Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Speaker’s Business

2.1 Tributes to Mickey Brady

3. Matter of the Day

3.1 President Trump's Tariff Decision

Mr Timothy Gaston, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on President Trump's Tariff Decision. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

4. Members’ Statements

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

Miss Órlaithí Flynn
Mr Keith Buchanan
Mr Eóin Tennyson
Dr Steve Aiken
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Paul Frew
Mr Pat Sheehan
Mr Peter Martin
Mr Timothy Gaston
Mrs Michelle Guy
Mr Pádraig Delargy
Ms Cheryl Brownlee

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

5. Opposition Business

5.1 Motion: Executive Progress

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses concern at the continued failure of the Executive to deliver on its core responsibilities; notes in particular, the absence of an Executive agreed multi-year Budget, limited progress on the passage of Executive legislation, and the lack of delivery of Programme for Government targets; agrees that this failure to deliver has been caused by ineffective decision making, siloed departmental working, and the structure and operation of the Executive; believes that two years on from the restoration of devolved government, the public have been failed; and calls on the Executive to urgently agree an ambitious multi-year Budget, introduce a statutory duty to cooperate between Ministers and departments and to provide an update to the Assembly on progress against Programme for Government commitments.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Leave out all after ‘siloed departmental working,’ and insert:
‘the chronic underfunding of some departments, reckless budget management by others, and the structure and operation of the Executive and Assembly; believes that two years on from the restoration of devolved government, the public have not benefited from the public service transformation and effective government they deserve; and calls on the Executive to urgently agree an ambitious and sustainable multi-year Budget, introduce a statutory duty to cooperate between Ministers and departments and to provide an update to the Assembly on progress against Programme for Government commitments.’

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr Stewart Dickson
Mr Eóin Tennyson
Miss Nuala McAllister

Debate ensued.

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

6. Question Time

6.1 The Executive Office

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

6.2 Infrastructure

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Infrastructure, Ms Liz Kimmins.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

7. Opposition Business (cont’d)

7.1 Motion: Executive Progress (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the amendment was made (Division 1).

The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried.

8. Assembly Business

8.1 Motion: Extension of Sitting on Monday 19 January 2026 under Standing Order 10(3A)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 19 January 2026 be extended to no later than 8.15pm.

Business Committee

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

9. Opposition Business (cont’d)

9.1 Motion: Addressing Unaffordable Housing Costs

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes with concern the sharp rise in private rents across Northern Ireland; recognises that rapidly rising rents are outpacing incomes, increasing housing insecurity, and placing significant pressure on households; believes that existing measures are insufficient in protecting private tenants from excessive and unaffordable rent increases; further recognises that the continued loss of social housing stock places additional demand on the private rented sector, contributing to rent inflation; and calls on the Minister for Communities to bring forward legislation to introduce robust third generation rent controls, alongside a moratorium on the House Sales Scheme to stabilise rents and improve housing affordability.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment 1:

Leave out all after ‘existing measures’ and insert:
‘alone are insufficient in protecting private tenants from excessive and unaffordable rent increases as demand outstrips supply; further recognises that insufficient capital investment in social housing stock places additional demand on the private rented sector, contributing to rent inflation; and calls on the Minister for Communities to review the House Sales Scheme to stabilise rents and improve housing affordability.’

Mr Maurice Bradley
Mrs Pam Cameron

Amendment 2:

Leave out all after ‘rent inflation;’ and insert:

‘further believes that ultimately the delivery of more social and affordable homes is fundamental to ensuring access to affordable housing; and calls on the Minister for Communities to prioritise delivery of the Social Housing Development Plan, introduce a moratorium on the House Sales Scheme in order to stabilise social housing stock levels; and further calls on the Minister to explore options for the introduction of robust rent controls, and a public body to regulate the rental sector and deliver a fair rental system.’

Mrs Ciara Ferguson
Mr Colm Gildernew
Mrs Sinéad Ennis

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, amendment 1 fell (Division 2).

The Question being put, amendment 2 was made (Division 3).

The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried (Division 4).

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

9.2 Motion: Delivering a Successful Fleadh

Proposed:

That this Assembly welcomes the forthcoming hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast; recognises the significant cultural, social and economic opportunities presented by the Fleadh, including increased tourism, support for local businesses, and the promotion of traditional music and culture; acknowledges the potential for the Fleadh to bring communities together and to promote inclusion, shared cultural participation and mutual understanding; and affirms its commitment to working with relevant partners to ensure the delivery of a safe, inclusive and successful Fleadh that leaves a positive and lasting legacy for Belfast and communities across Northern Ireland.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Leave out all after ‘mutual understanding;’ and insert:
‘recognises that prior to the commencement of other sporting and cultural events, some accommodation providers have hiked prices to unsustainable levels; and calls on the Executive Office to convene a working group comprising of relevant officials and representatives from the appropriate departments to ensure that the Fleadh is a success, that accommodation costs are not inflated in advance, that suitable accommodation and free public transport is provided for attendees, and that no evictions from non-standard temporary accommodation occur before or during the Fleadh.’

Mr Gerry Carroll

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the amendment was made (Division 5).

The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried (Division 6).

10. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 7.23pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker

19 January 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

19 January 2026 – Division 1

Amendment – Executive Progress

Leave out all after ‘siloed departmental working,’ and insert:

‘the chronic underfunding of some departments, reckless budget management by others, and the structure and operation of the Executive and Assembly; believes that two years on from the restoration of devolved government, the public have not benefited from the public service transformation and effective government they deserve; and calls on the Executive to urgently agree an ambitious and sustainable multi-year Budget, introduce a statutory duty to cooperate between Ministers and departments and to provide an update to the Assembly on progress against Programme for Government commitments.’

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr Stewart Dickson
Mr Eóin Tennyson
Miss Nuala McAllister

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 40
Noes: 31

AYES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGuigan, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Ms K Armstrong, Mr Dickson.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mrs Cameron, Mr Harvey.

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

19 January 2026 – Division 2

Amendment 1 – Addressing Unaffordable Housing Costs

Leave out all after ‘existing measures’ and insert:

‘alone are insufficient in protecting private tenants from excessive and unaffordable rent increases as demand outstrips supply; further recognises that insufficient capital investment in social housing stock places additional demand on the private rented sector, contributing to rent inflation; and calls on the Minister for Communities to review the House Sales Scheme to stabilise rents and improve housing affordability.’

Mr Maurice Bradley
Mrs Pam Cameron

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 29
Noes: 47

AYES

Dr Aiken, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Bradley, Mrs Cameron.

NOES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Durkan, Ms Hunter.

Amendment 1 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

19 January 2026 – Division 3

Amendment 2 – Addressing Unaffordable Housing Costs

Leave out all after ‘rent inflation;’ and insert:

‘further believes that ultimately the delivery of more social and affordable homes is fundamental to ensuring access to affordable housing; and calls on the Minister for Communities to prioritise delivery of the Social Housing Development Plan, introduce a moratorium on the House Sales Scheme in order to stabilise social housing stock levels; and further calls on the Minister to explore options for the introduction of robust rent controls, and a public body to regulate the rental sector and deliver a fair rental system.’

Mrs Ciara Ferguson
Mr Colm Gildernew
Mrs Sinéad Ennis

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 46
Noes: 30

AYES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs Ferguson, Mr Gildernew.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Carroll, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Bradley, Mrs Cameron.

Amendment 2 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

19 January 2026 – Division 4

Motion (As amended) – Addressing Unaffordable Housing Costs

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes with concern the sharp rise in private rents across Northern Ireland; recognises that rapidly rising rents are outpacing incomes, increasing housing insecurity, and placing significant pressure on households; believes that existing measures are insufficient in protecting private tenants from excessive and unaffordable rent increases; further recognises that the continued loss of social housing stock places additional demand on the private rented sector, contributing to rent inflation; further believes that ultimately the delivery of more social and affordable homes is fundamental to ensuring access to affordable housing; and calls on the Minister for Communities to prioritise delivery of the Social Housing Development Plan, introduce a moratorium on the House Sales Scheme in order to stabilise social housing stock levels; and further calls on the Minister to explore options for the introduction of robust rent controls, and a public body to regulate the rental sector and deliver a fair rental system.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 45
Noes: 28

AYES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs Ferguson, Ms McLaughlin.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr K Buchanan, Mrs Cameron.

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

19 January 2026 – Division 5

Amendment – Delivering a Successful Fleadh

Leave out all after ‘mutual understanding;’ and insert:

‘recognises that prior to the commencement of other sporting and cultural events, some accommodation providers have hiked prices to unsustainable levels; and calls on the Executive Office to convene a working group comprising of relevant officials and representatives from the appropriate departments to ensure that the Fleadh is a success, that accommodation costs are not inflated in advance, that suitable accommodation and free public transport is provided for attendees, and that no evictions from non-standard temporary accommodation occur before or during the Fleadh.’

Mr Gerry Carroll

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 43
Noes: 23

AYES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Carroll, Ms Hunter.

NOES

Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Robinson, 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

19 January 2026 – Division 6

Motion (As amended) – Delivering a Successful Fleadh

Proposed:

That this Assembly welcomes the forthcoming hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast; recognises the significant cultural, social and economic opportunities presented by the Fleadh, including increased tourism, support for local businesses, and the promotion of traditional music and culture; acknowledges the potential for the Fleadh to bring communities together and to promote inclusion, shared cultural participation and mutual understanding; recognises that prior to the commencement of other sporting and cultural events, some accommodation providers have hiked prices to unsustainable levels; and calls on the Executive Office to convene a working group comprising of relevant officials and representatives from the appropriate departments to ensure that the Fleadh is a success, that accommodation costs are not inflated in advance, that suitable accommodation and free public transport is provided for attendees, and that no evictions from non-standard temporary accommodation occur before or during the Fleadh.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 43
Noes: 22

AYES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Chambers, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McGlone, Mr O'Toole.

NOES

Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Robinson, 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 14 January 2026 to 19 January 2026

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

SR 2026/5 The Breakfast Foods (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Health)

SR 2026/7 The Rates (Making and Levying of Different Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Finance)

For information Only.

SR 2026/6 The Disclosure of Victims’ and Witnesses’ Information (Prescribed Bodies) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Justice)

SR 2026/8 The Waste (Fees and Charges) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

The Pension Schemes Bill (Department for Communities)

Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill (Department for Communities)

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Launch of Review of Sentencing Policy (Minister of Justice)

Closure of the Non-Domestic Renewable Heat (RHI) Scheme (Minister for the Economy)

Publication of the Executive 3rd Response to the Covid-19 Module 1 Report Recommendations (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

Public Consultation Report Proposals to establish a dedicated organisation to support controlled schools (Minister of Education)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Tourism Ireland Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 (Department for the Economy)

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Office of the Discretionary Support Commissioner - Report for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 (Department for Communities)