Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2008/2009
Date: 21 October 2008
Venue: Room 106
The meeting began at 12.35 pm
1. Introduction
1.1 The Speaker noted apologies from Mr K McCarthy, Mr P Maskey, Lord Morrow and the junior Minister, Mr G Kelly.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2008
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2008 were agreed and were signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 The Speaker referred members to paragraph 3.1 of the minutes (proposed change to method of allocating Private Members’ Business) and summarised the outcome of his discussions with Whips. After general discussion, the Speaker proposed that they trial the new system for a three month period, commencing in December. This was agreed by a majority of members. Mr T Lunn placed on record the Alliance party’s opposition to the new system and the Speaker noted his remarks.
3.2 The Speaker thanked members for their suggestions relating to Question Time and advised that the Committee on Procedures is currently considering a number of these issues. The Speaker suggested, and members agreed, that any new procedures around Question Time might be implemented after the Committee on Procedures finalises its decisions.
4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 3 November
Committee Business
4.1 Members agreed to schedule three motions for Monday 3 November: one to extend the Committee Stage of the Presumption of Death Bill; one to extend the Committee Stage of the Civil Registration Bill; and one to extend the Committee Stage of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Bill.
Private Members’ Business
4.2 The motion on the ‘New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital’, originally scheduled for Tuesday 4 November, was put back until Tuesday 11 November due to the Minister’s availability. Ms C Ní Chuilín therefore proposed the motion on ‘Plastic Bag Levy’ for Tuesday 4 November and this was agreed by members. N.B. The title of this motion was subsequently changed to ‘Levy on Plastic Carrier Bags’, following consultation with the tabler.
5. Provisional arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 10 November
Executive Business – week commencing 10 November 2008
5.1 In addition to Question Time on Monday 10 November, members agreed to schedule a motion to approve a Statutory Rule, relating to the ‘Maternity and Parental Leave etc. and the Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2008’. Members allocated no specific time limit to this debate.
Committee Business
5.2 There was no Committee Business.
Private Members’ Business
5.3 Members agreed to schedule: two private Members’ motions on Monday 10 November and three private Members’ motions on Tuesday 11 November. Members further agreed to schedule one adjournment topic on Tuesday 11 November. Members proposed a total of five motions as follows:
- ‘Post-Primary Transfer’ (B McCrea, K Robinson)
- ‘Alcohol Misuse’ (P Ramsey)
- ‘New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital’ (G Adams, S Ramsey)
- ‘Review of Environmental Governance’ (D Ford, N Long, K McCarthy, T Lunn, S Farry, A Lo, S Neeson)
- ‘Drink Driving Limit’ (A Ross, P Weir)
5.4 Members therefore agreed to schedule the motions on ‘Post-Primary Transfer’ (B McCrea, K Robinson) and ‘Alcohol Misuse’ (P Ramsey) for Monday 10 November; and the motions on ‘New Regional Children and Women’s Hospital’ (G Adams, S Ramsey), ‘Review of Environmental Governance’ (D Ford, N Long, K McCarthy, T Lunn, S Farry, A Lo, S Neeson) and ‘Drink Driving Limit’ (A Ross, P Weir) for Tuesday 11 November. Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for each debate, with the usual speaking times.
5.5 Members proposed a total of two adjournment topics as follows:
- ‘Ambulance provision in North Antrim’ (I Paisley Jnr)
- ‘The Magilligan Greencastle Car Ferry’ (J Dallat)
5.6 A vote being called, the votes of party delegations were cast as follows:
- Ambulance provision in North Antrim: 53 votes
- The Magilligan Greencastle Car Ferry: 52 votes
5.7 Members therefore agreed to schedule the adjournment topic ‘Ambulance provision in North Antrim’ (I Paisley Jnr) for Tuesday 11 November.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 The Speaker advised members that he received a letter from the Ulster Unionist Party, nominating Mr D McClarty as the party’s representative on the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body.
7. Date and Time of next meeting
7.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30 pm on Tuesday 4 November 2008 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.55 pm.
