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

The Speaker reminded Members that it was the last day upon which a Members’ Bill could be introduced and provided Members with an update on those Bills that had been introduced or were pending introduction that day.

3. Members’ Statements

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

Mrs Cathy Mason
Mr Phillip Brett
Mr John Stewart
Ms Sian Mulholland
Mr Matthew O’Toole
Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Jonathan Buckley
Mr Declan Kearney
Ms Diane Forsythe
Mr Gerry Carroll
Ms Claire Sugden
Mr Robbie Butler

4. Executive Committee Business

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

The Petitions of Concern that were presented under section 42 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in relation to the vote on amendments 79, 80, 81, 82, 85 and 86 were confirmed by 30 Members on 29 June 2026.

Voting resumed on the amendments to the Justice Bill.

Clauses

After debate, Amendment 79 inserting new clause ‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility’ was negatived on a cross-community vote on division (Division 1).

Amendment 80 was not called.

After debate, Amendment 81 inserting new clause ‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility’ was negatived without division.

After debate, Amendment 83, as an amendment to Amendment 82, was negatived on division (Division 2).

After debate, Amendment 84, as an amendment to Amendment 82, was negatived on division (Division 3).

After debate, Amendment 82 inserting new clause ‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility’ was negatived on a cross-community vote on division (Division 4).

Amendment 85 was not called.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

After debate, Amendment 86 inserting new clause ‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility’ was negatived on a cross-community vote on division (Division 5).

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 24 to 26 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 87 inserting new clause ‘Accredited providers of restorative justice services’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 88 inserting new clause ‘Domestic abuse involving threats or harm to animals: amendment of Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 89 inserting new clause ‘Domestic abuse involving threats or harm to animals: amendment of Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 90 inserting new clause ‘Seizure of motor vehicles used in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 27 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 91 inserting new clause ‘Power to require legal aid remuneration to be determined as set out in regulations’ was made on division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill (Division 6).

The question being put, it was negatived without division that Clause 28 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 92 inserting new clause ‘Rehabilitation periods for convictions’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 93 inserting new clause ‘Applications in respect of certain sentences otherwise excluded from rehabilitation’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 29 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 94 inserting new clause ‘Matters to be included in criminal record certificates’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 95 inserting new clause ‘Rehabilitation of offenders: excluded offences’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 30 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 96 inserting new clause ‘Day of release from detention’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new clause stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 97 inserting new clause ‘Accommodation of women prisoners’ was negatived on division (Division 7).

After debate, Amendment 98 to Clause 31 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 99 to Clause 31 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 100 to Clause 31 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 31, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 32 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 101 to Clause 33 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 102 to Clause 33 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 103 to Clause 33 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 104 to Clause 33 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 33, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 34 stand part of the Bill.

Schedules

After debate, Amendment 105 to Schedule 1 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 1, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 106 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 107 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 108 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 109 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 110 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 111 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 112 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 113 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 114 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 115 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 116 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 117 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 118 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 119 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 120 to Schedule 2 was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 2, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 3 stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 121 to Schedule 4 was made without division.

Amendment 122 was not called.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Schedule 4, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 123 inserting new schedule ‘Organised crime groups: amendments’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 124 inserting new schedule ‘Public authorities for the purposes of section 21F’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 125 inserting new schedule ‘Amendments and transitional provisions’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 126 inserting new schedule ‘Power to photograph certain persons at a police station’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 127 inserting new schedule ‘Part to be inserted as Part 7A of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 128 inserting new schedule ‘Repeal of public order offences: consequential amendments’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

After debate, Amendment 129 inserting new schedule ‘Matters to be included in a criminal record certificate’ was made without division and it was agreed that the new schedule stand part of the Bill.

Long Title

After debate, Amendment 130 to the Long Title was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 131 to the Long Title was made without division.

After debate, Amendment 132 to the Long Title was made without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that the Long Title, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

The Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27) stood referred to the Speaker.

4.2 First Stage: Renewable Energy Generation Bill

The Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, introduced a Bill to confer powers to provide financial assistance for the purposes of encouraging low carbon electricity generation.

The Renewable Energy Generation Bill (NIA Bill 42/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

4.3 Final Stage: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27)

The junior Minister, Ms Joanne Bunting, moved that the Final Stage of the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA 15/22-27) do now pass.

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 1.55pm and resumed at 2.00pm, the Speaker in the Chair.

5. Question Time

5.1 Justice

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long.

6. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

6.1 Final Stage: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA Bill 15/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill (NIA 15/22-27) passed Final Stage.

6.2 Further Consideration Stage: Dilapidation Bill (NIA Bill 21/22-27)

The Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Andrew Muir, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Dilapidation Bill.

No amendments were tabled to the Bill.

The Dilapidation Bill (NIA 21/22-27) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

6.3 Second Stage: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA Bill 38/22-27)

The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Mr Andrew Muir, moved the Second Stage of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA 38/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken took the Chair.

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Water Environment Bill (NIA 38/22-27) passed Second Stage.

6.4 Second Stage: Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA Bill 39/22-27)
The Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long, moved the Second Stage of the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA 39/22-27).
Debate ensued.

The Speaker took the Chair.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.
The Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill (NIA 39/22-27) passed Second Stage.

6.5 Consideration Stage: General Teaching Council Bill (NIA Bill 23/22-27)

The Minister of Education, Mr Paul Givan, did not move the Consideration Stage of the General Teaching Council Bill.

7. Committee Business

7.1 Second Stage: School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA Bill 40/22-27)

The Chairperson of the Committee for Education, Mr Nick Mathison, moved the Second Stage of the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA 40/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA 40/22-27) passed Second Stage.

7.2 Motion: Establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill (NIA Bill 40/22-27)

Proposed:

That, as provided for in Standing Order 53(1), this Assembly appoints an Ad Hoc Committee to consider the School Uniforms (Trousers) Bill and to submit a report to the Assembly by 7 October 2026.

Composition:

Sinn Féin 2
Democratic Unionist Party 2
Alliance 1
Ulster Unionist Party 1
Social Democratic and Labour Party 1

Quorum: The quorum shall be five Members except when no decision is taken or question put to the Committee, when the quorum shall be four.

Procedure: The procedures of the Committee shall be such as the Committee shall determine.

The Business Committee

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

8. Private Members’ Business

8.1 First Stage: Housing Amendment Bill (NIA Bill 43/22-27)

Mr Colm Gildernew introduced a Bill to amend the definition of threatened with homelessness in the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988.

The Housing Amendment Bill (NIA Bill 43/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

8.2 First Stage: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill (NIA Bill 44/22-27)

Ms Paula Bradshaw introduced a Bill to grant the Department for Infrastructure functions with respect to flags and emblems displayed in public places.

The Display of Flags and Emblems Bill (NIA Bill 44/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

8.3 First Stage: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill (NIA Bill 45/22-27)

Mr Eóin Tennyson introduced a Bill to criminalise conversion practices.

The Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill (NIA Bill 45/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

8.4 First Stage: Age Discrimination (Goods, Facilities and Services) Bill (NIA Bill 46/22-27)

Ms Claire Sugden introduced a Bill to make provision for the prohibition of unjustified discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the ground of age in connection with the provision of goods, facilities, and services.

The Age Discrimination (Goods, Facilities and Services) Bill (NIA Bill 46/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 7.24pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
29 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

30 June 2026 – Division 1

Amendment 79 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

New Clause

Before clause 24 insert—

‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility

A24. For Article 3 of the Criminal Justice (Children) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (age of responsibility) substitute—

“Age of criminal responsibility

3—(1) Subject to the exceptions in paragraph (2), a child under the age of 14 years shall not be charged with an offence.

(2) A child aged 10 or over may be charged with murder, manslaughter, rape or assault by penetration.’’.’

Ms Sian Mulholland

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 16
Noes: 52

AYES

OTHER:

Ms K Armstrong, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Mrs Long, Miss McAllister, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Nicholl, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McMurray.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Baker, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Hargey, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr McAleer, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin.

UNIONIST:

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 Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart, Ms Sugden, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston.

Total Votes              68     Total Ayes            16 [23.5%]
Nationalist Votes     18     Nationalist Ayes    0 [0.0%]
Unionist Votes         34     Unionist Ayes        0 [0.0%]
Other Votes              16     Other Ayes          16 [100.0%]

The amendment fell by cross-community vote.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 2

Amendment 83 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

As an amendment to Amendment 82

Leave out paragraphs (2) and (3).

Mr Paul Frew
Mr Maurice Bradley
Mr Brian Kingston

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 30
Noes: 48

AYES

Ms D Armstrong, Mr Beattie, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Ms Sugden, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston.

NOES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, 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, Mrs Long, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McMurray.

The amendment fell.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 3

Amendment 84 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

As an amendment to Amendment 82
In paragraph (2), leave out from ‘listed’ to the end of paragraph (3) and insert ‘triable only on indictment.’

Mr Paul Frew
Mr Maurice Bradley
Mr Brian Kingston

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 29
Noes: 48

AYES

Ms D Armstrong, Mr Beattie, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Ms Sugden, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston.

NOES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, 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, Mrs Long, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McMurray.

The amendment fell.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 4

Amendment 82 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

New Clause

Before clause 24 insert—

‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility

A24. For Article 3 of the Criminal Justice (Children) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (age of responsibility) substitute—

“Age of criminal responsibility

3—(1) It shall be conclusively presumed that no child under the age of 12 can be guilty of an offence.
(2) It shall be conclusively presumed that no child aged 12 or 13 can be guilty of an offence other than an offence listed in paragraph (3).
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), the listed offences are—

(a) murder,
(b) attempted murder,
(c) manslaughter,
(d) rape,
(e) assault by penetration.”.’

Ms Emma Sheerin
Ms Sian Mulholland
Mr Patsy McGlone

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 48
Noes: 34

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Durkan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin.

OTHER:

Ms K Armstrong, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Mrs Long, Miss McAllister, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Nicholl, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan.

NOES

UNIONIST:

Mr Allen, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, 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 Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart, Ms Sugden, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston.

Total Votes              82     Total Ayes              48 [58.5%]
Nationalist Votes     32     Nationalist Ayes    32 [100.0%]
Unionist Votes         34     Unionist Ayes          0 [0.0%]
Other Votes             16      Other Ayes            16 [100.0%]

The amendment fell by cross-community vote.


Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 5

Amendment 86 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

New Clause
Before clause 24 insert—

‘Minimum age of criminal responsibility

A24. —(1) For Article 3 of the Criminal Justice (Children) (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (age of responsibility) substitute—

“Age of criminal responsibility

3 .—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), it shall be conclusively presumed that no child under the age of 12 can be guilty of an offence.

(2) The presumption in paragraph (1) does not apply in respect of a child aged 10 or 11 if the Director of Public Prosecutions decides that there is compelling reason to require the prosecution of the child in the public interest.

(3) Before taking a decision under paragraph (2), the Director of Public Prosecutions must take account of—

(i) the seriousness of the alleged offence or offences,
(ii) the risk of harm to the public posed by the alleged offender, and
(iii) the best interests of the child.

(4) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the police from—

(a) interviewing or investigating a child aged 10 or 11 to seek information in connection with an offence, but only if an appropriate adult is present at all interviews and during the taking of biometric material;
(b) arresting a child aged 10 or 11 where a police officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the child has committed, or is about to commit, an offence;
(c) charging a child aged 10 or 11 with a criminal offence.

(5) A reference to “offence” in this Article includes any act or omission which, if committed by a person above the age of criminal responsibility, would constitute an offence.

(6) In paragraph (4)(a) “appropriate adult” has the meaning given in Article 3A(4).”.

(2) This section comes into operation on such day falling within the period of 2 years beginning with the date on which this Act receives Royal Assent as the Department may by order appoint.

(3) Before appointing a day under subsection (2) the Department must take reasonable steps to ensure that the following actions have been taken in preparation for the change to the minimum age of criminal responsibility—

(a) adequate arrangements have been made within the youth justice system, including the provision of such training and guidance as may be necessary to persons and bodies exercising functions in relation to the youth justice system in accordance with section 53 of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002, and
(b) the following persons or bodies have updated, where necessary, any relevant code of practice, guidance or other information for which they have responsibility—

(i) the Youth Justice Agency,
(ii) the Director of Public Prosecutions, and
(iii) the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) “youth justice system” means the system of criminal justice in so far as it relates to children.’

Mr Doug Beattie

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 11
Noes: 69

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Mr Durkan, Ms Hunter, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty.

UNIONIST:

Mr Allen, Mr Beattie, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Beattie, Mr Nesbitt.

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Miss Hargey, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin.

UNIONIST:

Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Burrows, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Robinson, Ms Sugden, Mr Wilson.

OTHER:

Ms K Armstrong, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Mrs Long, Miss McAllister, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Nicholl, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Bradley, Mr Kingston.

Total Votes              80      Total Ayes                11 [13.8%]
Nationalist Votes     30      Nationalist Ayes        5 [16.7%]
Unionist Votes         34      Unionist Ayes            6 [17.6%]
Other Votes              16      Other Ayes                0 [0.0%]

The amendment fell by cross-community vote.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 6

Amendment 91 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

After clause 27 insert—

‘Power to require legal aid remuneration to be determined as set out in regulations

27A.—(1) The Access to Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 is amended as follows.
(2) After Article 12(3) (provision about remuneration for funded services) insert—

“(3A) An order under paragraph (3) may include provision about how any person who, in accordance with the order, is to determine the amount of remuneration may, or must, determine that amount in any case.”.

(3) After Article 24(3) (provision about payments in respect of funded representation) insert—

“(3A) An order under paragraph (3) may include provision about how any person who, in accordance with the order, is to determine the amount of any payment may, or must, determine that amount in any case.”.’

Minister of Justice

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 48
Noes: 27

AYES

Mr Allen, Ms D Armstrong, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Ms Bradshaw, 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 Donnelly, Mr Dunne, Ms Egan, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Givan, Mrs Guy, Mr Harvey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kingston, Mrs Long, Mr Lyons, Miss McAllister, Miss McIlveen, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Martin, Mr Mathison, Mrs Middleton, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Nicholl, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McMurray.

NOES

Mr Baker, Mr Beattie, Miss Brogan, Mr Delargy, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Durkan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Miss Hargey, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr McAleer, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Toole, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin.

Tellers for the Noes: Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan.

The amendment was made.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

 
Northern Ireland Assembly

30 June 2026 – Division 7

Amendment 97 - Consideration Stage: Justice Bill (NIA Bill 07/22-27)

Proposed:

New Clause

After clause 30 insert—

‘Accommodation of women prisoners

‘Accommodation of women prisoners

30A. In Rule 90 of the Prison and Young Offenders Centre Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995 at end insert—

“(3A) The Department of Justice must issue guidance on the operation of this rule.

(3B) Nothing in this rule shall prevent the Department of Justice from making individualised accommodation arrangements for a prisoner, in accordance with guidance issued under paragraph (3A), where the Department considers it necessary to do so to safeguard the welfare or dignity of a prisoner, provided that the arrangements do not include the accommodation of a man in prison accommodation in which one or more women are held.

(3C) In this rule “man” and “woman” (or “women”) have the meaning given by section 212(1) of the Equality Act 2010.”.’

Mr Timothy Gaston

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 32
Noes: 48

AYES

Mr Allen, Ms D Armstrong, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, 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 Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mrs Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Gaston, Mr Kingston.

NOES

Dr Archibald, Ms K Armstrong, Mr Baker, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, 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, Mrs Long, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGlone, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Murphy, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms O'Neill, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McMurray.

The amendment fell.

Votes cast by proxy:

Miss Brogan’s vote was cast by Mrs Ennis.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 30 June 2026.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Renewable Electricity Generation Bill (NIA Bill 42/22-27)

Housing (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 43/22-27)

Display of Flags and Emblems Bill (NIA Bill 44/22-27)

Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill ((NIA Bill 45/22-27)

Age Discrimination (Goods, Facilities and Services) Bill (NIA Bill 46/22-27)

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland Annual Report 22 August 2025 – 31 March 2026 (The Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland)

Youth Justice Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 (Department of Justice)

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026 (Department of Finance)

Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 (Department of Justice)

The Health Estate in Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Audit Office)

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Middletown Centre for Autism Limited Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 (Department of Education)

Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026 (Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta)

Press Recognition Panel Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 (Press Recognition Panel)

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 1 July 2026
2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills