Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.02pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Ms P Bradshaw
Mr R Butler
Mr D Brooks
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath
Mr J Stewart
Ms C Sugden

Observers:

Ms A Reilly Junior Minister
Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Mr S Kelly Legal Services
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Mrs L Hogg Clerk/Chief Executive
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 Philip McGuigan and Nuala McAllister.

1.2 The Speaker welcomed Mr Butler to the Committee.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 9 September 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 22 September

Monday 22 September

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

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

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

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

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 22 September.

Tuesday 23 September

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

4.7 The Committee agreed to schedule a committee membership motion for the DUP as a business motion with no debate or amendment.

4.8 Mr Butler declared an interest as Chair of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Ms Bradshaw declared an interest as Chair of the Committee for the Executive Office.

4.9 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for:

- the Committee for the Executive Office to extend the Committee Stage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill; and
- the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to extend the Committee Stage of the Dilapidation Bill.

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

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

4.12 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 23 September.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 29 September

Monday 29 September

5.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Minister of Education.

5.2 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for Further Consideration Stage of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill.

5.3 The junior Minister advised that no 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:

• Endometriosis Care (SF)
• Addressing the Failure to Deliver a Northern Ireland Aviation Strategy (DUP)

5.6 The junior Minister advised that the Minister for the Economy was unavailable on this date but that an Executive colleague may be able to respond on her behalf. The DUP whip was content to schedule the motion on that basis.

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 29 September.

Tuesday 30 September

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

5.9 Members noted that no other Executive business had been scheduled.

5.10 The junior Minister advised that no business was expected.

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:

• Addressing Skills Gaps between Young People and Businesses (ALL)
• Drug Testing Pilot (SF)

5.13 The Alliance whip noted that the Minister for the Economy was not available to respond to the selected motion and advised she would confirm the party’s selection after the meeting.

5.14 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for the DUP:
• Lack of development of Tribeca Belfast

5.15 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 30 September.
 

6 Any Other Business

6.1 The Speaker advised that he had received correspondence from the Minister for Infrastructure seeking to switch her Question Time slot scheduled for Tuesday 4 November with that of the Minister of Finance on Monday 3 November.

6.2 The Committee agreed to facilitate the Minister’s request.

6.3 There was discussion regarding the process for Members’ Bills and the timescale for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to table a motion on the Legislative Programme, in line with Standing Order 18C.

6.4 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 23 September.

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

Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Acting Chairperson