Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.03pm

Present:

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

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 S Kelly Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to Speaker
Ms L Whinnery Assistant Private Secretary
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 Colin McGrath, Claire Sugden, Nuala McAllister and David Brooks.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

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

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 24 November

Monday 24 November

4.1 The Committee agreed to schedule a Committee membership motion for Sinn Féin.

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

4.3 The Committee agreed to schedule a motion for the Committee for the Economy to extend the Committee stage of the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill.

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

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

4.6 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 24 November.

Tuesday 25 November

4.7 Members noted their prior agreement that Opposition business would take priority on this date.

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

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

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

4.11 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 25 November.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 1 December

Monday 1 December

5.1 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Justice.

5.2 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.

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:

• Pressure on PSNI due to Health System Failings (ALL)
• Recognising the Importance of Food Security (DUP)

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 1 December.

Tuesday 2 December

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

5.8 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for Second Stage of the General Teaching Council Bill, subject to its successful introduction on 24 November.

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

5.10 The junior Minister advised that no other 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 a two-hour debate for a Health Committee motion on its Inquiry into Access to Palliative Care Services, and associated speaking times.

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Sinn Féin:
• Mental Health De-Escalation Services in North Belfast.

5.14 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 2 December.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 Following a request, the Clerk provided an update on the review of existing guidance and criteria for tabling 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 in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 25 November.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.07pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson