Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.02pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Ms P Bradshaw
Mr R Butler
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis
Mr T Gaston
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath

Observers:

Ms A Reilly 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 L Hogg Clerk / Chief Executive
Ms H Smyth Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser 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 Claire Sugden, Nuala McAllister, David Brooks and Philip McGuigan.

1.2 Members noted that Ms Sugden had appointed Timothy Gaston as a substitute to attend in her place.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 6 January 2026 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 19 January

Monday 19 January

4.1 Members noted that Opposition business would take priority on this date.

4.2 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Executive Office and the Minister for Infrastructure.

4.3 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

4.4 The junior Minister advised of a possible statement from the Minister for Infrastructure on this date.

4.5 Members noted that all business was as scheduled at the last meeting.

4.6 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 19 January.

Tuesday 20 January

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

4.8 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

4.9 The junior Minister advised that there may be a Ministerial Statement on this date.

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

4.11 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 20 January.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 26 January

Monday 26 January

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

5.2 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.3 The junior Minister provided an update on additional business that might be scheduled.

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:

• Assessing Economic Trends on the Island of Ireland (SF); and
• Artificial Intelligence and Online Violence Against Women and Girls (SDLP).

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 26 January.

Mr Timothy Gaston joined the meeting at 1.04pm.

Tuesday 27 January

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

5.8 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.9 The junior Minister advised that there may be a Ministerial Statement on this date.

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:

• Clerical Child Abuse (ALL)
• Addressing Harms of Adult Services Websites (DUP)

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

• Road Infrastructure in Ballykelly and Kilrea.

5.13 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 27 January.

 
6 Any Other Business

6.1 A Member sought an update on the review of adjournment debates.

6.2 There was no other business.

7 Date and Time of Next Meeting

7.1 The Speaker advised that the next meeting would take place on Tuesday 20 January in Room 106, Parliament Buildings.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.06pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson