Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 10.30am, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speaker's Business

2.1 The Speaker made some brief remarks on the retirement of the Clerk/Chief Executive, Mr Trevor Reaney. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3. Executive Committee Business

3.1 Further Consideration Stage – Budget (No.2) Bill (NIA Bill 1/16-21)

The Minister of Finance, Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Budget (No.2) Bill (NIA Bill 1/16-21).

No amendments were tabled to the Bill.

The Budget (No.2) Bill (NIA Bill 1/16-21) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

4. Private Members' Business

4.1 Motion – Broadband and Mobile Phone Coverage

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes that 42 per cent of premises in rural areas do not have access to the proposed Universal Service Obligation Speed; further notes the urgent need for better provision of broadband and expansion of mobile phone coverage in rural areas; and calls on the Minister for the Economy to develop further proposals to ensure that Northern Ireland has a modern telecommunications network that enables existing businesses to compete and to ensure that all areas are attractive for foreign direct investment including our rural communities.

Ms S Bradley
Mr C McGrath
Mr G Mullan

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr McGlone) took the Chair

The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.

4.2 Motion – Animal Cruelty

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes with concern the number of cases of animal cruelty and the increasing risks with the online sale or transfer of animals; welcomes the action thus far to address issues raised in the Interim Report of the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011; and calls on the Minister of Justice to take further Action to establish an accessible central register of those convicted of animal welfare offences or disqualified form keeping animals under the 2011 Act to further protect animals from cruelty.

Mrs E Little Pengelly
Mr T Clarke

4.3 Amendment

Proposed:

Leave out all after "Minister of Justice" and insert:

'to bring forward proposals to enhance animal cruelty protections, including considering further and tougher criminal sanctions and the establishment of an accessible central register of those convicted of animal welfare offences or disqualified from keeping animals under the 2011 Act.'.

Mrs E Little Pengelly
Mr T Clarke

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 1.00pm.

The sitting resumed at 2.00pm, with the Speaker in the Chair.

5. Question Time

5.1 Health

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Health, Mrs Michelle O'Neill.

5.2 Justice

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Ms Claire Sugden.

The Principal Deputy Speaker (Ms Ruane) took the Chair.

6. Private Members' Business (cont'd)

6.1 Motion - Animal Cruelty (cont'd)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the Amendment was made.

The Question being put, the Motion, as amended, was carried without division.

7. Adjournment

Mr Thomas Buchanan spoke to his topic regarding Broadband Provision for West Tyrone.

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 5.25pm.

Mr Robin Newton
The Speaker

21 June 2016

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 21 June 2016

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

7. Consultation Documents

8. Departmental Publications

Department of Finance Memorandum on the Thirty Fourth Report from the Public Accounts Committee Mandate 2011-2016: The Northern Ireland Events Company (DoF).

9. Agency Publications

10. Westminster Publications

11. Miscellaneous Publications

Assembly Ombudsman for Northern Ireland: Annual Report and Accounts (AONI).