Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 10.30am, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Personal Prayer or Meditation

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Assembly Business

2.1 Motion – Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to consider a Statutory Rule laid by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That as provided for in Standing Order 53(1), this Assembly appoints an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the Statutory Rule: The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004 (Amendment of section 8(4)) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015; and to submit a report to the Assembly by 18 March 2015.

Composition:
Democratic Unionist Party 2
Sinn Féin 2
Ulster Unionist Party 1
Social Democratic and Labour Party 1
Alliance Party 1

Quorum: The quorum shall be five Members

Procedure: The procedures of the Committee shall be such as the Committee shall determine.

Mr P Weir
Ms C Ruane
Mr P Ramsey
Mr R Swann
Mr S Dickson

The Question being put, the Motion was carried.

3. Committee Business

3.1 Motion – Amend Standing Order 20A(4)

Proposed:

Leave out Standing Order 20A(4) and insert –

‘The Speaker shall determine, by means of a random selection, the order in which questions are taken. However, the first question may not be from a member of the same party as the Minister to whom it is addressed, unless all the Topical Questions are from members of that party.’

Chairperson, Committee on Procedures

Motion – Amend Standing Order 4

Proposed:

In the title to Standing Order 4 at the end add ‘: New Assembly’

After Standing Order 4 insert – 

‘4A. Election of Speaker: Assembly term

(1) Where the Speaker gives notice in writing to the Clerk of his intention to resign from the Office of Speaker during an Assembly term, the Speaker shall continue to hold office until a new Speaker has been elected.

(2) A new Speaker shall be elected in the manner provided for by Standing Order 4.

(3) If the Speaker cannot take the chair for the proceedings to elect a new Speaker, the chair shall be taken by an Acting Speaker, who shall be the oldest member present at the meeting who is not seeking election as Speaker.’

Chairperson, Committee on Procedures

Motion – Amend Standing Order 6

Proposed:

Leave out Standing Order 6 and insert – 

‘6. Procedure when Office of Speaker becomes vacant

(1) Where a vacancy in the Office of Speaker of the Assembly occurs during an Assembly term, a Deputy Speaker shall report the vacancy to the Assembly at the opening of its next meeting and the Assembly shall, as soon as may be, proceed to elect a Speaker in the manner provided by Standing Order 4.

(2) For the purposes of that election, the chair shall be taken by an Acting Speaker, who shall be the oldest member present at the meeting who is not seeking election as Speaker.

(3) Where there is no agreement on the election of a Speaker, meetings of the Assembly shall be chaired by the Deputy Speakers in weekly rotation in the order in which they were elected in so far as this is possible.’

Chairperson, Committee on Procedures

A single debate ensued on all three motions.

The Question being put, the Motion regarding Standing Order 20A(4) was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

The Question being put, the Motion regarding Standing Order 4 was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

The Question being put, the Motion regarding Standing Order 6 was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

3.2 Motion – Extension of Committee Stage: Regeneration Bill (NIA Bill 43/11-16)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended to 28 May 2015, in relation to the Committee Stage of the Regeneration Bill (NIA Bill 43/11-16).

Chairperson, Committee for Social Development

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Motion was carried.

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15)

A valid Petition of Concern was presented in relation to Amendments 1 through to 13, 15 through to 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36 through to 45, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 73, 74, 75 under Standing Order 28, on Monday 09^th February 2015 (Appendix 1). 

The Minister for Social Development, Mr Mervyn Storey, moved the Consideration Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15).

78 amendments were tabled to the Bill, as well as notice of intention to oppose the questions that Clauses 4, 10, 12, 26, 52, 54, 61, 62, 63, 69, 99, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115 and 129 stand part of the Bill.

Debate ensued.

Clauses

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 1 to 3 stand part of the Bill.

The sitting was suspended at 12.34pm.

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

5. Question Time

5.1 Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Mrs Arlene Foster.

5.2 Environment

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

The Speaker took the Chair.

6.Executive Committee Business (Cont’d)

6.1 Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15)

Debate resumed on the Bill.

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

The Speaker took the Chair.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

After debate, Amendment 1 to Clause 4 was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 1).

The sitting was suspended at 9.58pm.

The sitting resumed at 10.30am on Wednesday 11 February 2015, with the Speaker in the Chair.

Debate resumed on the Bill.

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

The Speaker took the Chair.

The sitting was suspended at 1.31pm and resumed at 2.01pm with the Speaker in the Chair.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 4 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 5 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 2 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 6 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 3 was not moved.

Amendment 4 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 7 to 9 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 5 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 10 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 6 was not moved.

Amendment 7 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 11 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 12 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 8 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 13 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 9 to Clause 14 was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 2).

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 14 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 15 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 10 was not moved.

Amendment 11 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 16 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 17 and 18 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 19 to 22 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 12 to Clause 24 was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 3).

As Amendment 12 was not made, Amendment 13 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 24 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 25 stand part of the Bill.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

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

After debate, Amendment 14 to Clause 26 was made without division.

As Amendment 14 was made, Amendment 15 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed on division that Clause 26, as amended, stand part of the Bill (Division 4).

After debate, Amendment 16 to Clause 27 was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 5).

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 27 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 28 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 29 and 30 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 31 to 33 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 34 to 37 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 17 was not moved.

Amendment 18 was not moved.

Amendment 19 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 38 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 39 to 41 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 20 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 42 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 43 stand part of the Bill.

The Speaker took the Chair.

Amendment 21 was not moved.

As Amendment 21 was not moved, Amendment 22 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 44 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 45 and 46 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 23 to Clause 47 was made without division.

As Amendment 23 was made, Amendment 24 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 47, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 48 and 49 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 25 to Clause 50 was made without division.

As Amendment 25 was made, Amendment 26 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 50, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 51 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 27 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 52 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 53 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 28 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 54 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 29 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 55 to 58 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 59 and 60 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 61 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 62 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 30 to Clause 63 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 31 to Clause 63 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 32 to Clause 63 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 63, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 33 inserting new Clause 63A was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 64 to 68 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed on division that Clause 69 stand part of the Bill (Division 6).

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 70 to 73 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 74 and 75 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 76 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 34 inserting new Clause 76A was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 77 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 78 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 35 to Clause 79 was made without division.

Amendment 36 was not moved.

Amendment 37 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 79, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 38 was not moved.

As Amendment 38 was not moved, Amendment 39 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 80 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 81 to 86 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 87 and 88 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 89 to 92 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 40 was not moved.

As Amendment 40 was not moved, Amendment 41 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 93 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 94 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 42 to Clause 95 was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 7).

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 95 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 96 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 97 and 98 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 99 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 100 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 43 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 101 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 44 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 102 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 45 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 103 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 104 and 105 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 106 to 108 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 109 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 110 stand part of the Bill.

The question that Clause 111 stand part of the Bill was negatived without division.

The question that Clause 112 stand part of the Bill was negatived without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 113 and 114 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 115 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 116 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 46 to Clause 117 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 117, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 118 to 120 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 47 inserting new Clause 120A was made without division.

Amendment 48 was not moved.

Amendment 49 was not moved.

Amendment 50 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 121 to 126 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 127 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 128 stand part of the Bill.

The question that Clause 129 stand part of the Bill was negatived without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 130 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 51 inserting new Clause 130A was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 52 inserting new Clause 130B was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 53 inserting new Clause 130C was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 8).

After debate, Amendment 54 inserting new Clause 130D was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 9).

After debate, Amendment 55 inserting new Clause 130E was negatived on division on a cross-community vote (Division 10).

Amendment 56 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 131 stand part of the Bill.

As Amendments 10 and 37 were not moved, Amendment 57 was not called. 

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 132 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 58 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 59 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 60 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 61 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 62 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 63 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 64 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 65 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 66 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 67 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 68 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 69 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 70 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 71 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 72 to Clause 133 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 133, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 134 stand part of the Bill.

Amendment 73 was not moved.

Amendment 74 was not moved.

Amendment 75 was not moved.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 1 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedules 2 to 11 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 76 to Schedule 12 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 77 to Schedule 12 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 78 to Schedule 12 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 12, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

Long Title

The question being put, it was agreed without division that the Long Title stand part of the Bill.

Bill NIA 13/11-15 stood referred to the Speaker.

7. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly was suspended at 9.14pm.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
The Speaker
11 February 2015

Appendix 1

Northern Ireland Assembly

The undersigned Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly presented a Petition of Concern, in accordance with Standing Order 28, on Monday 09 February 2015 in relation to Amendments 1 through to 13, 15 through to 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 36 through to 45, 48, 49, 50, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 73, 74, 75 proposed to the Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15)

MR SYDNEY ANDERSON

MR JONATHAN BELL

MS PAULA BRADLEY

MR THOMAS BUCHANAN

MRS PAM CAMERON

MR GREGORY CAMPBELL

MR TREVOR CLARKE

MR JONATHAN CRAIG

MR SAMMY DOUGLAS

MR GORDON DUNNE

MR ALEX EASTON

MRS ARLENE FOSTER

MR PAUL FREW

MR PAUL GIRVAN

MR PAUL GIVAN

MRS BRENDA HALE

MR SIMON HAMILTON

MR DAVID HILDITCH

MR WILLIAM HUMPHREY

MR WILLIAM IRWIN

MR NELSON MCCAUSLAND

MR IAN MCCREA

MR DAVID MCILVEEN

MISS MICHELLE MCILVEEN

MR ADRIAN MCQUILLAN

THE LORD MORROW

MR STEPHEN MOUTRAY

MR EDWIN POOTS

MR GEORGE ROBINSON

MR PETER ROBINSON

MR ALASTAIR ROSS

MR JIMMY SPRATT

MR MERVYN STOREY

MR PETER WEIR

MR JIM WELLS

MR SAMMY WILSON

MR MAURICE DEVENNEY

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 1

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 1

Proposed:

Clause 4, Page 3, Line 5

At end insert -

‘(8) Regulations shall provide, in circumstances where one member of a couple does not accept a claimant commitment within a prescribed period, that the claim may be considered as a claim by the other member of the couple as a single person.’

Mr R Beggs
Mr R Swann

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 27
Noes: 71

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Byrne, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Dr McDonnell, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Beggs, Mr Cree, Mrs Dobson, Mr Elliott, Mr Gardiner, Mr Hussey, Mr Kennedy, Mr Kinahan, Mr McCallister, Mr McGimpsey, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Beggs, Mr Swann.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Bell, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Devenney, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr D McIlveen, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr P Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wilson.

OTHER:

Mrs Cochrane, Mr Dickson, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Ms Lo, Mr Lunn.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 98  Total Ayes: 27  [27.6%]

Nationalist Vote: 40 Nationalist Ayes: 12  [30.0%%]

Unionist Votes: 51 Unionist Ayes:  14  [27.5%]

Other Votes: 7  Other Ayes: 1 [14.3%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 2

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 9

Proposed:

Clause 14, Page 6, Line 32

At end insert -

‘(a) in preparing, reviewing and updating a claimant commitment under subsection (2) the Department shall have due regard for the claimant’s skills, experience, caring responsibilities and physical and mental ill health.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 22
Noes: 71

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Beggs, Mr Cree, Mrs Dobson, Mr Elliott, Mr Gardiner, Mr Kinahan, Mr McGimpsey, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Eastwood, Mr Rogers.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Bell, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Devenney, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wilson.

OTHER:

Mrs Cochrane, Mr Dickson, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Lunn, Mr Lyttle, Mr McCarthy.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 93  Total Ayes: 22  [23.7%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 47 Unionist Ayes:  11  [23.4%]

Other Votes: 8  Other Ayes: 1 [12.5%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 3

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 12

Proposed:

Clause 24, Page 12, Line 3

Leave out ‘—’ and insert ‘or an incident motivated by hate—’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 21
Noes: 72

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Beggs, Mr Cree, Mrs Dobson, Mr Elliott, Mr Gardiner, Mr Kinahan, Mr McGimpsey, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Swann.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Eastwood, Mr Rogers.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Bell, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Devenney, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Weir, Mr Wilson.

OTHER:

Mrs Cochrane, Mr Dickson, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Lunn, Mr Lyttle, Mr McCarthy.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 93  Total Ayes: 21  [22.6%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 47 Unionist Ayes:  10  [21.3%]

Other Votes: 8  Other Ayes: 1 [12.5%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 4

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Clause 26 – Stand Part

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 78
Noes: 2

AYES

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Mr Bell, Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Ms P Bradley, Mr Brady, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Cochrane, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Dr Farry, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Ford, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hazzard, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr Kinahan, Ms Lo, Mr Lunn, Mr Lynch, Mr Lyttle, Mr McAleer, Mr McCallister, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr I McCrea, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr McGimpsey, Mr M McGuinness, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr McQuillan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan, Mr Spratt, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann, Mr Weir, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.


NOES

Mr Agnew, Mr B McCrea.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Agnew, Mr B McCrea.

Clause 26, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 5

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 16

Proposed:

Clause 27, Page 14, Line 20

At end insert -

‘(10) A claimant shall be provided with at least fifteen days to provide a good reason under any such requirement in this section.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 12
Noes: 79

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Eastwood, Mr Rogers.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Mr Bell, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kinahan, Mr McCallister, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr McGimpsey, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann, Mr Weir, Mr Wilson.

OTHER:

Mrs Cochrane, Mr Dickson, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Ms Lo, Mr Lunn, Mr Lyttle.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 91  Total Ayes: 12  [13.2%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 45 Unionist Ayes: 1 [2.2%]

Other Votes: 8  Other Ayes: 1 [12.5%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 6

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Clause 69 – Stand Part

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 75
Noes: 12

AYES

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Ms P Bradley, Mr Brady, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Campbell, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Ford, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hazzard, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr Kinahan, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr McCallister, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McCausland, Ms McCorley, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr McGimpsey, Mr M McGuinness, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr McQuillan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Swann, Mr Weir.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

NOES

Mr Agnew, Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers, Ms Sugden.

Tellers for the Noes: Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney.

Clause 69 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 7

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 42

Proposed:

Clause 95, Page 66, Line 30

At end insert -

‘(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (4) the benefit cap shall not be applied to child benefit or to any benefits a claimant receives for caring responsibilities, carer’s allowance or additional amounts received within Universal Credit for claimants with regular and substantial caring responsibilities under section 10 or section 12.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 12
Noes: 75

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Ms Sugden.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Campbell, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kinahan, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr McGimpsey, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Swann, Mr Weir.

OTHER:

Mr Dickson, Mr Ford.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 87  Total Ayes: 12  [13.8%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 46 Unionist Ayes: 1 [2.2%]

Other Votes: 3  Other Ayes: 1 [33.3%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 8

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 53

Proposed:

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Impact of Regulations on Victims and Survivors

130C. The Department must ensure that regulations under this Act are prepared with due regard for the impact on victims and survivors of the past in consultation with the Northern Ireland Commission for Victims and Survivors.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 21
Noes: 66

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Beggs, Mr Cree, Mrs Dobson, Mr Elliott, Mr Gardiner, Mr Kinahan, Mr McGimpsey, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Swann.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Campbell, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Devenney, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Weir.

OTHER:

Mr Dickson, Mr Ford.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 87  Total Ayes: 21  [24.1%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 46 Unionist Ayes:  10 [21.7%]

Other Votes: 3  Other Ayes: 1 [33.3%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 9

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 54

Proposed:

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Annual Report by Department

130D. The Department shall be required to table a report in the Assembly on the implementation of this Act as it affects welfare provision in Northern Ireland and on the financial arrangements governing and applicable to welfare expenditure in Northern Ireland within six months of the commencement of this Act and on an annual basis thereafter.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 12
Noes: 74

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kinahan, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr McGimpsey, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann, Mr Weir.

OTHER:

Mr Dickson, Mr Ford.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 86  Total Ayes: 12  [14.0%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes: 10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 45 Unionist Ayes: 1 [2.2%]

Other Votes: 3  Other Ayes: 1 [33.3%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Northern Ireland Assembly

10 and 11 February 2015
Division 10

Consideration Stage – Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 13/11-15) – Amendment 55

Proposed:

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Welfare Reform Committee

130E. There shall be established a committee of the Assembly which shall monitor the implementation of this Act as it affects welfare provision in Northern Ireland and to consider relevant Northern Ireland legislation and other consequential arrangements.’

Mrs D Kelly
Mr A Attwood
Mr A Maginness
Mr P Ramsey

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 11
Noes: 76

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Attwood, Mr D Bradley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McGlone, Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney, Mr A Maginness, Mr Ramsey, Mr Rogers.

OTHER:

Mr Agnew.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs McKevitt, Mr McKinney.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Boylan, Ms Boyle, Mr Brady, Ms Fearon, Mr Flanagan, Mr Hazzard, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Ms McCorley, Mr McElduff, Ms McGahan, Mr M McGuinness, Mr McKay, Ms Maeve McLaughlin, Mr McMullan, Mr Maskey, Mr Milne, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr Ó hOisín, Mr Ó Muilleoir, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Ruane, Mr Sheehan.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allister, Mr Anderson, Mr Beggs, Ms P Bradley, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Campbell, Mr Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Cree, Mr Devenney, Mrs Dobson, Mr Douglas, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Gardiner, Mr Girvan, Mr Givan, Mrs Hale, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kinahan, Mr McCallister, Mr McCausland, Mr B McCrea, Mr I McCrea, Mr McGimpsey, Miss M McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Nesbitt, Mrs Overend, Mr Poots, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann, Mr Weir.

OTHER:

Mr Dickson, Mr Ford.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan, Mr G Robinson.

Total votes: 87  Total Ayes: 11  [12.6%]

Nationalist Vote: 38 Nationalist Ayes:  10  [26.3%]

Unionist Votes: 46 Unionist Ayes: 0 [0.0%]

Other Votes: 3  Other Ayes: 1 [33.3%]

The Amendment fell on a cross-community vote.

Welfare Reform Bill

Marshalled List of Amendments

Consideration Stage

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Amendments tabled up to 9.30am Thursday, 5 February 2015 and selected for debate

The Bill will be considered in the following order-

Clauses, Schedules and Long Title

Amendment 1

Clause 4, Page 3, Line 5

At end insert -

‘(8) Regulations shall provide, in circumstances where one member of a couple does not accept a claimant commitment within a prescribed period, that the claim may be considered as a claim by the other member of the couple as a single person.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann

Clause 4

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 4 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 2

Clause 6, Page 3, Line 28

Leave out ‘7’ and insert ‘3’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 3

New Clause

After clause 6 insert -

‘Joint claims where one party does not accept claimant commitment

6A. In a claim by members of a couple jointly, where one party does not accept a claimant commitment the claim shall proceed as if the party who has signed a claimant commitment had made a single person claim and payment shall be made to that party.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 4

New Clause

After clause 6 insert -

‘Provision of Claimant Documentation

6B. Regulations must provide, if a claimant is unable to provide documentation required to process a claim, for the information to be provided by prescribed third parties to enable the claim to be processed.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 5

Clause 10, Page 4, Line 36

At end insert -

‘(2A) Where an additional amount under subsection (2) can be awarded at two different rates, the lower rate shall be no less than two thirds of the higher rate.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Clause 10

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 10 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 6

Clause 11, Page 5, Line 25

At end insert -

‘(4A) Regulations under subsection (4) shall provide that any calculation involving a reduction based on the age of the claimant shall not take effect for a period of 52 weeks in respect of any new claimant.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 7

Clause 11, Page 5, Line 31

At end insert -

‘(iii)  to continue for a period of four weeks after a claimant is employed.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Clause 12

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 12 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 8

New Clause

After clause 12 insert -

‘Frequency of payment

Frequency of payment

12A. Universal credit shall be paid twice monthly unless a single claimant or the members of a couple jointly opt, in making a claim, to be paid on a monthly basis.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann
Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood

Amendment 9

Clause 14, Page 6, Line 32

At end insert -

  ‘(a)  in preparing, reviewing and updating a claimant commitment under subsection (2) the Department shall have due regard for the claimant’s skills, experience, caring responsibilities and physical and mental ill health.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 10

Clause 16, Page 7, Line 35

Leave out ‘approved by the Department’ and insert ‘employed by a HSC Trust or who is a general practitioner’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 11

Clause 16, Page 7, Line 41

At end insert -

  ‘(c)  any decision taken under subsection (5) shall take account of relevant medical evidence including evidence of mental ill health.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 12

Clause 24, Page 12, Line 3

Leave out ‘—’ and insert ‘or an incident motivated by hate—’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 13

Clause 24, Page 12, Line 15

At end insert -

‘(9) For the purposes of subsection (7)⁠—

(a)  an ‘incident motivated by hate’ has such meaning as may be prescribed;

(b)  a ‘victim of an incident motivated by hate’ means a person on or against whom an incident motivated by hate is inflicted or threatened (and regulations under subsection (7) may prescribe circumstances in which a person is to be treated as being or not being a victim of a serious incident motivated by hate)’;

(c)  a person has recently been a victim of an incident motivated by hate if a prescribed period has not expired since the incident was inflicted or threatened.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 14

Clause 26, Page 13, Line 13

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘18 months’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 15

Clause 26, Page 13, Line 13

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘26 weeks’

Mr Steven Agnew

Clause 26

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 26 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 16

Clause 27, Page 14, Line 20

At end insert -

‘(10) A claimant shall be provided with at least fifteen days to provide a good reason under any such requirement in this section.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 17

New Clause

After clause 37 insert -

‘The Independent Living Fund

37A. The Department shall bring forward within 18 months of commencement of this Act a fund to replace the Independent Living Fund, following consultation with the Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 18

Clause 38, Page 17, Line 29

At end insert -

 ‘and any such assessment must take account of relevant medical evidence.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann

Amendment 19

Clause 38, Page 17, Line 29

At end insert -

 ‘and any such assessment shall take account of relevant medical evidence including evidence of mental ill health.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 20

Clause 42, Page 20, Line 16

At end insert -

‘(7) Within six months of a pilot scheme being initiated under section 41 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 the Department shall bring forward a similar pilot scheme in Northern Ireland under this section.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 21

Clause 44, Page 20

Leave out from line 40 to line 6 on page 21 and insert -

‘shall not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 22

Clause 44, Page 21, Line 32

Leave out subsection (6)

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 23

Clause 47, Page 25, Line 29

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘18 months’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 24

Clause 47, Page 25, Line 29

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘26 weeks’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 25

Clause 50, Page 35, Line 14

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘18 months’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 26

Clause 50, Page 35, Line 14

Leave out ‘3 years’ and insert ‘26 weeks’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 27

Clause 52, Page 39

Leave out lines 7 to 12

Mr Steven Agnew
Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness

Clause 52

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 52 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 28

Clause 54, Page 40, Line 19

At end insert -

 ‘unless the claimant had made contributions before the commencement of this Act’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Clause 54

The Members listed below gives notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 54 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development
Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 29

New Clause

After clause 54 insert -

‘Condition relating to youth

54A. In paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the Welfare Reform Act 2007 (condition relating to youth) after sub-paragraph (1)(d) insert⁠—

  “(e)  after the assessment phase has ended, the claimant has limited capacity for work-related activity”.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Clause 61

The Members listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 61 stand part of the Bill.

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Clause 62

The Members listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 62 stand part of the Bill.

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 30

Clause 63, Page 53, Line 3

Leave out ‘ordinary’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 31

Clause 63, Page 53, Line 10

Leave out ‘ordinary’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 32

Clause 63, Page 53, Line 17

Leave out subsections (6) and (7)

Minister for Social Development

Clause 63

The Members listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 63 stand part of the Bill.

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 33

New Clause

After clause 63 insert -

‘Entitlement to work: statutory shared parental pay

63A.—(1) Part 12ZC of the Contributions and Benefits Act (inserted by section 5 of the Work and Families Act (Northern Ireland) 2015) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 167ZU(2) (entitlement: birth) after paragraph (c) there is inserted⁠—

“(ca)  that at the end of that prescribed week the claimant mother was entitled to be in that employment,”.

(3) In section 167ZU(4) (entitlement: birth) after paragraph (d) there is inserted⁠—

“(da)  that at the end of that prescribed week the claimant was entitled to be in that employment,”.

(4) In section 167ZW(2) (entitlement: adoption) after paragraph (c) there is inserted⁠—

“(ca)  that at the end of that prescribed week claimant A was entitled to be in that employment,”.

(5) In section 167ZW(4) (entitlement: adoption) after paragraph (d) there is inserted⁠—

“(da)  that at the end of that prescribed week claimant B was entitled to be in that employment,”.’

Minister for Social Development

Clause 69

The Members listed below gives notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 69 stand part of the Bill.

Mr Steven Agnew
Chair, Committee for Social Development
Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood

Amendment 34

New Clause

After clause 76 insert -

‘Pilot scheme

76A. The Department shall arrange for the operation of at least one pilot scheme in relation to this Part for the purposes of testing the effectiveness of arrangements for making personal independence payments and the outcomes for claimants.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann

Amendment 35

Clause 79, Page 60, Line 27

At end insert -

‘(2A) Any person determining a question mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) shall take account of relevant medical evidence.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann

Amendment 36

Clause 79, Page 60, Line 27

At end insert -

‘(2A) Any person determining a question mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) must take account of relevant medical evidence including evidence of mental ill health.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 37

Clause 79, Page 60, Line 31

At end insert -

‘( )  must provide that a person carrying out an assessment under paragraph (a) or determining a question under subsection (1) or (2) shall be a health care professional employed by a HSC Trust or a general practitioner;’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 38

Clause 80, Page 61, Line 19

Leave out ‘9 months’ and insert ‘6 months’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 39

Clause 80, Page 61, Line 33

Leave out ‘“the next 9 months” means the 9 months’ and insert ‘“the next 6 months” means the 6 months’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 40

Clause 93, Page 65

Leave out lines 16 to 22 and insert ‘shall not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 41

Clause 93, Page 65, Line 33

Leave out subsection (7)

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 42

Clause 95, Page 66, Line 30

At end insert -

‘(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (4) the benefit cap shall not be applied to child benefit or to any benefits a claimant receives for caring responsibilities, carer’s allowance or additional amounts received within Universal Credit for claimants with regular and substantial caring responsibilities under section 10 or section 12.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Clause 99

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 99 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Amendment 43

New Clause

After clause 100 insert -

‘Payment of awards in cash

100A. The Department shall ensure that a claimant under this Act who has no access to a bank account shall have access to any relevant award in cash.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 44

New Clause

After clause 101 insert -

‘Payments pending appeal

101A. In Section 5(1) of the Social Security Administration Act (NI) 1992 (regulations about claims and payments) after paragraph (r) insert⁠—

  “(s)  for the making of a payment pending appeal”.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 45

Clause 103, Page 71, Line 30

At end insert -

‘(8) Subsection (1) does not apply unless it is determined that, whether fraudulently or otherwise, the claimant has misrepresented, or failed to disclose, any material fact.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Clause 109

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 109 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Clause 110

The Chairperson of the Committee listed below give notice of their intention to oppose the question that clause 110 stand part of the Bill.

Chair, Committee for Social Development

Clause 111

The Minister for Social Development gives notice of his intention to oppose the question that clause 111 stand part of the Bill.

Minister for Social Development

Clause 112

The Minister for Social Development gives notice of his intention to oppose the question that clause 112 stand part of the Bill.

Minister for Social Development

Clause 115

The Member listed below gives notice of his intention to oppose the question that clause 115 stand part of the Bill.

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 46

Clause 117, Page 88, Line 9

At end insert -

‘( )  the Department of Justice;’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 47

New Clause

After clause 120 insert -

‘Reports by Department

120A. In Article 76 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (reports by Department) for paragraph (1) substitute⁠—

“(1) The Department shall prepare, either annually or at such times or intervals as may be prescribed, a report on⁠—

(a)  the standards achieved by the Department in the making of decisions against which an appeal lies to an appeal tribunal constituted under Chapter 1 of Part 2; and

(b)  the operation of sanctions.

(1A) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) a sanction is⁠—

(a)  the reduction in the amount of an award of universal credit, a jobseeker’s allowance, income support or an employment and support allowance on account of a failure by a person to comply with any requirement or any other conduct of a person;

(b)  the loss of, or reduction in the amount of, any sanctionable benefit under the Social Security Fraud Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

(1B) A report under paragraph (1)(b) must contain details of⁠—

(a)  the number of persons affected by sanctions;

(b)  the periods for which such persons are affected;

(c)  the reasons for which sanctions are imposed;

(d)  the benefits or allowances which are reduced or lost.”.’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 48

New Clause

Page 90, after line 23 insert -

‘Duty to ensure access to advice

Duty to ensure access to advice

120B. It is the duty of the Department to ensure that all claimants have access to independent advice in relation to making a claim under this Act.’

Mr Roy Beggs
Mr Robin Swann

Amendment 49

New Clause

After clause 120 insert -

‘Review of the Welfare Reform Act

120C.—(1) The Department must⁠—

(a)  not later than 3 years after the commencement of this Act, and

(b)  at least once in every period of 5 years thereafter,

publish an independent report on the operation and effectiveness of this Act and any regulations made under its provisions.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), any report produced under that subsection shall include⁠—

(a)  an assessment of the impact of the Act on⁠—

(i)  the number of people with a disability living in poverty;

(ii)  the number of children living in poverty;

  (iii)  the financial impact on woman claimants;

and

(b)  recommendations for legislative change to remedy any negative impact of the Act on any of the categories of person listed in section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

(3) The Department shall lay before the Assembly as soon as is reasonably practical after publication any report produced under subsection (1) and shall propose a debate on the report in the Assembly not less than one week and no more than six weeks after the report is laid.’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 50

New Clause

After clause 120 insert -

‘Duty to ensure access to independent advice

120D.—(1) The Department shall ensure that any person making a claim under this Act shall be entitled to have access to independent confidential advice and assistance provided free of charge in relation to making a claim under this Act.

(2) For the purposes of section (120) the Department must bring forward guidance on the independent confidential advice and assistance which is to be provided in consultation with the Northern Ireland Advice Services Consortium, within 3 months of the commencement of this section.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Clause 129

The Minister for Social Development gives notice of his intention to oppose the question that clause 129 stand part of the Bill.

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 51

New Clause

After clause 130 insert -

‘Discretionary support

130A.—(1) The Department may, in accordance with regulations under this section⁠—

(a)  make payments by way of grant or loan to prescribed persons;

(b)  provide, or arrange for the provision of, goods or services to prescribed persons.

(2) Anything done under subsection (1)(a) or (b) is referred to in this section as the provision of discretionary support.

(3) Regulations may make provision⁠—

(a)  for the Department to provide discretionary support only in prescribed circumstances;

(b)  conferring a discretion on the Department (subject to any provision made by virtue of paragraph (c) or (d))⁠—

(i)  as to whether or not to provide discretionary support in a particular case; and

(ii)  as to the nature of the discretionary support and (in the case of support by way of payments) as to the amount of the payments and the period for or in respect of which they are made;

(c)  imposing a limit on the amount of the discretionary support that the Department may make in any particular case;

(d)  restricting the period for or in respect of which the Department may provide discretionary support in any particular case;

(e)  for claims for discretionary support to be made in the prescribed form and manner and for the procedure to be followed in dealing with and disposing of such claims;

(f)  imposing conditions on persons claiming or receiving discretionary support requiring them to provide to the Department such information as may be prescribed;

(g)  for the disclosure of information relating to discretionary support in prescribed circumstances or to prescribed persons;

(h)  authorising the Department in prescribed circumstances to recover by prescribed means discretionary payments made under this section;

(i)  requiring or authorising reviews (whether by the Department or a prescribed person) of decisions made by the Department with respect to the provision of discretionary support or the recovery of payments made under this section;

(j)  for such other matters as appear to the Department to be necessary or expedient in connection with the provision of discretionary support, including provision creating criminal offences and provision amending or applying (with or without modification) any statutory provision.

(4) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by, or determined in accordance with, regulations under this section.

(5) Discretionary support is not to be regarded as a social security benefit; but regulations under this section may provide for any statutory provision relating to a social security benefit (or to such benefits generally) to apply with prescribed modifications to discretionary support.

(6) Regulations shall not be made under this section unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, the Assembly.

(7) The Department shall, in respect of each financial year, prepare and lay before the Assembly a report on the operation of regulations made under this section.’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 52

New Clause

After clause 130 insert -

‘Discretionary support Commissioner

130B.—(1) There shall be an officer known as “the discretionary support Commissioner”.

(2) The discretionary support Commissioner shall be appointed by the Department on such terms and conditions as the Department may determine.

(3) The discretionary support Commissioner⁠—

(a)  shall appoint such discretionary support inspectors; and

(b)  may appoint such staff for the Commissioner and for discretionary support inspectors,

as the Commissioner thinks fit but with the consent of the Department.

(4) Appointments under subsection (3) shall be made from persons made available to the Commissioner by the Department.

(5) Discretionary support inspectors have such functions as are conferred or imposed on them⁠—

(a)  by regulations under section 130A, or

(b)  by any other statutory provision,

in relation to the review of decisions of the Department.

(6) It shall be the duty of the discretionary support Commissioner⁠—

(a)  to monitor the quality of decisions of discretionary support inspectors and give them such advice and assistance as the Commissioner thinks fit to improve the standard of their decisions;

(b)  to arrange such training of discretionary support inspectors as the Commissioner considers necessary;

(c)  to carry out such other functions in connection with the work of discretionary support inspectors as the Department may require;

(d)  to report annually in writing to the Department on the standards of reviews by discretionary support inspectors.

(7) The Department shall publish any report made under subsection (6)(d).

(8) In Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Administration Act after the entries under the heading “The social fund” there is inserted⁠—

“Discretionary support officers

The discretionary support Commissioner.

A discretionary support inspector.

A member of any staff appointed under section 130B(3)(b) of the  Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.”

(9) In the Freedom of Information Act 2000, in Part 7 of Schedule 1 after the entry relating to the social fund Commissioner there is inserted⁠—

“The discretionary support Commissioner appointed under section 130B of the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.”.’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 53

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Impact of Regulations on Victims and Survivors

130C. The Department must ensure that regulations under this Act are prepared with due regard for the impact on victims and survivors of the past in consultation with the Northern Ireland Commission for Victims and Survivors.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 54

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Annual Report by Department

130D. The Department shall be required to table a report in the Assembly on the implementation of this Act as it affects welfare provision in Northern Ireland and on the financial arrangements governing and applicable to welfare expenditure in Northern Ireland within six months of the commencement of this Act and on an annual basis thereafter.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 55

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Welfare Reform Committee

130E. There shall be established a committee of the Assembly which shall monitor the implementation of this Act as it affects welfare provision in Northern Ireland and to consider relevant Northern Ireland legislation and other consequential arrangements.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 56

New Clause

Page 94, after line 19 insert -

‘Review

130F. The Northern Ireland Joint Standards Committee for the Social Security Agency and Child Maintenance Service shall monitor the standards and quality of decision making with regards to the sanctions defined under this Act and report to the Social Security Agency and Child Maintenance Service on an annual basis.’

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Alban Maginness
Mr Pat Ramsey

Amendment 57

Clause 132, Page 94, Line 28

At end insert -

‘“general practitioner” means a medical practitioner providing primary medical services;

“HSC Trust” means a Health and Social Care trust established under Article 10 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 1);’

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 58

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 1

Leave out ‘46 to’ and insert ‘section’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 59

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 3

Leave out paragraph (b) and insert -

‘( )  sections 51 and 56 (employment and support allowance);’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 60

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 5

Leave out paragraph (c)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 61

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 6

At end insert -

‘( )  sections 65, 67 and 68 (industrial injuries benefit);

( )  section 69 (housing benefit determinations);’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 62

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 8

At end insert -

‘( )  sections 95 and 96 (benefit cap regulations);’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 63

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 9

Leave out paragraphs (f), (g) and (h)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 64

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 23

Leave out ‘section 109 to 111’ and insert ‘sections 109 and 110’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 65

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 24

Leave out paragraph (l)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 66

Clause 133, Page 95

Leave out lines 27 and 28 and insert -

‘( )  sections 121 and 124 to 126 (child support maintenance);’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 67

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 31

Leave out paragraph (q)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 68

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 32

Leave out paragraph (r)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 69

Clause 133, Page 95, Line 32

At end insert -

‘( )  sections 130A and 130B (discretionary support);’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 70

Clause 133, Page 95

Leave out line 34 and insert -

‘(t)  in Schedule 7, paragraphs 2, 6, 8 and 13(1) and’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 71

Clause 133, Page 95

Leave out lines 39 and 40 and insert -

  ‘(ii)  in Part 3 the entries relating to paragraph 27(3)(b) of Schedule 8 to the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and to Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2010,’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 72

Clause 133, Page 96, Line 9

Leave out subsection (5)

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 73

Schedule 1, Page 98, Line 17

Leave out sub-paragraph (4)

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 74

Schedule 1, Page 98, Line 32

Leave out paragraph 6

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 75

Schedule 1, Page 99, Line 5

Leave out paragraph 7

Mr Steven Agnew

Amendment 76

Schedule 12, Page 134

Leave out lines 31 to 40

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 77

Schedule 12, Page 139, Line 20, Column 2

At end insert -

‘In Article 76(1A)(a), the words “, income support”.’

Minister for Social Development

Amendment 78

Schedule 12, Page 153

Leave out lines 4 to 8

Minister for Social Development

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 10 and 11 February 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

Registry of Credit Unions & Industrial and Provident Societies Annual Report 2013/14 (DETI).

Construction Industry Training Board NI Annual Report 2013/2014 (DEL).

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

S.R. 2015/45 The Water Framework Directive (Priority Substances and Classification) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DOE).

S.R. 2015/46 The Rates (Owners Allowances) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DFP).

S.R. 2015/47 The Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DFP).

S.R. 2015/48 The Rates (Temporary Rebate) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DFP).

For Information Only:

S.R. 2015/37 The Loading Bays on Roads (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DRD).

S.R. 2015/38 The Taxis (Antrim) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (DRD).

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

Consultation on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill (DCAL).

9. Departmental Publications

Final Outturn Report 2013-14 (DFP).

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 10 February 2015

2011-2016 Mandate
Executive Bills

2011-2016 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.