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1. Minute of Proceedings No. 40/00 MONDAY 26 MARCH 2001 The Assembly met at 10.30 am, the Speaker in the Chair 1. Personal Prayer or Meditation 1.1 Members observed two minutes’ silence. 2. Royal Assent 2.1 Royal Assent had been signified on 20 March 2001 to:
Royal Assent had been signified on 22 March 2001 to:
3. Executive Committee Business 3.1 Statement – Foot and Mouth Disease Deputy Speaker (Mr Donovan McClelland) in the Chair. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Bríd Rodgers, made a statement to the Assembly on the current position in relation to Foot and Mouth Disease, following which she replied to questions. 3.2 Statement – Student Support Proposals Deputy Speaker (Sir John Gorman) in the Chair. The Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Séan Farren, made a statement to the Assembly on Student Support Proposals, following which he replied to questions. 3.3 First Stage - Department for Learning and Employment Bill (NIA Bill 12/00) Dr Séan Farren, the Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment,introduced a Bill to rename the Department of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment as the Department for Learning and Employment. Bill passed First Stage and ordered to be printed. (NIA Bill 12/00) 3.4 Trustee Bill (NIA Bill 11/00) Second Stage The Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mr Mark Durkan, moved that the Second Stage of the Trustee Bill be agreed. Debate ensued. NIA Bill 11/00 passed Second Stage. The Sitting was, by leave, suspended at 1.31 pm. The Sitting resumed at 2.30 pm. The Speaker in the Chair. 4. Question Time 4.1 Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Questions were put to and answered by the Minister, Sir Reg Empey. 4.2 Minister of Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment Deputy Speaker (Ms Jane Morrice) in the Chair. Questions were put to and answered by the Minister, Dr Séan Farren. 4.3 Minister for Social Development Questions were put to and answered by the Minister, Mr Maurice Morrow. 5. Committee Business The Speaker in the Chair. 5.1 Motion – Ad Hoc Committee Proposed: That this Assembly appoints an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the draft clauses for a Proceeds of Crime Bill referred by the Secretary of State and to submit a report to the Assembly by 28 May 2001. Composition: UUP 2 Quorum: The quorum shall be five. Procedure: The procedures of the Committee shall be such as the Committee shall determine. [Mr E McGrady MP] Following debate, the Question being put, the Motion was carried without division. 6. Adjournment Mr Jim Wells spoke on Helicopter Rescue Services in South Down. Proposed: That the Assembly do now adjourn. [The Speaker] The Assembly adjourned at 4.50 pm. THE LORD ALDERDICE PAPERS PRESENTED TO THE ASSEMBLY FROM 21 MARCH 2001 TO 26 MARCH 2001
Accounts of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the year ended 31 March 2000 (NIA 43/00) Response of the Regional Development Committee to the Minister for Regional Development on the Future of the Port of Belfast Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development: Minutes of Evidence: Update on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak (02/00/E) (The department identified after each rule is for reference purposes only.) SR No 80 Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve (Full-time) (Appointment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (NIO) SR No 101 The Historic Monuments (Class Consents) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DOE) SR No 14 The Welfare Reform and Pensions (1999 Order) (Commencement No. 7 and Transitional Provisions) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) SR No 115 The Social Security (Hospital In-Patients) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) SR No 116 The Workmen’s Compensation (Supplementation) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) SR No 117 The Social Security (Invalid Care Allowance) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) SR No 118 The Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Perpetuities and Contracting-out) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001(DSD) SR No 119 The Stakeholder Pension Schemes (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) SR No 121 Parking Places on Roads (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DRD) SR No 122 Cycle Tracks (Limavady) Order (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DRD) SR No 123 Charges for Drugs and Appliances (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DHSSPS) SR No 124 Dental Charges (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DHSSPS) SR No 125 The Road Traffic (Health Services Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (DSD) New TSN: Making it Work: The New TSN Action Plans (OFMDFM) Department of the Environment Equality Scheme (DOE) 2001 Census of Population: Report on the Reviews on Security and Confidentiality and Statement by the Registrars General for England and Wales Scotland, and Northern Ireland (DFP) Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan 2000 – 2002 A Profile of Protestants and Roman Catholics in the Northern Ireland Labour Force: Source Book: First Edition (NISRA Monitor 2/01) SI No 568 The Tax Credits (Claims and Payments) (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 SI No 660 The European Communities (Matrimonial Jurisdiction and Judgements) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 SI No 851 The Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 (Accounts and Audit) Order 2001 SI No 958 The Maximum Number of Judges (Northern Ireland) Order 2001 FOR INFORMATION – WESTMINSTER PROCEEDINGS NORTHERN IRELAND LEGISLATION: PROCEEDINGS AS AT 26 MARCH 2001 Only legislation laid under Paragraph 2 (1) of the Northern Ireland Act 2000 is included in this Section.
For an explanation of Parliamentary consideration of Northern Ireland Legislation, see HCIO Factsheet No. 15
Reproduced from House of Commons Weekly Information Bulletin 24 March 2001. PROCEEDINGS AS AT 26 MARCH 2001
* Leave granted for Bill to carry over from last Session. LIST OF MOTIONS NO DAY NAMED Items marked † are new or have been altered COMMITTEE BUSINESS MOTION First Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges: ‘Inquiry into the Possible Appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards’ That this Assembly approves the findings and conclusions contained in the First Report of the Committee on Standards and Privileges: ‘Inquiry into the Possible Appointment of an Assembly Commissioner for Standards’ (01/00/R) and calls for all appropriate arrangements to be put in place by the Assembly Commission, the Speaker’s Office and other relevant Assembly Committees to ensure implementation of the recommendations. [Chairperson, Committee on Standards and Privileges] Second Report of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment † That this Assembly approves the Second Report of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee on their inquiry into the Strategy 2010 Report (02/00R) and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to implement the Committee’s recommendations at the earliest opportunity. [Chairperson, Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment] PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS MOTION Exclusion of Sinn Féin This House resolves that Sinn Féin does not enjoy the confidence of the Assembly because it is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means and, therefore, consistent with the Northern Ireland Act 1998, determines that Members of Sinn Féin shall be excluded from holding office as Ministers for a period of 12 months from the date of this resolution. [Mr C Wilson] Mobile Phones That this Assembly calls upon the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to ensure the complete implementation of the recommendations made by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones as laid out in the Stewart Report and further implement a change in legislation to ensure that no telecommunications masts are constructed within three hundred yards of any dwelling without full public consultation. [Mr J Shannon] Local Government Elections
That this Assembly calls on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to announce that the Local Government elections will take place in May 2001. [Mr E Poots] Award to RUC This Assembly calls for an official Assembly award to be made to the RUC and its reserve in recognition of its officers’ duty, service and bravery in the face of terrorism and crime and for its impartial defence of the entire Northern Ireland community. [Mr I Paisley Jnr] Fireworks That this Assembly calls on the Executive to establish an Inter-Departmental Working Group in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office to examine ways in which the nuisance caused by fireworks can be abated. [Mr K McCarthy] Councillors That this Assembly calls upon the Minister of the Environment to bring forward proposals to financially reward the long-term contributions of many Councillors and to assess the work of Councillors to ensure that they are financially rewarded at an appropriate level. [Mr O Gibson] Irish Justice System That this Assembly notes with concern the failure of the Irish Justice system to resolve the rape/incest case of the daughter of British citizen Sarah Bland. [Mr I Paisley Jnr] Road Spending Plans That this Assembly calls on the Minister for Regional Development to explain current road spending plans in the context of the recent publication of the consultation paper ‘Developing a Regional Transportation Strategy’. [Ms M McWilliams] Minimum Wage That this Assembly considers the current minimum wage threshold to be too low and supports a minimum wage level of (at least) £5.00 per hour and calls for the youth exemption contained in the current legislation to be abolished so that the £5.00 per hour rate applies to all. [Mr B Hutchinson] District Council Childcare Facilities That this Assembly calls on local authorities to set themselves a common objective of providing childcare facilities for elected representatives and staff. [Ms M Gildernew] Morning After Pill That this Assembly regrets the decision of the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to sign The Prescription Only Medicines (Human Use) Amendment (No.3) Order 2000. [Dr E Birnie] United Christian Broadcasters That this Assembly supports the award of broadcasting radio licences to United Christian Broadcasters Ltd and welcomes the decision of the European Court of Human Rights on 7 November 2000 placing no restriction on religious bodies applying for and being granted licences for local broadcasting, at the same time this Assembly deplores the decision of the Radio Authority on 26 April 2000 to refuse a local digital multiplex licence for the Northern Ireland region to United Christian Broadcasters. [Mr G Savage] Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme That this Assembly welcomes the achievement of the Department for Social Development in tackling fuel poverty through the existing Domestic Energy Efficiency Scheme (DEES) and calls on the Minister for Social Development to ensure that the DEES II Scheme will be an effective mechanism to finally eradicate this problem. [Ms M Gildernew] Bi-Centenary of the Act of Union 1801 That this Assembly deplores the intention of the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to preside over the commemoration of the Bi-Centenary of the Act of Union 1801. [Mrs M Nelis] TG4 That this Assembly calls on the relevant Irish and British Broadcasting Authorities to ensure the complete availability of TG4 throughout Ireland. [Mr B McElduff] Alcohol Bye-Laws That this Assembly believes that current levels of enforcement of alcohol bye-laws are inadequate to address the problem of outdoor drinking; and that increased resources should be made available for the enforcement of the bye-laws and for a province-wide education programme to alert younger people to the dangers of under-age drinking. [Mrs J Carson] Morning After Pill That this Assembly expresses concern at the decision by the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety making the ‘morning after pill’ available to 16 year olds without any debate in the Assembly or the Health Committee, and calls on the Minister to reverse her decision. [Mrs I Robinson] Security Policy That this Assembly calls on Her Majesty’s Government, in the absence of actual decommissioning, to implement an effective security policy to recover all illegal weapons and explosives from the terrorist organisations. [Mr P Roche] Child Protection That this Assembly calls on the Ministers responsible for the protection of children, in view of the anomalies in the current vetting system, to take the necessary interim steps to improve the position on vetting those suitable to work with children. [Ms P Lewsley] Fluoridation of Drinking Water That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to discontinue the fluoridation of drinking water. [Mr J Dallat] Adolescent Psychiatric Services That this Assembly notes with concern the shortage of adolescent psychiatric services throughout Northern Ireland and urges the Minister of Health to ensure that the key staff are recruited immediately with a view to meeting the community need for this vital service within 2 years in all parts of Northern Ireland. [Dr A McDonnell] Traceability Scheme That this Assembly calls on the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to take all steps necessary to ensure the integrity of the Traceability Scheme for Northern Ireland Beef and to investigate the labelling and subsequent sell-on of all beef processed in Northern Ireland Meat Plants. [Mr G Savage] Inter-Departmental Working Group That this Assembly calls on the Executive to establish an Inter-Departmental Working Group to make recommendations on the removal of paramilitary flags, emblems and graffiti from public property. [Mr K McCarthy] ‘Barriers to Growth and Survival’ Report That this Assembly notes the Report, ‘Barriers to Growth and Survival’ published by the Federation of Small Businesses in November 2000; and calls on the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to initiate an investigation into the high level of interest charges imposed by banks in Northern Ireland on small businesses. [Mr B Armstrong] Audit Office Report That this Assembly notes the recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on ‘Road Opening by Utilities’ (NIA 35/00), published on 22 February 2001. [Mr J Kelly] Social Exclusion of Young People That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Training and Employment to urgently review those policies aimed at reducing the social exclusion of young people in Northern Ireland and to initiate programmes and initiatives which will reduce the number of young people in Northern Ireland entering long-term unemployment. [Mr J Dallat] Gender Equality That this Assembly calls on the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, given the reports of skills shortages in the employment sector, to review training provision for women in Northern Ireland and to promote a more co-ordinated training service to enhance gender equality in the training sector. [Mrs P Lewsley] Nursery Schools Admissions That this Assembly recognises the problems caused by the current admissions criteria for Nursery Schools and calls upon the Minister of Education to review the criteria in order to remove the disadvantage which it causes for working parents. [Mr S Wilson] Foot and Mouth Disease That this Assembly expresses grave concern about the impact of the Foot and Mouth Disease on the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland; calls on the government to provide compensation for those who have suffered loss of livelihood as a consequence, and urges the Northern Ireland Executive to seek substantial and special funding from the Treasury in London to deal with this matter. [Mr E McGrady MP] Funding for Childcare Provision That this Assembly calls upon the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make adequate funding available for all aspects of childcare provision in Northern Ireland. [Mr J Shannon] Hepatitis C That this Assembly, recognising the plight of those infected with Hepatitis C contracted as a result of health service treatment with contaminated blood products, calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide assurances about the propriety of further treatment to reduce the risks of further infection and further calls on the Minister to seek compensation for those infected during health service treatment. [Mr J Kelly] 7th Report of Community Attitudes Survey That this Assembly welcomes the publication of the 7th Report of Community Attitudes Survey by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and welcomes its findings that 77% of those surveyed, "believed the police deal fairly with everyone." (Table 2.31, NISRA, Community Attitudes Survey, 7th Report, December 2000) [Mr R Beggs] Terrorist Attacks on Northern Ireland Railways That this Assembly condemns the ongoing terrorist attacks on the railway infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland. [Mr W Hay] Allocation of Schools Capital Spending That this Assembly disapproves of the unbalanced and party political allocation of schools capital spending announced in February 2001 by the Minister of Education. [Mr S Wilson] Award to UDR That this Assembly calls for an official Assembly award to be made to the UDR in recognition of its members’ duty, service, bravery and courage in the face of unrelenting terrorism and crime in Northern Ireland and for its defence of the entire community. [Mr I Paisley Jnr] Sellafield Nuclear Plant That this Assembly calls for the run-down and closure at the earliest possible date of nuclear processing activities carried out at Sellafield. [Mr K McCarthy] Single European Currency That this Assembly supports the calling of debate early in the next parliament, on the UK’s membership of the single European currency once the economic conditions, as defined by the current Chancellor, Gordon Brown are right; and congratulates the European Movement and the Young European Movement on their efforts to generate interest in these issues. [Ms J Morrice] GAA † That this Assembly condemns the anti-British ethos of the Gaelic Athletic Association, particularly rule 21 within its written constitution which discriminates against members of the Security Forces from participation, and calls on Government funding to the GAA to be stopped with immediate effect until such discriminatory rules are removed from the GAA’s constitution. [Mr N Boyd] |
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