Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Executive Committee Business

2.1 Legislative Consent Motion: Coronavirus Bill

Proposed:

That this Assembly endorses the principle of the extension to Northern Ireland of the provisions of the Coronavirus Bill dealing with: Emergency registration of health professionals in Clauses 2 and 4 and Schedules 1 and 3; Emergency volunteers in Clauses 7 and 8 and Schedule 6; Mental health and mental capacity in Clause 9 and Schedules 9 and 10; Health service indemnification in Clause 12; Registration of deaths and still-births etc in Clauses 17 and 20 and Schedule 12 (Part 3); Food supply in Clauses 23 to 27 and Schedule 14; Inquests in Clauses 29 and 30; Schools, childcare providers, etc in Clauses 35 and 36 and Schedules 15 (Part 3) and 16 (Part 3); Statutory Sick Pay in Clauses 40 to 42; Pensions in Clause 45; Protection of public health in Clause 46 and Schedule 17; Powers relating to potentially infectious persons in Clause 49 and Schedule 20 (Part 5); Powers relating to events, gatherings and premises in Clause 50 and Schedule 21 (Part 5); Courts and tribunals: use of video and audio technology in Clause 55 and Schedule 26; Powers in relation to bodies in Clause 56 and Schedule 27; Commencement in Clause 73; Power to suspend and revive provisions in Clause 74; Expiry in Clause 75; Power to alter expiry date in Clause 76; Power to amend Act in consequence of amendments to subordinate legislation in Clause 77; Power to make consequential modifications in Clause 78 and Procedure for certain orders made by a Northern Ireland department in Clause 82.

Minister of Health

Amendment

Proposed:

At the end insert:

'"as introduced to Parliament on 19 March 2020; and those provisions made by amendment during the passage of the Bill as they extend to Northern Ireland."

Minister of Health

Debate ensued.

Deputy Speaker Beggs took the Chair.

The sitting was suspended at 12.57pm.

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

2.2 Legislative Consent Motion: Coronavirus Bill (cont'd)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the Amendment was made.

The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried.

2.3 Motion: The draft Discretionary Support (Amendment) (COVID-19) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020

Proposed:

That the draft Discretionary Support (Amendment) (COVID-19) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 be approved.

Minister for Communities

Debate ensued.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

2.4 Statement – The Economy in Light of COVID-19

The Minister for the Economy, Mrs Diane Dodds, made a statement regarding the Economy in Light of COVID-19, following which she replied to questions.

3. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 5.32pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker
24 March 2020

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 24 March 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

Legislative Consent Memorandum - Fisheries Bill (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs).

Legislative Consent Memorandum - Environment Bill (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs).

Addendum to Legislative Consent Memorandum - Coronavirus Bill (Department of Health).

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Consultation Documents

9. Departmental Publications

10. Agency Publications

11. Westminster Publications

12. Miscellaneous Publications

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 24 March 2020

2017-2022 Mandate
Executive Bills

2017-2022 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage