Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.02pm

Present:

Ms S Ennis (Acting Chairperson)
Mr R Butler
Mr T Clarke
Mrs M Guy
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath
Mr P McGuigan

Observers:

Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Dr A McGarel Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Ms C Byers 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, Andy Allen, John Stewart, David Brooks and Nuala McAllister. Robbie Butler attended as a substitute for the UUP.

1.2 Sinéad Ennis advised that as the Speaker was not available, she would be chairing the meeting on his behalf and thanked Trevor Clarke for chairing the previous meeting.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

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

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 24 March

Monday 24 March

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

4.2 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Justice.

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

4.4 The TEO representative advised that no other business was expected.

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 24 March.

Tuesday 25 March

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

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

4.8 Members noted that First stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill would be added to Indicative Timings when the Bill’s legislative competence had been confirmed.

4.9 The TEO representative advised that no other business was expected.

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

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 31 March 2025

Monday 31 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 an untimed debate for the following item of business:

• The Recognition of Professional Qualifications and Implementation of International Recognition Agreements (Amendment) (Extension to Switzerland etc.) Regulations (NI) 2025

5.3 The TEO representative 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:

• Housebuilding on Public Land (SDLP)
• Early Access to State Pension for Terminally Ill People (SF)

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 31 March.

Tuesday 1 April

5.7 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for the Economy and the Assembly Commission.

5.8 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.9 The TEO representative advised that no other business was expected.

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

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

• Redevelopment of Craigavon Area Hospital (DUP)
• Social Security Reform and Economic Inactivity (ALL)

5.12 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for DUP:

• Lack of investment in the North Down Roads Network

5.13 The TEO representative advised that all Ministers would be available to respond.

5.14 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 1 April.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 The Acting Chairperson advised that, due to Easter recess, the Business Committee would be considering Provisional Order Papers for week commencing 28 April at the meeting on Tuesday 1 April, and that correspondence had been received from the opposition in relation to this.

6.2 The opposition representative noted that the next Opposition Day was Tuesday 29 April, and sought the Committee’s consent to select motions for that day at the meeting on Tuesday 8 April, rather than Tuesday 1 April. This was to enable opposition members to ensure their motions were as topical as possible whilst still giving notice of the motions in advance of Easter recess.

6.3 Following discussion, the Committee agreed to the opposition’s request.

6.4 The Acting Chairperson asked that opposition motions were submitted to the Business Office by 3pm on Monday 7 April, to ensure that the Business Committee has finalised versions at the meeting on Tuesday 8 April.

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 March.

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

The Speaker
Chairperson