No. 54-07/08

MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 29 APRIL 2008

The Assembly met at 10.30am, the Deputy Speaker (Mr McClarty) in the Chair

1. Personal Prayer or Meditation

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Executive Committee Business

2.1 Consideration Stage - Local Government (Boundaries) Bill (NIA 14/07)

The Minister of the Environment, Mrs Arlene Foster, moved that the Consideration Stage of the Local Government (Boundaries) Bill (NIA 14/07) be agreed.

Eighteen amendments were tabled to the Bill.

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 12.50 pm.

The sitting resumed at 2.00 pm with the Deputy Speaker (Mr McClarty) in the chair.

2.2 Consideration Stage - Local Government (Boundaries) Bill (NIA 14/07) (cont’d)

Debate resumed on the Consideration Stage.

Clauses
After debate Amendment 1 to Clause 1 was negatived (Division No. 1).
After debate Amendment 2 to Clause 1 was negatived (Division No. 2).
After debate Amendment 4 to Clause 1 was negatived without division.
After debate Amendment 6 to Clause 1 was negatived without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

After debate Amendment 11 to Clause 2 was negatived (Division No. 3).
After debate Amendment 12 to Clause 2 was negatived without division.
After debate Amendment 13 to Clause 2 was negatived without division.
After debate Amendment 14 to Clause 2 was negatived without division.
After debate Amendment 15 to Clause 2 was negatived without division.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clause 2 stand part of the Bill.

The question being put, it was agreed without division that Clauses 3 to 6 stand part of the Bill.

Schedule

The question being put, it was agreed without division that the Schedule stand part of the Bill.

Long Title

The question being put, the Long Title was agreed (Division No. 4).

Bill (NIA 14/07) passed Consideration Stage and stood referred to the Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) in the chair.

3. Committee Business

3.1 Motion - New Standing Order

Proposed: After Standing Order 23 insert:

“23A MATTERS OF THE DAY

(1) A Member may seek leave of the Speaker to make a statement to the Assembly on a matter which fulfils the criteria specified in paragraph (2) by making a formal request not later than the time provided for in paragraph (3), which formal request shall outline the subject matter of the proposed statement.

(2) In deciding whether to grant leave to a Member who has made a formal request under paragraph (1) the Speaker shall take account of the following criteria –

(a) whether the proposed statement relates to a matter which has occurred and has come to public attention since the Assembly last stood adjourned;
(b) whether the proposed statement relates to a matter which is of exceptional public interest;
(c) whether the proposed statement relates to a matter which directly affects the people of Northern Ireland;
(d) that the specific subject matter of the proposed statement is not, and has not previously been, the subject of or directly related to a statement, application, notice or referral made or given under this or any other Standing Order.

(3) Any request under this Standing Order shall be made not later than–

(a) 9.30 am on any sitting day; or
(b) if the Speaker is satisfied that the event or incident to which the formal request relates came to the attention of the Member at such time that the Member could not reasonably have made a formal request by the time stipulated in sub-paragraph (a), such later time as the Speaker may direct.

(4) As soon as possible after receipt of a formal request under this Standing Order the Speaker shall decide whether to give a Member who has made the formal request under this Standing Order leave to make a statement, and shall forthwith notify the Member of that decision. If the Speaker gives leave for a statement to be made he/she shall allow the Member (together with such other Members as the Speaker may select) to make the statement as soon as reasonably practicable.

(5) No Member may intervene during a Member’s statement under this Standing Order and there will be no questions and no vote will be taken at the conclusion of the statement or statements.”

[Chairperson, Committee on Procedures]

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

3.2 Motion - Amend - Standing Order 10(1)

Proposed: In Standing Order 10(1), after sub-paragraph (h) insert new sub-paragraph

“(i) Matters of the day.”

[Chairperson, Committee on Procedures]

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

3.3 Motion - Amend - Standing Order 68(1)

Proposed: In Standing Order 68(1), after sub-paragraph (c) insert new sub-paragraph “(d) in any statement made pursuant to Standing Order 23A,”

[Chairperson, Committee on Procedures]

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

3.4 Motion - Amend - Standing Order 68(2)

Proposed: In Standing Order 68(2), after sub-paragraph (c) insert new sub-paragraph “(d) in any statement made pursuant to Standing Order 23A,”

[Chairperson, Committee on Procedures]

The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.

4. Private Members’ Business

4.1 Motion - Access to Health Service Dental Treatment

Proposed: That this Assembly expresses concern about the lack of access to Health Service dental treatment across all Health Board areas; and calls on the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to urgently bring forward an action plan to address the problem.

[Ms C Ní Chuilín]
[Mrs M O’Neill]
[Ms S Ramsey]

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.

The Deputy Speaker (Mr Molloy) in the chair.

4.2 Motion - Aggregates Mapping Programme

Proposed: That this Assembly notes the finite nature of aggregate resources in Northern Ireland; and calls upon the Minister of the Environment to introduce an aggregates mapping programme to ensure the sustainable future of the aggregate and construction industry.

[Mr F Cobain]
[Mr J McCallister]

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.

5. Adjournment

Mr Jimmy Spratt spoke on the regeneration of the Sandy Row area in South Belfast.

Proposed: That the Assembly do now adjourn.

[The Speaker]

The Assembly adjourned at 8.00 pm.

Mr William Hay
The Speaker

29 April 2008

DIVISIONS

Division No. 1

Consideration Stage: Local Government (Boundaries) Bill – Amendment No. 1 to Clause 1

Proposed: Leave out ‘11’ and insert ‘15’.

[Mr D Ford]
[Dr S Farry]

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 19
Noes: 52

Ayes

Mr Armstrong, Mr Beggs, Mr Cobain, Rev Dr Robert Coulter, Mr Cree, Mr Elliott, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Kennedy, Ms Lo, Mrs Long, Mr Lunn, Mr McCallister, Mr McCarthy, Mr B McCrea, Mr McNarry, Mr K Robinson, Mr Savage, Mr B Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Armstrong and Mr B Wilson.

Noes

Mr Adams, Ms Anderson, Mr Boylan, Mr Brady, Mr Bresland, Mr Brolly, Lord Browne, Mr Buchanan, Mr Butler, Mr T Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Doherty, Rt Hon J Donaldson, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr A Maskey, Mr P Maskey, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McCausland, Mr I McCrea, Dr W McCrea, Mrs McGill, Mr M McGuinness, Miss McIlveen, Mr McLaughlin, Mr McQuillan, Mr Molloy, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Murphy, Mr Newton, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O’Dowd, Mrs O’Neill, Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, Mr Poots, Ms S Ramsey, Mr G Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Shannon, Mr Simpson, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan and Mr Ross.

The Amendment No. 1 to Clause 1 fell.

Division No. 2

Consideration Stage: Local Government (Boundaries) Bill – Amendment No. 2 to Clause 1

Proposed: Leave out ‘11’ and insert ‘at least 11 and not more than 15 new’.

[Mr T Gallagher]
[Mr P McGlone]

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 31
Noes: 52

Ayes

Mr Armstrong, Mr Attwood, Mr Beggs, Mr D Bradley, Mrs M Bradley, Mr P J Bradley, Mr Burns, Mr Cobain, Rev Dr Robert Coulter, Mr Cree, Mr Dallat, Mr Elliott, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Gallagher, Mrs Hanna, Mrs D Kelly, Mr Kennedy, Ms Lo, Mrs Long, Mr Lunn, Mr McCallister, Mr McCarthy, Mr B McCrea, Mr McGlone, Mr McNarry, Mr O’Loan, Mr P Ramsey, Mr K Robinson, Mr Savage, Mr B Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mrs Hanna and Mr O’Loan.

Noes

Mr Adams, Ms Anderson, Mr Boylan, Mr Brady, Mr Bresland, Mr Brolly, Lord Browne, Mr Buchanan, Mr Butler, Mr T Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Doherty, Rt Hon J Donaldson, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr A Maskey, Mr P Maskey, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McCausland, Mr I McCrea, Dr W McCrea, Mrs McGill, Mr M McGuinness, Miss McIlveen, Mr McQuillan, Mr Molloy, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Murphy, Mr Newton, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O’Dowd, Mrs O’Neill, Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, Mr Poots, Ms S Ramsey, Mr G Robinson, Mrs I Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Shannon, Mr Simpson, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr McQuillan and Mr Ross.

The Amendment No. 2 to Clause 1 fell.

Division No. 3

Consideration Stage: Local Government (Boundaries) Bill – Amendment No. 11 to Clause 2

Proposed: At end insert –

‘( ) for paragraph 14 substitute –

“14. Regard shall be had to the desirability of determining district and ward boundaries which –

• are readily identifiable;
• reflect the identities and interests of local communities; and
• secure effective and convenient local government”.’

[Mr D Kennedy]
[Mr R Beggs]
[Mr S Gardiner]
[Mr B Armstrong]

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 29
Noes: 50

Ayes

Mr Armstrong, Mr Attwood, Mr Beggs, Mr D Bradley, Mrs M Bradley, Mr P J Bradley, Mr Burns, Mr Cobain, Rev Dr Robert Coulter, Mr Cree, Mr Dallat, Mr Elliott, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Gallagher, Mrs Hanna, Mrs D Kelly, Mr Kennedy, Ms Lo, Mrs Long, Mr McCallister, Mr McCarthy, Mr B McCrea, Mr McGlone, Mr O’Loan, Mr P Ramsey, Mr K Robinson, Mr Savage, Mr B Wilson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Kennedy and Mr McCarthy.

Noes

Ms Anderson, Mr Boylan, Mr Brady, Mr Bresland, Mr Brolly, Lord Browne, Mr Buchanan, Mr Butler, Mr T Clarke, Mr Craig, Rt Hon J Donaldson, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Ms Gildernew, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr A Maskey, Mr P Maskey, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McCausland, Mr I McCrea, Mrs McGill, Mr M McGuinness, Miss McIlveen, Mr McLaughlin, Mr McQuillan, Mr Molloy, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Murphy, Mr Newton, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O’Dowd, Mrs O’Neill, Rt Hon Dr Ian Paisley, Mr Poots, Ms S Ramsey, Mr G Robinson, Mrs I Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Shannon, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr G Robinson and Mr Ross.

The Amendment No. 11 to Clause 2 fell.

Division No. 4

Consideration Stage: Local Government (Boundaries) Bill – Long Title

Proposed: That the Long Title be agreed.

[Minister of the Environment]

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 48
Noes: 29

Ayes

Ms Anderson, Mr Boylan, Mr Brady, Mr Bresland, Mr Brolly, Lord Browne, Mr Buchanan, Mr Butler, Mr T Clarke, Mr Craig, Mr Easton, Mrs Foster, Ms Gildernew, Mr Hamilton, Mr Hilditch, Mr Irwin, Mr G Kelly, Mr A Maskey, Mr P Maskey, Mr F McCann, Ms J McCann, Mr McCartney, Mr McCausland, Mr I McCrea, Mrs McGill, Mr M McGuinness, Miss McIlveen, Mr McLaughlin, Mr McQuillan, Mr Molloy, Lord Morrow, Mr Moutray, Mr Murphy, Mr Newton, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O’Dowd, Mrs O’Neill, Mr Poots, Ms S Ramsey, Mr G Robinson, Mrs I Robinson, Mr Ross, Ms Ruane, Mr Shannon, Mr Spratt, Mr Storey, Mr Weir, Mr Wells.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr G Robinson and Mr Ross.

Noes

Mr Armstrong, Mr Attwood, Mr Beggs, Mr D Bradley, Mrs M Bradley, Mr P J Bradley, Mr Burns, Mr Cobain, Rev Dr Robert Coulter, Mr Cree, Mr Dallat, Mr Elliott, Dr Farry, Mr Ford, Mr Gallagher, Mrs Hanna, Mrs D Kelly, Mr Kennedy, Ms Lo, Mrs Long, Mr McCallister, Mr McCarthy, Mr B McCrea, Mr McGlone, Mr O’Loan, Mr P Ramsey, Mr K Robinson, Mr Savage, Mr B Wilson.

Tellers for the Noes: Dr Farry and Mr Kennedy.

The Long Title was agreed.

PAPERS PRESENTED TO THE ASSEMBLY ON

29 APRIL 2008

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

5. Assembly Reports

6. Statutory Rules

(The department identified after each rule is for reference purposes only.)

For information only:

S.R. 2008/190 The Road Races (Tour of the Sperrins Rally) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2008 (DRD)

7. Consultation Documents

8. Departmental Publications

9. Agency Publications

HSENI: Corporate Plan 2008-2011 (DHSSPS)

10. Westminster Publications

11. Miscellaneous Publications

NORTHERN IRELAND LEGISLATION:

EXECUTIVE BILLS

PROCEEDINGS AS AT 29 APRIL 2008

Session 2006-2007

 

Title & Bill Number	First Stage	Second Stage	Committee Stage Extension	Committee Stage Report		Consideration Stage Concluded	Further Consideration Stage	Final Stage	Royal Assent
				Laid	Printed
**Welfare Reform Bill (NIA Bill 1/07)	4.06.07	12.06.07	N/A	N/A	N/A	18.06.07	19.06.07	25.06.07	29.06.07
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (NIA Bill 2/07)	5.06.07	19.06.07	7.11.07	12.10.07	22.10.07	15.01.08	28.01.08	5.02.08	25.02.08
**Budget Bill (NIA Bill 3/07)	11.06.07	12.06.07	N/A	N/A	N/A	18.06.07	19.06.07	25.06.07	29.06.07
Taxis Bill (NIA Bill 4/07)	11.06.07	26.06.07	7.12.07	29.11.07	6.12.07	26.02.08	10.03.08	8.04.08	21.04.08
Libraries Bill (NIA Bill 5/07)	11.06.07	19.06.07	25.02.08	20.02.08	25.02.08

Session 2007-2008

Executive Bills

 

Title & Bill Number	First Stage	Second Stage	Committee Stage Extension	Committee Stage Report		Consideration Stage Concluded	Further Consideration Stage	Final Stage	Royal Assent
				Laid	Printed
**Children (Emergency Protection Orders) Bill (NIA Bill 6/07)	22.10.07	5.11.07	N/A	N/A	N/A	6.11.07	19.11.07	20.11.07	14.12.07
**Pensions Bill (NIA Bill 7/07)	12.11.07	26.11.07	N/A	N/A	N/A	4.12.07	10.12.07	11.12.07	11.02.08
Public Health (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 8/07)	26.11.07	4.12.07	N/A	8.02.08	31.01.08	4.03.08	7.04.08	21.04.08
Charities Bill (NIA Bill 9/07)	10.12.07	15.01.08	27.06.08
**Budget Bill (NIA Bill 10/07)	11.02.08	12.02.08	N/A	N/A	N/A	19.02.08	25.02.08	26.02.08	12.03.08
Building Regulations (Amendment) Bill (NIA Bill 11/07)	25.02.08	4.03.08	27.06.08
**Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill (NIA Bill 12/07)	31.03.08	1.04.08	N/A	N/A	N/A
**Local Government (Boundaries) Bill (NIA Bill 14/07)	21.04.08	22.04.08	N/A	N/A	N/A	29.04.08

Session 2007-2008

Non-Executive Bills

 

Title & Bill Number	First Stage	Second Stage	Committee Stage Extension	Committee Stage Report		Consideration Stage Concluded	Further Consideration Stage	Final Stage	Royal Assent
				Laid	Printed
Carer’s Allowance Bill (NIA Bill 13/07)	31.03.08

 

**Bills which are granted accelerated passage do not pass through a Committee Stage.