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 – North South Ministerial Council meeting Trade and Business Development Sectoral format

The Minister of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Mrs Arlene Foster, made a statement regarding the North South Ministerial Council meeting in Trade and Business Development Sectoral format, following which she replied to questions.

2.2 Statement – North South Ministerial Council meeting Tourism Sectoral format

The Minister of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Mrs Arlene Foster, made a statement regarding the North South Ministerial Council meeting in Tourism Sectoral format, following which she replied to questions.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

2.3 Motion – The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

Proposed:

That the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers' Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 be affirmed.

Minister for Social Development

Debate ensued.

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

2.4 Motion – The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

Proposed:

That the Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 be approved.

Minister for Social Development

Debate ensued.

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

3. Committee Business

3.1 Motion – Extension of Committee Stage – Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Bill (NIA Bill 30/11-15)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended until 16 October 2015, in relation to the Committee Stage of the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) Bill (NIA Bill 30/11-15).

Chairperson, Committee for Regional Development

Debate ensued.

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

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

3.2 Motion – Report on the Inquiry into the Benefits of Cycling to the Economy (NIA 168/11-16)

Proposed:

That this Assembly approves the Report of the Committee for Regional Development (NIA 168/11-16) on its Inquiry into the Benefits of Cycling to the Economy; and calls on the Minister for Regional Development, in conjunction with his Executive colleagues and other relevant bodies, to implement the recommendations contained in the report.

Chairperson, Committee for Regional Development

Debate ensued.

The debate was suspended for Question Time.

The Speaker took the Chair.

4. Question Time

4.1 Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Questions were put to, and answered by, the First Minister, the Rt Hon Peter Robinson. The junior Minister, Mr Bell, also answered a number of questions.

4.2 Regional Development

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Regional Development, Mr Danny Kennedy.

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

5. Committee Business (cont’d)

5.1 Motion – Report on the Inquiry into the Benefits of Cycling to the Economy (NIA 168/11-16) (cont’d)

Debate resumed on the motion.

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

6. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 4.04pm.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin
The Speaker
23 March 2015

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 18 March – 23 March 2015

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

Assembly Committee Priorities for European Scrutiny in 2015 (NIA 225/11-16) (OFMDFM).

Financial Assistance to Political Parties Scheme 2015 (NIA 241/11-16) (Assembly Commission).

6. Statutory Rules

S.R. 2015/135 The Agriculture (Student fees) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DARD).

S.R. 2015/161 The Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (Judicial Offices) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DOJ).

S.R. 2015/165 The Pension Schemes Act 2015 (Transitional Provisions and Appropriate Independent Advice) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DSD).

For Information Only

S.R. 2015/169 The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DEL).

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

UK-Wide Consultation on Proposed Implementation of EU Regulation 165/2014 (DOE).

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications