Minutes of Proceedings
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 02 March 2026
The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair.
1. Prayers
Members observed two minutes’ silence.
2. Speaker’s Business
2.1 Royal Assent
The Speaker informed Members that Royal Assent was signified to the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill. The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 became law on 25 February 2026.
3. Matter of the Day
3.1 The Escalating Conflict Involving Iran and the Implications for the United Kingdom
Mr Timothy Gaston, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on the Escalating Conflict Involving Iran and the Implications for the United Kingdom. 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:
Mr Pádraig Delargy
Miss Michelle McIlveen
Miss Nuala McAllister
Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Justin McNulty
Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Brian Kingston
Mrs Ciara Ferguson
Mr Phillip Brett
Mr Pat Sheehan
Mr Keith Buchanan
Mr Timothy Gaston
The Speaker welcomed an Honorary Consul of East Timor to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
5. Public Petition
Improved Pedestrian Safety in Carryduff
Ms Kate Nicholl was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition on Improved Pedestrian Safety in Carryduff.
6. Assembly Business
6.1 Motion: Committee Membership
Proposed:
That Mr Declan Kearney replace Miss Jemma Dolan on the Committee for the Economy; that Miss Jemma Dolan replace Mr Pádraig Delargy on the Public Accounts Committee; and that Mr Pádraig Delargy replace Mr Declan Kearney on the Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee.
Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Philip McGuigan
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
6.2 Motion: Committee Membership
Proposed:
That Mr Peter Martin replace Mr Gary Middleton as a member of the Committee for Education; that Mr Keith Buchanan and Mr Trevor Clarke replace Mr Harry Harvey and Mr Brian Kingston as members of the Committee on Standards and Privileges; and that Mr Gareth Wilson be appointed as a member of the Public Accounts Committee.
Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr Harry Harvey
Mr David Brooks
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.
7. Ministerial Statement
7.1 British-Irish Council Energy Ministerial Meeting
The Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, made a statement regarding a British-Irish Council Energy Ministerial meeting, following which she replied to questions.
8. Executive Committee Business
8.1 Consideration Stage: Budget Bill (NIA Bill 25/22-27)
The Minister of Finance, Mr John O’Dowd, moved the Consideration Stage of the Budget Bill (NIA Bill 25/22-27).
No amendments to the Bill were tabled.
Clauses
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 2 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 3 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 4 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 5 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 6 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 7 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 8 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 9 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 10 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 11 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 12 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 13 stand part of the Bill.
Schedules
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 1 stand part of the Bill.
The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 2 stand part of the Bill.
Long Title
The question being put, the Long Title was agreed without division.
The Budget Bill (NIA Bill 25/22-27) stood referred to the Speaker.
9. Committee Business
9.1 Motion: Review of the Salary Arrangements for the Comptroller and Auditor General
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes the Audit Committee Report of its review of the salary arrangements for the Comptroller and Auditor General (NIA 120/22-27), approves its recommendations, and in so doing, in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Audit (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, determines that the salary payable to the holder of the office of Comptroller and Auditor General shall be as follows: in each year from 1 April 2023 until such time as the Assembly makes a further determination, £160,708 (excluding employer costs).
Chairperson, Audit Committee
Debate ensued.
The sitting was suspended at 1.47pm and resumed at 2.00pm, the Speaker in the Chair.
10. Question Time
10.1 The Executive Office
Questions were put to, and answered by, the deputy First Minister, Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly. The junior Minister, Ms Joanne Bunting, also answered a number of questions.
10.2 Health
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt.
The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.
11. Committee Business (cont’d)
11.1 Motion: Review of the Salary Arrangements for the Comptroller and Auditor General (cont’d)
The Question being put, the motion was carried (Division 1).
12. Private Members’ Business
12.1 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
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the amendment fell.
The Question being put, the motion was negatived (Division 2).
13. Assembly Business (cont’d)
13.1 Motion: Extension of Sitting on Monday 2 March 2026 under Standing Order 10(3A)
Proposed:
That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 2 March 2026 be extended to no later than 7.30pm.
Business Committee
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.
14. Private Members’ Business (cont’d)
14.1 Motion: Promoting Cross-Border Education
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes the positive work between universities and government departments on the island of Ireland to facilitate closer equivalence in A-Level and Leaving Certificate grades and the positive potential this has for increasing student mobility; recognises that barriers to student mobility across the island remain and should be overcome; further notes the social, academic and economic impact of limiting student mobility; calls on the Irish Government to engage in dialogue with the Minister for the Economy and Minister of Education to align CAO results and university admissions dates with the UCAS system to create a more streamlined university application process; and further calls on the Minister of Education to do more to ensure that A-level students are fully aware of the university course options that exist island-wide and that these are adequately promoted in our schools and students are supported in completing CAO forms.
Mr Pádraig Delargy
Mr Danny Baker
Mr Pat Sheehan
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
15. Adjournment
Proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
The Speaker
The Assembly adjourned at 6.24pm.
Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
2 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
2 March 2026 – Division 1
Motion: Review of the Salary Arrangements for the Comptroller and Auditor General
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes the Audit Committee Report of its review of the salary arrangements for the Comptroller and Auditor General (NIA 120/22-27), approves its recommendations, and in so doing, in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Audit (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, determines that the salary payable to the holder of the office of Comptroller and Auditor General shall be as follows: in each year from 1 April 2023 until such time as the Assembly makes a further determination, £160,708 (excluding employer costs).
Chairperson, Audit Committee
The Question was put and the Assembly divided.
Ayes: 68
Noes: 7
AYES
Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Dr Archibald, Ms D Armstrong, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Mr Beattie, Mr Blair, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Brett, Miss Brogan, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dodds, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Dunne, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Flynn, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gildernew, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Harvey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Miss McIlveen, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Martin, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Stewart, Mr Tennyson, Mr Wilson.
Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Chambers, Ms Forsythe.
NOES
Mr Carroll, Mr Durkan, Mr Gaston, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr O'Toole.
Tellers for the Noes: Mr Durkan, Mr O'Toole.
The motion 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
2 March 2026 – Division 2
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
The Question was put and the Assembly divided.
Ayes: 28
Noes: 31
AYES
Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Miss Dolan, Mr Durkan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin.
Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin.
NOES
Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Beattie, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T 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 Stewart, Mr Wilson.
Tellers for the Noes: Dr Aiken, Mr Buckley.
The following Members voted in both Lobbies and are therefore not counted in the result:
Ms K Armstrong, Mr Blair, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Dickson, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Ms Mulholland, Mr Tennyson.
The motion was negatived.
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 25 February 2026 to 2 March 2026
1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Act (Northern Ireland) 2026
2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly
3. Orders in Council
4. Statutory Rules
SR 2026/26 The Glencairn Road, Belfast (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/27 The St Andrews Square West, Belfast (Stopping-Up) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/30 The Deaths and Still-Births (Signing of Certificates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Finance)
For Information Only
SR 2026/25 The Prohibition of U-Turns (Belfast) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/28 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/29 The Waiting Restrictions (Clogher) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/31 The Waiting Restrictions (Coalisland) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/32 (C.1) The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss (2026 Act) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Finance)
SR 2026/33 The Waiting Restrictions (Comber) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
5. Legislative Consent Memorandums
6. Assembly Reports
Report on the Committee Stage of the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill ( NIA 148/22-27) (Committee for the Economy)
Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees Fifty-eighth Report (NIA 152/22-27) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)
7. Written Ministerial Statements
Transforming Together: Understanding the Pathway to Integrated Education (Minister of Education)
8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly
Principles for the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas (revised) (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)
Press Recognition Panel’s Annual Report on the Recognition System - February 2026 (Press Recognition Panel)
Probation Board for Northern Ireland Retention and Disposal Schedule (Department for Communities)
Urology Services Inquiry Retention and Disposal Schedule for the Records of the Urology Inquiry (Department for Communities)
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland - Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes by PSNI Officers: Analysis and Emerging Findings (Department of Justice)
Local Government Auditor’s Draft Code of Audit Practice 2026 - Covering Letter (Department for Communities)
Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman’s Report 2024-25 (Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman)
