Minutes of Proceedings
Session: 2012/2013
Date: 08 April 2013
Venue: Assembly Chamber
The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair.
1. Personal Prayer or Meditation
Members observed two minutes' silence.
2. Speaker's Business
2.1 Resignation
The Speaker informed Members that he had received a letter from Mr Francie Molloy resigning as a Member of the Assembly with effect from noon on Sunday 7 April 2013.
2.2 New Member
The Speaker informed Members that he had been notified by the Chief Electoral Officer that Mr Ian Milne had been returned as a Member of the Assembly for the Mid Ulster constituency to fill the vacancy that resulted from the resignation of Mr Francie Molloy.
Mr Ian Milne had signed the Roll of Members on 8 April 2013 in the presence of the Speaker. The Speaker confirmed that the Member had signed the Roll and had entered his designation of identity.
2.3 Royal Assent
The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 21 March 2013 to the Business Improvement Districts Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.
3. Executive Committee Business
3.1 Final Stage: Criminal Justice Bill (NIA 10/11-15)
The Minister of Justice, Mr David Ford, moved that the Final Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill (NIA 10/11-15) do now pass.
Debate ensued.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs) took the Chair.
The Criminal Justice Bill (NIA 10/11-15) passed Final Stage (Division).
4. Private Members' Business
4.1 Motion: One-stop Shop on Energy Advice
Proposed:
That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in conjunction with her Executive colleagues, to introduce a one-stop shop to provide free, independent and impartial advice to consumers and small businesses about their energy needs, to focus on saving consumers money and to encourage consumers to move away from fossil fuels and maximise energy efficiency.
Mr P Flanagan
Ms S Ramsey
Ms M McLaughlin
Debate ensued.
The Speaker took the Chair.
The debate was suspended for Question Time.
5. Question Time
5.1 Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Questions were put to, and answered by, the deputy First Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness. The junior Minister, Ms Jennifer McCann, also answered a number of questions.
5.2 Justice
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Mr David Ford.
6. Matter of the Day
6.1 The Death of Former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher
Mr Peter Robinson made a statement, under Standing Order 24, in relation to the death of former Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.
7. Private Members' Business (Cont'd)
7.1 Motion: One-stop Shop on Energy Advice
Debate resumed on the Motion.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs) took the Chair.
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
8. Adjournment
Proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
The Speaker
The Assembly adjourned at 4.11pm.
