Minutes of Proceedings

1.  Introduction and Apologies

1.1  Apologies were noted from the Speaker and Mr Dickson.

2.  Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December 2011

2.1  The minutes of the meeting held on 6 December were agreed and signed by the acting Chairperson.  

3.   Matters arising

3.1  There were no matters arising.

4.  Finalisation of Order Papers for Week Commencing 16 January 2012

Executive Business

4.1  Members noted that, in addition to Question Time to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Minister for the Environment, two Ministerial Statements had been scheduled for Monday 16 January. The first from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development on the December Fisheries Council meeting, and the second from the Minister for Social Development on the Inspection Report on Helm Housing Association. 

Members noted the scheduling of the First Stage of the Rates (Amendment) Bill 2/11-15 from the Minister of Financial and Personnel, the motion from the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to affirm the Insolvency (Fees) (Amendment No 2) Order (NI) 2011, and the motion from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to Take Note of the Review of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Members agreed to allow 3 hours for the Take Note motion, and noted the Minister’s request for 15 minutes to move and 15 minutes to wind the debate. The normal speaking time of 5 minutes was agreed for all other contributions to the debate.

4.2  Members noted that, in addition to Question Time to the Minister of Finance and Personnel and the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, two Ministerial Statements had been scheduled Tuesday 17 January. The first from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the British Irish Council meeting, and the second from Minister of Education on the Review of Pre-School Admissions Arrangements.

Members noted the motion from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to approve the Draft Protection from Tobacco (Sales from Vending Machines) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

Private Members’ Business

4.4  Members agreed to schedule an Adjournment debate on Tuesday 17 January. Under the system for allocating Adjournment Debates, the selection lay with Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin selected the following topic:

• ‘Restoration of Arboretum in Castlewellan Forest Park’ (Mr W Clarke)

4.5  Junior Minister Bell advised that the relevant Minister was available to respond.

5.  Provisional arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 23 January 2012

Executive Business

5.1  Members noted that, apart from Question Time to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister of Justice, no additional Executive Business had been scheduled on Monday 23 January.

5.2  Members noted, in addition to Question time to the Minister for Regional Development and the Minister for Social Development, the Second Stage of the Rates (Amendment) Bill 2/11-15 had been scheduled on Tuesday 24 January.

Committee Business

5.3  Members agreed to schedule a motion from the Committee for the Environment on The Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Strangford Lough on Monday 23 January, with the usual timings.

Members agreed to schedule a motion from the Committee on Procedures to amend Standing Orders in relation to Legislative Consent motions on Tuesday 24 January.

Private Members Business

5.4  Members agreed to schedule two Private Members’ Motions on Monday 23 January.

Under the system of allocation for Private Members’ Motions the selections lay with Sinn Féin and the DUP

The following motions were proposed:

• ‘Pupils Living in Poverty’ (Mr D McKay, Mr P Flanagan, Ms M Boyle);
• ‘Pardon for Irish Veterans of World War II’ (Mr P Weir, Mr G Campbell, Mr W Humphrey).

5.5  Members agreed that up to 1 hour 30 minutes should be allocated for all the debates, with the usual speaking times.

5.6  Members agreed to schedule an Adjournment Debate on Tuesday 24 January. Under the system for allocating Adjournment Debates, the selection lay with the DUP.

The DUP selected the following topic:

• ‘A24 Ballynahinch Bypass’ (Mr S Hamilton).

5.7  Junior Minister Bell advised that all relevant Ministers were available to respond.

6.   All Party Notice Review

6.1  The Acting Chairperson referred Members to a paper on proposed changes to the way All Party Notices are to be handled in future. The paper recommended that APNs should no longer be issued in hard copy, and instead should issue to Members via email only. The paper also recommended a 4pm deadline for receipt of information for inclusion in an APN, and that only one APN would issue each day following the deadline, to include all items of information. An APN Template would be available on AssISt for use by Members and party support staff.

6.2   Members agreed the contents of the paper and that the new arrangements for APNs would begin on Monday 16 January 2012.

7.    Any Other Business

7.1  There was no other business.

8.   Date and Time of next meeting

8.1  Members agreed to meet at approximately 12.30pm on Tuesday 17 January 2012 in Room 10.

The acting Chairperson brought the meeting to a close at 12.40pm.

Mr William Hay
Speaker