Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 10.30am, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Speaker’s Business

2.1 Adjournment Debate

The Speaker informed Members that, as Ms Carál Ní Chuilín was unavailable, the adjournment debate in her name would not be taken later that day.

3. Members’ Statements

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

Ms Emma Sheerin
Mr Phillip Brett
Mr Andrew McMurray
Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Matthew O’Toole
Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Brian Kingston
Mr Stewart Dickson
Ms Diane Forsythe
Miss Nuala McAllister
Miss Michelle McIlveen
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 Second Stage: General Teaching Council Bill (NIA Bill 23/22-27)

The Minister of Education, Mr Paul Givan, moved the Second Stage of the General Teaching Council Bill (NIA Bill 23/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The General Teaching Council Bill (NIA Bill 23/22-27) passed Second Stage.

4.2 Final Stage: Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill (NIA Bill 13/22-27)

The Minister of Finance, Mr John O'Dowd, moved that the Final Stage of the Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill (NIA Bill 13/22-27) do now pass.

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The Deaths, Still-Births and Baby Loss Bill (NIA Bill 13/22-27) passed Final Stage.

5. Committee Business

5.1 Motion: Inquiry into Access to Palliative Care Services

Proposed:

That this Assembly approves the Report of the Committee for Health on its Inquiry into Access to Palliative Care Services (NIA 130/22-27); and calls on the Minister of Health to implement the recommendations contained in the Report.

Chairperson, Committee for Health

Debate ensued.

The sitting stood suspended at 12.57pm.

The sitting resumed at 2.00pm, the Speaker in the Chair.

6. Question Time

6.1 Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Andrew Muir.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

6.2 Assembly Commission

Questions were put to, and answered by, Members of the Assembly Commission.

7. Committee Business (cont’d)

7.1 Motion: Inquiry into Access to Palliative Care Services (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

8. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 4.11pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
2 December 2025

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

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 2 December 2025

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

Report on Access to General Practice in Northern Ireland (NIA 87/22-27) (Public Accounts Committee)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

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 2 December 2025
2022-2027 Mandate

2022-2027 Mandate