Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speaker's Business

2.1 Economy Question Time

The Speaker informed Members that the Business Committee was advised last week that the Minister for the Economy would not be available to answer questions today. The Business Committee rescheduled this Question Time to Monday 21 February 2022.

3. Members' Statements

Under Standing Order 24A, the following Members made a statement to the Assembly;

Ms Órlaithí Flynn

Mrs Pam Cameron

Mr Colin McGrath

Dr Steve Aiken

Ms Paula Bradshaw

Miss Rachel Woods

Mr Jim Allister

Mr Gerry Carroll

Mr Declan McAleer

Mr Paul Frew

Mr Justin McNulty

Mr Mike Nesbitt

4. Assembly Business

4.1 Motion: Suspension of Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4)

Proposed:

That Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) be suspended for 14 February 2022.

Mr John O'Dowd
Ms Joanne Bunting
Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Robbie Butler
Mr Andrew Muir
Ms Clare Bailey

The Question being put, the motion was carried with cross-community support.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Beggs, took the Chair.

5. Executive Committee Business

5.1 First Stage: General Teaching Council (Directions) Bill (NIA Bill 54/17-22)

The Minister of Education, Miss Michelle McIlveen, introduced a Bill to empower the Department of Education to give binding directions to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland.

The General Teaching Council (Directions) Bill (NIA Bill 54/17-22) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

5.2 Consideration Stage: School Age Bill (NIA Bill 52/17-22)

The Minister of Education, Miss Michelle McIlveen, moved the Consideration Stage of the School Age Bill (NIA Bill 52/17-22).

One amendment was tabled to the Bill and selected for debate.

Clauses

The question being put, it was agreed that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed that Clause 2 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 1 inserting new clause 'Review' was made and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed that Clause 3 stand part of the Bill.

Long Title

The question being put, the Long Title was agreed.

The School Age Bill (NIA Bill 52/17-22) stood referred to the Speaker.

5.3 Consideration Stage: Adoption and Children Bill (NIA Bill 37/17-22)

The Minister of Health, Mr Robin Swann, moved the Consideration Stage of the Adoption and Children Bill (NIA Bill 37/17-22).

Sixty amendments were tabled to the Bill and selected for debate.

Clauses

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

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

The debate stood suspended for Question Time.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

6. Question Time

6.1 Communities

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Communities, Ms Deirdre Hargey.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr McGlone, took the Chair.

7. Executive Committee Business (cont'd)

7.1 Consideration Stage: Adoption and Children Bill (NIA Bill 37/17-22) (cont'd)

Debate resumed.

Clauses

After debate, Amendment 1 to Clause 3 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 2 to Clause 3 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 3, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

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

After debate, Amendment 3 to Clause 5 was made without division.

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

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 6 - 14, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 15 - 64, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 65 - 75, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 76 - 81, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 82 - 95, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 96 - 101, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 4 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 5 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 6 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 7 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 8 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 9 to Clause 102 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 10 to Clause 102 was made without division.

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

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 103 - 115, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 116 - 118, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 11 to Clause 119 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 12 to Clause 119 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 13 to Clause 119 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 119, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 120 - 121, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 14 to Clause 122 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 15 to Clause 122 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 122, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 123 - 129, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 16 to Clause 130 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 17 to Clause 130 was made without division.

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

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

After debate, Amendment 18 to Clause 132 was made without division.

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

After debate, Amendment 19 to Clause 133 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 20 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 Clauses 134 - 142, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 21 to Clause 143 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 143, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 22 to Clause 144 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 23 to Clause 144 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 144, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 24 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 25 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 26 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 27 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 28 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 29 to Clause 145 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 30 to Clause 145 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 145, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 31 to Clause 146 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 32 to Clause 146 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 146, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 33 to Clause 147 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 34 to Clause 147 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 35 to Clause 147 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 36 to Clause 147 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 147, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 37 to Clause 148 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 38 to Clause 148 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 39 to Clause 148 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 40 to Clause 148 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 148, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 41 to Clause 149 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 149, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 42 to Clause 150 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 150 as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 151 - 154, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 43 to Clause 155 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 44 to Clause 155 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 155 as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 156 - 157, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 45 inserting new clause 'Review' was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 46 to Clause 158 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 158 as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 159 - 160, stand part of the Bill.

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

After debate, Amendment 47 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 2, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 48 to Schedule 3 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 49 to Schedule 3 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 50 to Schedule 3 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 51 to Schedule 3 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 52 to Schedule 3 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 3, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 53 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 54 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 55 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 56 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 57 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 58 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

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

After debate, Amendment 59 to Schedule 5 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 60 to Schedule 5 was made without division.

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

Long Title

The question being put, the Long Title was agreed without division.

The Adoption and Children Bill (NIA Bill 37/17-22) stood referred to the Speaker.

The Speaker took the Chair.

8. Committee Business

8.1 Motion: Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights

Proposed:

That this Assembly approves the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights (NIA 156/17-22).

Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

The Principal Deputy Speaker, took the Chair.

8.2 Motion: Report on the Review of the Governance and Accountability Arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the report of the Audit Committee, under Standing Order 46(7), on its Review of the Governance and Accountability Arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIA 158/17-22); and approves the Committee's recommendations contained in the report.

Chairperson, Audit Committee

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 7.32pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker
14 February 2022

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 9 February 2022 to 14 February 2022.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

General Teaching Council (Directions) Bill (NIA Bill 54/17-22)

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Funds in Court in Northern Ireland Statement of Accounts 2020-21 (Courts and Tribunals Service)

Organised Crime Task Force Annual Report and Threat Assessment 2020/21 (Department of Justice)

Northern Ireland Spring Supplementary Estimates 2021-2022 (Department of Finance)

Northern Ireland Estimates Vote on Account 2022-2023 (Department of Finance)

5. Assembly Reports

Report on the Support for Mortgage Interest etc. (Security for Loans) Bill (NIA 162/17-22) (Committee for Communities)

Report on the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill (NIA 168/17-22) (Committee for the Economy)

6. Statutory Rules

SR 2022/000 Draft SR The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Registration of deaths and still-births) (Extension) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Finance)

SR 2022/35 The Adam Street, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/38 The Glebe Park, Moira (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/40 The Mullinure Lane, Armagh (Abandonment and Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/41 The Century Street, Belfast (Footway) (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/43 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Health)

SR 2022/44 The Bus Operator (Coronavirus, Financial Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/45 The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Education)

SR 2022/46 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Health)

For information only

SR 2022/32 The Welfare Supplementary Payment (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Communities)

SR 2022/33 The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/30 (C.2) The Damages (Return on Investment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department of Justice)

SR 2022/34 The Insolvency Practitioners (Recognised Professional Bodies) (Revocation of Recognition) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for the Economy)

SR 2022/36 The Parking Places (Disabled Persons' Vehicles) (Amendment No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/37 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Newtownabbey) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/39 The Roads (Speed Limit) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2022/42 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Carrickfergus) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 (Department for Infrastructure)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Health Protection Restrictions (Minister of Health)

8. Consultation Documents

Consultation on Energy Intensive Industries (Department for the Economy)

9. Departmental Publications

Regulatory Impact Assessment on Nicotine Inhaling Products (Department of Health)

10. Agency Publications

Annual Report on the Recognition System February 2022 (Press Recognition Panel)

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications

PROXY VOTING NOTICES – MONDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2022

The following Members notified the Speaker, under Standing Order 112, that they wished to avail of proxy voting arrangements for the sitting on Monday 14 February 2022: