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:

Mr Declan Kearney
Ms Diane Forsythe
Mr John Blair
Miss Nicola Brogan
Ms Joanne Bunting
Ms Kate Nicholl
Mr Colm Gildernew
Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Mr Timothy Gaston
Mr Phillip Brett

3. Executive Committee Business

3.1 Second Stage: Budget Bill (NIA Bill 11/22-27)

The Minister of Finance, Mr John O’Dowd, moved the Second Stage of the Budget Bill (NIA Bill 11/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

The sitting was suspended at 12.55pm.

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

4. Question Time

4.1 Health

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt.

5. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)

5.1 Second Stage: Budget Bill (NIA Bill 11/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

The Budget Bill (NIA Bill 11/22-27) passed Second Stage.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

5.2 Motion: Suspension of Standing Order 42(5)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 42(5) be suspended in respect of the passage of the Budget Bill 2025.

Minister of Finance

Debate ensued.

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

5.3 Motion: Suspension of Standing Order 39(2)

Proposed:

That Standing Order 39(2) be suspended in respect of the passage of the Budget Bill 2025.

Minister of Finance

Debate ensued.

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

5.4 Second Stage: Sign Language Bill (NIA Bill 10/22-27)

The Minister for Communities, Mr Gordon Lyons, moved the Second Stage of the Sign Language Bill (NIA Bill 10/22-27).

Debate ensued.

The Sign Language Bill (NIA Bill 10/22-27) passed Second Stage.

5.5 First Stage: School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill (NIA Bill 12/22-27)

The Minister of Education, Mr Paul Givan, introduced a Bill to make provision for binding guidelines on school uniform policies to be issued by the Department of Education and to extend eligibility for school clothing allowances payable by the Education Authority.

The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill (NIA Bill 12/22-27) passed First Stage and was ordered to be printed.

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

5.6 Further Consideration Stage: Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill (NIA Bill 04/22-27)

The Minister for Communities, Mr Gordon Lyons, moved the Further Consideration Stage of the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill (NIA Bill 04/22-27).

A single amendment to the Bill was tabled and selected for debate.

Clauses

After debate, Amendment 1 was made without division.

The Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill (NIA Bill 04/22-27) stood referred to the Speaker for consideration in accordance with section 10 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

5.7 Motion: The draft Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025

Proposed:

That the draft Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 be approved.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Debate ensued.

The Question being put the motion was carried.

6. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

Ms Emma Sheerin spoke to her topic regarding Simplifying the Procurement Process for the Maintenance of Schools in Mid Ulster.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.44pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
18 February 2025

Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Bill Annotated Marshalled List of Amendments

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 18 February 2025.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

School Uniforms (Guidance and Allowances) Bill (NIA Bill 12/22-27)

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Response to the Office of
Environmental Protection Report, A Review of Implementation of the Bathing Water
Regulations in Northern Ireland, February 2025. (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

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 18 February 2025
2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage