Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Personal Prayer or Meditation

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speaker's Business

2.1 Ministerial Appointment

The Speaker informed Members that, on 28 October 2015, Mrs Emma Pengelly had taken up the office of Junior Minister in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The Speaker confirmed that the Member affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in Schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and confirmed the appointment.

3. Public Petition

3.1 Public Petition – We want our Larne Line Timetable back

Mr Stewart Dickson was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition regarding the Larne railway timetable.

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 First Stage – Shared Education Bill (NIA Bill 66/11-16)

The Minister of Education, Mr John O'Dowd, introduced a Bill to make provision in relation to shared education.

The Shared Education Bill (NIA Bill 66/11-16) passed First Stage and ordered to be printed.

5. Private Members' Business

5.1 Motion – Marriage Equality

A valid Petition of Concern was presented under Standing Order 28, on Friday 23 October 2015 in relation to the Motion (Appendix 1).

Proposed:

That this Assembly calls on the Executive to table legislation to allow for same sex marriage.

Mr A Attwood
Mr C Eastwood
Ms C Ruane
Mr D McKay

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Motion was negatived on a cross community vote (Division).

5.2 Motion – Mental Health

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises that mental ill health affects one in four people every year; further recognises the importance of having quality services that are fairly resourced, trained staff to afford early access and support, and a focus on prevention, resilience and mental wellbeing; recognises the importance of rehabilitation, with clear objectives established for accessing mental health professionals, within 28 days and close to home; further recognises the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma and discrimination in relation to mental ill health; and calls for the Executive to work in collaboration to make dealing with mental ill health a top Programme for Government priority.

Mr F McKinney
Mr D Bradley
Mrs D Kelly

5.3 Amendment

Proposed:

Insert after third 'health;':

'urges broad support for the urgent implementation of the world class mental trauma service announced by the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in September;'

Mr A Easton
Mrs P Cameron
Mr G Robinson
Mr T Buchanan

Debate ensued.

The debate was suspended for Question Time.

6. Assembly Business

6.1 Motion – Suspension of Standing Order 20(1)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 20(1) be suspended for the 02 November 2015.

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

The motion was not moved.

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

7. Question Time

7.1 Social Development

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Social Development, Mr Mervyn Storey.

7.2 Agriculture and Rural Development

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Michelle O'Neill.

8. Private Members' Business (cont'd)

8.1 Motion – Mental Health (cont'd)

Debate resumed.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) took the Chair.

The Question being put, the Amendment was made.

The Question being put, the Motion, as amended, was carried.

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 4.50pm.

Mr Mitchel McLaughlin
The Speaker

02 November 2015