Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speaker's Business

Royal Assent

The Speaker advised Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 4 August 2021 to the Budget (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Act 2021, that Royal Assent had been signified on 9 August 2021 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, that Royal Assent had been signified on 26 August 2021 to the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, and the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021.

Committee Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson Resignations and Appointments

The Speaker informed Members that, with effect from 31 July 2021, Ms Linda Dillon had resigned as the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice. The Speaker also informed Members that he had received notification from the nominating officer for Sinn Féin that Ms Sinéad Ennis had been nominated to fill the vacancy of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice, with effect from 2 August 2021.

3. Private Members' Business

3.1 Motion: Guidance to Schools on COVID-19

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses its significant concern with increasing reports of pupil absences due to the COVID-19 situation in our schools; recognises that this situation has been worsened by the failure of the Minister of Education to develop clear and robust guidance for our school staff; notes the scale of the burden which this has placed on many of our principals and teachers; and calls on the Minister of Education to work urgently with the Public Health Agency to issue guidance which is cognisant of the unique circumstances of the school setting in the context of COVID-19.

Mr Pat Sheehan
Ms Nicola Brogan
Mr Colm Gildernew
Ms Sinéad Ennis

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried (Division).

4. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 2.12pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker
9 September 2021

Northern Ireland Assembly

9 September 2021 - Division

Motion: Guidance to Schools on COVID-19

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses its significant concern with increasing reports of pupil absences due to the COVID-19 situation in our schools; recognises that this situation has been worsened by the failure of the Minister of Education to develop clear and robust guidance for our school staff; notes the scale of the burden which this has placed on many of our principals and teachers; and calls on the Minister of Education to work urgently with the Public Health Agency to issue guidance which is cognisant of the unique circumstances of the school setting in the context of COVID-19.

Mr Pat Sheehan
Ms Nicola Brogan
Mr Colm Gildernew
Ms Sinéad Ennis

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 41
Noes: 29

AYES

Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Ms Anderson, Dr Archibald, Ms Armstrong, Mrs Barton, Mr Beggs, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Ms Brogan, Mr Butler, Mr Carroll, Mr Chambers, Mr Dickson, Ms Dillon, Ms Dolan, Ms Ennis, Ms Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Ms Hargey, Mr Kearney, Mr G Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr Lyttle, Mr McAleer, Mr McCann, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr Muir, Ms Mullan, Ms Á Murphy, Mr C Murphy, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Rogan, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Ayes: Ms Brogan, Mr Sheehan.

NOES

Mr Allister, Mr M Bradley, Ms P Bradley, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Middleton, Mr Newton, Mr Poots, Mr Robinson, Mr Stalford, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Stalford, Mr Wells.

The motion was carried.

The following Members' votes were cast by their notified proxy in this division:

Mr Humphrey voted for Mr M Bradley, Ms P Bradley, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Hilditch, Mr Irwin, Mr Lyons, Mr Middleton, Miss McIlveen, Mr Newton, Mr Poots, Mr Robinson, Mr Stalford [Teller, Noes], Mr Storey and Mr Weir.

Mrs Dodds voted for Mrs Foster.

Mr Butler voted for Mr Aiken, Mr Allen, Mrs Barton, Mr Beggs, Mr Chambers, Mr Nesbitt and Mr Stewart.

Mr O'Dowd voted for Ms Anderson, Dr Archibald, Mr Boylan, Ms Brogan [Teller, Ayes], Ms Dillon, Ms Dolan, Ms Ennis, Ms Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Ms Hargey, Mr Kearney, Mr G Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McCann, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms Mullan, Ms A Murphy, Mr C Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Rogan, Mr Sheehan [Teller, Ayes] and Ms Sheerin.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly 21 July 2021 to 9 September 2021

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Budget (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Act 2021

Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Patient and Client Council Annual Reports & Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Climate Change Committee Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

Social Fund Annual Report 2019/2020 (Department for Communities)

Security Industry Authority Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21 (Department of Justice)

Western Health and Social Care Trust Charitable Trust Fund Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Charitable Trust Fund Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland – Annual Report 2020-21 (Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland Water Group 2020/21 Annual Report and Accounts (Department for Infrastructure)

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Office of the Discretionary Support Commissioner Annual Report 2020- 2021 (Department for Communities)

National Crime Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Justice)

General Teaching Council for NI - Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 (Department of Education)

2020-21 Annual Report and Accounts for the Department for Communities (Department of Finance)

Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2019 (Waterways Ireland)

Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (NI Audit Office)

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

Report of the Appointed Person for Northern Ireland under Sections 195I and 291 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Article 103H of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 20052017-18 (Department of Justice)

Report of the Appointed Person for Northern Ireland under Sections 195I and 291 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Article 103H of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 20052018-19 (Department of Justice)

Report of the Appointed Person for Northern Ireland under Sections 195I and 291 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Article 103H of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 20052019-20 (Department of Justice)

Report of the Appointed Person for Northern Ireland under Sections 195I and 291 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and Article 103H of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (External Requests and Orders) Order 20052020-21 (Department of Justice)

Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency (NIGALA) Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Department of Health)

The Executive Office 2020-21 Annual Report and Accounts (Department of Finance)

Northern Ireland Social Care Council Annual Report and Accounts 2020-21 (Northern Ireland Audit Office)

Special Adviser Annual Report 2020/2021 (Department of Finance)

Legislative Consent Memorandum for Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill (Department of Finance)

5. Assembly Reports

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees First Report of Session 2021 – 2022 (NIA 121/17-22) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)

6. Statutory Rules

SR 2021/210 The Industrial Training Levy (Construction Industry) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for the Economy)

SR 2021/216 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/217 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/218 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/219 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/220 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/221 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/222 The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/225 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/230 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/231 The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/233 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 14) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/241 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (2021 Consolidation) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021 242 The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) (No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/243 The Pensions Regulator (Information Gathering Powers and Modification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/244 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Climate Change Governance and Reporting) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/245 The New NAV List (Time of Valuation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Finance)

SR 2021/246 The Occupational Pension Schemes (Climate Change Governance and Reporting) (Miscellaneous Provisions and Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/248 The Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

For information only

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/213 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/214 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/217 The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 11) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/218 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/219 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/220 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 12) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/221 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/224 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 13) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/225 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, Operator Liability and Information to Passengers) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/226 The Urban Clearways (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/227 The Prohibition of Waiting (Schools) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/228 The Parking Places and Waiting Restrictions (Ballymoney) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/229 The Road Races (Eagles Rock Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/232 The Lotteries (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/234 (C.6) The Pension Schemes (2021 Act) (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021 235 The Prohibition of Right-Hand Turn (Dungiven) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/236 The Road Races (Bushwhacker Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/237 The Road Races (Craigantlet Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/238 The Road Races (Cookstown 100 Motor Cycle Road Race) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/239 (C.7) The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (Commencement No 15) Order 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/240 (C.8) The Pension Schemes Act 2021 (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Decisions of the Executive on COVID-19, 22 July 2021 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

Decisions of the Executive on COVID-19, 26 July 2021 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

Decisions of the Executive on COVID-19, 29 July 2021 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

Setting Priorities for the Next Regional Area Plan (Minister of Education)

Decisions of the Executive on COVID-19, 12 August 2021 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

The Urology Services Inquiry (Minister of Health)

Decisions of the Executive on COVID-19, 6 September 2021 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

NHS Pay Review Body 34th Report 2021 (Department of Health)

Memorandum of Reply to the Public Accounts Committee Report Driver and Vehicle Agency 2019-20 (Department of Finance)

Memorandum of Reply to the Public Accounts Committee Report Capacity and Capability in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (Department of Finance)

2020-21 Annual Report and Accounts - Middletown Centre for Autism Limited (Department of Education)

Coronavirus Act 2020 Temporary Modification of Education Duties (No.34) Notice (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Education)

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications

PROXY VOTING NOTICES – THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2021

The following Members notified the Speaker, under Standing Order 112, that they wished to avail of proxy voting arrangements for the sitting on Thursday 9 September 2021: