Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr A Allen
Ms P Bradshaw
Mr D Brooks
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath
Mr P McGuigan
Mr J Stewart
Ms C Sugden

Observers:

Mrs P Cameron Junior Minister
Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Dr A McGarel Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Mr J McMillen Head of Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Mr P Stitt PS to the Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Nuala McAllister.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 5 November 2024 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 18 November

Monday 18 November

4.1 Members noted their prior agreement that opposition business would take priority on this date.

4.2 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister of Health and Minister for Infrastructure.

4.3 Members noted that there was no Executive Business.

4.4 Members noted that all other business remained as scheduled at the last meeting.

4.5 The junior Minister advised that no additional business was expected for this date.

4.6 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 18 November.

Tuesday 19 November

4.7 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Justice.

4.8 Members noted that all business remained as scheduled last week.

4.9 The junior Minister advised of the possibility of an AERA statement on this date.

4.10 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 19 November.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 25 November

Monday 25 November

5.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Executive Office and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

5.2 Members noted that First Stage of the Agriculture Bill had been scheduled and would be included on the indicative timings when it was confirmed that the Bill is within the legislative competence of the Assembly.

5.3 The Committee agreed to schedule Members’ Statements at the beginning of the sitting.

5.4 The Committee agreed to schedule the following Private Members’ motions for Sinn Féin and Alliance:

• Supporting Upland Sheep Farmers (SF)
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ALL)

5.5 The junior Minister indicated that no additional business was expected.

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 25 November.

Tuesday 26 November

5.7 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Communities.

5.8 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate to consider the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2024.

5.9 The Speaker advised the junior Minister that he would be writing to TEO to seek an update on other legislative business which may be pending.

5.10 The Committee agreed to schedule one and a half hours of plenary time for a motion from the Committee on Procedures, with the details of the motion to be confirmed at a later date.

5.11 The Committee agreed to schedule Members’ Statements at the beginning of the sitting.

5.12 The Committee agreed to schedule the following Private Members’ motion for DUP:

• Delays to Flagship Maternity and Children’s Hospital Project

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Sinn Féin:
• Pressures in the Fishing Industry in Ardglass

5.14 The junior Minister advised of the possibility of a ministerial statement.

5.15 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 26 November.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 There was no other business.

7 Date and Time of Next Meeting

7.1 The Speaker advised that the next meeting would take place at 1pm on Tuesday 19 November in room 106, Parliament Buildings.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.09pm.