Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Condolences on the Passing of Pope Francis

The sitting was, by leave, suspended at 12.53pm as a mark of respect.

The sitting resumed at 1.25pm, the Speaker in the Chair.

3. Matter of the Day

3.1 Rory McIlroy Completes Career Grand Slam

Mr Stephen Dunne, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on Rory McIlroy completing a career Grand Slam. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

3.2 UK Supreme Court Ruling on the Legal Definition of a Woman

Mr Jonathan Buckley, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on the UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

The Matter of the Day stood suspended for Question Time.

4. Question Time

4.1 The Executive Office

Questions were put to, and answered by, the First Minister, Ms Michelle O’Neill. The junior Minister, Ms Aisling Reilly, also answered a number of questions.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

4.2 Infrastructure

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

The Speaker took the Chair.

5. Matter of the Day (cont’d)

5.1 UK Supreme Court Ruling on the Legal Definition of a Woman (cont’d)

Statements resumed on the Matter of the Day.

6. Members’ Statements

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

Mr Danny Baker
Mr Paul Frew
Mr Nick Mathison
Mr Mark Durkan
Miss Órlaithí Flynn
Mr Alan Chambers
Mr Gary Middleton
Ms Sian Mulholland
Mr Colm Gildernew
Mr Stephen Dunne
Mr Matthew O’Toole
Mr Peter McReynolds

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

7. Ministerial Statements

7.1 Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill

The Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, made a statement regarding the Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill, following which she replied to questions.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

7.2 North South Ministerial Council Education Sector Meeting

The Minister of Education, Mr Paul Givan, made a statement regarding a North South Ministerial Council Education Sector Meeting, following which he replied to questions.

8. Assembly Business

8.1 Motion: Extension of Sitting on Monday 28 April 2025 under Standing Order 10(3A)

Proposed:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 10(3A), the sitting on Monday 28 April 2025 be extended to no later than 10.00pm.

Business Committee

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

9. Ministerial Statements (cont’d)

9.1 North South Ministerial Council in Special EU Programmes Sectoral Format

The Minister of Finance, Mr John O’Dowd, made a statement regarding a North South Ministerial Council meeting in Special EU Programmes sectoral format, following which he replied to questions.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

10. Private Members’ Business

10.1 Motion: Reducing Barriers to all-Ireland Student Mobility

Proposed:

That this Assembly welcomes the progress made in providing equivalence in A-Level and Leaving Certificate admissions processes ahead of the 2025/26 academic year; recognises that the previous disparities in admissions created unfair obstacles for students here seeking to access higher education institutions across the island of Ireland; notes the confirmation from Universities Ireland that the Central Applications Office (CAO) process will be amended to provide greater parity, including the allocation of 25 bonus points for A-Level students completing maths and the recognition of a fourth AS-level in admissions calculations; further welcomes the increased levels of cooperation between UCAS and the CAO on delivering this and urges further cooperation on admission dates and clearing processes; acknowledges the benefit that increased cross-border student mobility brings in ensuring that students have additional options to upskill and find work across the island; commends the ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border student mobility; and calls on the Minister of Education to ensure that students receive clear guidance and support in navigating the revised admissions process.

Mr Pádraig Delargy
Mr Pat Sheehan
Ms Emma Sheerin
Mr Danny Baker

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘2025/26 academic year’ and insert:

‘recognises that there remain ongoing disparities in admissions that create unfair obstacles for students here seeking to access higher education institutions across the island of Ireland; notes the confirmation from Universities Ireland that the Central Applications office (CAO) process will be amended to provide greater parity, including the allocation of 25 bonus points for A-Level students completing maths and the recognition of a fourth AS-Level in admissions calculations; further welcomes the increased levels of cooperation between UCAS and the CAO on delivering this and urges further cooperation on admission dates and clearing processes; acknowledges the benefit that increased cross-border student mobility brings in ensuring that students have additional options to upskill and find work across the island; commends the ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border student mobility; calls on the Minister of Education to ensure that students receive clear guidance and support in navigating the revised admissions process; and calls on the Minister for the Economy to continue to work with her counterparts in the Irish Government to further close the gap in ongoing disparities.’

Mr Nick Mathison
Mr David Honeyford
Mrs Michelle Guy
Ms Sian Mulholland

Debate ensued.

The Question being out, the amendment was made.

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

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

10.2 Motion: Driving Forward Quality Standards for Diabetes Care

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the rising prevalence of diabetes in Northern Ireland; stresses the importance of diabetes technology in managing diabetes and improving the quality of life of those affected; highlights that the National Diabetes Audit undertaken in other parts of the United Kingdom is essential to tracking key metrics, identifying service gaps and providing the data needed to enhance patient outcomes, reduce complications, and ensure equitable access to care; notes with deep concern that Northern Ireland has been unable to benefit to date; calls on the Minister of Health to ensure regional participation in the National Audit as soon as possible, as committed to in the Diabetes Strategic Framework; and further calls on the Minister to urgently implement the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Technical Appraisal Guidance 943 to ensure hybrid closed loop technology is rolled out on a consistent basis across the United Kingdom.

Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Mrs Diane Dodds
Mr Alan Robinson

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

11. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 7.20pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
28 April 2025

 
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 9 April 2025 to 28 April 2025.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

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

For information

SR 2025/74 The Road Races (Spamount Hill Climb) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2025/75 The Road Races (North West 200) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2025/76 The Road Races (Maiden City Stages Rally) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

SR 2025/77 The Parking Places on Roads (Diplomatic Vehicles) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Infrastructure)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

Report of the Examiner of Statutory Rules to the Assembly and the Appropriate Committee Thirty-seventh Report (NIA 90/22-27) (Examiner of Statutory Rules)

7. Written Ministerial Statements

The Executive Legislation Programme 2024-2025 (First Minister and deputy First Minister)

Enabling Access to Justice Programme (Minister of Justice)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

The Mineral Development and Petroleum Production Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31 March 2024 (Department for the Economy)

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Planning Addendum to the existing Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Ards and North Down Borough Council Planning Addendum to the existing Ards and North Down Borough Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Planning Addendum to the existing Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Belfast City Council Planning Addendum to the existing Belfast City Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Planning Addendum to the existing Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Planning Addendum to the existing Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland)
Waterways Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2023 (Waterways Ireland)

Department of Education – Teachers’ Pension Annual Scheme Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 (Department of Finance)

9. Publications Presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly

Partnership Agreement between the Department for the Economy and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (Department for the Economy)

The Electoral Commission Corporate Plan 2025/26 – 2029/30 (The Electoral Commission)