Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at noon, the Principal Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Members’ Statements

Under Standing Order 24A, the following Members made a statement to the Assembly:

Mr Pat Sheehan
Mr Phillip Brett
Mr David Honeyford
Dr Steve Aiken
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Maolíosa McHugh
Mr Paul Frew
Mr John Blair
Ms Cara Hunter
Mrs Pam Cameron
Ms Claire Sugden
Mr Harry Harvey
Mr Timothy Gaston

 
3. Assembly Business

3.1 Motion: Suspension of Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4)

Proposed:

That Standing Orders 10(2) to 10(4) be suspended for 16 March 2026.

Business Committee

The Question being put, the motion was carried with cross-community support.

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 First Stage: Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill (NIA Bill 30/22-27)

The Minister of Finance, Mr John O'Dowd, introduced a Bill to make provision as to the persons who may solemnise marriage; to make provision about the minimum age for marriage and civil partnership; and for connected purposes.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill (NIA Bill 30/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

4.2 Second Stage: Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill (NIA Bill 26/22-27)

The Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long, moved the Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill (NIA Bill 26/22-27) do now pass.

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The debate stood suspended for Question Time, the Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

5. Question Time

5.1 The Executive Office

Questions were put to, and answered by, the First Minister, Ms Michelle O’Neill.

5.2 Finance

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Finance, Mr John O’Dowd.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

6. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

6.1 Second Stage: Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill (NIA Bill 26/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill (NIA Bill 26/22-27) passed Second Stage.

6.2 Legislative Consent Motion: Crime and Policing Bil

Proposed:

That this Assembly endorses the principle of the extension to Northern Ireland of the provisions of the Crime and Policing Bill, introduced as amendments in the House of Lords, dealing with powers to strengthen age verification requirements for on-line sale and delivery of knives and crossbows.

Minister of Justice

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

7. Private Members’ Business

7.1 Motion: Women’s Health Strategy

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the significant and well-documented disparities in women’s health outcomes and access to services in Northern Ireland; notes with concern the prolonged waiting times in women’s health service provision and the absence of a comprehensive, life course approach to women’s health; further notes that, unlike Northern Ireland, other jurisdictions including England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have adopted dedicated Women’s Health Strategies and Women’s Health Action Plans; acknowledges the work previously announced by the Department of Health on a Women’s Health Action Plan; expresses concern at the lack of publicly reported progress, outcomes or measurable targets arising from that work; calls on the Minister of Health to provide a detailed update to the Assembly on the status, funding and implementation of the Action Plan and to bring forward, within 12 months, a fully costed and time-bound Women’s Health Strategy, developed in consultation with key stakeholders; and further calls on the Minister to commission a review of primary care arrangements, to ensure women’s health is explicitly embedded and resourced across the life course, and to publish an assessment of how current women’s health service provision complies with statutory equality duties, including Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Ms Claire Sugden

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

 
7.2 Motion: Illegal US and Israeli Attacks on Iran

Proposed:

That this Assembly stands firmly behind international law and condemns the illegal US and Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of the United Nations Charter and international law; further condemns the human rights violations, lack of democracy and breaches of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Iran; regrets that many civilians have and will die as a result of these reckless attacks; is deeply concerned that Irish and British citizens living, working and on holiday in the region have been put in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises here, which will impact workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an immediate end to the conflict; and further calls for the recommencement of urgent negotiations towards a peaceful diplomatic resolution, in line with international law and which respects the right of the people of Iran to self-determination.

Mr Declan Kearney
Miss Deirdre Hargey
Mr Pat Sheehan
Ms Emma Sheerin

Amendment 1:

Leave out all after first ‘international law’ and insert:

‘and condemns Iranian-sponsored global terrorism through Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, as well as the many human rights violations against its citizens in breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly its oppression of women in Iran; regrets that many civilians will lose their lives during this conflict; is deeply concerned that British and Irish citizens living, working, on holiday, transiting, or serving in the region with our armed forces, are in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises on workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an end to Iran’s nuclear programme and its sponsorship of global terrorism, to enable an end to the conflict, a return to negotiations and a de-escalation of the situation in the region; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to do all they can to understand the wider situation so they can assist British and Irish citizens, and their families, who have been impacted by the conflict.’

Mr Doug Beattie
Dr Steve Aiken

Amendment 2:

Leave out all after ‘on Iran’ and insert:

‘, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law; further condemns the human rights violations, lack of democracy and breaches of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Iran; regrets that many civilians have and will die as a result of these reckless attacks; is deeply concerned that Irish and British citizens living, working and on holiday in the region have been put in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises here, which will impact workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an immediate end to the conflict; further calls for the recommencement of urgent negotiations to deliver a peaceful diplomatic resolution, an end to Iran’s nuclear programme, respect for international law and self-determination for the Iranian people; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to urgently publish an International Relations Strategy that will equip the Executive to respond to current and future international situations and global trade with a common, ethically-driven and unified approach.’

Ms Kate Nicholl
Mr Eóin Tennyson

Amendment 3:

Leave out all after ‘cost of living;’ and insert:

‘believes that inaction, contradictory statements and political infighting from Executive Ministers has marred its response, rather than protecting the public from the impact of cost increases; calls for an immediate end to the conflict and for the recommencement of urgent negotiations towards a peaceful diplomatic resolution, in line with international law and which respects the right of the people of Iran to self-determination; and further calls on the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Economy to outline the actions they will take to help protect workers and families in Northern Ireland from rising fuel and energy prices.’

Mr Matthew O’Toole
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, amendment 1 fell (Division 1).
The Question being put, amendment 2 was made (Division 2).
As amendment 2 was made, the question was not put on amendment 3.
The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried (Division 3).

8. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 8.49pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
16 March 2026

Northern Ireland Assembly

Proxy Voting Notifications

In line with Standing Order 27A, Mrs Deborah Erskine arranged for her vote to be exercised by a proxy (Mr Trevor Clarke) during the period 15 September 2025 to 14 June 2026.

In line with Standing Order 27A, Miss Nicola Brogan arranged for her vote to be exercised by a proxy (Mrs Sinéad Ennis) during the period 11 November 2025 to 10 August 2026.

Northern Ireland Assembly

16 March 2026 – Division 1

Amendment 1: Illegal US and Israeli Attacks on Iran

Proposed:

Leave out all after first ‘international law’ and insert:

‘and condemns Iranian-sponsored global terrorism through Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, as well as the many human rights violations against its citizens in breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, particularly its oppression of women in Iran; regrets that many civilians will lose their lives during this conflict; is deeply concerned that British and Irish citizens living, working, on holiday, transiting, or serving in the region with our armed forces, are in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises on workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an end to Iran’s nuclear programme and its sponsorship of global terrorism, to enable an end to the conflict, a return to negotiations and a de-escalation of the situation in the region; and further calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to do all they can to understand the wider situation so they can assist British and Irish citizens, and their families, who have been impacted by the conflict.’

Mr Doug Beattie
Dr Steve Aiken

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 21
Noes: 40

AYES

Dr Aiken, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Stewart, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Dr Aiken, Mr Beattie.

NOES

Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mrs Dillon, Miss Hargey.

The amendment fell.

Votes cast by proxy:

Mrs Erskine’s vote was cast by Mr Clarke.
Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

16 March 2026 – Division 2

Amendment 2: Illegal US and Israeli Attacks on Iran

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘on Iran’ and insert:

‘, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law; further condemns the human rights violations, lack of democracy and breaches of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Iran; regrets that many civilians have and will die as a result of these reckless attacks; is deeply concerned that Irish and British citizens living, working and on holiday in the region have been put in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises here, which will impact workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an immediate end to the conflict; further calls for the recommencement of urgent negotiations to deliver a peaceful diplomatic resolution, an end to Iran’s nuclear programme, respect for international law and self-determination for the Iranian people; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to urgently publish an International Relations Strategy that will equip the Executive to respond to current and future international situations and global trade with a common, ethically-driven and unified approach.’

Ms Kate Nicholl
Mr Eóin Tennyson

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 33
Noes: 22

AYES

Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Miss McAllister, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Dickson, Mr McMurray.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Carroll, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Stewart, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Brooks, Mr Martin.

The amendment was made.

Votes cast by proxy:

Mrs Erskine’s vote was cast by Mr Clarke.
Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

16 March 2026 – Division 3

Motion (As amended): Illegal US and Israeli Attacks on Iran

Proposed:

That this Assembly stands firmly behind international law and condemns the illegal US and Israeli attacks on Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law; further condemns the human rights violations, lack of democracy and breaches of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Iran; regrets that many civilians have and will die as a result of these reckless attacks; is deeply concerned that Irish and British citizens living, working and on holiday in the region have been put in danger; recognises the huge economic damage that will be felt in the Middle East and the economic shock that will also be felt across the globe; further recognises the direct impact of fuel and energy price rises here, which will impact workers and families already struggling with the cost of living; calls for an immediate end to the conflict; further calls for the recommencement of urgent negotiations to deliver a peaceful diplomatic resolution, an end to Iran’s nuclear programme, respect for international law and self-determination for the Iranian people; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to urgently publish an International Relations Strategy that will equip the Executive to respond to current and future international situations and global trade with a common, ethically-driven and unified approach.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 40
Noes: 21

AYES

Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs Dillon, Miss Hargey.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Stewart, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Brooks, Mr Martin.

The motion, as amended, was carried.

Votes cast by proxy:

Mrs Erskine’s vote was cast by Mr Clarke.
Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 11 March 2026 to 16 March 2026.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill (NIA Bill 30/22-27)

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

SR 2026/21 The Optical Charges and Payments (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 – Revised Explanatory Memorandum (Department of Health)

SR 2026/49 The Government Resources and Accounts (Northern Ireland) Act 2001 (Estimates and Accounts) (Designation of Bodies) Order 2026 (Department of Finance)

SR 2026/51 The Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Communities)

SR 2026/52 The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Communities)

SR 2026/54 The Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (Rates of Allowances) (Amendment and Modification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Communities)

SR 2026/55 The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Justice)

For Information Only

SR 2026/24 The Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Communities)

SR 2026/47 The Schools (Part-Time 20mph Speed Limit) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2026/48 The Road Races (Circuit of Ireland Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

Memorandum Not Seeking Consent: Memorandum on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill (Department of Health)

6. Assembly Reports

Report on the Administrative and Financial Provisions Bill (NIA 151/22-27) (Committee for Finance)

Report on Road Openings by Utilities (NIA 153/22-27) (Public Accounts Committee)

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees Sixtieth Report (NIA 158/22-27) (Northern Ireland Assembly)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Extending the Use of Temporary Exemption Certificates to Help Manage MOT Waiting Times (Minister for Infrastructure)

DE - Cash Advance from the Consolidated Fund (Minister of Finance)

Departmental Response to recommendations made in the New Decade New Approach (NDNA) Reviews into The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and The Commissioner for Older People (COPNI) (Minister for Communities)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

The Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People)

Department for Communities - Retention and Disposal Schedule (Department for Communities)

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Department of Health Indemnity in Relation to a Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology City Deal Collaboration Between Belfast Health Social and Social Care Trust and the Ulster University (Department of Health)

Northern Ireland Assembly Legislation:

Stages in Consideration of Public Bills

First Stage: Introduction of Bill.
Second Stage: General debate of the Bill with an opportunity for Members to vote on its general principles.
Committee Stage (Comm. Stage): Detailed investigation by a Committee which concludes with the publication of a report for consideration by the Assembly.
Consideration Stage (CS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, the details of the Bill including amendments proposed to the Bill.
Further Consideration Stage (FCS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, further amendments to the Bill.
Final Stage: Passing or rejecting of Bill by the Assembly, without further amendment.
Royal Assent.

Proceedings as 16 March 2026
2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills