Minutes of Proceedings

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Executive Committee Business

2.1 Further Consideration Stage - Licensing of Pavement Cafés Bill (NIA 24/11-15)

The Minister for Social Development, Mr Nelson McCausland, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Licensing of Pavement Cafés Bill (NIA 24/11-15).

No amendments were tabled to the Bill.

The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Bill (NIA 24/11-15) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

3. Private Members’ Business

3.1 Motion – Sporting Facilities for People with Disabilities and Special Needs

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the lack of sporting facilities for people with special needs and disabilities; and calls on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Minister of the Environment and local authorities to work with Disability Sport NI and Sport NI to carry out comprehensive research to evaluate the existence and suitability of sporting facilities in all the new local council areas.

Mr O McMullan
Mr C Ó hOisín
Ms R McCorley

Debate ensued.

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

3.2 Motion – Freedom of Religious Belief

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses concern at the persecution of Christians in many countries around the world and, in particular, the threat of execution of 33 Christians in North Korea for their beliefs; and calls on HM Government to exhaust all diplomatic options and influence to secure greater freedom of religious belief and worship throughout the world.

Mrs A Foster
Mr J Wells
Mr M Storey
Mr R Newton

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 12.28pm.

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

4. Question Time

4.1 Culture, Arts and Leisure

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms Carál Ní Chuilín.

4.2 Education

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Education, Mr John O’Dowd.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

5. Private Members’ Business (cont’d)

5.1 Motion – Freedom of Religious Belief

Debate resumed on the Motion.

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

6. Adjournment

Mr Trevor Clarke spoke to his topic regarding Creavery Primary School.

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 4.24pm.

Mr William Hay
The Speaker

25 March 2014

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
25 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

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

S. R. 2014/91 The Trewmount Close, Killyman, Dungannon (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DRD)

For Information Only:

S. R. 2014/88 The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DEL)

S. R. 2014/90 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Strabane) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DRD)

S. R. 2014/94 The Road Races (Croft Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2014 (DRD)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

A31 Magherafelt Bypass – Announcement of Making of Vesting Order and Commencement of Procurement (DRD)

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 26 March 2014

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.