Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.12pm

Present:

Ms P Bradshaw
Mr D Brooks
Mr R Butler
Mr T Clarke
Ms S Ennis (Acting Chairperson)
Mr C McGrath
Mr P McGuigan

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
Mr P Stitt PS to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O’Hare Clerical Supervisor
Mr K Marks Clerical Officer

1 Apologies

1.1 Sinéad Ennis assumed the role of Acting Chairperson in the Speaker’s absence.

1.2 Apologies were received from the Speaker, Claire Sugden, Patsy McGlone and Nuala McAllister.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 2 December 2025 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 12 January

Monday 12 January

4.1 Members noted that business would commence with tributes to former MLAs Joe Byrne and Mary Bradley, who had passed away over the Christmas recess period.

4.2 The Committee agreed to schedule Members Statements.

4.3 The Committee agreed to schedule the vote on the motion on Observer Status in the European Parliament after Members’ Statements, and noted that the vote on the motion, as amended, would require cross-community support as the petition of concern had been confirmed by at least 30 Members on 22 December 2025.

4.4 The Committee agreed to schedule a public petition for John Blair entitled Installation of a Pedestrian Crossing at Station Road, Doagh.

4.5 The Committee agreed to schedule a Committee Membership motion for the DUP.

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

4.7 Members noted that the Minister of Finance had written to the Speaker to confirm his intention to make a statement on this date.

4.8 The Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for the following motions:
• The draft Waste (Fees and Charges) (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025; and
• A Legislative Consent Motion on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill.

4.9 The Committee agreed to schedule an untimed debate for the Committee for Education to extend the Committee Stage of the General Teaching Council Bill.

4.10 The Committee agreed to schedule a Private Members’ motion for Sinn Féin on Establishing an EU Office in Belfast.

4.11 The TEO representative advised that no other Executive business was expected.

4.12 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 12 January.

Tuesday 13 January

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

4.14 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

4.15 The Committee agreed to schedule Members Statements.

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

• Rejecting the New EU Customs Fee on Small Parcels (DUP); and
• Paediatric Pathology Services (SF).

4.17 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for the DUP:

• Recurrent flooding and lack of recovery actions in South Down.

4.18 The TEO representative advised that a statement from the First Minister and deputy First Minister was expected on this date.

4.19 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 13 January.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 19 January

Monday 19 January

5.1 The Committee agreed that Opposition business would be given priority on this date.

5.2 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Executive Office and the Minister for Infrastructure.

5.3 The Executive Office representative advised that no other business was expected.

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

5.5 The Opposition representative selected the following motions:

• Executive progress;
• Addressing unaffordable housing costs; and
• Delivering a successful Fleadh

5.6 The Committee agreed to schedule 90 minutes for the first two motions, and 60 minutes for the third motion.

5.7 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 19 January.

Tuesday 20 January

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

5.9 The Executive Office representative advised that no other business was expected.

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

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

• Waiting Lists Affecting Winter Preparedness (ALL)
• Illegal Erection of Sinn Féin Billboards (DUP)

5.12 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Sinn Féin:
• Support for Young Adults with recognised Learning Difficulties and Complex Needs in Mid-Ulster

5.13 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 20 January

6 Correspondence

6.1 Members noted receipt of correspondence from the Committee on Procedures regarding Assembly sitting days and agreed to revisit it at a future meeting.

6.2 Members noted correspondence from the Assembly’s Public Engagement Manager regarding the Balmoral Show.

7 Date and Time of Next Meeting

7.1 The Acting Chairperson advised that the next meeting would take place at 1pm on Tuesday 13 January in Room 106, Parliament Buildings.

The Acting Chairperson brought the meeting to a close at 1.25pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson