Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 12.35 pm

1. Introduction and Apologies

1.1 The Speaker noted apologies from Mr Fred Cobain and Junior Minister Kelly.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2011

2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 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 31 January 2011

Executive Business

4.1 Members noted that the Consideration Stage of the Civil Registration Bill had been put back until 15 February.

4.2 Members noted that the Minister of Justice had sought permission from the Speaker to make a statement on Tuesday 1 February, on ‘Progress Against the Hillsborough Agreement’.

4.3 Members noted that the indicative time for the Welfare of Animals Bill, scheduled for Tuesday 1 February, had been extended to three hours as a number of groups of amendments are anticipated.

Committee Business

4.4 Members noted the possibility of Ministerial Statements on Monday 31 January, and agreed to table a motion to suspend Standing Orders to allow business to go past 7pm if required.

4.5 Members agreed to the Committee for Finance and Personnel’s request to schedule three hours for their motion to take note of the Draft Budget 2011-2015, scheduled for Monday 31 January.

4.6 Members agreed to schedule a motion from the Assembly and Executive Review Committee on its report on the review of the operation of sections 16A to 16C of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 on Monday 31 January. Members agreed to schedule 1 hour for the debate, with the usual speaking times.

Private Members’ Business

4.7 Members noted that Mr Pat Ramsey had agreed to move the Second Stage of the Cyclists (Protective Headgear) Bill to Monday 31 January to alleviate pressure on Tuesday’s business. Members agreed to schedule the Bill on Monday 31 January.

5. Provisional Arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 7 February 2011

Executive Business

5.1 Members noted that the following Executive Business was scheduled:

Monday 7 February:

• Further Consideration Stage – Local Government Finance Bill;
• Further Consideration Stage – Employment (No.2) Bill; and
• Question Time to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister of Justice.

Tuesday 8 February

• Final Stage – Dogs (Amendment) Bill; and
• Question Time to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Minister of the Environment.

5.2 Subject to the outcome of the Executive’s meeting this week, members noted that additional Executive Bills may be scheduled.

Commission Business

5.3 Members noted that the Assembly Commission was scheduled for Question Time on Tuesday 8 February.

Committee Business

5.4 Members agreed to schedule the Consideration Stage of the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Bill on Monday 7 February.

Private Members’ Business

5.5 Members agreed to schedule the Further Consideration Stage of the Caravans Bill on Monday 7 February.

5.6 Members noted that the Second Stage of the Single Use Plastic Bags Bill may come forward for scheduling at next week’s meeting, subject to ongoing discussions on the detail of proposed amendments.

5.7 Members agreed to review the scope for private members’ business next week, when the position on other Bill stages is clearer.

5.8 Junior Minister Newton confirmed that all relevant Ministers were available.

6. Review of Allocation of Statutory and Standing Committee Seats to Parties

6.1 The Speaker expressed his concern that the UUP was not in a position to inform the committee about which seats it intended to relinquish on Statutory and Standing Committees. The Speaker urged the party to come to a decision before next week’s meeting, to avoid a breach of Standing Orders.

Mr Armstrong agreed to move the matter forward.

7. Any Other Business

7.1 Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked for an update on the Minister for Social Development’s position on delivering a statement to the House on the disruption experienced by Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants over the Christmas period. Junior Minister Newton confirmed that the Committee’s concerns had been relayed to the Minister, and agreed to provide an update to Ms Ní Chuilín.

7.2 Members agreed to the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s request to exchange his Question Time slot on 15 March with the Minister of Finance and Personnel’s slot on 7 March.

7.3 Members noted that a draft guidance paper on election planning matters will be issued in advance of next week’s meeting, and that a briefing will be included on the agenda.

8. Date and Time of next meeting

8.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30pm on Tuesday 1 February 2011 in Room 106.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.44pm.

Mr William Hay
Speaker