actively encourage all schools to offer Computer Science as a discrete subject, separate from ICT at Key Stage 3, and as an option at GCSE and A Level, and to require the schools' managed ICT provider to supply the software required to offer Computer Science at A Level as part of the standard installation in all post-primary schools; and further calls on the Minister for Employment and Learning to ensure that the course content and format of Computer Science subjects that are offered by Higher Education institutes delivers the skills required to support industry.

[Mrs J Cochrane]
[Mr T Lunn]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[04 September 2012]

Opposition to Irish Language Act

That this Assembly opposes the development of an Irish Language Strategy on the basis that it is a costly and divisive exercise; and calls on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to focus departmental resources on carrying forward the Strategy for Ulster Scots Language, Heritage and Culture and the Strategy for Protecting and Enhancing the Development of the Irish Language, subject to the outcome of the consultation process.

[Mr R Swann]
[Mr M McGimpsey]
[04 September 2012]

Publication of the WAVE Trauma Centre Research

That this Assembly congratulates the WAVE Trauma Centre for securing 10,000 signatures for its petition which highlights the continuing needs of people injured during the Troubles; notes the publication of its report 'The needs of individuals and their families injured as a result of the Troubles in Northern Ireland', and its recommendation that future policy should embrace a needs-based approach; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minster to give an early indication of their commitment to working with the Minister of Finance and Personnel to find the additional funds required to fund the report’s proposals.

[Mr M Nesbitt] [R]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[04 September 2012]

Licensing and Regulation of Experiments on Animals

That this Assembly notes that it has been practice to adopt Home Office policy on the licensing and regulation of experiments on animals; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to develop a separate policy on the matter to secure positive change for animals in laboratories.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mr K McCarthy]
[04 September 2012]

Sharing of Services on a North-South Basis

That this Assembly calls on the Executive to promote and encourage shared services on a North-South basis to unlock the potential savings which would result from the delivery of services on a cross-border or all-island basis; and further calls on the Executive to consider such co-operation in practical, social and economic terms independent of differing constitutional aspirations.

[Mr K McCarthy]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[Ms A Lo]
[04 September 2012]

Publication of a Tourism Strategy

That this Assembly expresses concern over figures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for January to March 2012 which showed a 13 percent drop in oversees tourists compared to the same period last year; notes the tourism potential which is presented through unique events such as the Decade of Centenaries, the UK City of Culture 2013 and the World Police and Fire Games; further notes the need for both a cross-departmental approach to tourism and adequate planning and monitoring of departmental actions; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to bring forward a Tourism Strategy to ensure that Northern Ireland is making the most of its economic potential in this area.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr R Swann]
[04 September 2012]

Review of Financial Process

That this Assembly affirms that sufficient scrutiny of the financial process is fundamentally important in the accountability of public spending; recognises the work done by the previous Finance and Personnel Committee in its Budget Scrutiny Inquiry; and calls on the Minister of Finance ane Personnel to outline why there has been an unacceptable delay in reforming the financial process and to take immediate action to drive this reform forward.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr L Cree]
[Mr R Beggs]
[04 September 2012]

Same Sex Marriage

That this Assembly recognises the diverse views which are held on the issue of same sex marriage; further recognises the concerns of religious institutions with regard to changes to the current definition of marriage; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to ensure that adequate equality legislation is in place.

[Mr M Nesbitt]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[04 September 2012]

Shared Future Strategy

That this Assembly expresses concern at the decision of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to bring to an end the work of the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Cross Party Working Group; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to ensure that any strategy is long term, fully costed, subject to a consultation process and accompanied by robust action plans with SMART or equivalent targets.

[Mr M Nesbitt]
[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mr J McCallister]
[04 September 2012]

Ulster Bank Compensation Scheme

That this Assembly recognises the severe disruption and inconvenience caused to customers of the Ulster Bank due the recent IT failure; expresses concern at the quality of communication from the bank during this period; and calls for the compensation scheme to be implemented fairly and taking into account the varying degrees of impact on customers.

[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr L Cree]
[04 September 2012]

Northern Ireland Climate Change Legislation

That this Assembly acknowledges the economic opportunities afforded by, inter alia, renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures, decentralised energy generation, local food markets and the development and support of public transport; and calls on the Minister of the Environment to urgently introduce legislation to ensure that Northern Ireland contributes its fair share of emissions reductions to help stabilise the world's climate.

[Ms A Lo]
[Mr S Agnew]
[04 September 2012]

Nursing Staff Levels

That this Assembly recognises the important role that nurses play across our Health Service; notes with concern the pressures faced in our hospitals as the result of the numbers of nurses that Trusts are providing on key wards such as critical care; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to act to ensure sufficient staffing levels.

[Mr J Spratt]
[Ms P Bradley]
[04 September 2012]

Veterans Advocate

That this Assembly notes with concern the absence of a veterans advocate for Northern Ireland and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to immediately introduce legislation for a veterans advocate.

[Mr M Nesbitt]
[Mr T Elliott] [R]
[Mr M Copeland] [R]
[Mr D Kinahan] [R]
[04 September 2012]

Shared Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Service

That this Assembly notes with concern the current threat to the future of Paediatric Cardiac Services at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to initiate immediate discussions with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, with a view to developing a joint Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Service that would allow full access to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for southern patients and full access to Dublin based services for northern patients; and furthermore encourages the sharing of consultant staff when and where it is necessary.

[Dr A McDonnell]
[Mr C McDevitt]
[04 September 2012]

Flooding Incidents

That this Assembly calls on the Executive to appoint a lead Minister and officials to help co-ordinate a comprehensive and multi-agency response to recent flooding incidents, given the widespread and serious flood damage caused to many homes and businesses on 27 June 2012, and the fact that flooding has effected many of our communities on a number of occasions; welcomes the recent measures announced by the Executive; and believes that the appointment of a lead Minister and officials will assist in preventing any reoccurrences of such flooding incidents.

[Mr A Maskey]
[Mr M Brady]
[Mr F McCann]
[04 September 2012]

Crisis in Farming

That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to acknowledge the current crisis in farming which is a combination of low farm gate prices, rising fuel costs and increasing feed costs; and further calls on the Minister to bring forward initiatives to alleviate the short term financial pressures on farmers.

[Mr J Byrne]
[04 September 2012]

Rescue Service on the River Lagan

That this Assembly supports the calls made by the family of the late Joby Murphy and other stakeholders for a permanent and sustainable rescue service on the River Lagan, given the number of drowning incidents and other accidents involving near fatalities close to the centre of Belfast; welcomes the assistance provided by the Department for Social Development for the establishment of such a service; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to ensure that all efforts are made and supported to ensure that maximum safety measures are in place around the River Lagan area.

[Mr A Maskey]
[Mr M Brady]
[Mr F McCann]
[04 September 2012]

Death of Senior Fireman Joe Mc Closkey

That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to initiate immediately an independent inquiry into the death of senior Fireman Joe Mc Closkey; and further calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to establish an ombudsman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

[Mr C Ó hOisín]
[04 September 2012]

Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service

That this Assembly notes recommendation 8 of the Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, by Dame Anne Owers, relating to the contentious practice of full body searching of prisoners entering and leaving prison; and calls on the Minister of Justice to implement this recommendation as soon as possible; and further calls on the Minister to work to ensure a full resolution of the on-going dispute in Roe House, Maghaberry Prison.

[Mr A Maginness]
[Mr C Eastwood]
[04 September 2012]

Rejection of Regionalised Pay Proposal

That this Assembly rejects the Chancellor of the Exchequer's plan to introduce regionalised pay; recognises that the arrangement would enshrine unfairness in public sector pay; commits to the principle of equal pay for equal work; expresses grave concern that the proposal would result in further cuts to the block grant; and resolves to oppose the proposals, given the power that the Executive has to set public sector pay rates in Northern Ireland.

[Mr D Bradley]
[Mr A Maginness]
[Mr C McDevitt]
[04 September 2012]

Insurance Management Claim Companies

That the Assembly notes, with concern, the increasing role of insurance management claim companies; and calls on the Department of Justice to investigate their activities and consider appropriate legislation to regulate their activities.

[Mr A Maginness]
[04 September 2012]

Draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy

That this Assembly acknowledges the responses to the Department of Education's consultation on the draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy; notes with concern the criticisms of the draft strategy that have been put forward by many respondents; and calls on the Minister to review the strategy to include clear priorities, timescales and responsibilities to ensure high quality early years provision.

[Mr S Rogers]
[04 September 2012]

Changes to Disability Living Allowance

That this Assembly expresses concern that the proposed changes to Disability Living Allowance have the potential to impact negatively upon individuals suffering from fluctuating illnesses, leaving them without any support or opportunities; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to explore alternative descriptors for Northern Ireland residents, given the prevalence of claimants suffering from fluctuating illnesses that can be most notably linked to the unique circumstances of the region’s past conflict.

[Mr M Durkan]
[04 September 2012]

Parity Provision in Relation to Social Security

That this Assembly notes the hard work being done by the community and voluntary sectors in exploration of the flexibilities within the parity provision in relation to social security; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to explore all flexibilities within the Assembly’s power to find the best possible social security system.

[Mr M Durkan]
[04 September 2012]

Bullying in Schools

That this Assembly acknowledges the negative impacts of bullying in schools; recognises the increase in cyber bullying and the endemic nature of homophobic bullying in schools in Northern Ireland; notes that bullying is linked to an increased risk of isolation, depression, self harm and suicidal ideation among young people; calls on the Minister of Education to acknowledge the particular issue of homophobic bullying; and further calls on the Minister to develop immediately a comprehensive and wide ranging anti-bullying action plan and to begin a programme of work, with schools, to make them safe and welcoming environments for all our young people.

[Mr S Rogers]
[Mrs D Kelly]
[04 September 2012]

Nominated Person Provision within the Proposed Changes to Universal Credit and Welfare Reform Legislation

That this Assembly notes, with concern, the nominated person provision within the proposed changes to Universal Credit, under the expected Welfare Reform legislation, that could potentially create numerous problems for two-parent families, especially where an individual suffers with substance abuse or an addiction problem which could result in an increase in marital breakdown, domestic abuse and child poverty; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to explore alternative payment arrangements for individuals at risk of harm.

[Mr M Durkan]
[04 September 2012]

Guaranteed Induction Year for Newly Qualified Teachers

That this Assembly notes Professor Gerry McCormac’s report ‘Advancing Professionalism in Teaching’ which reviewed the Teachers’ Agreement in Scotland and, in particular, the recommendation that the guaranteed induction year for newly qualified teachers should continue; welcomes the Scottish Government’s confirmation that this arrangement will remain; and calls on the Minister of Education to introduce a similar arrangement.

[Miss M McIlveen]
[Mr M Storey]
[11 September 2012]

Early Education and Care Legislation

That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Education to introduce legislation covering early education and care to formally recognise the importance of the 0-6 age group and to ensure the planning, financing, regulation and co-ordination of services for young children; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to progress policy for this sector to ensure the delivery of appropriate care and education services for young children, including childcare provision.

[Mrs J Cochrane]
[Mr T Lunn]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[13 September 2012]

Job Losses at FG Wilson

That this Assembly expresses grave concern at the loss of a substantial number of jobs at FG Wilson; recognises the trauma to the individuals and families concerned; further recognises the additional knock on effect these job losses will have on the economy; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail lessons learned and the actions she is taking to mitigate future job losses.

[Mr R Beggs]
[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr M Nesbitt]
[Mr B McCrea]
[14 September 2012]

Education Reform

That this Assembly notes the changes being made to GCSEs in England and the requirement to consider our own examination system for 16 year olds; and calls on the Minister of Education to use this opportunity to fundamentally review how efficiently our school system meets the needs of our futire economy.

[Mrs J Cochrane]
[Mr T Lunn]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[18 September 2012]

Banks Responsibilities to Businesses

That this Assembly affirms its desire to see banking operations in Northern Ireland return to more normal lending practices; and encourages banks to recognise their responsibility towards small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular in the provision of finance.

[Mr T Lunn]
[Mrs J Cochrane]
[Mr S Dickson]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[18 September 2012]

Retail Planning Policy

That this Assembly notes with concern the closure of over 1000 small shops in 2011 and the prediction by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association of a doubling in the number of closures in 2012/13; recognises the negative impact that out-of-town retail stores can have on the viability of town centres and on increased shop vacancy rates; and calls on the Minister of the Environment to introduce and implement, as a matter of urgency, an effective Retail Planning Policy, building upon draft Planning Policy Statement 5.

[Mr S Agnew]
[20 September 2012]

Payment Levels for Compulsory Purchase (Revised Wording)

That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Finance and Personnel to instruct Land and Property Services to assess payment levels for the compulsory purchase of land and property at least in line with the ten per cent top up applicable in the rest of the UK.

[Mr T Elliott]
[Mr M Copeland]
[Mr R Hussey]
[Mr L Cree]
[26 September 2012]

Union Flag not flown from Parliament Buildings

That this Assembly deplores the fact that the Union Flag was not flown from Parliament Buildings to mark the Centenary of Ulster Day; and urges the Assembly Commission to include Ulster Day among the specified days on which the flag is flown.

[Mr J Allister]
[Mr M Copeland]
[Mr R Swann]
[Mrs S Overend]
[Mr D Kennedy]
[01 October 2012]

Efficient Benefits Administration System

That this Assembly notes, with concern, the continuing problems, and often lengthy delays, in claiming tax credits, faced by those people, who live locally but work, or have recently worked, across the border; and calls on HMRC, the Department for Social Development and the Department for Social Protection to work together to put in place an efficient benefits administration system, which removes unnecessary complications and delays, meets the needs of our citizens and overcomes some of the barriers to all-island mobility.

[Mr P Flanagan]
[Mr M Brady]
[Mr B McElduff]
[04 October 2012]

Reclassification for Guide Dogs (Revised Wording)

That this Assembly commends the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Campaign ‘Guide Dogs are Working Dogs too!’; and calls on Her Majesty’s Government to reclassify guide dogs and other assistance dogs as working dogs to afford them the same entitlements as other working dogs.

[Lord Morrow]
[Mr P Weir]
[08 October 2012]

Extending the Time Allowed for Debates

That this Assembly calls on the Business Committee to consider extending the time allocated to private members’ motions in the Assembly to allow broader representation of members wishing to speak, including smaller parties, independents and backbenchers from larger parties.

[Mr D McNarry]
[Mr J Allister]
[Mr D McClarty]
[Mr S Agnew]
[16 October 2012]

Reviewing Practices and Procedures of Atos

That this Assembly acknowledges the criticisms and concerns raised by the medical profession, disability groups and the advice sector; and calls on the Minister for Social Development to take urgent action to restore confidence in the medical assessments of people who are in receipt of benefits, by reviewing the practices and procedures of Atos in assessing claimants.

[Mr F McCann]
[Mr A Maskey]
[Mr M Brady]
[23 October 2012]

Allowing Teachers the Time to Teach

That this Assembly recognises the crucial role teachers play in the education of young people; and calls on the Minister of Education to review the multiplicity of Departmental Guidelines currently in existence, scrap those which are not considered vital, and group those remaining so that they link together more coherently.

[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mrs J Dobson]
[26 October 2012]

Introduction of a Pupil Bonus Scheme

That this Assembly notes the on-going level of educational inequality; accepts the need to address the imbalances between children eligible for free school meals and those who are not; believes that individual schools are best placed to assess the additional provision that will enable their pupils to reach their full potential; and calls on the Minister of Education to introduce a Pupil Bonus Scheme, which would allocate to head teachers the additional resources to tackle underachievement and inequality, based on free school meal entitlement and other relevant indicators of need.

[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mrs J Dobson]
[26 October 2012]

Ability to Remove Under-Performing Teachers

That this Assembly recognises the significant contribution which teachers make towards a young person’s learning; accepts that, in a small number cases, the standard of teaching is not up to expected levels; expresses concern that, in such instances, schools are often powerless to act; and calls on the Minister of Education, in addition to ensuring that employers are made aware of the shortcomings of under-performing educators who wish to remain in the school system, to review the powers currently available for school leaders to remove teachers who, after appropriate support and retraining, continue to under-perform.

[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mrs J Dobson]
[26 October 2012]

Creation of a Hall Of Fame

That this Assembly welcomes the efforts of the Ulster History Circle and the Ulster Sports Museum Association to create a Hall of Fame to celebrate the world class achievements of local people from across the community in all walks of life, from the arts and business to medicine and sport; and calls on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to explore how her Department can help to create a Hall of Fame on a sustainable basis as an inspiration to present and future generations.

[Mr D Kinahan]
[Mr R Swann]
[05 November 2012]

Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry Service

That this Assembly calls on the Minister for Regional Development to introduce a subvention for the running of the Magilligan to Greencastle ferry service in order to provide a daily and year round service.

[Mr C Ó hOisín]
[Mr S Lynch]
[Mr D McAleer]
[06 November 2012]

Donations to Political Parties

That this Assembly believes that donations to political parties, of above £7500 in any 12 month period, should be transparent; and calls on the Secretary of State to bring Northern Ireland in to line with the rest of the UK by not extending the “Prescribed Period” beyond 28 February 2013, and to open to public access and scrutiny the register of donors to parties in Northern Ireland.

[Mr S Agnew]
[13 November 2012]

Funding for Public Transport

That this Assembly notes with concern our society’s overdependence on the private car; recognises the social, economic and environmental benefits of good quality and affordable public transport; acknowledges that the current level of investment in sustainable transport is inadequate; and calls on the Minister for Regional Development to rebalance his Department’s budget to bring about a modal shift towards the use of sustainable means of transportation.

[Mr S Dickson]
[Ms A Lo]
[Mrs J Cochrane]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[14 November 2012]

The Ballymurphy Massacre

That this Assembly notes with concern the failure to address and resolve the issues around the actions of the British Army in Ballymurphy in August 1971; supports the calls of the victims' families for an independent inquiry into the Ballymurphy Massacre; and further supports their call for a meeting with the British Prime Minister.

[Mr P Sheehan]
[Mr A Attwood]
[Mr T Lunn]
[20 November 2012]

Petitions of Concern

That this Assembly notes with concern the increasingly frequent use of the Petition of Concern mechanism; and calls on the Assembly and Executive Review Committee to consider this matter as part of its on-going work.

[Ms A Lo]
[Mr C Lyttle]
[Mr S Dickson]
[26 November 2012]

Public Petition Procedures

That this Assembly calls on the Committee on Procedures to undertake a review of the public petition procedures and to give consideration to the introduction of a more formal process similar to those used in other legislatures in the UK and Ireland.

[Mr C Lyttle]
[Mr S Dickson]
[27 November 2012]

Deep Geothermal Energy

That this Assembly notes the potential that deep geothermal energy has to meet the heating and electricity needs of thousands of households; recognises the potential it has to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to ensure that appropriate legislation and incentives are in place to support the development of this industry.