Committee for Health

Minutes of Proceedings - 22 February 2024

Committee for Health - Minutes of Proceedings 22 February 2024.pdf (260.11 kb)

Meeting Location: Room 29, Parliament Buildings

Present:

Liz Kimmins MLA (Chairperson)

Danny Donnelly MLA (Deputy Chairperson)

Alan Chambers MLA

Linda Dillon MLA

Diane Dodds MLA

Órlaithí Flynn MLA

Nuala McAllister MLA

Alan Robinson MLA

Present by Video or Teleconference:

Colin McGrath MLA

In Attendance:

Keith McBride, Committee Clerk

Roisin Donnelly, Assistant Committee Clerk

Jonathan Lamont, Clerical Supervisor

The meeting commenced at 2:05 pm in closed session.

1. Committee Induction

The Clerk provided an update on the planned committee schedule of induction briefings.

The meeting moved into public session at 2:39 pm.

2. Apologies

There were no apologies.

3. Chairperson’s Business

There was no Chairperson’s business.

4. Draft Minutes

Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2024.

5. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

The Committee agreed to move to agenda item number 30, correspondence.

6. Correspondence

The Committee noted correspondence from the Department of Health advising of the launch of a consultation on proposed amendments to the Northern Ireland Firefighters’ Pension Schemes.
The Committee noted an invitation to the Chairperson from the Alzheimer’s Society to attend a Dementia Action Week event.
The Committee considered a request from Mesh Ireland to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered papers prepared by the Assembly’s EU Affairs Manager.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to return to this issue when considering Brexit related matters.
The Committee considered a request from the Stroke Association to meet with the Chairperson and to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered an invitation to the Chairperson from the British Association of Social Workers to attend a conference, Responding to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Ireland, North and South and a request to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered a request from British Dental Association Northern Ireland to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered a request from the Mental Health Champion to brief the Committee.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to schedule a briefing from the Mental Health Champion.
The Committee considered correspondence from the All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling requesting that the Committee write to the Minister of Health in relation to measures being taken to tackle gambling related harm in the community.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to write to the Department on this matter and request a written briefing.
The Committee considered correspondence from an individual regarding a Judicial Review Order concerning the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority’s regulatory role in relation to community mental health services.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to ask Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority for an update following the Judicial Review.
The Committee considered correspondence from Parkinson’s UK requesting the Committee meet with representatives of Northern Ireland Neurological Charities Alliance.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered a request from Save Our Acute Services to meet the Committee to discuss the provision of acute services at the South West Acute Hospital.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson would consider this request.
The Committee considered correspondence from a community pharmacy contractor raising concerns about the supply of medicines and the funding model for community pharmacy in Northern Ireland.

The Committee noted that the Chairperson had scheduled a meeting with representatives of Community Pharmacy NI and would report back to the Committee next week.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this matter.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual raising 4G and 5G emissions concerns in the Newry and Armagh area.
The Committee considered an invitation from Participation and the Practice of Rights to attend two events relating to mental health and suicide prevention.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that Members would respond directly to the organisers on this invitation.
The Committee noted correspondence from an individual regarding funding for IVF treatment.

Agreed: The Committee agreed that it would seek further information from the Department of Health in relation to the Minister’s recent announcement on the funding for IVF treatment.

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Department of Health, listed below, received after the dissolution of the previous Assembly and before the establishment of the current Committee:

Vaccine uptake rates for asylum seekers, refugees and people who are homeless.
Guidance and information relating to access to the booster vaccine for those who are housebound.
Proposal to amend The Branded Health Services Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
Report on the consultation on the introduction of the statutory regulation of the pharmacy technician workforce in Northern Ireland.
Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government Secretary of State for the Department of Health and Social Care and the Devolved Governments concerning the engagement and consultation process in respect of the Secretary of State’s powers to transfer or delegate functions of Arm’s Length Bodies under Sections 102-108 of the Health and Care Act 2022.
Written statement to the Assembly on interim compensation payments to those infected and/or affected by contaminated blood.
Written statement to the Assembly on changes to COVID 19 testing.
Withdrawal of Draft SR The Food and Feed Hygiene and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
Consultation on proposed amendments to the regulations that provide for the Health and Social Care pension schemes to extend the temporary suspension of certain abatement regulations.
Written statement to the Assembly on the extension of powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 relating to public health protections.
Written statement to the Assembly on the publication of the Independent Review of the Learning Disability Resettlement Programme in Northern Ireland.
Written statement to the Assembly on reducing expenditure on agency staffing in health and social care.
Written statement to the Assembly on Elective Overnight Stay Centres.
Proposal to issue a Written Authority under powers in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 to provide clarity that appropriately qualified podiatrists can supply three controlled drugs to patients in Northern Ireland.
Written statement to the Assembly on the public consultation on the future of Muckamore Abbey Hospital.
Written statement to the Assembly on winter preparedness.
Launch of consultation on support for carers.
Launch of consultation on transitional adoption support arrangements
Intention to consult on draft Foster Placement and Fostering Agencies Regulations.
Publication of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency response to the UK-wide consultation on proposals to support the regulation of medicines manufactured at Point of Care.
Publication of the UK Department of Health and Social Care consultation on the Anaesthesia Associates and Physicians Associates Order.
Publication of the UK-wide consultation response documents that that include proposals to amend the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Consultation on proposed amendments to the regulations that provide the rules for the HSC Pension Scheme.
Consultation on proposed legislation for the NI Firefighters’ Pension Schemes to enact the second phase of the transitional protection remedy.
Intention to launch a targeted consultation on proposed legislation for the NI Firefighters’ Pension Schemes to provide retained firefighters further access to the modified section of the New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.
Changes to the EU regulation of tobacco control that will apply in Northern Ireland and is being introduced by the UK Government.
Department of Health response to the recommendations in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on pre-school vaccinations.
Department of Health response to the recommendations in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Mental Health Services in Northern Ireland.
Implementation of the Independent Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs and the ‘For Assessment of Individualised Risk’ Steering Group reports which introduced changes to the blood donation criteria that addressed inequalities in blood donation.
Intention to launch a consultation on proposed changes to the Health and Social Care Pension Schemes to introduce new retirement flexibilities.
UK Government consultation on amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to support the ongoing delivery of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination.
UK Government consultation on amending the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to remove the power for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to rely on the European Commission Decision Reliance Procedure when approving a medicine for the GB market.
Update on the planning for the implementation of Safe Access Zones by the Health and Social Care Trusts and copy of the operator guidance.
Launch of consultation on proposed amendments to the Health and Social Care Pension Schemes regarding members contributions and miscellaneous amendments.
Launch of consultation on a proposed Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland.
Department of Health response to the recommendations in the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on Tackling Waiting Lists.
UK Government consultation on pharmacy supervision.
UK Government consultation on expanding the number of services, professionals or organisations that are able to supply naloxone without a prescription.
UK Government consultation on proposed amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 to remove remaining references to organisations in England and Northern Ireland which have since been dissolved.

The Committee noted the Northern Ireland Audit Office Reports, listed below, received after the dissolution of the previous Assembly and before the establishment of the current Committee:
Mental health services in Northern Ireland.
Tackling the Public Health Impacts of Smoking and Vaping.
Overview of the Northern Ireland Executive’s response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Pre-School Vaccinations in Northern Ireland.

The Committee noted the correspondence, listed below, received after the dissolution of the previous Assembly and before the establishment of the current Committee:
Copy of correspondence from the Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker to all Members providing the report on decisions taken during May 2023 by Northern Ireland Departments.
Copy of correspondence from the Scottish Parliament to the Clerk of the NI Assembly advising that the Scottish Parliament agreed again on 6 June 2023 not to consent to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.
Copy of correspondence from Senedd Cymru advising that the Legislative Consent Motion on the Illegal Migration Bill was not approved by the Senedd on 20 June 2023.
The Strategic Investment Board Investing Activity Report for the Department of Health - January 2024.
Correspondence from the Western Health and Social Care Trust regarding staffing of the neonatal services at South West Acute Hospital.
Correspondence from South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust regarding a consultation on temporary changes to Urgent and Emergency Care Services at Lagan Valley Hospital.
The report of the Independent Neurology Inquiry and the Department of Health’s Overarching Implementation Plan.
Correspondence from the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority regarding the launch of a consultation on its Draft Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
Correspondence from the Medicines and Healthcare Product Regulatory Agency seeking views on proposals for changes to its statutory fees to ensure cost recovery in delivering its activities.
Correspondence from the Food Standards Agency regarding the launch of a consultation on amending the Bread and Flour Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998.
Correspondence from the Food Standards Agency providing the Food Law Code of Practice (Northern Ireland).
Correspondence from an individual regarding the removal of day care provision in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
Copy of correspondence from an individual to the Minister for Health regarding the closure of Valley Nursing Home, Clogher.
Correspondence from an individual regarding the waiting time for a surgical procedure.
A copy of correspondence from KRW Law to the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority regarding the RQIA’s statutory duty in relation to the regulation of community mental health services.
Correspondence from an individual requesting an update on HPV testing in Northern Ireland.

The Committee noted copies of correspondence related to the matters listed below, from the House of Lords European Affairs Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland which were received after the dissolution of the previous Assembly and before the establishment of the current Committee:
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/465 of 3.3.2023 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of arsenic in certain food.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) of 29.3.2022 amending Regulation (EC) No 273/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 111/2005 as regards the inclusion of certain drug precursors in the list of scheduled substances.
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 of 15 September 2022 on recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods, and repealing regulation (EC) NO 282/2008.
The provision of medicines to Northern Ireland under the Protocol.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2340 of 30 November 2022 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards green tea extracts containing (-)- epigallocatechin-3-gallate “Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2340”.
Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union code relating to medicinal products for human use, and repealing Directive 2009/35/EC; and Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down Union procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human use and establishing rules governing the European Medicines Agency, amending Regulation (EC) No 1394/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 726/2004, Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 and Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006.
EU Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on compulsory licensing for crisis management and amending Regulation (EC) 816/2006.
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act) and amending certain Union Legislative Acts.

7. Health and Social Care Trusts First Day Brief

The following officials from the Health and Social Care Trusts joined the meeting at 2:46 pm:

Michael Bloomfield, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust;

Roisin Coulter, Chief Executive, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust;

Neil Guckian, Chief Executive, Western Health and Social Care Trust;

Bernie Owens, Deputy Chief Executive, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust;

Dr Maria O’Kane, Chief Executive, Southern Health and Social Care Trust; and

Jennifer Welsh, Chief Executive, Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Trust Chief Executives briefed the Committee on the challenges currently being faced by the Health and Social Care Trusts.

The briefing was followed by a question and answer question.

The Chairperson thanked the Chief Executives of the Trusts for their attendance.

The briefing session was reported by Hansard.

Alan Chambers left the meeting at 5:14pm

Nuala McAllister left the meeting at 5:15 pm.

8. SR 2023/139 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

The following officials from the Department of Health joined the meeting at 5:15 pm:

Chris Matthews, Director, Emergency Resilience and Protecting Health Directorate; and

Vincent Gribben, Deputy Principal, Emergency Resilience and Protecting Health Directorate.

Chris Matthews briefed the Committee on SR 2023/139 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.

The briefing was followed by a question and answer question.

The Chairperson thanked the officials for their attendance.

The briefing session was reported by Hansard.

Agreed: The Committee agreed to seek urgent clarification from the Minister of Health in relation to his plans to seek further extensions of these powers after 24 March 2024 and to defer consideration of SR 2023/139 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 until its next meeting.

9. SR 2023/50 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2023/50 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023.

10. SR 2022/224 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2022/224 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022.

11. SR 2023/180 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/180 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which place nitrous oxide, and preparations or products containing nitrous oxide in Schedule 5 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/180 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

12. SR 2023/218 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/218 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which permits the independent prescribing of controlled drugs by therapeutic radiographer independent prescribers and paramedic independent prescribers.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/218 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

13. SR 2022/176 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2022/176 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022.

14. SR 2023/11 The Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland (Establishment and Constitution) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/11 The Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland (Establishment and Constitution) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 which changes the name of Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency to the Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/11 The Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland (Establishment and Constitution) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

15. SR 2023/13 The Guardians Ad Litem (Panel) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/13 The Guardians Ad Litem (Panel) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which revokes The Guardians Ad Litem (Panel) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 to facilitate the direct employment of Children’s Court Guardians by the Children's Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/13 The Guardians Ad Litem (Panel) (Revocation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

16. SR 2023/26 The Human Tissue (Permitted Material) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/26 The Human Tissue (Permitted Material) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which sets out what organs and tissues are considered permitted material for the purpose of transplantation.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/26 The Human Tissue (Permitted Material) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

17. Draft SR 2023/0000 The Human Tissue (Permitted Material) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note Draft SR 2023/0000 The Human Tissue (Permitted Material) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023.

18. SR 2023/32 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/32 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which provides for an uplift in the charges recovered in cases where an injured person who receives a compensation payment in respect of their injury has received hospital treatment or ambulance services.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/32 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

19. SR 2023/134 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/134 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which provides for an uplift in the charges recovered in cases where an injured person who receives a compensation payment in respect of his injury has received hospital treatment or ambulance services.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/134 The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

20. SR 2022/276 The General Dental Services (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

The Committee considered SR 2022/276 The General Dental Services (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 which extends the continuing care and capitation arrangements for those affected by the Covid- 19 pandemic and allows the prior approval limit to be adjusted within the Statement of Dental Remuneration.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2022/276 The General Dental Services (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 and had no objection to the rule.

21. SR 2022/285 The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Indemnity Arrangements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

The Committee considered SR 2022/285 The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Indemnity Arrangements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 which sets out the requirement for practising pharmacists to have an indemnity arrangement which provides appropriate cover and the information to be provided to the registrar regarding such arrangements.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2022/285 The Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (Indemnity Arrangements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 and had no objection to the rule.

22. SR 2022/299 The Mental Capacity (Research) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

The Committee considered SR 2022/299 The Mental Capacity (Research) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 which updates a list specifying the persons, committee or other bodies who can act as appropriate bodies for the purpose of approving research involving persons who are aged 16 or over and lack capacity in relation to participation in the research.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2022/299 The Mental Capacity (Research) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 and had no objection to the rule.

23. SR 2023/40 The Optical Charges and Payments (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee considered SR 2023/40 The Optical Charges and Payments (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 which increases the value of optical vouchers for glasses and contact lenses.

Agreed: The Committee considered SR 2023/40 The Optical Charges and Payments (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023 and had no objection to the rule.

24. SR 2022/161 The Children’s Social Care (Consequential Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2022/161 The Children’s Social Care (Consequential Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022.

25. SR 2022/162 The Health and Personal Social Services (General Medical Services Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2022/162 The Health and Personal Social Services (General Medical Services Contracts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022.

26. SR 2022/164 The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022

Agreed: The Committee agreed to note SR 2022/164 The Medical Profession (Responsible Officers) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022.

27. Statutory Instrument 2023/314 The Medicines (Products for Human Use) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2023

The Committee considered SI 2023/314 The Medicines (Products for Human Use) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 made jointly by the UK Secretary of State and the Department of Health to amends the fees currently set out in the Medicines (Products for Human Use) (Fees) Regulations 2016 to ensure the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recovers the cost of regulatory activities in accordance with Managing Public Money principles.

Agreed: The Committee considered SI 2023/314 The Medicines (Products for Human Use) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 and, subject to the Examiner of Statutory Rules’ report, had no objection to the rule.

28. Statutory Instrument 2023/437 The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2023

The Committee noted that SI 2023/437 The Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2023 was laid in Westminster on 19 April 2022 and ensures that the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 continue to be effective in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, taking into account the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union.

29. Statutory Instrument 2022/593 The Branded Health Service Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022

The Committee noted that SI 2022/593 The Branded Health Services Medicines (Costs) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 was laid in Westminster on 1 June 2022 which maintains the existing policy of ‘broad commercial equivalence’ between the Statutory Scheme and Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access.

30. SR 2023/14 The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) (2022 Act) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee noted SR 2023/14 The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) (2022 Act) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 which brought into operation section 1 of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 13 February 2023.

31. SR 2023/12 The Adoption and Children (2022 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023

The Committee noted SR 2023/12 (C.1) The Adoption and Children (2022 Act) (Commencement No. 1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 which brought into operation section 137 of the Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 13 February 2023.

The Committee noted the first report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules published on 16 February 2024.

32. Forward Work Programme

The Committee considered a draft Forward Work Programme.

Agreed: The Committee agreed its Forward Work Programme.

33. Any Other Business

There was no other business.

34. Date, Time and Place of the next meeting

The next meeting of the Committee for Health was scheduled to take place at
2:00 pm on Thursday, 29 February 2024.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 pm.

Liz Kimmins MLA

Chairperson, Committee for Health

29 February 2024