Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes' silence.

2. Public Petition

2.1 Adoption of Ravensbrea Waste Water Treatment Plant, Garrison
Ms Jemma Dolan was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition on the Adoption of Ravensbrea Waste Water Treatment Plant, Garrison.

2.2 Sanctions for Cyber Bullying
Ms Joanne Bunting was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition on Sanctions for Cyber Bullying.

3. Assembly Business

3.1 Motion: Suspension of Standing Order 20(1)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 20(1) be suspended for 16 February 2021.

Mr Keith Buchanan
Mr John O'Dowd
Mrs Dolores Kelly
Mr Robbie Butler
Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Clare Bailey

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

4. Private Members' Business

4.1 First Stage: The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 15/17-22)

Mr Paul Givan introduced a Bill to amend the Abortion (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 to remove the ground for an abortion in cases of severe fetal impairment.

The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 15/17-22) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

5. Question Time

5.1 Communities

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Communities, Ms Deirdre Hargey.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Beggs, took the chair.

5.2 Economy

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for the Economy, Mrs Diane Dodds.

5.3 Education

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Education, Mr Peter Weir.

6. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 1.05pm.

Mr Alex Maskey
The Speaker
16 February 2021

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 9 February 2021 to 16 February 2021

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

The Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 15/17-22)

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Annual Report On The State Of The Recognition System (Press Recognition Panel)
Northern Ireland Central Investment Fund for Charities Annual Report and Accounts for year ended 31 September 2019 (Department for Communities)

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland Police Discretion inc. Penalty Notices Follow-Up Review (Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland)

5. Assembly Reports

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees Twenty-third Report of Session 2020 – 2021 (NIA 76/17-22) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees Twenty-fourth Report of Session 2020 – 2021 (NIA 77/17-22) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committees Twenty-fifth Report of Session 2020 – 2021 (NIA 78/17-22) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)

6. Statutory Rules

SR 2021/00 Draft SR - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Simplifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2021/28 The Loans for Mortgage Interest (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/29 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/30 The Rates (Making and Levying of Different Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Finance)

SR 2021/31 The Local Government (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

SR 2021/32 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

SR 2021/33 The Taxi Driver (Coronavirus, Financial Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

Draft SR - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Simplifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

Draft SR - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2021/37 The Explosives (Appointment of Authorities and Enforcement) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Justice)

SR 2021/38 The Pension Protection Fund and Occupational Pension Schemes (Levy Ceiling) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Communities)

For information only

SR 2021/34 The Schools (Part-Time 20mph Speed Limit) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/35 The Waiting Restrictions (Bryansford) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2021/36 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department for Infrastructure)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/27 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

Explanatory Memorandum for SR 2021/29 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Department of Health)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

2020-21 Public Expenditure Allocations (Minister of Finance)

Rural Needs Annual Monitoring Report April 2019 – March 2020 (Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

8. Consultation Documents

Consultation on the Future of the Northern Ireland Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Department for the Economy)

9. Departmental Publications

Report on the Analysis of Responses of the Consultation: 'Continuing Healthcare in Northern Ireland: Introducing a Transparent and Fair System' (Department of Health)

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 16 February 2021

2017-2022 Mandate
Executive Bills

2017-2022 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage

PROXY VOTING NOTICES – TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2021

The following Members notified the Speaker, under Standing Order 112, that they wished to avail of proxy voting arrangements for the sitting on Tuesday 16 February 2021: