Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

Ms P Bradshaw
Mr R Butler
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis (Acting Chairperson)
Mr D McCrossan

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
Mr J McMillan Head of Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to Speaker
Mr P Stitt PS to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Ms Ennis advised that she was chairing the meeting in place of the Speaker.

1.2 Apologies were received from the Speaker, Colin McGrath, Patsy McGlone, John Stewart, Nuala McAllister and David Brooks.

1.3 Daniel McCrossan attended on behalf of the SDLP.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 7 October 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 20 October

Monday 20 October

4.1 The Committee agreed to schedule a Public Petition for Gerry Carroll entitled ‘Scrap the Rates Exemption for Big Business’.

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

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

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

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 20 October.

Tuesday 21 October

4.6 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Education.

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

4.8 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive business was expected.

4.9 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 21 October.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 3 November

Monday 3 November

5.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Health.

5.2 Members noted that no Executive Business had been scheduled.

5.3 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive 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:

• Cervical Screening Scandal Inquiry (ALL).
• Delivery of a Childcare Strategy (SF)

5.6 The Committee agreed that the text of the motion on Cervical Screening Scandal Inquiry could be submitted after the meeting.

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 3 November.

Tuesday 4 November

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

5.9 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for Consideration Stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill.

5.10 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate to consider the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025.

5.11 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive business was expected.

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

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule the following Private Members’ motion:

• Supporting Service Leavers, Veterans and their Families (DUP).

5.14 The Committee requested a second Private Members’ motion. The Committee noted that the selection was for the SDLP, and it agreed that a motion could be tabled by the SDLP after the meeting.

5.15 The junior Minister advised that the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for the Economy would not be available on 4 November.

5.16 The DUP sought to schedule an adjournment debate on Installing a Sensory Room in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in the name of Cheryl Brownlee.

5.17 The Committee noted existing guidance on tabling adjournment debates.
5.18 Following discussion, the Committee agreed to schedule the adjournment topic on Installing a Sensory Room in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The Committee also agreed to review existing guidance and the criteria for tabling adjournment debates.

5.19 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 4 November.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 The Acting Chairperson informed Members that the Committee would be considering the Provisional Order Papers for week commencing 10 November at next week’s meeting.

6.2 The Committee noted that the next Opposition Day was provisionally scheduled for Monday 10 November and agreed that Opposition business would be given priority on this date.

6.3 The Committee agreed that the deadline for submission of Opposition motions for debate on Monday 10 November would be 12pm on Monday 3 November.

6.4 There was no other business.

7 Date and Time of Next Meeting

7.1 The Acting Chairperson advised that the next meeting would take place in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 21 October.

The Acting Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.22pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson