Order Paper

• Indicative timings for the order of business
• Marshalled List of Amendments from 31 May 2024

The Assembly to sit at 10.30am.

1.   Prayers

2.   Members’ Statements

3.   Question Time

3.1     Finance

4.   Opposition Business

Motion: Independent Inquiry into the Alleged Use of Wiretapping of Northern Ireland Journalists

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the essential role of a free press in an open and democratic society; understands that a vital part of that role is the investigation and scrutiny of public bodies, including the legitimate use and protection of sources; affirms that the press cannot be expected to operate effectively if journalists can be intimidated, harassed or subject to unwarranted or unjustified surveillance; and calls on the Minister of Justice to launch an independent inquiry into the alleged use of wiretapping and other unlawful practices against journalists.

Leader of the Opposition

Motion: Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the alarming prevalence of hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland and across these islands; recognises that legislation governing hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland is outdated and no longer fit for purpose; believes that hate crime legislation can protect communities with protected characteristics while ensuring adequate protection for the freedom of speech and reasonable religious political or other beliefs; acknowledges the work of the Marrinan Review into hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland; expresses disappointment at the lack of progress that has been made in enacting the recommendations of the Review in the past four years; and calls on the Minister of Justice to introduce standalone hate crime legislation, based on the definition and recommendations set out in the Marrinan Review, within the next twelve months.

Leader of the Opposition

Motion: Conversion Practices

Proposed:

That this Assembly deplores that harmful and damaging conversion practices are still legal in Northern Ireland; recognises that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; notes the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; reaffirms its support for a ban on conversion practices in all forms; and calls on the Minister for Communities to commit to bringing forward legislation on an effective ban on conversion practices before the end of the current Assembly mandate.

Leader of the Opposition

5.   Assembly Business

Motion: Northern Ireland Assembly Financial Assistance for Political Parties Scheme 2024

Proposed:

That, in accordance with section 2 of the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Act (Northern Ireland) 2000, this Assembly approves the revised scheme NIA 32/22-27 laid before the Assembly on 16 May 2024 for payments to political parties for the purpose of assisting Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly who are connected with such parties to perform their Assembly duties.

Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Trevor Clarke
Miss Nuala McAllister
Mr Colin McGrath

6.   Adjournment

• Supporting Educational Achievement in West Belfast

Mr Pat Sheehan