Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.02pm

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 J Stewart
Ms C Sugden

Observers:

Mrs P Cameron Junior Minister
Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Ms R Ellis Legal Services
Ms L Hogg Clerk / Chief Executive
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Ms E Lynn Diary Secretary to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Nuala McAllister and Philip McGuigan.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 20 May 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 2 June

Monday 2 June

4.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Justice.

4.2 Members noted that no Executive Business had been scheduled.

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

4.4 Members noted that one of the Opposition motions on Tuition Fees Increase, scheduled at the last meeting, had changed to a motion on the Cost of Doing Business, as notified to Members via email following the meeting on 20 May.

4.5 Members noted that all other business remained as previously scheduled.

4.6 Members noted that the Minister of Finance may be unavailable to respond to the motion on the Cost of Doing Business, and that another Executive Minister would respond on his behalf.

4.7 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 2 June.

Tuesday 3 June

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

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

4.10 The junior Minister advised that there may be a statement from the Minister for Communities on this date.

4.11 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 3 June.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 9 June

Monday 9 June

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

5.2 The Committee agreed to schedule four items of Executive business, as follows:

• First Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill;
• Second Stage of the Budget Bill;
• Consideration Stage of the Agriculture Bill; and
• A Legislative Consent Motion for the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill

5.3 The Committee agreed that all items of Executive Business would be untimed.

5.4 Members noted that First Stage of the Bill would be added to Indicative Timings when the Speaker had confirmed that the Bill was within the legislative competence of the Assembly.

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

5.6 The Committee agreed that there would be insufficient time in which to schedule Private Members’ Business.

5.7 The Speaker reminded Members of the requirements in Standing Orders relating to Matters of the Day, including that requests should be on matters of exceptional public interest.

5.8 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 9 June.

Tuesday 10 June

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

5.10 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for Consideration Stage of the Budget Bill.

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:

• Opposing Plans for the Nutrients Action Programme 2026-2029 (DUP)
• Improving Sentencing Practices in Northern Ireland (UUP)

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

• Access to Justice and Legal Services in Fermanagh and South Tyrone

5.14 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 10 June.

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 3 June.

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

The Speaker
Chairperson