Minutes of Proceedings

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Matter of the Day

2.1 Paralympic gold for Kelly Gallagher

Mr Séan Rogers made a statement, under Standing Order 24, in relation to paralympic gold for Kelly Gallagher. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3. Public Petition

3.1 Public Petition – Crumlin Supports Shared Education

Mr Danny Kinahan was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition entitled Crumlin Supports Shared Education.

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 Final Stage – Carrier Bags Bill (NIA 20/11-15)

The Minister of the Environment, Mr Mark H Durkan, moved that the Final Stage of the Carrier Bags Bill (NIA 20/11-15) do now pass.

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Beggs) took the Chair.

The Carrier Bags Bill (NIA 20/11-15) passed Final Stage with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

5. Private Members’ Business

5.1 Motion – Women in Politics

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the lack of female representation in politics and public life; further recognises the positive outcomes that result in tackling this inequality, when support and training programmes are put in place to encourage more female candidates to stand in elections; and calls for the introduction of a training and support programme to encourage more female candidates to stand for election.

Ms J McCann
Ms C Ruane
Ms M Fearon
Mr R McCartney

Debate ensued.

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

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

6. Question Time

6.1 Employment and Learning 

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry.

6.2 Finance and Personnel  

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mr Simon Hamilton.

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

7. Private Members’ Business (Cont’d)

7.1 Motion – Legal Highs

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses concern at the open sale of psychoactive substances known as "legal highs" which are being sold under false pretences, by using disclaimers such as "not fit for human consumption", when in reality young people are becoming addicted to them; notes the damage such substances cause to the lives of young people; and calls on the Minister of Justice to bring forward proposals, including pursuing emergency legislation, to restrict the sale of these substances.

Mr T Buchanan
Mr A McQuillan

Debate ensued.

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 5.03pm.

Mr William Hay
The Speaker
10 March 2014

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
5 – 10 March 2014

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

Northern Ireland Social Security Agency Social Fund Account for the year ended 31 March 2013 (NIAO)

The Annual Report of the Certification Officer for Northern Ireland 2012-2013 (DEL)

Civil Service Compensation Scheme (Amendment) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2014

(DFP)

Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (Amendment) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DFP)

Report on the consultation in relation to Civil Service Compensation Scheme modifications, 05 March 2014 (DFP)

5. Assembly Reports

The Northern Ireland Assembly Members’ Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts Period 1 April 2012 – 31 March 2013 (NIA 158/11-15) Human Resources Office

6. Statutory Rules

S. R. 2014/49 The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/50 The Social Security Pensions (Low Earnings Threshold) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/51 The Social Security Pensions (Flat Rate Accrual Amount) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/52 The Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/55 The Salaries (Assembly Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (OFMDFM)

S. R. 2014/56 The Firefighters' Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DHSSPS)

S. R. 2014/57 The New Firefighters' Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DHSSPS)

S. R. 2014/58 The Zoonoses (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DARD)

S. R. 2014/59 The Health and Personal Social Services (Superannuation), Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DHSSPS)

S. R. 2014/61 The Pension Protection Fund and Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling and Compensation Cap) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/64 The Legal Aid (General) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DOJ)

S. R. 2014/65 The Statutory Sick Pay (Maintenance of Records) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DSD)

S. R. 2014/67 The Valuation (Telecommunications, Natural Gas and Water) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DFP)

S. R. 2014/68 The Rates (Small Business Hereditament Relief) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DFP)

S. R. 2014/69 The Rates (Unoccupied Hereditaments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DFP)

S. R. 2014/70 The Teachers' Superannuation (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DE)

For Information Only:

S. R. 2014/00 The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) Order 2014 (DOE)

S. R. 2014/54 The Importation of Animals (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DARD)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Diversity in Public Appointments (DRD)

8. Consultation Documents

Shadow Arrangements and draft Local Government (Transitional, Supplementary and Incidental Provisions and Modifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 - Consultation Document (DOE)

The Draft Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors - Consultation Document (DOE)

Consultation on Implementation of Articles 15 and 13 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27EU) (DETI)

9. Departmental Publications

10. Agency Publications

11.  Westminster Publications

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) Order 2014 (Privy Council Office)

12. Miscellaneous Publications