Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 11.00am, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Private Members' Business

2.1 Motion: COVID-19 Impact on School Opening

That this Assembly notes with concern reports that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies may have recommended school closures; is deeply concerned by the number of deaths from COVID-19; recognises the concerns of teachers, pupils and parents; calls for urgent clarity from the Minister of Education on what work has been undertaken with the Department of Health on protecting school children, teachers, parents and the wider public from the spread of COVID-19; and further calls on the Minister of Education to outline the medical and scientific advice his Department has received and to explain whether he will consider additional mitigations, including a phased return or extended school closure, if this has been recommended by the medical and scientific advice.

Mr Daniel McCrossan
Mr Justin McNulty
Mr Colin McGrath

Amendment

Proposed:

Leave out all after 'mitigations' and insert:

'and protections, while welcoming the announcement today by the Minister detailing a phased return to schools and seeking assurances from the Minister on the work his Department will now undertake to ensure the safety of staff and pupils during the remainder of the pandemic.'

Mr Daniel McCrossan
Mr Justin McNulty
Mr Colin McGrath

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Amendment was made.

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

3. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 1.05pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker
31 December 2020

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 31 December 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

6. Statutory Rules

SR 2020/359 The Marketing of Seed Potatoes, Plant and Propagating Material Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2020/360 The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2021/1 The Covid-19 Heating Payment Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/2 The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Claimants previously entitled to a severe disability premium) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Further changes to COVID restrictions in Education settings from January 2021 (Minister of Education)

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 31 December 2020

2017-2022 Mandate
Executive Bills                    

2017-2022 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage

PROXY VOTING NOTICES – THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020

The following Members notified the Speaker, under Standing Order 112, that they wished to avail of proxy voting arrangements for the sitting on Thursday 31 December 2020: