Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Executive Committee Business

2.1 Statement – Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together

The Minister of Health, Mrs Michelle O'Neill, made a statement regarding Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together, following which she replied to questions.

2.2 Statement – October Monitoring

The Minister of Finance, Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, made a statement regarding October Monitoring, following which he replied to questions.

The sitting was suspended at 12.59pm.

The sitting resumed at 2.00pm, with the Deputy Speaker (Mr Kennedy) in the Chair.

3. Question Time

3.1 Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Miss Michelle McIlveen.

3.2 Economy

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for the Economy, Mr Simon Hamilton.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr McGlone) took the Chair.

4. Executive Committee Business (cont'd)

4.1 Statement – October Monitoring (cont'd)

The Minister of Finance, Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, replied to questions on the statement regarding October Monitoring.

4.2 Statement – Rationalisation of the Court Estate

The Minister of Justice, Ms Claire Sugden, made a statement regarding the Rationalisation of the Court Estate, following which she replied to questions.

4.3 Motion – Rates (Increased Reduction for Recreational Hereditaments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Proposed:

That the Rates (Increased Reduction for Recreational Hereditaments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 be affirmed.

Minister of Finance

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Motion on the Rates (Increased Reduction for Recreational Hereditaments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016, was carried without division.

5. Private Members' Business

5.1 Motion – Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises to the economy of Northern Ireland; recognises their resilience in the face of many challenges; believes that many small and medium-sized enterprises are not realising their growth and development potential; and calls on the Minister for the Economy to ensure that the Economic Strategy supports small and medium-sized enterprises that want to grow.

Mr M Storey
Mr G Dunne
Mr T Buchanan
Mr G Lyons

Debate ensued.

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

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

5.2 Motion – Partnership Working in Education Services

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the value of partnership working between schools and community services, including the role that this can play in increasing educational achievement for pupils; and calls on the Minister of Education to ensure adequate resources are invested in developing and expanding such services.

Ms J McCann
Ms M Gildernew
Mr F McCann

Debate ensued.

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

6. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

Mr Mike Nesbitt spoke to his topic regarding the Future of Movilla High School.

The Assembly adjourned at 7.28pm.

Mr Robin Newton
The Speaker

25 October 2016

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
25 October 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

For Information Only

SR 2016/387 (C. 29) The Justice (2015 Act) (Commencement No. 7 and Saving Provisions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (DoJ).

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

Health and Wellbeing 2026: Delivering Together (DoH).

Systems, Not Structures: Changing Health and Social Care (DoH).

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications

Northern Ireland Assembly Legislation:

Stages in Consideration of Public Bills

First Stage: Introduction of Bill.

Second Stage: General debate of the Bill with an opportunity for Members to vote on its general principles.

Committee Stage (Comm. Stage): Detailed investigation by a Committee which concludes with the publication of a report for consideration by the Assembly.

Consideration Stage (CS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, the details of the Bill including amendments proposed to the Bill.

Further Consideration Stage (FCS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, further amendments to the Bill.

Final Stage: Passing or rejecting of Bill by the Assembly, without further amendment.

Royal Assent.

Proceedings as at 25 October 2016

2016-2021 Mandate
Executive Bills              

2016-2021 Mandate
Non - Executive Bills          

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage