Committee for the Economy
Minutes of Proceedings - Wednesday 12 November 2025
Committee for the Economy - Wednesday 12 November 2025.pdf (263.41 kb)
Meeting Location: Room 30, Parliament Buildings
Present:
Mr Gary Middleton MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Diana Armstrong MLA
Mr David Honeyford MLA
Ms Kate Nicholl MLA
Present by video-conferencing:
Mr Jonathan Buckley MLA
Mr Pádraig Delargy MLA
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin MLA
Apologies: Mr Phillip Brett MLA (Chairperson)
Ms Emma Sheerin MLA
In Attendance:
Peter McCallion (Assembly Clerk)
Katie McMaster (Assistant Assembly Clerk)
Karen O'Hare (Clerical Supervisor)
Kyle Lawlor (Clerical Officer)
The meeting commenced in public session at 10:05am.
1. Apologies
Apologies were as indicated above.
2. Declarations of Interest
There was no declarations of interest.
3. Chairperson's Business
There was no Chairperson's business.
4. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the Economy Committee meeting of 22 October 2025, as amended.
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the Economy Committee meeting of 5 November 2025.
5. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that proceedings should continue in closed session from 10:06am.
6. Insolvency (Amendment) Bill - ECHR/Windsor Framework Memorandum - written briefing
The Committee considered the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)/Windsor Framework memorandum on the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill from Assembly Legal Services.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that in respect of Human Rights considerations, its evidence-taking on the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill had likely concluded.
7. Insolvency (Amendment) Bill - Deliberations and Informal Clause by Clause
The Committee informally deliberated on likely amendments to the Insolvency (Amendment) Bill.
Jonathan Buckley joined the meeting at 10:13am.
Kate Nicholl joined the meeting at 10:18am.
Clause 13: Regulated companies: modifications
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed to accept a minor Departmental drafting amendment to Clause 13.
Proceedings continued in public session from 10:30am.
The following officials joined the meeting at 10:30am:
- Richard Monds, Director of Insolvency, DfE; and
- Jack Reid, Deputy Principal, Insolvency, DfE
Proceedings were recorded by the Official Report.
Clause 1: Introductory
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 2: Power for administrator to bring claim for fraudulent or wrongful trading
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 3: Power for liquidator or administrator to assign causes of action
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 4: Application of proceeds of office-holder claims
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 5: Exercise of powers by liquidator: removal of need for sanction
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 6: Exercise of powers by trustee in bankruptcy: removal of need for sanction
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Padraig Delargy left the meeting at 10:36am.
Clause 7: Abolition of requirements to hold meetings: company insolvency
Agreed: The Committee agreed to give further consideration to a likely amendment to ensure the inclusion of creditors in non-physical meetings who have limited or no access to digital assets.
Agreed: The Committee also agreed to write to the Department seeking clarification and assurances on the measures it is to adopt in regulations or rules to ensure the inclusion of creditors in non-physical meetings who have limited or no access to digital assets.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer further consideration of all clauses and schedules linked to virtual meetings etc. pending a response on the above.
Clause 8: Abolition of requirements to hold meetings: individual insolvency
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 9: Ability for creditors to opt not to receive certain notices: company insolvency
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 10: Ability for creditors to opt not to receive certain notices: individual insolvency
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 11: Creditor consent
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 12: Challenge to directors' actions
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 13: Regulated companies: modifications
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 14: Nominee's report on company's proposal
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 15: Summoning of meetings
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 16: Decisions of meetings actions
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 17: Approval of arrangement
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 18: Effect of approval
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 19: Challenge of decisions
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 20: Supervisor of voluntary arrangement
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 21: Administration
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 22: Offences
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 23: Report by administrative receiver
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 24: Committee of creditors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 25: Progress report to company
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 26: Final meeting prior to dissolution
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 27: Effect of company's insolvency
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 28: Conversion to creditors' voluntary winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 29: Application of Chapter 4
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 30: Meeting of creditors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 31: Directors' statement of affairs to creditors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 32: Appointment of liquidator
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 33: Appointment of liquidation committee
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 34: Creditors' meeting where winding up converted under Article 82
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 35: Progress report to company and creditors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 36: Final meeting prior to dissolution
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 37: Powers of directors where no liquidator appointed or nominated by company
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 38: Functions of official receiver in relation to office of liquidator
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 39: Appointment by Department
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 40: Choice of liquidator at meetings of creditors and contributories
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 41: Appointment of liquidator by High Court following administration or voluntary arrangement
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 42: Liquidation committee
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 43: Duty to summon final meeting
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 44: Delegation of High Court's powers to liquidator
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 45: Liquidator's powers and duties in creditors' voluntary winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 46: Liquidator's supplementary powers
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 47: Removal of liquidator: voluntary winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 48: Removal of liquidator: winding up by the High Court
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 49: Release of liquidator: voluntary winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 50: Release of liquidator: winding up by the High Court
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 51: Resolutions passed at adjourned meetings
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 52: Meetings to ascertain wishes of creditors or contributories
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 53: Dissolution: voluntary winding
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 54: Early dissolution
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 55: Dissolution in other cases
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 56: Misconduct in the course of winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 57: Protection of supplies of goods and services
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 58: Penalties for offences under the 1989 Order
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 59: Definition of "the relevant date"
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 60: Admissibility of evidence in statement of affairs
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 61: Representation of corporations at meetings
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 62: Provision that may be included in company insolvency rules
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 63: Nominee's report on debtor's proposal
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 64: Debtor's proposal and nominee's report
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 65: Creditors' meeting
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 66: Decisions of creditors' meeting
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 67: Report of decisions to High Court
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 68: Effect of approval
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 69: Additional effect on undischarged bankrupt
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 70: Challenge of meeting's decision
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 71: Prosecution of delinquent debtors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 72: Arrangements coming to an end prematurely
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 73: Implementation and supervision of approved voluntary arrangement
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 74: Definition of "bankrupt's estate"
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 75: Default in connection with voluntary arrangement
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 76: Powers of interim receiver
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 77: Appointment of trustee by Department
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 78: Trustee's vacation of office
Padraig Delargy rejoined the meeting at 11:20am.
Kate Nicholl left the meeting at 11:20am.
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 79: Release of trustee
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 80: Vacancy in office of trustee
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 81: Creditors' committee
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 82: Trustee's powers
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 83: Final distribution
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 84: Final meeting
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 85: Bankrupt's home
Sinead McLaughlin left the meeting at 11:27am.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to give further consideration to a likely amendment to limit the prospects of a bankrupt's home being forfeit in Northern Ireland in line with practices in England and Wales.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department seeking clarification as to why measures can not be adopted which would serve to limit the prospects of a bankrupt's home being forfeit in this jurisdiction in line with practices in England and Wales.
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of a bankrupt's home, pending responses on Clause 85.
Sinead McLaughlin rejoined the meeting at 11:32am.
Kate Nicholl rejoined the meeting at 11:37am.
Clause 86: Offence of making false statements
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 87: Provision that may be included in individual insolvency rules
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 88: Extension of administrator's term of office
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 89: Administration: payments to unsecured creditors
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 90: Creditors not required to prove small debts: company insolvency
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 91: Creditors not required to prove small debts: individual insolvency
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 92: Trustees in bankruptcy
Noted: The Committee noted that the Department had advised that the court has general powers of administration and superintendence to appoint receivers and thus related amendments were unnecessary.
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 93: Abolition of fast-track voluntary arrangements
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 94: Power to add to supplies protected under the 1989 Order
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 95: Power to give further protection to essential supplies
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 96: Protection of supplies of water, electricity, etc
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 97: Further protection of essential supplies
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 98: Power to add to supplies protected under the 1989 Order
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 99: Power to give protection to essential supplies
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 100: Sections 94 to 99: supplemental
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 101: Remote attendance at meetings and use of websites
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Clause 102: Miscellaneous provisions about insolvency law
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 103: Notice of proposed resolution for voluntary winding up
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 104: Notice of result of resolution to wind up voluntarily
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 105: Presentation of bankruptcy petition; conditions to be satisfied
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 106: Orders relating to recognised professional bodies to be subject to negative resolution
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 107: Amendments of the 1995 Order
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 108: Voluntary arrangements of insolvent partnerships
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 109: Voluntary arrangements of members of insolvent partnership
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 110: Administration in relation to insolvent partnerships
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 111: Creditors' winding up: no concurrent petitions against member
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 112: Creditors' winding-up: concurrent petition against member or members
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 113: Members' winding-up: concurrent petitions against all members
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
.
Clause 114: Individual members presenting joint petition: no winding-up of partnership
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 115: Application of the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 116: Supplemental and transitional provision
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 117: Amendments to the Schedule to the 1995 Order
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 118: Interpretation
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 119: Power to make consequential amendments, repeals and revocations
Members noted that the Department had offered to bring forward an amendment which ensure that Assembly scrutiny will apply to Westminster legislation applying in NI.
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that the Clause including the anticipated Departmental amendment should stand part of the Bill.
Clause 120: Commencement
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 121: Short Title
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Clause to stand part of the Bill.
Schedule 1
The Committee deferred consideration of the Clause in respect of virtual meetings, pending responses on Clause 7.
Schedule 2
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Schedule to stand part of the Bill.
Schedule 3
Noted: The Committee noted that, as above, the Department had advised that the court has general powers of administration and superintendence to appoint receivers and therefore related amendments were unnecessary.
Schedule 4
The Committee considered evidence in respect of "deemed consent" but felt that on balance it provided for a low cost option for creditors with an appropriate level of governance and security.
The Committee also considered a suggestion that regulations associated with Article 23(4) should require Assembly procedure but accepted the Department's assurance that the provisions were narrowly drawn and the benefits of amendment were therefore limited.
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it was content for the Schedule to stand part of the Bill.
Other matters
The Committee considered evidence from the Bar of NI in respect of the current practice in Northern Ireland, whereby a petition for insolvency will not be entertained unless the creditor has first obtained a judgement even if the creditor's claim is entirely unopposed.
The Committee considered the Departmental assertion this was the subject of a practice direction issued by a High Court Master designed to regulate court procedure and guide the day-to-day functioning of the court, ensuring consistency and efficiency and that it was therefore constitutionally inappropriate for the Department to legislate.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to give further consideration to the drafting of an amendment to address the difference in treatment of petitions for insolvency where the creditor has not first obtained a judgement .
The Committee considered other evidence from the Bar of Northern Ireland on post-petition transactions and the differences in the statute and rules in NI, such that insolvency jurisdiction is confined to the High Court, rather than the County Court also having insolvency jurisdiction.
Agreed: The Committee informally agreed that it would not progress related amendments on this issue.
The Chairperson thanked the officials.
The officials left the meeting at 11:55am.
Proceedings were suspended at 11:55am.
Proceedings resumed in public session at 12:03pm.
8. RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill - Committee Stage extension
Agreed: The Committee agreed to put down the following motion in plenary:
"That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended to 27 February 2026, in relation to the Committee Stage of the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill"
9. SR RHI Winter Tariffs
Agreed: The Committee agreed the following motion:
"That the Committee for the Economy has considered SR 2025/000 The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, and subject to the report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules, recommends that it be affirmed by the Assembly."
10. Chemicals and Genetically Modified Organisms SL1
The Committee considered the flowing motion:
''That the Committee not consent to the making and laying of the proposed rule: The Chemicals (Health and Safety) and Genetically Modified Organism (Contained Use) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025''
Ayes: Diana Armstrong; Jonathan Buckley; Gary Middleton
Noes: Padraig Delargy; David Honeyford; Sinead McLaughlin; Kate Nicholl
The motion fell.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer scrutiny of the proposed rule, pending Executive consideration.
11. Correspondence
11.1 Index
Noted: The Committee noted an index of incoming correspondence.
11.2 Ministerial Written Statement - Kilroot
The Committee considered a Ministerial written statement advising of a further extension of the running hours for Kilroot Power Station.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Minister and the Utility Regulator seeking:
- an update on Kilroot and clarity on the availability of Coolkeeragh;
- clarity on the sustainability of the Kilroot extensions and the time period for which they could be continued; and
- clarity on the additional costs to the consumer incurred by the extension of running hours.
11.3 Utility Regulator
The Committee considered a response from the Utility Regulator (UR) in respect of Kilroot Power Station's request for a code modification.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the UR seeking further clarity in respect of the code modification.
11.4 DfE Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
Noted: The Committee noted a Departmental press release and a copy of the disclaimed DfE Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25, pending a related Ministerial briefing scheduled for January 2026.
11.5 Presbyterian Mutual Society write-off
Noted: The Committee noted correspondence from the Committee for Finance providing further information on the Presbyterian Mutual Society write-off.
11.6 Glue Traps
The Committee considered Departmental correspondence in respect of a Westminster Statutory Instrument allowing the Scottish Government to restrict the sale of glue traps.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department seeking further information on the UK Internal Market Act and any implications of this Westminster Instrument for businesses in Northern Ireland.
11.7 Clean Heat Market Mechanism (Amendment) Regulation 2025
The Committee considered Departmental correspondence in respect of a Westminster Statutory Instrument applying the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (Amendment) Regulation 2025 to Northern Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek clarity from the Department on the consequences for local manufacturers of the Westminster Statutory Instrument.
11.8 AERC Westminster SIs
The Committee considered correspondence from the Assembly Executive Review Committee (AERC) referring to its review into the development of a formal process on the handling of Westminster Statutory Instruments (SIs) including a request for examples.
Jonathan Buckley and Gary Middleton declared an interest in respect of being Members of the Assembly Executive Review Committee.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to respond to AERC citing recent examples.
11.9 ESR 49th Report
Noted: The Committee noted the Examiner of Statutory Rules 49th report including reference to S.R. 2025/164: The Student Fees (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 - the ESR had no comment on the rule.
11.10 International Relation Strategy
Noted: The Committee noted a holding response from the Executive Office in respect of the development of the International Relations Strategy.
11.11 Essential Skills
The Committee considered a response from the Minister of Education in respect of the status of Level 2 Essential Skills qualifications and school performance. The Minister advised that Essential Skills qualifications continue to generate performance points for schools.
Kate Nicholl recorded concerns in respect of Department of Education decisions having a direct impact on employers and the need for businesses to be consulted on matters relating to skills.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to forward the response to the NI Skills Council.
11.12 Review of Arm's Length bodies
Noted: The Committee noted a copy of correspondence from DoF providing an update on the review of Arm's Length Bodies.
11.13 HoL NI Scrutiny Committee
Noted: The Committee noted correspondence from the HoL NI Scrutiny Committee to the Department of Business and Trade, in respect of proposed EU amendments relating to digitalisation and common specifications.
11.14 Go Succeed
The Committee considered a request from Derry City and Strabane District Council to brief the Committee on Go Succeed.
Padraig Delargy declared an interest as a former recipient of Go Succeed and in respect of Foyle being his constituency.
Agreed: The Committee agreed for the Chairperson to meet informally with DSDC in the first instance.
11.15 Invite from the Bar of NI
Noted: The Committee noted an invitation from the Bar of NI to its The Rule of Law in Perspective Series event.
11.16 Concerned Individual
Noted: The Committee noted a copy of correspondence from a concerned individual to the Retailers Association Northern Ireland in respect of Halloween ephemera.
11.17 Concerned Individual
Noted: The Committee noted a copy of correspondence from a concerned individual to the Utility Regulator in respect of wayleave arrangements and payment.
12. Forward Work Programme
The Committee considered its forward work programme.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule evidence sessions on the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic) Scheme Bill.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to an informal briefing session with the Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a visit to Skills for Life and Work providers.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule Departmental oral and written evidence in respect of the Skills Action Plan and the Sectoral Action Plan.
Agreed: The Committee agreed its forward work programme, as amended.
13. Any Other Business
There was no other business.
14. Date, Time and Place of the next meeting
The next Economy Committee meeting is scheduled to begin on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 10:00am in Room 30, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
The Committee meeting was adjourned at 12:27pm.
Phillip Brett MLA
Chairperson, Committee for the Economy
19 November 2025
