Order Paper

Reference: 37-11/15

Date: 06 December 2011

1. Prayers

2. Speaker’s Business

Public Petition: Opposition to Hydraulic Fracturing in Northern Ireland

Mr S Agnew

3. Question Time

3.1 Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

3.2 Social Development

3.3 Assembly Commission

4. Private Members’ Business

Motion: Hydraulic Fracturing

Proposed:

That this Assembly believes that a moratorium should be placed on the onshore and offshore exploration, development and production of shale gas by withdrawing licences for hydraulic fracturing (fracking), at least until the publication of a detailed environmental impact assessment into the practice; notes that hydraulic fracturing can put local water sources at risk of contamination; further notes that, amongst a variety of adverse environmental impacts, the process of fracking can cause serious well blowouts, which put both workers and local communities at risk; considers that the production of hard-to-reach fossil fuels is not compatible with efforts to achieve carbon reduction targets; and urges the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give greater support to the generation of energy from renewable sources instead.

Mr S Agnew
Ms A Lo
Mr C Lyttle
Mr S Dickson

Motion: Impact of the Introduction of the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes that the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive is to come into effect from January 2012; recognises that the introduction of a ban on the use of battery cages has led to significant modifications on many farms; notes with concern that one third of Europe's egg industries will not be compliant with the new regulations by January 2012; and calls on the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how she will ensure that Northern Ireland's egg producers will not be disadvantaged by cheaper imports which derive from non-compliant producers.

Mrs J Dobson
Mr R Swann