Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Matters of the Day

2.1 Jeffrey Donaldson Conviction of Rape and Child Sexual Abuse

Ms Emma Sheerin, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on Jeffrey Donaldson’s conviction of rape and child sexual abuse. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3. Members’ Statements

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

Ms Aisling Reilly
Mrs Deborah Erskine
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Mr Robbie Butler
Mr Matthew O'Toole
Mr Declan Kearney
Mr Keith Buchanan
Mr John Blair
Mr Maolíosa McHugh
Mr Phillip Brett
Ms Diana Armstrong
Mr David Honeyford

4. Executive Committee Business

4.1 Second Stage: Charities (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 36/22-27)

The Minister for Communities, Mr Gordon Lyons, moved the Second Stage of the Charities (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 36/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

The Charities (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 36/22-27) passed Second Stage.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair

4.2 Second Stage: Harbours Bill (NIA Bill 37/22-27)

The Minister for Infrastructure, Ms Liz Kimmins, moved the Second Stage of the Harbours Bill (NIA Bill 37/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 12.57pm and resumed at 2.00pm, the Speaker in the Chair.

5. Question Time

5.1 Finance

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

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair

5.2 Assembly Commission

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

The Speaker took the Chair

6. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

6.1 Second Stage: Harbours Bill (NIA Bill 37/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Harbours Bill (NIA Bill 37/22-27) passed Second Stage.

6.2 Motion: The draft Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

Proposed:

That the draft Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 be approved.

Minister for Infrastructure

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

6.3 Motion: The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

Proposed:

That the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 be approved.

Minister for Communities

Motion: The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

Proposed:

That the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 be approved.

Minister for Communities

A single debate ensued on both motions.

The Question being put, the motion on the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 was carried.

The Question being put, the motion on the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 was carried.

6.4 Motion: The Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

Proposed:

That the Mesothelioma Lump Sum Payments (Conditions and Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 be approved.

Minister for Communities

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

7. Committee Business

7.1 Motion: Extension of Committee Stage – Hunting with Dogs Bill (NIA Bill 33/22-27)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended to 5 February 2027, in relation to the Committee Stage of the Hunting with Dogs Bill.

Chairperson, Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

7.2 Motion: Extension of Committee Stage – Education Inspections Bill (NIA Bill 34/22-27)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 33(4), the period referred to in Standing Order 33(2) be extended to 9 December 2026, in relation to the Committee Stage of the Education Inspections Bill.

Chairperson, Committee for Education

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

8. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

8.1 Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) was suspended until Tuesday 30 June 2026.

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker
 
The Assembly adjourned at 6.44pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
23 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

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 23 June 2026.

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

7. Written Ministerial Statements

2025-26 Provisional Outturn and 2026-27 Available Funding (Minister of Finance)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Progress in improving the natural environment in Northern Ireland 2024/2025 (Office for Environmental Protection)

Northern Regional College Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 (Department for the Economy)

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 23 June 2026
2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills