Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Matter of the Day

2.1 Operation Kenova Interim Report

Ms Joanne Bunting, under Standing Order 24, made a Statement on the Operation Kenova Interim Report. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3. Members’ Statements

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

Miss Deirdre Hargey
Mr Harry Harvey
Mr David Honeyford
Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Colin McGrath
Mrs Linda Dillon
Mr Phillip Brett
Dr Steve Aiken
Ms Aisling Reilly
Mr Paul Frew
Mr Justin McNulty
Ms Sorcha Eastwood
Mr Gerry Carroll
Mr Gary Middleton

4. Public Petition

4.1 Future of Ballycopeland Windmill and Café, Millisle

Mr Stephen Dunne was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition on the Future of Ballycopeland Windmill and Café, Millisle.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

5. Assembly Business

5.1 Motion: Trustees of the Assembly Members' Pension Scheme

Proposed:

That the following Members are appointed as Trustees of the Assembly Members’ Pension Scheme, in accordance with the scheme rules: Mrs Ciara Ferguson; Mr Trevor Clarke; Mr Stewart Dickson; Dr Steven Aiken; and Mr Mark Durkan.

Assembly Commission

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

5.2 Motion: Committee Membership

Proposed:

That Ms Kate Nicholl replace Ms Sian Mulholland as a member of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Miss Nuala McAllister

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

6. Executive Committee Business

6.1 Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

Proposed:

That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved.

Minister of Justice

Debate ensued

The Question being put, the motion was carried.


6.2 Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022

Proposed:

That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 be approved.

Minister of Health

Motion not moved.

Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

Proposed:

That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved.

Minister of Health

Motion not moved.

Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

Proposed:

That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved.

Minister of Health

Debate ensued.

The debate stood suspended for Question Time, the Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

7. Question Time

7.1 Justice
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long.

7.2 Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Andrew Muir.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

8. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

8.1 Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

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

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the chair.

9. Private Members’ Business

9.1 Motion: International Women’s Day

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises that International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women; believes that this day both serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done; and supports action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

Ms Michelle O’Neill
Mrs Deborah Erskine
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr John Stewart
Ms Cara Hunter

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

10. Assembly Business (cont’d)

10.1 Motion: Extension of Sitting on Monday 11 March 2024 under Standing Order 10(3A)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 11 March 2024 be extended to no later than 8pm.

Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Trevor Clarke
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr John Stewart
Mr Colin McGrath
Ms Claire Sugden

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

11. Private Members’ Business

11.1 Motion: Backlog in MOT Testing

Proposed:

That this Assembly stresses the importance of fair and timely access to vehicle testing across Northern Ireland; believes it is unacceptable that many motorists are facing lengthy delays to secure an MOT appointment; notes with concern the impact such delays have on those living and working in our communities, including in rural and hard-to-reach areas, as well as many businesses; regrets the costly and protracted delays in opening new testing centres at Mallusk and Hydebank; expresses alarm at increased fees for MOT testing in the absence of tangible progress toward ramping up capacity; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to bring forward an ambitious and costed plan to tackle the backlog in tests, cut waiting times, deal with ‘no shows’ and ensure fairer access for those who are currently disadvantaged as soon as possible.

Mrs Deborah Erskine
Mr Stephen Dunne
Mr Keith Buchanan

Amendment:

Proposed:

After ‘calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to’ insert:

‘commence a public consultation on biennial vehicle testing and to’

Mr Mark Durkan
Mr Colin McGrath

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the amendment was made.

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

12. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 6.45pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
11 March 2024

Northern Ireland Assembly

11 March 2024 - Division

Motion: The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

Proposed:

That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved.

Minister of Health

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 7
Noes: 65

AYES

Dr Aiken, Mr Beattie, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Stewart, Mr Swann.

Tellers for the Ayes: Dr Aiken, Mr Chambers.

NOES

Mr Allister, Dr Archibald, Ms Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Miss Brogan, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr Brown, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Mrs Dodds, Mr Donnelly, Mr Dunne, Mr Durkan, Mr Easton, Ms Eastwood, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Flynn, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Harvey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Miss McIlveen, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Middleton, Ms Mulholland, Miss Á Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Robinson, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Ms Hunter, Mr O'Toole.

The motion was negatived.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 6 March 2024 to 11 March 2024.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

SR 2024/31 The Farming for the Generations Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2024/33 The Beechfield Drive, Donaghadee (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/34 The Carrickmannon Road, Crossgar (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/35 The Back Street at Botanic Avenue and Donegall Pass, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/36 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

SR 2024/37 The Misuse of Drugs (Designation) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

SR 2024/38 The Police Pensions (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Justice)

SR 2024/39 The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (General Levy) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Communities)

SR 2024/40 The Bayhead Road, Portballintrae (Footway) (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/45 The Public Service Pensions Revaluation Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Finance)

SR 2024/46 The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Specified Diseases and Prescribed Occupations) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Communities)

SR 2024/47 The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Communities)

SR 2024/48 The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Communities)

SR 2024/49 The Health and Social Care Pension Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

SR 2024/50 The Health and Social Care Pension Schemes (Partial Retirement etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

SR 2024/51 The Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Communities)

For information only

SR 2024/30 (C. 1) The Adoption and Children (2022 Act) (Commencement No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

SR 2024/32 The Parking Places on Roads and Waiting Restrictions (Newry) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/41 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Enniskillen) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/42 The Parking Places on Roads and Waiting Restrictions (Coalisland) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/43 The Prohibition of Right-Hand Turn (Portstewart) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/44 The Road Races (Circuit of Ireland Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)


5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI) Action Plan (Minister of Health)

Public Expenditure: 2023-24 Final Plan – Revised (Minister of Finance)

6th Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report April 2022-2023– (Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

Pay Settlement for Teachers for 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24 (Minister of Education)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Report to the Assembly on the proposed removal of the requirement to determine eligibility for payment of ill health benefits in the Pension Pensions (Northern Ireland) 2015 (Department of Justice)

Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on Child Poverty in Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Audit Office)

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Northern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Southern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Ards and North Down Borough Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Southern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, 2023 Annual Report to Belfast City Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Northern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Western Division, 2023 Annual Report to Derry and Strabane District Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Western Division, 2023 Annual Report to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, 2023 Annual Report to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Northern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Mid and East Antrim District Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Western Division, 2023 Annual Report to Mid-Ulster District Council

Department for Infrastructure, DFI Roads, Southern Division, 2023 Annual Report to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council