Minutes of Proceedings

Session: Session currently unavailable

Date: 14 January 2020

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Speaker's Business

The Speaker informed the House that Mr Matthew O'Toole gave the undertaking, signed the Roll of Membership and entered his designation in the presence of the Speaker and the Clerk/Chief Executive before the sitting on Saturday 11 January.

3. Assembly Business

3.1 Suspension of Standing Order 20(1)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 20(1) be suspended for 14 January 2020.

Mr Gordon Lyons
Ms Caral Ní Chuilín
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Robbie Butler
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Clare Bailey

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support.

3.2 Motion - Establishment of Statutory Committees

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Orders 46 and 47, this Assembly determines that 9 Statutory Committees shall be established, as follows:

the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs;the Committee for Communities;the Committee for the Economy;the Committee for Education;the Committee for the Executive Office;the Committee for the Environment;the Committee for Finance;the Committee for Health;the Committee for Infrastructure; andthe Committee for Justice.

Terms of reference, quorum and composition of the Committees shall be as prescribed in Standing Orders 48 and 49.

Mr Gordon Lyons
Ms Caral Ní Chuilín
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Robbie Butler
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Clare Bailey

The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.

3.3 Appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees

The Speaker outlined the procedure for the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Statutory Committees.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Paul Givan to be Chairperson of the Committee for Justice. Mr Paul Givan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Paul Givan as Chairperson of the Committee for Justice.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Dr Caoimhe Archibald to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy. Dr Caoimhe Archibald indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Dr Caoimhe Archibald as Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Ms Paula Bradley to be Chairperson of the Committee for Communities. Ms Paula Bradley indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Paula Bradley as Chairperson of the Committee for Communities.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Colm Gildernew to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Health. Mr Colm Gildernew indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Colm Gildernew as Chairperson of the Committee for Health.

Mrs Dolores Kelly, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Mr Colin McGrath to be Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office. Mr Colin McGrath indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Colin McGrath as Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office.

Mr Robbie Butler, the acting nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Dr Steve Aiken to be Chairperson of the Committee for Finance. Dr Steve Aiken indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Dr Steve Aiken as Chairperson of the Committee for Finance.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Miss Michelle McIlveen to be Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure. Miss Michelle McIlveen indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Miss Michelle McIlveen as Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Declan McAleer to be Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Mr Declan McAleer indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Declan McAleer as Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Ms Kellie Armstrong, the nominating officer for the Alliance Party, nominated Mr Chris Lyttle to be Chairperson of the Committee for Education. Mr Chris Lyttle indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Chris Lyttle as Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Paul Frew to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance. Mr Paul Frew indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Paul Frew as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Finance.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Linda Dillon to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice. Ms Linda Dillon indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Linda Dillon as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Justice.

Mrs Dolores Kelly, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Ms Sinead McLaughlin to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy. Ms Sinead McLaughlin indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Sinead McLaughlin as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Economy.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Gary Middleton to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health. Mr Gary Middleton indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Gary Middleton as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Health.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Karen Mullan to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education. Ms Karen Mullan indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Karen Mullan as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Education.

Mr Robbie Butler, the acting nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Mr Mike Nesbitt to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for the Executive Office. Mr Mike Nesbitt indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Mike Nesbitt as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Executive Office.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr David Hilditch to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure. Mr David Hilditch indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr David Hilditch as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure.

John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Philip McGuigan to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Mr Philip McGuigan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Philip McGuigan as Chairperson of the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Ms Kellie Armstrong, the nominating officer for the Alliance Party, nominated herself to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Communities. Ms Kellie Armstrong indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Kellie Armstrong as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Communities.

3.4 Appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees

The Speaker outlined the procedure for the appointment of Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Standing Committees.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr William Humphrey to be Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr William Humphrey indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr William Humphrey as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Sinéad Ennis to be Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. Ms Sinéad Ennis indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Sinéad Ennis as Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Mervyn Storey to be Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. The Speaker informed the House that he had received correspondence from Mr Mervyn Storey indicating his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Mervyn Storey as Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Ms Carál Ní Chuilín to be Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures. Ms Carál Ní Chuilín indicated her agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Ms Carál Ní Chuilín as Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

Mrs Dolores Kelly, the nominating officer for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, nominated Mr Daniel McCrossan to be Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr Daniel McCrossan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Daniel McCrossan as Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

Dr Steve Aiken, the nominating officer for the Ulster Unionist Party, nominated Mr Roy Beggs to be Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Roy Beggs indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Roy Beggs as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr William Irwin to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. Mr William Irwin indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr William Irwin as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Mr John O'Dowd, the nominating officer for Sinn Féin, nominated Mr Maolíosa McHugh to be Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee. Mr Maolíosa McHugh indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Maolíosa McHugh as Deputy Chairperson of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee.

Ms Kellie Armstrong, the nominating officer for the Alliance Party, nominated Mr Andrew Muir to be Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr Andrew Muir indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Andrew Muir as Deputy Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

The Rt. Hon Arlene Foster, the nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, nominated Mr Tom Buchanan to be Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures. Mr Tom Buchanan indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

The Speaker confirmed the appointment of Mr Tom Buchanan as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Procedures.

3.5 Suspension of Standing Order 79(2)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 79(2) be suspended for 14 January 2020.

Mr Gordon Lyons
Ms Caral Ní Chuilín
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Robbie Butler
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Clare Bailey

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support.

3.6 Motion – Appointments to the Assembly Commission

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 79, the following shall be appointed to be Members of the Assembly Commission:

The Speaker (ex officio)

Ms Kellie Armstrong

Mr Robbie Butler

Mrs Pam Cameron

Mrs Dolores Kelly

Mr John O'Dowd

Mr Gordon Lyons
Ms Caral Ní Chuilín
Mr Colin McGrath
Mr Robbie Butler
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Clare Bailey

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support.

4. Election of Principal Deputy Speaker

The Speaker outlined the procedure for the election of a Principal Deputy Speaker under Standing Order 5(A).

Mr Gordon Lyons nominated Mr Christopher Stalford as a candidate for the position of Principal Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. Mr Stalford indicated his agreement to accept the nomination.

Debate ensued.

The Question was put, that Mr Christopher Stalford be Principal Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and the Assembly divided.

Due to a technical issue in the Division lobby the result of the vote was deferred until later in the sitting.

 

5. Executive Committee Business

5.1 Statement – School Enhancement Programme

The Minister of Education, Mr Peter Weir, made a statement regarding the School Enhancement Programme, following which he replied to questions.

5.2 Statement – Resolution of HSC Agenda for Change Staff Dispute

The Minister of Health, Mr Robin Swann, made a statement regarding the Resolution of HSC Agenda for Change Staff Dispute, following which he replied to questions.

6. Election of Principal Deputy Speaker (cont'd)

The Speaker informed the House that the technical issue in the Division lobby had been resolved and announced the result of the division.

The Question being put, that Mr Christopher Stalford, be Principal Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, the Motion was carried with cross-community support (Division).

 

7. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 1.40pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker

14 January 2020

Northern Ireland Assembly

14 January 2020

Division

The Question being put, that Mr Christopher Stalford, be Principal Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 49
Noes: 31

AYES

NATIONALIST:

Dr Archibald, Mr Boylan, Ms Dillon, Ms Dolan, Ms Ennis, Ms Flynn, Mr Gildernew, Ms Hargey, Mr Kearney, Ms C Kelly, Mr G Kelly, Mr Lynch, Mr McAleer, Mr McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Ms Mullan, Mr Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mrs O'Neill, Ms Rogan, Mr Sheehan, Miss Sheerin

UNIONIST:

Mr M Bradley, Ms P Bradley, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Foster, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Hilditch, Mr Humphrey, Mr Irwin, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Middleton, Mr Newton, Mr Poots, Mr Robinson, Mr Stalford, Mr Weir

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr M Bradley, Mr Robinson

NOES

NATIONALIST:

Ms S Bradley, Mr Catney, Mr Dallat, Mr Durkan, Mrs D Kelly, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Ms Mallon

UNIONIST:

Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Mr Allister, Mrs Barton, Mr Beattie, Mr Beggs, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Stewart, Ms Sugden

OTHER:

Ms Armstrong, Ms Bailey, Mr Blair, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Lunn, Mr Lyttle, Mr Muir, Miss Woods

Tellers for the Noes: Ms Bradshaw, Ms McLaughlin

Total Votes               80          Total Ayes              49   [61.3%]

Nationalist Votes      36          Nationalist Ayes     25   [69.4%]

Unionist Votes          35          Unionist Ayes         24   [68.6%]

Other Votes                9           Other Ayes               0   [0.0%]

The motion was carried with cross-community support.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on
12 January 2020 – 14 January 2020

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

5. Assembly Reports

Report to the Assembly on Proposed Extension of Current Member Contribution Rates for the Judicial Pensions Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 (Department of Justice)

6. Statutory Rules

SR 2020/10 The Judicial Pensions (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Department of Justice)

SR 2020/11 The County Court (Amendment) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Department of Justice)

SR 2020/12 The Seafarers (Collective Redundancies, Information and Consultation and Insolvency Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Department of Economy)

SR 2020/13 The Police Service of Northern Ireland (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (Department of Justice)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications