Minutes of Proceedings

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

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Members’ Statements

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

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín
Mr Brian Kingston
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Jim Allister
Mrs Cathy Mason
Mr Harry Harvey
Mr Danny Donnelly
Mr Robin Swann
Mr Cathal Boylan
Ms Kate Nicholl

3. Opposition Business

3.1 Motion: Independent Inquiry into the Alleged Use of Wiretapping of Northern Ireland Journalists

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the essential role of a free press in an open and democratic society; understands that a vital part of that role is the investigation and scrutiny of public bodies, including the legitimate use and protection of sources; affirms that the press cannot be expected to operate effectively if journalists can be intimidated, harassed or subject to unwarranted or unjustified surveillance; and calls on the Minister of Justice to launch an independent inquiry into the alleged use of wiretapping and other unlawful practices against journalists.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘unwarranted or unjustified surveillance;’ and insert:
‘notes that the Investigatory Powers Tribunal hearings are ongoing; recognises, as per the Report of The Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, that the PSNI are operationally responsible to the Northern Ireland Policing Board; agrees with the Minister of Justice’s assessment that this is, in the first instance, a matter for the Policing Board to consider; and welcomes her assurances that she remains open and willing to assist the Board if required.’

Miss Nuala McAllister
Mr Stewart Dickson
Mr Peter McReynolds
Mr John Blair

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the amendment was made.

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

3.2 Motion: Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the alarming prevalence of hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland and across these islands; recognises that legislation governing hate motivated crimes in Northern Ireland is outdated and no longer fit for purpose; believes that hate crime legislation can protect communities with protected characteristics while ensuring adequate protection for the freedom of speech and reasonable religious political or other beliefs; acknowledges the work of the Marrinan Review into hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland; expresses disappointment at the lack of progress that has been made in enacting the recommendations of the Review in the past four years; and calls on the Minister of Justice to introduce standalone hate crime legislation, based on the definition and recommendations set out in the Marrinan Review, within the next twelve months.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland;’ and insert:
‘regrets the lack of progress over the past three and a half years due to the lack of a functioning Executive and Assembly; and welcomes the Minister of Justice’s commitment to legislate for foundational hate crime provisions as part of her legislative programme in this Assembly mandate.’

Mr Stewart Dickson
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Ms Connie Egan
Ms Kate Nicholl

Debate ensued.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

The sitting was suspended at 12.59pm.

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

4. Question Time

4.1 Finance

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Finance, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

5. Opposition Business (cont’d)

5.1 Motion: Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the amendment was made (Division 1).

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

5.2 Motion: Conversion Practices

Proposed:

That this Assembly deplores that harmful and damaging conversion practices are still legal in Northern Ireland; recognises that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; notes the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; reaffirms its support for a ban on conversion practices in all forms; and calls on the Minister for Communities to commit to bringing forward legislation on an effective ban on conversion practices before the end of the current Assembly mandate.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘That this Assembly’ and insert:
‘recognises that harmful and damaging conversion practices can take place in Northern Ireland; notes that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; acknowledges the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; further recognises that where an individual voluntarily wishes and actively seeks prayerful and pastoral support, this should not be withheld from them, and as such this does not constitute a conversion practice; and calls on the Minister for Communities to consult widely on the way ahead, including relevant legislative options, to ban the practice of conversion therapy but to also ensure legal safeguards are in place to protect freedom of religion and freedom of speech.’

Mr Brian Kingston
Mr Maurice Bradley
Mr Trevor Clarke

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the amendment fell (Division 2).

The Question being put, the motion was carried (Division 3).

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

6. Assembly Business

6.1 Motion: Northern Ireland Assembly Financial Assistance for Political Parties Scheme 2024

Proposed:

That, in accordance with section 2 of the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Act (Northern Ireland) 2000, this Assembly approves the revised scheme NIA 32/22-27 laid before the Assembly on 16 May 2024 for payments to political parties for the purpose of assisting Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly who are connected with such parties to perform their Assembly duties.

Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Trevor Clarke
Miss Nuala McAllister
Mr Colin McGrath

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried (Division 4).

7. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

Mr Pat Sheehan spoke to his topic regarding Supporting Educational Achievement in West Belfast.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.41pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
4 June 2024

Northern Ireland Assembly

4 June 2024 – Division 1

Amendment: Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘hate crime legislation in Northern Ireland;’ and insert:
‘regrets the lack of progress over the past three and a half years due to the lack of a functioning Executive and Assembly; and welcomes the Minister of Justice’s commitment to legislate for foundational hate crime provisions as part of her legislative programme in this Assembly mandate.’

Mr Stewart Dickson
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Ms Connie Egan
Ms Kate Nicholl

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 70
Noes: 5

AYES
Mr Allen, Mr Allister, Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Beattie, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Mr Bradley, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Brett, Miss Brogan, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Mrs Dodds, Mr Donnelly, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Ms Eastwood, Ms Egan, Mr Elliott, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Miss Hargey, Mr Harvey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Irwin, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mrs Long, Mr Lyons, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Miss McIlveen, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Middleton, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Á Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Ms Reilly, Mr Robinson, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Stewart, Ms Sugden, Mr Swann, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Ms Mulholland, Mr Tennyson.

NOES
Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr O'Toole.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin.

The amendment was made.

Northern Ireland Assembly

4 June 2024 – Division 2

Amendment: Conversion Practices

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘That this Assembly’ and insert:
‘recognises that harmful and damaging conversion practices can take place in Northern Ireland; notes that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; acknowledges the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; further recognises that where an individual voluntarily wishes and actively seeks prayerful and pastoral support, this should not be withheld from them, and as such this does not constitute a conversion practice; and calls on the Minister for Communities to consult widely on the way ahead, including relevant legislative options, to ban the practice of conversion therapy but to also ensure legal safeguards are in place to protect freedom of religion and freedom of speech.’

Mr Brian Kingston
Mr Maurice Bradley
Mr Trevor Clarke

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 29
Noes: 42

AYES
Mr Allister, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mr Elliott, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Bradley, Mr Kingston.

NOES
Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Mr Donnelly, Ms Eastwood, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Á Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Donnelly, Ms McLaughlin.

The amendment fell.

Northern Ireland Assembly

4 June 2024 – Division 3

Motion: Conversion Practices

Proposed:

That this Assembly deplores that harmful and damaging conversion practices are still legal in Northern Ireland; recognises that conversion practices can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings; notes the findings from the May 2024 publication, A Study of Conversion Practices in Northern Ireland, by Professor Fidelma Ashe and Dr Danielle Mackle; reaffirms its support for a ban on conversion practices in all forms; and calls on the Minister for Communities to commit to bringing forward legislation on an effective ban on conversion practices before the end of the current Assembly mandate.

Leader of the Opposition

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 41
Noes: 25

AYES
Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Mr Donnelly, Ms Eastwood, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mrs Long, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Á Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Ms Sugden, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Donnelly, Mr McCrossan.

NOES
Mr Allister, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mr Easton, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Mr Harvey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Middleton, Mr Robinson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Bradley, Mr Kingston.

The motion was carried.

Northern Ireland Assembly

4 June 2024 – Division 4

Motion: Northern Ireland Assembly Financial Assistance for Political Parties Scheme 2024

Proposed:

That, in accordance with section 2 of the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Act (Northern Ireland) 2000, this Assembly approves the revised scheme NIA 32/22-27 laid before the Assembly on 16 May 2024 for payments to political parties for the purpose of assisting Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly who are connected with such parties to perform their Assembly duties.

Mrs Sinéad Ennis
Mr Trevor Clarke
Miss Nuala McAllister
Mr Colin McGrath

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 57
Noes: 8

AYES
Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Mr Bradley, Ms Bradshaw, Miss Brogan, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr T Buchanan, Ms Bunting, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Mr Donnelly, Mr Dunne, Ms Eastwood, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Givan, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr Kingston, Mrs Long, Mr Lyons, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Miss McIlveen, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Middleton, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Miss Á Murphy, Ms Ní Chuilín, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Robinson, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Kingston, Mr McReynolds.

NOES
Dr Aiken, Mr Allister, Mr Beattie, Mr Butler, Mr Carroll, Mr Elliott, Mr Nesbitt, Ms Sugden.

Tellers for the Noes: Dr Aiken, Ms Sugden.

The motion was carried.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 4 June 2024.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

For Information Only

SR 2024/122 The Period Products (Department for Infrastructure Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2024/125 The Human Medicines (Amendment Relating to Original Pack Dispensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (Department of Health)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committee Sixteenth Report of Session 2023 – 2024 (Northern Ireland Assembly)

7. Written Ministerial Statements


8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly


9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

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 4 June 2024
2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills