Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.01pm

Present:

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

Observers:

Mrs P Cameron Junior Minister
Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Mr A Leitch Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Mr P Stitt PS to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor
Mr K Marks Clerical Officer

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Nuala McAllister.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 6 May 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 19 May

Monday 19 May

4.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister for Communities and Minister of Finance.

4.2 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate to consider the draft Farming with Nature Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.

4.3 The Committee agreed to schedule a motion to suspend Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) as a business motion with no debate or amendment.

4.4 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the Committee for Finance motion to extend the Committee Stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill.

4.5 The junior Minister advised that no further business was expected at that time.

4.6 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 19 May.

Tuesday 20 May

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

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

4.9 The junior Minister advised that statements from the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Health were expected, and that the Minister of Education would not be available on this date.

4.10 Following discussion, the Committee agreed to replace the DUP motion on Creating a Level Playing Field in Pre-School Admissions, as the Minister of Education was unavailable to respond. The following Private Members motion from the DUP was scheduled in its place:

• Addressing the Impact of Illegal Immigration in Northern Ireland.

4.11 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 20 May.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for Tuesday 27 May

5.1 Members noted that there would be no sitting on Monday 26 May as it was a bank holiday.
Tuesday 27 May

5.2 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Executive Office.

5.3 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

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

5.5 The Committee agreed to schedule the following Private Members’ motions:

• New GP Contract and Pressure in General Practice (ALL)
• Additional Funding for North South Bodies (SF)

5.6 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Alliance:

• Drug-related Deaths in East Antrim

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 27 May.

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 in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 20 May.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.06pm.

Acting Chairperson