No. 01-09/10
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2009
The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair
1. Personal Prayer or Meditation
Members observed two minutes’ silence.
2. Speaker’s Business
2.1 The Speaker invited Mr Declan O’Loan to make a personal statement in relation to remarks he made during a debate on 29 June 2009. Mr O’Loan withdrew the remarks.
2.2 The Speaker informed Members that Royal Assent had been signified on 8 July 2009 to the Budget (No. 2) Act ( Northern Ireland) 2009.
2.3 The Speaker informed Members that he had received correspondence from the nominating officer of Sinn Féin, Mr Pat Doherty, nominating Ms Jennifer McCann as Chairperson of the Committee for Finance and Personnel with effect from 8 September 2009; and Mr Paul Butler as Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment with effect from 8 September 2009. The Speaker confirmed the appointments.
3. Business Motion
3.1 Membership of the Committee of the Regions
Proposed: That this Assembly nominates Mr Francie Molloy as a full member, and Mr John Dallat as an alternate member on the UK delegation to the Committee of the Regions; and notes that the Northern Ireland Local Government Association has nominated Councillor Jonathan Bell as a full member, and Councillor Arnold Hatch as an alternate member.
[ Lord Morrow]
[Ms C Ní Chuilín]
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
3.2 Appointment to the Assembly Commission
Proposed: That, in accordance with Standing Order 79(4), Mr Pat Doherty be appointed to fill a vacancy on the Assembly Commission.
[Ms C Ní Chuilín]
The Question being put, the Motion was carried with cross-community support nemine contradicente.
4. Executive Committee Business
4.1 Statement - North-South Ministerial Council Plenary Meeting
The deputy First Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness, made a statement to the Assembly regarding the North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting, held on 6 July 2009, following which he replied to questions.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr McClarty) in the Chair.
4.2 Statement - North-South Ministerial Council Aquaculture and Marine Sectoral Meeting
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Michelle Gildernew, made a statement to the Assembly regarding the North-South Ministerial Council aquaculture and marine sectoral meeting, held on 20 July 2009, following which she replied to questions.
4.3 Statement - Regional Transportation Strategy Review
The Minister for Regional Development, Mr Conor Murphy, made a statement to the Assembly regarding the Regional Transportation Strategy Review, following which he replied to questions.
4.4 Statement - Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland
The Minister of the Environment, Mr Edwin Poots, made a statement to the Assembly regarding the reform of the planning system in Northern Ireland, following which he replied to questions.
Questions to the Minister of the Environment were suspended for Question Time.
The Speaker in the Chair .
5. Question Time
5.1 Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister, Mr Michael McGimpsey.
5.2 Minister for Regional Development
Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister, Mr Conor Murphy.
6. Executive Committee Business (cont’d)
6.1 Statement - Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland (cont’d)
Questions resumed to the Minister of the Environment.
6.2 First Stage - Department of Justice Bill (NIA 1/09)
The deputy First Minister, Mr Martin McGuinness introduced a Bill to provide for the establishment of the Department of Justice and for the appointment of the Minister to be in charge of that Department.
Bill passed First Stage and ordered to be printed (NIA Bill 1/09).
6.3 First Stage - Rates (Amendment) Bill (NIA 2/09)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel, Mr Sammy Wilson, introduced a Bill to amend the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977; to make provision relating to the sharing of certain social security information with the Department of Finance and Personnel and others; and to confer a temporary power to make grants to district councils.
Bill passed First Stage and ordered to be printed (NIA Bill 2/09).
7. Committee Business
7.1 Motion - Standing Committee Membership
Proposed:That the Rt Hon Jeffrey Donaldson and Mr David Hilditch replace Mr Jim Wells and Mr George Robinson as members of the Public Accounts Committee; that Mr Nigel Dodds replace Mr Nelson McCausland as a member of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee; and that Mr Trevor Clarke and Mr Thomas Buchanan replace Mr Jonathan Craig and Mr David Hilditch as members of the Standards and Privileges Committee.
[ Lord Morrow]
[Mr P Weir]
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
7.2 Motion - Statutory Committee Membership
Proposed: That Mr George Robinson replace Mr Ian McCrea as a member of the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister; that Dr William McCrea and Mr Jim Shannon replace Mr Trevor Clarke and Mr Edwin Poots as members of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development; that Mr Trevor Clarke and Miss Michelle McIlveen replace Mr Nelson McCausland and Mr Jim Shannon as members of the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure; that Mr Alastair Ross and Mr Jonathan Craig replace Mr Nelson McCausland and Mr Edwin Poots as members of the Committee for Education; that Mr Trevor Clarke replace Mr Alex Easton as a member of the Committee for Employment and Learning; that Mr David Simpson, Mr Gregory Campbell and Mr Stephen Moutray replace Mr Robin Newton, Mr Simon Hamilton and Mr Jim Wells as members of the Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment; that Mr Adrian McQuillan replace Mr Trevor Clarke as a member of the Committee for the Environment; that Mrs Iris Robinson replace Mr Thomas Buchanan as a member of the Committee for Health, Social Services and Public Safety; that Mr Ian McCrea replace Mr Alastair Ross as a member of the Committee for Regional Development; and that Mr Alex Easton replace Miss Michelle McIlveen as a member for the Committee for Social Development.
[ Lord Morrow]
[Mr P Weir]
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
8. Private Members’ Business
8.1 Motion - Compensation from the Libyan Government
The Deputy Speaker (Mr Dallat) in the Chair.
Proposed:That this Assembly notes the decision by the Scottish Government to release the Lockerbie bomber from prison, and supports the case being taken by the victims of IRA terrorism to claim compensation from the Libyan Government who supplied arms and semtex explosives to the IRA; and further calls on the UK Government to apply diplomatic pressure on Libya to pay this compensation.
[Rt Hon J Donaldson]
[Mr N Dodds]
Debate ensued.
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
9. Adjournment
Proposed: That the Assembly do now adjourn.
[The Speaker]
The Assembly adjourned at 5.29 pm. Mr William Hay
The Speaker
14 September 2009
NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
PAPERS PRESENTED TO THE ASSEMBLY FROM
8 JULY TO 14 SEPTEMBER 2009
1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly
2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly
Department of Justice Bill (NIA 1/09)
Rates (Amendment) Bill (NIA 2/09)
3. Orders in Council
4. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly
Report of the British Wool Marketing Board, Agricultural Marketing Schemes 2007/08 (NIA 126/08-09)
Health Estates Agency Annual Report & Accounts 2008/09 (NIA 164/08-09)
Northern Ireland Housing Executive Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2009 (NIA 167/08-09)
Seventeenth Report on the Development of Services for People with a Learning Disability or Mental Illness in Northern Ireland (NIA 181/08-09)
UK Statistics Authority Annual Report and Resource Accounts 2008/09 (NIA 184/08-09)
Department of Finance and Personnel Minute on the Direction of Accruing Resources (NIA 197/08-09)
The Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2009 (NIA 199/08-09)
The Northern Ireland Social Care Council Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2009 (NIA 200/08-09)
Committee on Climate Change Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09
(NIA 01/09-10)
Heritage Lottery Fund Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09 (NIA 02/09-10)
National Heritage Memorial Fund Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09 (NIA 03/09-10)
Report of the Proceedings of the Agricultural Wages Board for NI under the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) (NI) Order 1977 (NIA 04/09-10)
Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB) Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09 (NIA 06/09-10)5. Assembly Reports
Report on the Investigation of Suspected Contract Fraud (Public Accounts Committee)
6. Statutory Rules
(The Department identified after each rule is for reference purposes only.)
S.R. 2009/255 The Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/256 The Planning (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DOE)
S.R. 2009/257 The Smoke Control Areas (Exempted Fireplaces) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DOE)
S .R. 2009/258 The Food Irradiation Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DHSSPS)
S.R. 2009/260 The Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DHSSPS)
S.R. 2009/261 The Social Security (Students and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DSD)
S.R. 2009/262 The Social Security (Deemed Income from Capital) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DSD)
S.R. 2009/263 The General Dental Services (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DHSSPS)
S.R. 2009/266 The Working Time (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DHSSPS)
S.R. 2009/269 The Tullynacross, Lisburn (Footway) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/271 The Industrial Training Levy (Construction Industry) Order ( DEL)
S.R. 2009/276 The Housing Benefit (Child Benefit Disregard and Child Care Charges) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009
S.R. 2009/277 The Main Street, Castledawson (Footway) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R. 2009/278 The Clifton Street and Glenravel Street, Belfast (Footpath) (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/286 The Child Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DSD)
S.R. 2009/289 The Safety of Sports Grounds (Fees and Appeals) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DCAL)
S.R. 2009/291 The Glencam Road, Omagh (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/292 The Street Works (Inspection Fees) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/294 The Pensions Regulator (Delegation of Powers) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DSD)
S.R. 2009/295 The Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No.2) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DCAL)
S.R. 2009/296 The Health and Safety at Work Order (Application to Environmentally Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DETI)
S.R. 2009/297 The Steps to Work (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 ( DEL)
S.R. 2009/298 Animals and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2009 (DARD)
S.R. 2009/300 The Barbour Gardens and Kingsway, Dunmurry (Abandonment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/301 The T6 Land Frontier-Aughnacloy-Ballygawley-Enniskillen-Belcoo- Land Frontier Trunk Road Order (Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/302 The Motor Vehicles (Exchangeable Licenses) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DOE)
S.R. 2009/315 European Economic Interest Grouping (Fees) (Revocation) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DETI)
S.R. 2009/316 The Common Agricultural Policy Single Payment and Support Schemes (Cross Compliance) (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009
S.R. 2009/318 The Social Security (Miscellaneous Amendments No.3) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DSD)
S.R. 2009/320 Pharmaceutical Services (Amendment) Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DHSSPS)For Information Only :
S.R. 2009/230 The Rules of the Supreme Court ( Northern Ireland) (Amendment No.2) 2009 (Supreme Court)
S.R. 2009/232 The Court Funds (Amendment) Rules ( Northern Ireland) 2009
(Judicature Northern Ireland)
S.R 2009/259 The Road Races (Eagles Rock Hill Climb) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R 2009/264 The Rules of the Supreme Court ( Northern Ireland) (Amendment No.3) 2009 (Supreme Court)
S.R 2009/267 The Legal Aid for Crown Court Proceedings (Costs) (Amendment) Rules ( Northern Ireland) (NI Court Service)
S.R 2009/268 The Parking Places on Roads (Medical Practitioners) Order (NI) 2009 (DRD)
S.R 2009/270 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions (Armagh) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/272 (C.17) The Building Regulations (2009 Amendment Act) (Commencement) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DFP)
S.R 2009/274 The Motor Hackney Carriages ( Belfast) (Amendment No.2) By-Laws ( Northern Ireland) (DOE)
S.R 2009/279 The Parking Places (Disabled Persons' Vehicles) (Amendment No.5) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R 2009/280 The Bus Lane ( Glen Road, Belfast) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R 2009/281 The Parking Places and Loading Bays on Roads ( Glengall Street, Belfast) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R 2009/282 The Parking and Waiting Restrictions ( Belfast) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R 2009/283 The One-Way Traffic ( Belfast) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R 2009/284 The Cycle Lanes ( Glengall Street and Great Victoria Street, Belfast) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R 2009/285 The Roads (Speed Limit) (No.2) Order ( Northern Ireland) (DRD)
S.R. 2009/287 (C.19) The Safety of Sports Grounds (2006 Order) (Commencement) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DCAL)
S.R. 2009/290 The Off-Street Parking (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/293 The Parking Places on Roads (Armagh) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R 2009/299 The Waiting Restrictions (Newry) (Amendment No.2) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/307 The One-Way Traffic (Newtownabbey) (Amendment) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/308 The Cycle Routes (Amendment No.2) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)
S.R. 2009/309 The Waiting Restrictions ( Newcastle) Order ( Northern Ireland) 2009 (DRD)7. Written Ministerial Statements
21/08/2009: Westminster Draft Legislative Programme for 2009/10, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
8. Consultation Documents
Amendments to the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations ( Northern Ireland) 2005- A Public Consultation 2009
Consultation on Policy- The Tourism ( Northern Ireland) Order (Amendment) Bill 2010
Consultation on Policy- The Statutory Regulation of Tourist Accommodation in Northern Ireland
Consultation on the Retro-fitting of Mirrors on Heavy Goods Vehicles (DOE)
The Draft Local Government (Finance) Bill – Consultation Document (DOE)
Proposals to exempt publicly funded student loans from individual voluntary arrangements ( DEL)
Review of the UK Domestic Drivers’ Hours Rules: A Consultation (DOE)
Introduction of Compulsory Registration for Social Care Workers with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (DHSSPS)
Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2009: Consultation Document (DFP)
Dormant Accounts Scheme Consultation on Spending Priorities for Northern Ireland (DFP)
Implementation of The Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive in Northern Ireland (DETI)
A Joint Consultation on the Report to Ministers from the DH Steering Group on the Statutory Regulation of Practitioners of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Other Traditional Medicine Systems Practised in the UK (DHSSPS)
Draft Cross Departmental Bioenergy Action Plan 2009 – 2014 (DETI)
Land and Property Services - The Land Registry: Electronic Registration Consultation Paper (DFP)
Social Economy Enterprise Strategy 2009-2011 (DETI)
Victims and Survivors Service - Consultation Paper (OFMDFM)
Consultation on the Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion (DE)
Meeting the Charity Test – Demonstrating Public Benefit – Draft Guidance for Consultation (Charity Commission for Northern Ireland)
Consultation on Food In Schools Policy (DE)
Regional Transportation Strategy Review Discussion Document (DRD)
9. Departmental Publications
DOE Business Plan 2009/10 (DOE)
DFP Minute on the Direction of Accruing Resources (DFP)
The Pensions Regulator – Draft Code of Practice No. 7 Trustee Knowledge and Understanding (TKU) Second Issue (DSD)
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust Annual Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2009 (DHSSPS)
Review of the composition and employment practices of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (DFP)
Development of Services for People with a Learning Disability or Mental Illness in Northern Ireland (DHSSPS)
NI Health and Social Care Workforce Census - March 2008 (DHSSPS)
Department for Social Development Corporate Plan 2008-2011 Supplement 2 (DSD)
10. Agency Publications
Results of an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) on the Implementation Arrangements for the Strategic Business Review (Social Security Agency)
Northern Ireland Environment Agency Corporate & Business Plan 2009/12
The Planning Service Business Plan 2009-10
Food Standards Agency Resource Accounts 2008/09
Forest Service Business Plan 2009/2010
Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency - Statistics from the Northern Ireland Substitute Prescribing Database: 31 March 2009
NI Guardian Ad Litem Agency - Annual Report and Accounts 2008-2009
Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency - Statistics on Smoking Cessation Services in Northern Ireland: 1 April - 31 March 2009
11. Westminster Publications
Sentence Review Commissioners for Northern Ireland, Annual Report 2008/09
Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland, Annual Report 2008/09
Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09
Youth Justice Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2008-2009
Forensic Science Northern Ireland Annual Report and Accounts 2008-2009
( UK Film Council) Group and Lottery Annual Report and Financial Statements 2009
Food Standards Agency Annual Report and Consolidated Resource Accounts 2008/09
12. Miscellaneous Publications
Drinking Water Quality Annual Report 2008 ( Northern Ireland Water)
Northern Ireland Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery Accounts – For Year Ended 31 March 2009
Strategic Investment Board Limited – Annual Review and Financial Statements 2008/2009