Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

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

Observers:

Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Ms H Smyth 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, Claire Sugden, David Brooks Philip McGuigan and John Stewart.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 1 April 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 28 April

Monday 28 April

4.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Executive Office and Minister for Infrastructure.

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

4.3 The Executive Office representative advised of the possibility of statements from the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance.

4.4 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 28 April.

Tuesday 29 April

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

4.6 Members noted that this date was scheduled as an Opposition Day.

4.7 The Executive Office representative advised that no Executive business was expected.

4.8 Members noted their prior agreement that the opposition could confirm their motions at this meeting.

4.9 The Committee agreed to schedule the following opposition motions:

• Increasing Fiscal Devolution
• Establishment of an Infrastructure Commission
• NI Water Funding and Governance

4.10 The Executive Office representative confirmed that the relevant Ministers would be available.

4.11 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 29 April.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for Tuesday 6 May

5.1 Members noted that there would be no sitting on Monday 5 May due to the May Day Bank Holiday.

Tuesday 6 May

5.2 The Committee agreed to schedule a Public Petition to be presented by Nuala McAllister entitled ‘Safe Crossing for Children at Ashgrove Roundabout’.

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

5.4 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for the following three items of Executive Business:

• The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025

• The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Registration of Deaths and Still-Births) (Extension) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025

• The Period Products (Department for Communities Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025

5.5 The Executive Office representative advised that no other business was expected.

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

5.7 The Committee agreed to schedule Private Members’ motions for UUP and Sinn Féin with standard timings.

5.8 The Committee agreed to schedule a motion for the UUP entitled ‘Review of Local Councils’ Animal Welfare Policies’.

5.9 The Committee agreed that Sinn Féin could confirm their preferred motion after the meeting.

5.10 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for SDLP:
• Pedestrianisation of Hill Street, Belfast

5.11 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 6 May.
 

6 Correspondence

6.1 The Committee agreed the Minister of Education’s request to switch his scheduled Question Time on Monday 19 May with that of the Minister for Communities on Monday 12 May.

7 Any Other Business

7.1 There was no other business.

8 Date and Time of Next Meeting

8.1 The Speaker advised that the next meeting would take place in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 29 April, and wished Members a pleasant Easter break.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.08 pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson