Minutes of Proceedings

The meeting began at 1.02pm

Present:

The Speaker (Chairperson)
Ms D Armstrong
Ms P Bradshaw
Mr D Brooks
Mr T Clarke
Mrs S Ennis
Mr C McGrath

Observers:

Ms A Reilly 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 C Byers Legal Services
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to Speaker
Ms L Whinnery Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr M O'Hare Assistant Clerk
Ms S Garner Clerical Supervisor
Mr K Marks Clerical Officer

1 Apologies

1.1 Apologies were received from Philip McGuigan, Nuala McAllister and Patsy McGlone.

2 Minutes of previous meeting

2.1 The minutes of the meeting on 1 September 2026 were agreed.

3 Matters Arising

3.1 Members noted that the Second Stage of the Display of Flags and Emblems Bill was not concluded on 7 September 2026, and that the Tree Protection Bill was not reached.

3.2 In line with Standing Order 10(3C), Members noted that both items are postponed until such times as the Business Committee determines. The Committee agreed to consider rescheduling these items of business.

4 Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 14 September

Monday 14 September

4.1 Members noted their prior agreement that Opposition business would be given priority on this date.

4.2 Members noted that Question Time was scheduled for the Minister for the Economy and the Minister of Education.

4.3 Members noted that no Executive Business had been scheduled.

4.4 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

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

4.6 The Committee agreed to reschedule the Second Stage of the Display of Flags and Emblems Bill after Opposition Business and further agreed that the sitting should adjourn by 9.00pm.

4.7 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Monday 14 September.

Tuesday 15 September

4.8 The Committee agreed to schedule committee membership motions for Sinn Féin, UUP and DUP.

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

4.10 Members noted that no Executive Business had been scheduled.

4.11 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

4.12 Members noted that all other business remained as scheduled at the last meeting and agreed the timings allocated for each item of business.

4.13 The Committee agreed the Order Paper for Tuesday 15 September.

5 Provisional Order Papers and Indicative Timings for week commencing 21 September

Monday 21 September

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

5.2 Members noted that no Executive Business had been scheduled.

5.3 The junior Minister advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time.

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

5.5 Following discussion, the Committee agreed to schedule untimed debates for the following items:

• Second Stage of the Tree Protection Bill; and
• Consideration Stage of the Education (Holiday Meal Payments) Bill.

5.6 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Monday 21 September.

Tuesday 22 September

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 advised that no other Executive business was expected at that time

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

5.11 The Committee provisionally agreed to schedule private members’ motions, noting that this can be revisited, if required.

5.12 The Committee agreed to reschedule the previously selected motion for the UUP on Banning the Use of Aversive Training Tools for Domestic Animals.

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

• Geo-blocking of RTÉ (SF)

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

• Continuous Delay of Promised New Build at Oakridge Social Education Centre, Dungannon.

5.15 The Committee agreed the Provisional Order Paper for Tuesday 22 September.

6 Any Other Business

6.1 The Speaker informed Members that he would not be in attendance at next week’s meeting, as he was away on Assembly 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 15 September in Room 106, Parliament
Buildings.

The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 1.17pm

Acting Chairperson