Minutes of Proceedings

Session: 2009/2010

Date: 01 December 2009

Venue: Room 106

The meeting began at 12.45 pm

1. Introduction

1.1 The Speaker noted apologies from Mr McCarthy and junior Minister Newton.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2009

2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 24 November were agreed and signed by the Speaker.

3. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 7 December

Executive Business

3.1 Members noted that there was no additional Executive Business for either Monday 7 December or Tuesday 8 December.

Private Members’ Business

3.2 Due to the imminent publication of a report from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), Ms N í Chuil ín wished to replace the ‘Child Protection Systems’ motion with the following:

Under 25s Not in Education, Employment or Training (S Ramsey, C McGill, P Butler).

3.3 Members agreed to replace the ‘Child Protection Systems’ motion with the motion on ‘Under 25s Not in Education, Employment or Training’ on Monday 7 December. Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for this debate, with the usual speaking times.

3.4 Junior Minister Kelly confirmed that the Minister for Employment and Learning was available to respond to the motion on Monday 7 December. He also informed members that the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety was available on Tuesday 8 December.

3.5 Members therefore agreed to reschedule the DUP motion on ‘Foster Care’ from Monday 7 December to Tuesday 8 December, to provide for a response from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

4. Provisional Arrangements for Plenary meetings in week 11 January 2010

Plenary Business

4.1 Members agreed to schedule business for the first two weeks after Christmas recess at the Business Committee meeting on 5 January 2010.

5. Review of Trial Arrangements for Members Rising in their Places for Supplementary Questions

5.1 The Speaker reminded members that the three month trial arrangement for Members rising in their places for supplementary questions was coming to an end. Members agreed that the arrangement should be made permanent.

6. AOB

6.1 Ms N í Chuil ín reiterated the Point of Order she raised in the Chamber on Monday 30 November after the Assembly Commission motion on ‘Pay, Pensions and Financial Support for the Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly’ was not moved. The Speaker advised that agreement on a way forward on the issue was a matter for the Commission.