Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 12.38 pm

1. Introduction and Apologies

1.1 No apologies were noted.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2011

2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 1 February were agreed and signed by the Speaker.

3. Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 14 February 2011

Executive Business

4.1 Members noted that the Minister of Finance and Personnel may seek permission from the Speaker to make a statement on Monday 14 February regarding the February Monitoring Round.

Committee Business

4.2 Members noted that the Committee for Finance and Personnel had tabled a Motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill until 23 March. Members noted that this would effectively mean that the Bill could not complete all of its stages before dissolution. Given the significant consequences for the Bill, members agreed to schedule the Motion for Monday 14 February, allocating one hour for the debate, with 10 minutes to move, 10 minutes to wind, 10 minutes for the Minister to respond, and 5 minutes for all other speakers.

5. Provisional Arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 21 February 2011

5.1 Members noted the Advice Paper on the proposed arrangements for scheduling long Bill Stages in the weeks before dissolution. Members considered the practicalities of scheduling business over Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and agreed to issue a normal Order Paper for the Monday sitting, plus a single Order Paper listing business to be taken over the Tuesday and Wednesday.

Executive Business

5.2 In addition to Question Time to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister for Social Development, members noted that the Further Consideration Stage of the Sunbeds Bill was also scheduled for Monday 21 February.

5.3 Members noted that the following Executive Business had been scheduled for Tuesday 22 February:

• Consideration Stage – Budget Bill;
• Consideration Stage – Civil Registration Bill;
• Final Stage – Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill;
• Final Stage – Welfare of Animals Bill; and
• Question Time to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

5.4 Members noted that additional Executive Business is likely to be scheduled following the outcome of the Executive meeting this week.

5.5 The Junior Ministers requested that the Final Stage of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill should be taken on the Tuesday, in the event that an Order Paper was issued covering both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Commission Business

5.6 Members agreed to schedule the Further Consideration Stage of the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Bill on Monday 21 February.

Private Members’ Business

5.7 Members agreed to schedule the Consideration Stage of Mr Dominic Bradley’s Autism Bill on Tuesday 22 February.

5.8 Members provisionally agreed to schedule the Further Consideration Stage of Mr David McNarry’s Armed Forces and Veterans Bill, provided that the House sits on Wednesday 23 February, to allow a gap of 5 working days from its Consideration Stage.

6. Any Other Business

Question Time

6.1 The Speaker advised members that, despite recent improvements in attendance at Question Time, five Members were not in their place during last Tuesday’s Question Time slot. The Speaker reminded members of the action they had agreed to take on 30 November 2010, and again sought the assistance of Whips in resolving this issue. Members noted the resources that Ministers and their Departments put into preparing answers. The Speaker advised Whipsthat he expected themto inform the Business Office, no later than 30 minutes before the start of Question Time, of any Member who was unable to ask their tabled question that day.

Quorum

6.2 The Speaker sought Whips’ assistance in ensuring that there was a quorum in the Chamber at all times.

7. Date and Time of next meeting

7.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30pm on Tuesday 15 February 2011 in Room 106.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.47pm.

Mr William Hay
Speaker