Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.04pm

Present:

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

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 H Smyth 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 Claire Sugden, Nuala McAllister, Philip McGuigan and David Brooks.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 18 November 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 1 December

Monday 1 December

4.1 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Justice.

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

4.3 The junior Minister indicated that the Minister of Finance and Minister for Communities may each make a statement on this date.

4.4 The Committee noted that, with statements, the sitting may go past 7pm and agreed to schedule a motion to suspend Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) to allow the sitting to go beyond 7pm if required.

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 1 December.

Tuesday 2 December

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

4.7 Members noted that all other 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 2 December.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 8 December

Monday 8 December

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

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:

• Observer Status in the European Parliament (SF)
• Protecting Privacy and Dignity at Traffic Collision Sites (SDLP)

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 8 December.

Tuesday 9 December

5.7 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Infrastructure.

5.8 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

5.9 The junior Minister indicated that the Minister for Communities may make a statement on this date.

5.10 The Committee agreed that there would be no need for a lunchtime suspension for this date, as there would be no meeting of the Business Committee.

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:

• Institutional Reform following the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Findings (ALL)
• Addressing the Crisis in Neurology Services (DUP)
• Tackling Scams and Improving Public Protection (UUP)

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

• Poverty in North Down.

5.14 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 9 December.

6 Draft Question Time Rota January – Easter 2026

6.1 The Committee agreed the draft Question Time rota for January to Easter 2026.

7 Any Other Business

7.1 There was no other business.

8 Date and Time of Next Meeting

8.1 The Speaker advised that the next meeting would take place in Room 106 during the lunchtime suspension on Tuesday 2 December.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.11pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson