Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at noon, 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:

Mr Philip McGuigan
Mr Brian Kingston
Mr Danny Donnelly
Mr Colin Crawford
Mr Justin McNulty
Mr Cathal Boylan
Mrs Emma Little-Pengelly
Ms Connie Egan
Mr Declan McAleer
Mr Paul Frew
Mr Peter McReynolds
Mr Alan Robinson

3. Public Petition

Make Pancreatic Cancer Detection a Health Priority

Mr Stewart Dickson was granted leave, in accordance with Standing Order 22, to present a Public Petition to Make Pancreatic Cancer Detection a Health Priority.

4. Speaker’s Business

4.1 Chair's Authority and Impartiality

The Speaker cautioned Members against challenging the authority of the Speaker and Deputy Speakers either in the Chamber, in the media or on social media.

5. Ministerial Statement

5.1 Department for Communities Initial Budget Allocations 2025-26

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The Minister for Communities, Mr Gordon Lyons, made a statement regarding the Department for Communities Initial Budget Allocations 2025-26, following which he replied to questions.

6. Opposition Business

6.1 Motion: Improving Safety at School Bus Stops

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the absence of a legal requirement for vehicles to stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off pupils; recognises the need for stronger safeguarding measures at school bus stops, particularly in rural areas where road layouts increase risk; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to introduce legislation requiring vehicles to stop for school buses, in line with best practice in other jurisdictions.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment 1:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘pupils;’ and insert:

‘recognises the need for a broader and more comprehensive approach to improving the safety of children travelling to and from school, particularly at roadside locations and in rural areas where road layouts may increase risk; acknowledges that this requires more than legislative change alone; calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to work alongside the Minister of Education, school transport providers, the PSNI and other stakeholders to bring forward a cross-departmental strategy to improve pupil safety, including measures such as the development of safer school bus stop infrastructure, increased use of warning signage and lighting, public awareness campaigns targeted at drivers, and improved guidance for schools and parents on safe travel practices; and further calls on the Minister to review existing legislation and consider any changes required to better protect all pupils travelling to and from school.’

Mr Doug Beattie
Mr John Stewart
Ms Diana Armstrong
Mr Colin Crawford

Amendment 2:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘increase risk;’ and insert:

‘acknowledges the Minister for Infrastructure’s commitment to improving road safety around buses through the launch of an advertising campaign on school buses and at bus stops, to warn and remind drivers of the dangers when driving close to school buses; welcomes the roll-out of a third tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at additional schools; further notes the Minister’s commitment to consider 20mph speed limit zones in residential areas and to review speed limits generally; further recognises the Minister’s commitment to bring forward legislation to improve road safety around school buses; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to model this legislation on best practice in other jurisdictions.’

Mr Cathal Boylan
Mrs Linda Dillon
Mr Declan McAleer

Debate ensued.

The debate stood suspended for Question Time, the Speaker took the Chair.

7. Question Time

7.1 Infrastructure

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister for Infrastructure, Ms Liz Kimmins.

7.2 Justice

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long.

8. Opposition Business (cont’d)

8.1 Motion: Improving Safety at School Bus Stops (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The Question being put, amendment 1 was made.

As amendment 1 was made, the question was not put on amendment 2.

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

8.2 Motion: A European Future for Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly welcomes the positive step forward represented by the UK-EU deal of 19 May 2025; affirms that any arrangement which reduces friction for businesses is welcomed; supports further alignment between the UK and EU including via a comprehensive veterinary agreement; notes that Northern Ireland retains a competitive advantage as a result of its guaranteed dual market access and urges efforts to capitalise on this potential and increase Northern Ireland’s voice in EU institutions; believes that the UK’s vote to leave the European Union continues to be an act of historic, diplomatic and economic self-harm; further affirms that Northern Ireland’s best long-term future will be achieved by rejoining the European Union, an outcome which the people of Northern Ireland can only decisively effect via a vote for a new Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; and calls for positive progress on a European future for Northern Ireland.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘rejoining the European Union,’ and insert:

‘; further notes that there are two potential routes back into the European Union via either the United Kingdom as a whole re-entering or via constitutional change under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to set out when they will publish a Europe strategy to form part of positive progress on a European future for Northern Ireland.’

Mr Eoin Tennyson
Mr David Honeyford

Debate ensued.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

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

The Question being put, the motion was negatived (Division 2).

9. Assembly Business

9.1 Motion: Extension of Sitting on Monday 2 June 2025 under Standing Order 10(3A)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 2 June 2025 be extended to no later than 8.30pm.

Business Committee

The Question being put, the motion was carried.
 

10. Opposition Business (cont’d)

10.1 Motion: The Cost of Doing Business

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the growing challenges facing businesses in Northern Ireland as detailed in the cost of doing business impact report by Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre; expresses concern that the only action being taken forward by the Minister of Finance in response is to send this report to the UK Treasury; calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to recall the High Street Taskforce; and further calls on the Minister of Finance to establish a Cost of Doing Business Advisory Forum by 1 September 2025.

Leader of the Opposition

Amendment 1:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘UK treasury;’, and insert:

‘calls on all Ministers to take forward the recommendations of the High Street Taskforce Delivering a 21st Century High Street report, including securing Executive agreement where necessary; and further calls on the Minister of Finance to seek to extend rates relief for retail, leisure and hospitality, whilst expediting the current reviews of small business rate relief and non-domestic vacant rating exclusion.’

Ms Diane Forsythe
Mr Brian Kingston

Amendment 2:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘High Street Taskforce;’, and insert:

‘and further calls on the Minister for the Economy to work with the Minister of Finance and the Taskforce to publish proposals by the end of September 2025, setting out how the recommendations contained in the High Street Taskforce report "Delivering a 21st Century High Street" will be implemented.’

Mr David Honeyford
Mr Eoin Tennyson

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, amendment 1 was made.

As amendment 1 was made, the question was not put on amendment 2.

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

11. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 6.49pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
2 June 2025

Northern Ireland Assembly

2 June 2025 – Division 1

Amendment: A European Future for Northern Ireland

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘rejoining the European Union,’ and insert:

‘; further notes that there are two potential routes back into the European Union via either the United Kingdom as a whole re-entering or via constitutional change under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; and calls on the First Minister and deputy First Minister to set out when they will publish a Europe strategy to form part of positive progress on a European future for Northern Ireland.’

Mr Eoin Tennyson
Mr David Honeyford

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 13

Noes: 35

AYES

Ms K Armstrong, Mr Dickson, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Miss McAllister, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Ms K Armstrong, Mr Dickson.

NOES

Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mr Durkan, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Ms Hunter, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Miss McIlveen, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr O'Toole, Mr Robinson, Ms Sugden.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Durkan, Ms McLaughlin.

The amendment fell.

Northern Ireland Assembly

2 June 2025 – Division 2

Motion: A European Future for Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly welcomes the positive step forward represented by the UK-EU deal of 19 May 2025; affirms that any arrangement which reduces friction for businesses is welcomed; supports further alignment between the UK and EU including via a comprehensive veterinary agreement; notes that Northern Ireland retains a competitive advantage as a result of its guaranteed dual market access and urges efforts to capitalise on this potential and increase Northern Ireland’s voice in EU institutions; believes that the UK’s vote to leave the European Union continues to be an act of historic, diplomatic and economic self-harm; further affirms that Northern Ireland’s best long-term future will be achieved by rejoining the European Union, an outcome which the people of Northern Ireland can only decisively effect via a vote for a new Ireland under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; and calls for positive progress on a European future for Northern Ireland.

Leader of the Opposition

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 23

Noes: 27

AYES

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Durkan, Mrs Ennis, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Miss Hargey, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Mr McAleer, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Ms McLaughlin, Mr McNulty, Mrs Mason, Miss Murphy, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly.

Tellers for the Ayes: Ms Hunter, Mr McGlone.

NOES
Ms D Armstrong, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Mr Brooks, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mrs Cameron, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mrs Dodds, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mrs Little-Pengelly, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Ms Sugden.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Brooks, Mr Martin.

The following Members voted in both Lobbies and are therefore not counted in the result:

Ms K Armstrong, Mr Dickson, Mr Donnelly, Ms Egan, Mrs Guy, Mr Honeyford, Miss McAllister, Mr McMurray, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Mr Tennyson

The motion was negatived.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Proxy Voting Notifications

In line with Standing Order 27A, Ms Kate Nicholl arranged for her vote to be exercised by a proxy (Ms Paula Bradshaw) during the period 31 March 2025 to 28 December 2025.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 28 May 2025 to 2 June 2025.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

SR 2025/100 The Health and Social Care Pension Schemes (Amendment No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department of Health)

SR 2025/101 The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

SR 2025/XXXX The Legal Complaints and Regulation (Penalty) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department of Finance)

SR 2025/XXXX The Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (Levy) Regulations 2025 (Department of Finance)

SR 2025/XXXX The Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (Appeals) Regulations 2025 (Department of Finance)

For Information Only

SR 2025/97 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Belfast) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2025/98 The Waiting Restrictions (Castlerock) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2025/99 The Parking Places (Disabled Persons’ Vehicles) (Amendment No. 3) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

Data (Use and Access) Bill (Department of Finance)

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Health Service Pay (Minister of Health)

The Publication of a Refugee Integration Strategy and Delivery Framework (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Report to the Assembly on changes to member contribution rates calculations for HSC Pension Scheme members in receipt of reduced pay (Department of Health)

Charities Annual Report 2024 (Department for Communities)

Period Products (Free Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022: Report by the Northern Ireland Executive May 2022 - May 2025 (The Executive Office)

Consumer Council’s Annual Report and Accounts 2022/2023 (Department for the Economy)

SI 2025/XXX The Human Medicines (Amendments Relating to Hub and Spoke Dispensing etc.) Regulations 2025 (Department of Health)

9. Publications Presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly