Minutes of Proceedings
Session: Session currently unavailable
Date: 22 June 2026
The Assembly met at 11.00am, the 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:
Mrs Cathy Mason
Mrs Diane Dodds
Mr Eóin Tennyson
Dr Steve Aiken
Mr Justin McNulty
Mr Danny Baker
Mr Jonathan Buckley
Mr David Honeyford
Mrs Linda Dillon
Mr Maurice Bradley
Mr Mark Durkan
3. Speaker’s Business
3.1 Royal Assent
The Speaker informed Members that Royal Assent was signified to the RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Bill. The RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 became law on 17 June 2026.
4. Ministerial Statement
4.1 Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Final Report
The Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt, made a statement regarding the publication of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry Final Report, following which he replied to questions.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.
5. Opposition Business
5.1 Motion: Failure to Agree a Budget
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes with extreme concern the failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to agree a multi-year budget; supports any efforts to secure maximum possible funding from the British Government; urges UK Ministers to engage constructively with the Executive to ensure that public services are properly funded; acknowledges that if a budget is not agreed, the Executive will only be able to spend 95 per cent of the 2025-2026 Budget; further notes that in this scenario the Executive would be imposing a brutal five per cent cut on their own budget, punishing ordinary families and workers for their collective failure; and calls on the Minister of Finance to explain why the Executive is deciding to impose further austerity on the public at a time of huge cost of living pressures.
Leader of the Opposition
Amendment:
Leave out all after "2025-2026 Budget;" and insert:
‘further notes the recent publication of the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council Sustainability Report 2026, which highlights the scale of the fiscal challenge the Assembly faces and how operating without an agreed Budget is not sustainable; recognises that the report also highlights the underinvestment by the British Government, when compared with Scotland and Wales, and the need for the Executive to be properly funded to enable transformation and investment in our public services; and calls on the Minister of Finance to continue to press the British Government for sufficient funding for the Executive and to work to secure a long-term plan to properly fund the needs of our communities.’
Miss Jemma Dolan
Miss Deirdre Hargey
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the amendment was made.
The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried.
The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.
5.2 Motion: Trust in Public Appointments
Proposed:
That this Assembly notes growing public concern regarding appointments to public bodies, arm’s-length bodies and other publicly funded organisations; believes that such appointments must be made on the basis of merit, expertise and the ability to deliver better outcomes for the people of Northern Ireland, rather than political patronage; expresses concern that the office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments remained vacant for over four years, weakening independent oversight of the appointments process; and acknowledges that perceptions of cronyism within public appointments will further damage confidence and trust in devolved government.
Leader of the Opposition
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 Education
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Education, Mr Paul Givan.
7. Question for Urgent Oral Answer
7.1 Industrial Action by Doctors
The Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt, responded to a Question for Urgent Oral Answer tabled by Mrs Diane Dodds.
8. Opposition Business (cont’d)
8.1 Motion: Trust in Public Appointments (cont’d)
Debate resumed.
The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
8.2 Motion: In Vitro Fertilisation Equality
Proposed:
That this Assembly acknowledges the valuable role that in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted fertility treatments play in supporting individuals and couples to build families; recognises that the cost of accessing fertility treatment privately can be prohibitive and creates unequal access based on ability to pay; notes that National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guidelines recommend the provision of up to three cycles of IVF for eligible patients; further notes the commitment in New Decade, New Approach to expand publicly funded IVF provision in Northern Ireland to three cycles; expresses regret that this commitment has not been delivered, leaving people in Northern Ireland with lower levels of access to fertility treatment than those in Wales and Scotland; and calls on the Minister of Health to urgently bring forward proposals, and secure the necessary funding, to expand publicly funded IVF provision in Northern Ireland to allow for up to three cycles of treatment by the end of the 2022-2027 Assembly mandate.
Leader of the Opposition
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the motion was carried.
9. Executive Committee Business
9.1 First Stage: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA Bill 38/22-27)
The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Andrew Muir, introduced a Bill to make provision about the functions of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in relation to fisheries and inland waters; about enforcement powers in relation to sea fisheries; about penalties and modes of trial for certain offences relating to fisheries, sea fish conservation and the water environment; about aquaculture licensing; about the licensing of the sale of fish and the recovery of expenses for river bed remedial works; and for connected purposes.
The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA Bill 38/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.
9.2 First Stage: Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA Bill 39/22-27)
The Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long, introduced a Bill to provide for the appointment and functions of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses of Crime for Northern Ireland; to amend the law relating to criminal evidence and procedure in cases involving aggravation by hostility, sexual offences and death or serious physical harm of a vulnerable person; and for connected purposes.
The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA Bill 39/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.
10. Committee Business
10.1 First Stage: School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA Bill 40/22-27)
The Chairperson of the Committee for Education, Mr Nick Mathison, introduced a Bill to permit all pupils to wear trousers as part of their school uniform.
The School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA Bill 40/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.
11. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)
11.1 Further Consideration Stage: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27)
Junior Minister, Ms Aisling Reilly, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27).
Fifteen amendments were tabled to the Bill and selected for debate.
Debate ensued.
Clauses
After debate, Amendment 1 to Clause 8 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 2 to Clause 8 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 3 to Clause 10 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 4 to Clause 17 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 5 to Clause 17 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 6 to Clause 17 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 7 to Clause 20 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 8 to Clause 20 was made without division.
The sitting was suspended at 6.33pm and resumed at 7.06pm, the Speaker in the Chair.
Debate resumed.
After debate, Amendment 9 to Clause 32 was negatived on division (Division).
Amendment 10 was not called.
After debate, Amendment 11 to Clause 32 was made without division.
After debate, Amendment 12 to Clause 32 was made without division.
Amendment 13 was not called.
Amendment 14 was not called.
After debate, Amendment 15 to Clause 43 was made without division.
The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with Section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
11.2 Motion: Suspension of Standing Order 39(2)
Proposed:
That Standing Order 39(2) be suspended in respect of the passage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill.
The Executive Office
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the motion was carried with cross-community support.
11.3 Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) (cont’d)
Debate on the Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) resumed.
The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.
The Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) was suspended until Tuesday 23 June 2026.
12. Adjournment
Proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
The Speaker
The Assembly adjourned at 10.36pm.
Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
22 June 2026
Northern Ireland Assembly
Proxy Voting Notifications
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
22 June 2026 – Division
Amendment 9 – Further Consideration Stage: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27)
Proposed:
Clause 32, Page 18, Line 25
After ‘(3)’ insert ‘, (5A)’
Mr Gerry Carroll
The Question was put and the Assembly divided.
Ayes: 2
Noes: 69
AYES
Mr Carroll, Mr Gaston.
Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Carroll, Mr Gaston.
NOES
Mr Allen, Dr Archibald, Ms D Armstrong, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, 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 Dillon, Mrs Dodds, Miss Dolan, Mr Dunne, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gildernew, Mr Givan, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Mr Harvey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mrs Long, Mr Lyons, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Miss McIlveen, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mrs Middleton, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Robinson, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson, Mr Wilson.
Tellers for the Noes: Mr Brett, Miss Murphy.
The amendment was negatived.
Votes cast by proxy:
Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.
Northern Ireland Assembly
Papers Presented to the Assembly on 17 June to 22 June 2026.
1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly
RHI (Closure of Non-Domestic Scheme) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026
2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA Bill 38/22-27)
Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA Bill 39/22-27)
School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA Bill 40/22-27)
3. Orders in Council
4. Statutory Rules
SR 2026/116 The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)
SR 2026/118 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/119 The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/120 The Green Road, Conlig (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/121 The Public Health (Notifiable Diseases – Hantavirus Diseases) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Health)
SR 2026/122 The Provision of Health Services to Persons Not Ordinarily Resident (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department of Health)
For information only
SR 2026/114 The Road Races (Mid-Antrim 150) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
SR 2026/115 (C.4) The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (Commencement No. 18) (Abolition of Benefits) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Communities)
SR 2026/117 The Roads (Speed Limit) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 (Department for Infrastructure)
5. Legislative Consent Memorandums
Memorandum Not Seeking Consent - Financial Services and Markets Bill (Department of Justice)
6. Assembly Reports
Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committee Sixty-ninth Report of Session 2025-26 (NIA 182/22-27) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)
7. Written Ministerial Statements
8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Annual Report 2025-2026 (Department of Justice)
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2024 (Waterways Ireland)
Addendum to the existing Department for the Economy Retention and Disposal Schedule – April 2026 (Department for Communities)
