Marshalled List of Amendments

Item 8 –Order Paper 155/22-27 – Monday 2 March 2026

Motion: Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes that Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 2026; recognises that this presents a significant strategic opportunity for Northern Ireland, including in addressing ongoing practical issues arising from Brexit, strengthening east–west and north–south cooperation, and maximising opportunities for EU engagement and investment in areas such as infrastructure, research and innovation, energy, skills and cross-border public services; further notes that Ireland’s EU Presidency can play an important role in supporting improved relations and closer cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union; believes that, in the long term, Northern Ireland’s future will be best served back in Europe as part of a new Ireland; and calls on the Northern Ireland Executive to proactively engage with the Irish Government to set out Northern Ireland’s priorities for the duration of Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Mr Matthew O’Toole

Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Amendment

Leave out all after ‘areas such as’ and insert:
‘defence, security, infrastructure, research and innovation, energy, skills and public services across the British Isles; further notes that Ireland’s EU Presidency can play an important role in supporting improved relations and closer cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union, particularly in the defence and security fields and in the support of the Ukraine and in resolutely standing up to Putin's aggression in Europe; believes that, in the long term, Northern Ireland’s future will be best served with the United Kingdom having a closer relationship with the European Union, with trade, economic and security agreements, as this is the most likely direction of travel; and urges the Ireland’s EU Presidency to work with the EU and the United Kingdom to mitigate the divergent and disruptive impact of the Windsor Framework as a measure of the good faith of improving UK and EU relations.’

Dr Steve Aiken

Ms Diana Armstrong