Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.03pm

Present:

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

Observers:

Mr D McCreedy Executive Office

In attendance:

Ms C McKay Clerk of Business
Mr P Gill Clerk Assistant
Ms R Ellis Legal Services
Dr G McGrath Director of Parliamentary Services
Ms L Hogg Clerk / Chief Executive
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Ms E Lynn Diary Secretary to Speaker
Ms P Devlin Assistant Assembly Clerk
Mr M O'Hare Clerical Supervisor

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Robbie Butler.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

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

3 Matters Arising

3.1 There were no matters arising.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 15 September

Monday 15 September

4.1 The Committee agreed to schedule a public petition presentation for Timothy Gaston, entitled ‘Stop Funding the Lifespan Gender Identity Service’.

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

4.3 Members noted that other business remained as scheduled at the last meeting.

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

4.5 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 15 September.

Tuesday 16 September

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

4.7 Members noted that other business remained as scheduled at the last meeting.

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

4.9 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 16 September.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 22 September

Monday 22 September

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

5.2 Members noted that Question Time would be for the Executive Office and Minister for the Economy.

5.3 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

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

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

5.6 The Opposition representative selected the following motions:

• A5 Western Transport Corridor Scheme;
• The Executive’s Approach to Hate; and
• Access to CAR-T Cell Therapy.

5.7 The Committee agreed to schedule 90-minute debates for the first two motions, and one hour for the third motion, with corresponding speaking times.

5.8 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 22 September.

Tuesday 23 September

5.9 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for Communities.

5.10 Members noted that no Executive business had been scheduled.

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

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

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

• Holding the Irish Government to Account on Legacy (DUP)
• Health and Social Care 2025-26 Pay Awards (UUP)

5.14 The Committee agreed to schedule an adjournment debate on this date.

5.15 The DUP representative requested that, in light of Deborah Erskine’s absence, the matter of her adjournment debate scheduled for Tuesday 9th September should instead be raised by Diane Dodds.

5.16 During discussion, the Committee noted this would be a change from precedent. The Committee also noted the convention that a Member can propose a topic from a neighbouring constituency if the subject matter also affects their constituents.

5.17 The Committee noted that South West Acute Hospital serves constituents beyond Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

5.18 The Alliance representative said the matter should be rescheduled for another date as per precedent.

5.19 Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the adjournment debate may go ahead that afternoon, if the matter was raised by Diane Dodds, and that similar flexibility would be shown going forward should a similar situation arise.

5.20 The Committee agreed to schedule the following adjournment debate for Sinn Féin:

• Protection of Sliabh Beagh from Fires and Environmental Damage

5.21 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 23 September.

6 Final Sittings of the Assembly before the 2027 Assembly Election

6.1 Members noted a paper on discussions between his office and the Chief Electoral Officer in relation to planning for the 2027 Assembly elections.

6.2 The Speaker sought the views of the Committee. Following discussion, the Committee noted that at this point is difficult to predict the exact pressures around managing the legislative programme at the end of the mandate. It further noted that it has the ability to schedule additional sittings as business requires until the Assembly is dissolved.

6.3 It agreed, however, subject to those pressures, that it is planning on observing the normal recess arrangements around Easter, with the last normal plenary sittings and committee meetings being held in the week of Monday 15 March 2027.

7 Any Other Business

7.1 The Alliance representative sought an explanation on the rules for being called to make a Member’s statement. The Speaker noted that it is often not possible to call all Members and therefore, as per the arrangements for Ministerial Statements, he may give preference to those Members who are present from the start of the business.

7.2 A Sinn Féin representative sought clarification on Assembly procedures, after a Member was removed from the Chamber earlier that day. The Speaker advised he has sought advice from officials on this matter.

7.3 A DUP representative sought clarification on the application of Standing Order 27(3). The Speaker said he was giving the matter consideration and would provide a further update.

7.4 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 16 September.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.35pm.

The Speaker
Chairperson