Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr A Allen
Mr D Brooks
Mr T Clarke
Mrs S Ennis
Mrs M Guy
Miss N McAllister
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath
Mr P McGuigan
Ms C Sugden

Observers:

Ms A Reilly Junior Minister
Ms C Kerr Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay 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
Mr P Stitt PS to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Paula Bradshaw and John Stewart.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 18 February 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 3 March

Monday 3 March

4.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Executive Office and Minister for Communities, and that the First Minister would respond to questions in place of the deputy First Minister.

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

4.3 The Speaker confirmed that he was content for the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill to proceed to its Final Stage, in accordance with Standing Order 39(2).

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

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 3 March.

4.6 A Member sought the Speaker’s advice on the scheduling of motions which call on Ministers who do not have direct responsibility for the matters raised.

4.7 The Member was advised that it was ultimately for the tabling party to decide which Minister the motion calls upon to act and the Assembly can vote against the motion if they do not agree with that call. The Member was also informed that the Executive can decide whether or not to respond.

Tuesday 4 March

4.8 Members noted their prior agreement that opposition business would be given priority on this date.

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

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

4.11 Members noted that junior Minister Reilly would respond to the opposition motion on job creation in the North West in place of the Minister for the Economy.

4.12 Members noted that the text of the Women’s Caucus motion, for which the Committee had reserved time at the last meeting, had been finalised and included on the draft Order Paper.

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

4.14 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 4 March.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 10 March 2025

Monday 10 March

5.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Education and Minister of Health.

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

• The Rates (Regional Rates) Order (NI) 2025
• The Rates (Temporary Rebate) (Amendment) Order (NI) 2025
• The Rates (Exemption for Automatic Telling Machines in Rural Areas) Order (NI) 2025

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 a Private Members’ motion for Alliance.

5.6 The Alliance representative advised that the party wished to schedule a motion on paramilitary transitioning, and would provide the details after the meeting.

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 10 March.

Tuesday 11 March

5.8 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Finance.

5.9 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.10 The junior Minister advised that there may be a statement from the Minister for Infrastructure.

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’ motions:

• Women in Agriculture (SF)
• Importance of Children’s One-Year-Old Health Review (DUP)
• Role of the Irish State during the Troubles (UUP)

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for the UUP:

• Concerns around the roads infrastructure leading up to Craigavon Area Hospital

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

5.15 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 11 March.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 The Speaker reminded Members of his recent ruling regarding standards of dress in the Chamber.

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 4 March.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.14pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson