Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Personal Prayer or Meditation

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Executive Committee Business

2.1 Statement – Update on Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Services

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Mr Edwin Poots, made a statement regarding an update on Paediatric Congenital Cardiac Services, following which he replied to questions.

3. Matter of the Day

3.1 Death of Mr Nelson Mandela

Mr Martin McGuinness made a statement, under Standing Order 24, in relation to the death of Mr Nelson Mandela. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3.2 Findings of the Smithwick Report

Mr Paul Givan made a statement, under Standing Order 24, in relation to the findings of the Smithwick Report. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3.3 Gun attacks on PSNI

Mr Nelson McCausland made a statement, under Standing Order 24, in relation to the gun attacks on the PSNI. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

4. Question Time

4.1 Environment

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of the Environment, Mr Mark H Durkan.

4.2 Justice

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

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

5. Executive Committee Business

5.1 Statement - Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters

The Minister of Justice, Mr David Ford, made a statement regarding the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Cooperation on Criminal Justice Matters, following which he replied to questions.

5.2 Further Consideration Stage – Road Races (Amendment) Bill (NIA 29/11-15)

The Minister for Regional Development, Mr Danny Kennedy, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Road Races (Amendment) Bill (NIA 29/11-15).

Two amendments were tabled to the Bill.

Clauses

After debate, Amendment 1 to Clause 1 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 2 to Clause 1 was negatived without division.

The Road Races (Amendment) Bill (NIA 29/11-15) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

6. Assembly Business

6.1 Motion - Extension of sitting on Monday 9 December 2013 under Standing Order 10(3A)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 9 December 2013 be extended to no later than 9.00pm.

Mr P Ramsey
Ms C Ruane

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

The Speaker took the Chair.

7. Committee Business

7.1 Motion – Report on the Review into Electricity Policy: Part 1 – Security of Electricity (NIA 145/11-15)

Proposed:

That this Assembly approves the first report of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on its Review into Electricity Policy: Part 1 - Security of Electricity (NIA 145/11-15); and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in conjunction with her Executive colleagues, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation and the System Operator for Northern Ireland to implement, as applicable, the recommendations contained therein.

Chairperson, Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Debate ensued.

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

8. Private Members’ Business

8.1 First Stage - Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Bill (NIA 30/11-15)

Mr Pat Ramsey introduced a Bill to set a maximum speed limit on residential roads of 20 miles per hour.

The Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Bill (NIA 30/11-15) passed First Stage and ordered to be printed.

8.2 Motion – Job Losses at HM Revenue and Customs

Proposed:

That this Assembly views with alarm the intention of HM Revenue and Customs to close offices in Newry, Enniskillen, and the North West, leading to a loss of 340 jobs, without carrying out an Equality Impact Assessment or consulting with the public and elected representatives; and calls on the Executive, in the interest of the economy, to make representations to HM Treasury with a view to keeping these jobs in Northern Ireland.

Mr D Bradley
Mrs K McKevitt
Mr C Eastwood
Mr J Byrne

Debate ensued.

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

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

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 8.07pm.

Mr William Hay
The Speaker
9 December 2013

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
4 - 9 December 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

The relationship between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland December 2013 (DOJ)

Northern Ireland Audit Office Sport NI's Project Management and Oversight of the St Colman's Project (NIAO)

Northern Ireland Social Care Council Annual Report and Accounts 2012/2013 (DHSSPS)

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

S. R. 2013/283 The Occupational Pensions (Revaluation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2013 (DSD)

S. R. 2013/285 The Goods Vehicles Testing (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (DOE)

S. R. 2013/286 The Motor Vehicle Testing (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013 (DOE)

For Information Only:

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

Proposed Housing (Anti-Social Behaviour) Bill (Northern Ireland) A Consultation Document 2013 (DSD)

9. Departmental Publications

Research to inform a Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations Policy (DSD)

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications