Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.00pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr D Brooks
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis
Mrs M Guy
Miss N McAllister
Mr C McGrath
Mr J Stewart

Observers:

Mrs P Cameron Junior Minister
Ms C Kerr Executive Office

In attendance:

Dr A McGarel Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Mr J McMillan Head of Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Ms L Whinnery Assistant 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 Andy Allen, Paula Bradshaw, Patsy McGlone, Philip McGuigan and Claire Sugden.

1.2 The Speaker welcomed Michelle Guy to the meeting, noting she was attending as a substitute for Paula Bradshaw.

1.3 The Speaker offered his congratulations to Andy Allen on his achievements at the Invictus Games in Canada.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 11 February 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 24 February

Monday 24 February

4.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Justice.

4.2 Members noted that clarification was needed on the DUP motion scheduled the previous week.

4.3 The DUP representative indicated that they wished to schedule a Prayer of Annulment for the Animals (Identification, Records, Movement and Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.

4.4 In adherence with convention, the Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the selected motion.

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

4.6 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 24 February.

Tuesday 25 February

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

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

4.9 The junior Minister advised that no additional Executive business was expected at that time.

4.10 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 25 February.

4.11 The Speaker reminded Members of the deadlines for the forthcoming amending stages of the Budget Bill.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 3 March 2025

Monday 3 March

5.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Executive Office and Minister for Communities.

5.2 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for the following two items of business

• Final Stage of the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill;
• Second Stage of the School Uniforms Bill

5.3 The junior Minister advised that no other business was expected.

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:

• Reclassification of Ketamine (DUP)

5.6 In response to a question from a Member, the Speaker clarified that motions are not confined to matters within the legislative competence of the Assembly.

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 3 March.

Tuesday 4 March

5.8 Members noted their prior agreement that, to facilitate the Further Consideration and Final Stages of the Budget Bill on 25 February, opposition business would instead be given priority on this date.

5.9 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Infrastructure.

5.10 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.11 The junior Minister advised that no other business was expected.

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

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule the following opposition motions:

• Job Creation and Cross-Border Co-operation in the North West
• Establishing a Dedicated Treatment and Recovery Centre in the North West
• North West Transport

5.14 The Committee agreed to schedule one hour 30 minutes for the first and second motions and one hour for the third motion.

5.15 The Committee agreed to schedule one hour of plenary time for a motion from members of the Women’s Caucus, the detail of which was unconfirmed but would be available at the next meeting.

5.16 The Committee agreed not to schedule an adjournment debate.

5.17 The junior Minister advised that all Ministers would be available to respond.

5.18 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 4 March.

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 25 February.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.07pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson