Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 10:30am, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Matters of the Day

2.1 Failure of the RUC in the Sectarian Murder of Robert Hamill

Mr John O’Dowd, under Standing Order 24, made a statement on the Failure of the RUC in the Sectarian Murder of Robert Hamill. Other Members were also called to speak on the matter.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

3. Members’ Statements

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

Mrs Cathy Mason
Mr Keith Buchanan
Mr Nick Mathison
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Mr Declan Kearney
Miss Michelle McIlveen
Mr David Honeyford
Mr John Stewart
Mr Justin McNulty
Mr Danny Baker
Mr Timothy Gaston
Mr Gerry Carroll
Ms Claire Sugden

4. Assembly Business

4.1 Motion: Committee Membership

Proposed:

That Mr Paul Boggs replace Miss Nicola Brogan as a member of the Committee for Communities; and that Mr Paul Boggs replace Mrs Sinéad Ennis as a member of the Committee for Infrastructure.

Mr Philip McGuigan
Mrs Sinéad Ennis

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

4.2 Motion: Committee Membership

Proposed:

That Mr Mike Nesbitt replace Mr Jon Burrows as a member of the Public Accounts Committee; and that Mr Andy Allen replace Mr Robbie Butler as a member of the Committee on Procedures.

Ms Diana Armstrong
Dr Steve Aiken
Mr Alan Chambers

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

4.3 Motion: Committee Membership

Proposed:

That Mr Peter Martin replace Mr Jonathan Buckley as a member of the Committee for the Economy.

Mr Trevor Clarke
Mr David Brooks
Mr Harry Harvey

The Question being put, the motion was carried.

5. Private Members’ Business

5.1 Second Stage: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill (NIA Bill 45/22-27)

Mr Eóin Tennyson moved the Second Stage of the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill [NIA Bill 45/22-27]

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 12.56pm and resumed at 2.00pm, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, in the Chair.

6. Question Time

6.1 Finance

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Finance, Mr John O’Dowd.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

7. Question for Urgent Oral Answer

7.1 Prisoner Absconder

The Minister of Justice, Mrs Naomi Long, responded to a Question for Urgent Oral Answer tabled by Mr Trevor Clarke.

8. Private Members’ Business (cont’d)

8.1 Second Stage: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill (NIA Bill 45/22-27) (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

The debate stood suspended at 4.55pm and resumed at 6.00pm, the Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

Second Stage of the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill was suspended until Tuesday 22 September 2026.

9. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Assembly adjourned at 10.22pm.

The Speaker
15 September 2026

Northern Ireland Assembly

Proxy Voting Notifications

In line with Standing Order 27A, Miss Jemma Dolan arranged for her vote to be exercised by a proxy (Mrs Sinéad Ennis) during the period 7 September 2026 to 7 March 2027.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 15 September 2026.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

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

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 at 16th September 2026

2022-2027 Mandate
Executive Bills

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills