Order Paper
Date: 14 September 2026
1. Prayers
2. Members’ Statements
3. Question Time
4. Opposition Business
Motion: Agreement on a Budget
Proposed:
That this Assembly expresses deep concern at the Executive’s failure to agree a Budget; notes Pivotal’s recent assessment that the absence of a Budget is a serious failure which is damaging public services and preventing effective planning, investment and reform; acknowledges that analysis by the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council points to discrepancies in the funding of Northern Ireland versus other devolved regions; supports efforts to secure a fair and sustainable funding settlement from the UK Government; believes that the pursuit of additional funding cannot be at the expense of public service delivery; agrees that the failure to perform this most basic function of government reflects wider dysfunction across the Executive; calls on the Minister of Finance to urgently outline how he intends to address the crisis facing public services in Northern Ireland and secure agreement on a Budget; and further calls on the new UK Government to engage constructively with the Executive throughout this process.
Leader of the Opposition
Motion: Building on the Success of the Fleadh
Proposed:
That this Assembly affirms that the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was a resounding success for Belfast and the wider region, showcasing world-class culture and hospitality; commends Belfast City Council, the Executive departments and agencies involved in making it a success, as well as the hundreds of volunteers; takes pride in the diversity of culture on show, with all the traditions of this region and island being celebrated and esteemed, including a wide range of bands from the unionist tradition; pledges to learn the lessons of the Fleadh's success, including the possible expansion of pedestrianisation in Belfast and other cities, increased funding for the arts and urban regeneration, greater flexibility on alcohol and entertainment licensing and the realisation that expressions of our cultural diversity can be a source of strength and pride rather than division.
Leader of the Opposition
Motion: Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Proposed:
That this Assembly recognises that the climate crisis is already impacting communities, public services and the economy; welcomes the Executive Office consultation on the draft Northern Ireland Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy; further recognises the significant potential benefits from the expansion of AI technology; believes, however, that these opportunities must be balanced against the environmental and infrastructure demands associated with large-scale AI data centres; is concerned that the centres’ significant energy and water requirements could place further pressure on already constrained infrastructure, increase costs for consumers and make it harder to meet Northern Ireland’s climate targets; further believes that these consequences must be fully understood before further large-scale development takes place; and calls for a moratorium on new large-scale AI data centres until a full cost-benefit analysis of their economic, environmental, and social impacts has been completed.
Leader of the Opposition
5. Private Members’ Business
Second Stage: Display of Flags and Emblems Bill (NIA Bill 44/22-27) (cont’d)
Ms Paula Bradshaw
