Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.01pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Ms D Armstrong
Ms P Bradshaw
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis
Mr P McGlone
Mr C McGrath
Mr P McGuigan
Ms C Sugden

Observers: 

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 R Ellis Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to Speaker
Ms P Stitt Private Secretary to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
M O’Hare Clerical Supervisor
Mr K Marks Clerical Officer

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Nuala McAllister.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 14 April 2026 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.
 

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 27 April

Monday 27 April

4.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Executive Office and Minister of Education.

4.2 The Executive Office representative advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

4.3 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the Committee for Justice, to extend the Committee Stage of the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill.

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

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 27 April.

Tuesday 28 April

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

4.7 The Executive Office representative advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

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

4.9 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 28 April.

Mr Patsy McGlone joined the meeting.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for Tuesday 5 May

Tuesday 5 May

5.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister of Health.

5.2 The Executive Office representative advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

5.3 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for the following items:

• Consideration Stage of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Bill
• Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

5.4 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, to extend the Committee Stage of the Areas with Natural Constraints (Payments) Bill.

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

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

• Voluntary and Community Sector Funding (SDLP)
• Support for the Good Jobs Bill (SF)

5.7 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Alliance:

• Creating Good Jobs in North Antrim

5.8 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 5 May.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 There was no other business.

7 Date and Time of Next Meeting

7.1 The Speaker advised that the next meeting would take place during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 28 April in Room 106, Parliament Buildings.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.04pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson