Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

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

Observers:

Ms J Bunting 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 J Byers Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Colin McGrath and Philip McGuigan.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 14 October 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 3 November

Monday 3 November

4.1 The Committee agreed to schedule a motion for the Assembly Commission to appoint a Commissioner for Standards.

4.2 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Health

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 3 November.

Tuesday 4 November

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

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

4.8 The Committee noted that the SDLP had withdrawn its previously selected motion, and agreed to schedule the following alternative motion:

• Addressing the Impact of Holiday Homes and Short-term Lets

4.9 The junior Minister advised that the Minister for Communities would not be available on that date.

4.10 Members noted that the motion called on the Executive to take action, rather than an individual Minister with policy responsibility, and that this was a growing trend. Concerns were expressed by some Members in relation to this practice; however the Committee noted that the matter is for parties to consider when drafting their motions.

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

4.12 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 4 November.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 10 November

Monday 10 November

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

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 Members noted their prior agreement that Opposition business would take priority on this date, and that the deadline for receipt of Opposition motions would be extended until no later than 12pm on Monday 3 November.

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 10 November.

Tuesday 11 November

5.7 The Speaker advised Members that Armistice Day would fall on Tuesday 11 November and sought the Committee’s agreement to move the start of plenary business on 11 November from 10.30am to 11.30am to allow the Annual Assembly Act of Remembrance to be held, including marking the silence at 11am.

5.8 The Committee agreed that plenary business would commence at 11.30am on Tuesday 11 November.

5.9 The Committee agreed to schedule a motion for the Assembly Commission’s Budget 2026-30.

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

5.11 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates to consider the Farm Sustainability Payment (Eligibility etc) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 and a Legislative Consent motion on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill.

5.12 The junior Minister advised that no other business was expected.

5.13 The Committee agreed to schedule Members’ Statements at the beginning of the sitting.
5.14 The Committee agreed to schedule a Private Members’ motion for Sinn Féin, with the detail to be provided after the meeting.

5.15 The Committee agreed to schedule the following Private Members’ motion for Alliance:
• Audit and Re-Imaging of Memorials

David Brooks joined the meeting at 13.11pm.

5.16 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for UUP:
• On-Street Parking Charges in Lisburn

5.17 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 11 November.

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 in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 4 November.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.12pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson