Minutes of Proceedings

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Speaker’s Business

The Speaker informed Members that he would be absent from the Assembly next week on official Assembly business.

3. Private Members’ Business

3.1 Motion - Internet Safety for Children

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the dangers for children associated with the internet; commits to building on the work which is already ongoing in this area at both Westminster and Stormont; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to take the lead on the publication of a cross departmental Internet Safety Strategy to help children enjoy the internet safely.

Mrs S Overend
Miss M McIlveen
Mr M Durkan
Mr C Lyttle
Ms C Ruane

Debate ensued.

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

3.2 Motion - Regulation of Social Networking Websites

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the growing number of people and hate groups who use social networking websites to verbally abuse other users; further notes the use of these sites by sexual predators to groom victims; and calls on the Minister of Justice to explore the introduction of better regulation of these sites and tougher penalties for people who use the sites to commit crime.

Ms R McCorley
Mr R McCartney
Mr S Lynch

3.3 Amendment

Proposed:

; and further calls for additional policing resources so that online internet hate crimes are able to be fully investigated.

Mr C McDevitt
Mr A Maginness

Debate ensued.

The Principal Deputy Speaker (Mr Molloy) took the Chair.

The sitting was suspended at 12.30pm.

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

4. Question Time

4.1 Health, Social Services and Public Safety  

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Mr Edwin Poots.

4.2 Justice  

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Mr David Ford.                     

5. Question for Urgent Oral Answer

5.1 Horsemeat found in meat production

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Mr Edwin Poots, responded to a Question for Urgent Oral Answer tabled by Mr Joe Byrne.

6. Private Members’ Business (Cont’d)

6.1 Motion - Regulation of Social Networking Websites (Cont’d)

Debate resumed on the motion.

The Principal Deputy Speaker (Mr Molloy) took the Chair.

The Question being put, the Amendment was made without division.

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

7. Adjournment

Mr Simon Hamilton spoke to his topic on the future of the Strangford Lough Fishery.

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 4.52pm.

Mr William Hay
The Speaker
05 February 2013

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
05 February 2013

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. Written Ministerial Statements

Future Configuration of Emergency Department Services in Belfast (DHSSPS)

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

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 6 FEBRUARY 2013

2011-2015 Mandate
Executive Bills

2011-2015 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bill progressing by accelerated passage

** Please note that any bills that received Royal Assent in the previous session have been removed from the table.