Minutes of Proceedings

Session: Session currently unavailable

Date: 24 May 2016

 

The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speakers Business

2.1 Royal Assent

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 23 March 2016 to the Water and Sewerage Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Budget Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Assembly and Executive Reform (Assembly Opposition) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 11 April 2016 to the Health and Social Care (Control of Data Processing) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Environmental Better Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; and the Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 22 April 2016 to the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; and the Credit Unions and Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had also been signified on 9 May 2016 to the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Rural Needs Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; and the Shared Education Act (Northern Ireland) Act 2016.

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 12 May 2016 to the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Health and Personal Social Services (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Licensing Act (Northern Ireland) Act 2016; the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 2016; and the Land Acquisition and Compensation (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

3. Assembly Business

3.1 Motion – Committee Membership

Proposed:

That Ms Carál Ní Chuilín and Mr Declan McAleer replace Ms Caitríona Ruane and Mr Gerry Kelly as members of the Business Committee.

Ms C Ruane

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

4. Filling of the Office of Minister of Justice

The deputy First Minister nominated Ms Claire Sugden to be Minister of Justice.

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Nomination was approved by parallel consent(Division).

Ms Claire Sugden affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed that Ms Claire Sugden had taken up office as Minister of Justice.

5. Appointment of Ministers

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Simon Hamilton to be Minister for the Economy.

Mr Simon Hamilton affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Simon Hamilton as Minister for the Economy.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to be Minister of Finance.

Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Máirtín Ó Muilleoir as Minister of Finance.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Peter Weir to be Minister of Education.

Mr Peter Weir affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Peter Weir as Minister of Education.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, did not nominate a Member of his party for a ministerial office.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Chris Hazzard to be Minister for Infrastructure.

Mr Chris Hazzard affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Chris Hazzard as Minister for Infrastructure.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Miss Michelle McIlveen to be Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Miss Michelle McIlveen affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Miss McIlveen as Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Mr Colum Eastwood, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, did not nominate a Member of his party for a ministerial office.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Paul Givan to be Minister for Communities.

Mr Paul Givan affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Paul Givan as Minister for Communities.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mrs Michelle O'Neill to be Minister of Health.

Mrs Michelle O'Neill affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mrs Michelle O'Neill as Minister of Health.

In accordance with Standing Order 45A the Speaker asked the nominating officers of the Ulster Unionist Party and the Social Democratic and Labour Party if they chose to be recognised as part of the official Opposition.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, confirmed that his party chose to be recognised as part of the official Opposition.

Mr Colum Eastwood, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, confirmed that his party chose to be recognised as part of the official Opposition.

The Speaker informed the House that he had received correspondence from the First Minister and deputy First Minister advising that, pursuant to the procedure for the appointment of junior Ministers specified in paragraph 3(1) of the determination made by the then First Minister and deputy First Minister on 8 December 1999, as approved by the Assembly on 14 December 1999, Mr Alastair Ross MLA and Ms Megan Fearon MLA had been appointed as junior Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Mr Alastair Ross affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Alastair Ross as junior Minister.

Ms Megan Fearon affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Megan Fearon as junior Minister.

6. Assembly Business (Cont'd)

6.1 Motion - Establishment of Statutory Committees

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Orders 46 and 47, this Assembly determines that 9 Statutory Committees shall be established, as follows:

the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;the Committee for Communities;the Committee for the Economy;the Committee for Education;the Committee for the Executive Office;the Committee for the Environment;the Committee for Finance;the Committee for Health;the Committee for Infrastructure; andthe Committee for Justice.

Terms of reference, quorum and composition of the Committees shall be as prescribed in Standing Orders 48 and 49.

Mr P Weir
Ms C Ruane
Mr R Swann
Mr A Attwood
Mr S Dickson

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

6.2 Appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees

The Speaker outlined the procedure for the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees.

The Speaker informed the House that he had received notification from the nominating officer of the Social Democratic and Labour Party advising him that Mr Alex Attwood would serve as nominating officer for the party for the rest of the day's business.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Paul Frew to be Chairperson of the Committee for Justice. Mr Paul Frew indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Paul Frew as Chairperson of the Committee for Justice.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Conor Murphy to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy. Mr Conor Murphy indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Conor Murphy as Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mrs Emma Little Pengelly to be Chairperson of the Committee for Finance. Mrs Emma Little Pengelly indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mrs Emma Little Pengelly as Chairperson of the Committee for Finance.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated himself to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office. Mr Mike Nesbitt indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Mike Nesbitt as Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Barry McElduff to be Chairperson of the Committee for Education. Mr Barry McElduff indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Barry McElduff as Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Ms Paula Bradley to be Chairperson of the Committee for Health. Ms Paula Bradley indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Paula Bradley as Chairperson of the Committee for Health.

Mr Alex Attwood, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Mr Colum Eastwood to be Chairperson of the Committee for Communities. Mr Colum Eastwood indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Colum Eastwood as Chairperson of the Committee for Communities.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr William Humphrey to be Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure. Mr William Humphrey indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr William Humphrey as Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Linda Dillon to be Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Ms Linda Dillon indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Linda Dillon as Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Mr David Ford, the nominating officer for the Alliance Party, nominated Mr Chris Lyttle to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education. Mr Chris Lyttle indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Chris Lyttle as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Mr Steve Aiken to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy. Mr Steve Aiken indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Steve Aiken as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy.

In accordance with Standing Order 48 (8) the Speaker informed the House that it would take its ease for ten minutes.

The Speaker resumed business at 1:16pm.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mrs Pam Cameron to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice. Mrs Pam Cameron indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mrs Pam Cameron as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Michelle Gildernew to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Communities. Ms Michelle Gildernew indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Michelle Gildernew as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Communities.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Gary Middleton to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health. Mr Gary Middleton indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Gary Middleton as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health.

Mr Alex Attwood, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Ms Claire Hanna as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance. Ms Claire Hanna indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Claire Hanna as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance.

In accordance with Standing Order 48 (8) the Speaker informed the House that it would take its ease for five minutes.

The Speaker resumed business at 1:22pm.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Declan Kearney to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Mr Declan Kearney indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Declan Kearney as Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr William Irwin to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure. Mr William Irwin indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr William Irwin as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Mrs Sandra Overend to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office. Mrs Sandra Overend indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mrs Sandra Overend as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office.

6.3 Appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees

The Speaker outlined the procedure for the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Gordon Lyons to be Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures. Mr Gordon Lyons indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Gordon Lyons as Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Cathal Boylan to be Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. Mr Cathal Boylan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Cathal Boylan as Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Christopher Stalford to be Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. Mr Christopher Stalford indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Christopher Stalford as Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Mr Mike Nesbitt, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Mr Robin Swann to be Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Robin Swann indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Robin Swann as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Declan McAleer to be Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr Declan McAleer indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Declan McAleer as Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Adrian McQuillan to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. Mr Adrian McQuillan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Adrian McQuillan as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Mr Alex Attwood, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Mr Daniel McCrossan as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Daniel McCrossan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Daniel McCrossan as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

Mrs Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Edwin Poots to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures. Mr Edwin Poots indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Edwin Poots as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

Mr Martin McGuinness, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Michaela Boyle to be Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. The Speaker informed the House that he had received correspondence from Ms Michaela Boyle which indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Michaela Boyle as Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Mr David Ford, the nominating officer of the Alliance party, nominated Mr Trevor Lunn to be Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr Trevor Lunn indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Trevor Lunn as Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

7. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 1.31pm.

Mr Robin Newton
The Speaker

25 May 2016

Division 25 May 2016

Question put, That Ms Claire Sugden be Minister of Justice.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 63
Noes: 30

Ayes

Nationalist:

Ms Archibald, Mr Boylan, Ms Dillon, Ms Fearon, Ms Gildernew, Mr Hazzard, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McElduff, Mr McGuinness, Mr McKay, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Mr Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Ms Seeley, Mr Sheehan.

Unionist:

Mr Anderson, Mr Bell, Mr M Bradley, Ms P Bradley, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mrs Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Ms Lockhart, Mr Logan, Mr Lyons, Mr McCausland, Miss McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Mr Middleton, Lord Morrow, Mrs Pengelly, Mr Poots, Mr Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Stalford, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McCartney and Mr Robinson.

Noes

Nationalist:

Mr Attwood, Mrs S Bradley, Mr Durkan, Mr Eastwood, Ms Hanna, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McNulty, Mr McPhillips, Ms Mallon, Mr Mullan.

Unionist:

Mr Aiken, Mr Allister, Mrs Barton, Mr Beattie, Mr Beggs, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mrs Dobson, Mr Hussey, Mr Kennedy, Mr McKee, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Ms Palmer, Mr Smith, Mr Swann.

Other:

Mr Agnew, Ms Bailey.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Butler and Mr McCrossan.

Total votes 93 Total Ayes 63 [67.7%%]

Nationalist Votes 37 Nationalist Ayes 25 [67.6%]

Unionist Votes 54 Unionist Ayes 38 [70.4%]

Other Votes 2 Other Ayes 0 [0.0%]

The following Members voted in both Lobbies and are therefore not counted in the result: Ms Armstrong, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Dickson, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mrs Long, Mr Lunn, Mr Lyttle.

The Nomination was approved by parallel consent.

 

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
13 – 25 May 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

S.R 2016/233 The Jobseeker's Allowance (Extended Period of Sickness) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 (DfC).

For Information Only

S.R 2016/207 (C.14) The Education (1998 Order) (Commencement No. 8) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (DE).

S.R 2016/211 (C.15) The Education (1998 Order) (Commencement No. 9) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (DE).

7.Written Ministerial Statements

8.Consultation Documents

9.Departmental Publications

Northern Ireland Police Fund Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2015 (DoJ).

Review of Permitted Development Rights (DfI).

EnergyWise Scheme Proposals (DfE).

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications

 

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