Order Paper

1.   Prayers

2.   Members’ Statements

3.   Question Time

3.1     Health

4.   Opposition Business

Motion: Housing and the Programme for Government

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the Programme for Government target to commence work on at least 5,850 new social homes by the end of this mandate; expresses regret that as little as 1,000 new social homes will be built this year; believes the Executive is failing to address the housing crisis; and expresses a lack of confidence in the Executive to deliver its Programme for Government targets.

Leader of the Opposition

Motion: Valuing the Arts

Proposed:

That this Assembly recognises the strategic importance of the arts and creative industries, including the significant role they play in our economic output and societal wellbeing; regrets the challenging situation facing the sector as a result of the current funding structure, the significant funding cuts and the siloed departmental working; notes the absence of the arts in the Programme for Government; and calls on the Minister for Communities to work with the Minister for the Economy to realise the full potential of the arts and creative industries by publishing a multi-year funding and delivery plan by October 2025 at the latest.

Leader of the Opposition

Motion: A Moratorium on Mineral Licensing

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses concern at the recent approval of seven new mineral prospecting licences; regrets that the decision has been made, despite strong public opposition and likely significant environmental and social impacts; recognises that the current regulatory framework for mineral licensing is not fit for purpose; calls on the Minister for the Economy to withdraw approval for these licences; and further calls on the Minister to place a moratorium on the granting of any new prospecting licences, or renewal of existing licences, until the regulatory framework for licensing has been reviewed and amended.

Leader of the Opposition

Motion: Justice and the Rule of Law

Proposed:

That this Assembly acknowledges that 26 years have passed since the publication of the Patten Commission Report on Policing in Northern Ireland; expresses regret that its vision has not been realised, due to insufficient resourcing, unresolved legacy issues and inadequate oversight; recognises the risks to public safety, tackling crime effectively and public confidence in the PSNI; and calls on the Executive to work with the UK and Irish Governments to commission an expert-led independent review to examine how rule of law institutions have functioned in Northern Ireland since the devolution of policing and justice.

Leader of the Opposition

5.   Executive Committee Business

Further Consideration Stage: Agriculture Bill (NIA Bill 08/22-27)

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

6.   Adjournment

• Reinstatement of Postal Services in Foyle

Mr Pádraig Delargy