NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY BUSINESS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2011
ROOM 106, PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS
The meeting began at 12.35 pm
Present:
The Speaker (Chairperson)
Mr B Armstrong
Mr T Burns
Mr F Cobain
Ms A Lo
Lord Morrow
Ms C Ní Chuilín
Mr J O’Dowd
Mr P Ramsey
Mr P Weir
In attendance:
Mr J Stewart Director of Clerking and Reporting
Ms L Gordon Clerk of Business
Ms C McKay Assistant Clerk
Mr T Reaney Clerk of the Assembly/Director General
Mrs M Mageean Clerk of Business
Ms F Leneghan Assistant Private Secretary to the Speaker
Mr R Ramsey Adviser to the Speaker
Ms T Caul Senior Legal Adviser
Observers:
Mr D McClarty Deputy Speaker
Mr F Molloy Deputy Speaker
Junior Minister Kelly
Junior Minister Newton
Mr A Rogers OFMDFM
1. Introduction and Apologies
1.1 Apologies were noted from Mr Kieran McCarthy and Mr Paul Maskey.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2011
2.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February were agreed and signed by the Speaker.
3. Matters Arising
3.1 There were no matters arising.
4. Finalisation of Order Papers for Plenary meetings in week commencing 21 February 2011
Executive Business
4.1 Members noted that the following additional Executive Business has been scheduled for Monday 21 February:
- A motion from the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to suspend Standing Orders to allow Business to sit past 7pm, if necessary;
- Consideration Stage – Housing (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill;
- Consideration Stage – Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill; and
- Consideration Stage – High Hedges Bill.
4.2 Members noted that the following additional Executive Business has been scheduled for Tuesday 22 February:
- Legislative Consent Motion from the Minister for Employment and Learning on the Education Bill; and
- Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill.
4.3 Members noted that the Minister for Regional Development has sought permission from the Speaker to make a statement on Tuesday 22 February on the NSMC Meeting in Transport Sectoral format.
4.4 Members noted that the Consideration Stage of the Civil Registration Bill, previously scheduled for Tuesday 22 February, has been postponed to Monday 28 February.
4.5 As the Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill has been added for Tuesday 22 February, members agreed to schedule the business listed on the Order Paper over Tuesday 22 February and Wednesday 23 February. Members agreed that the Consideration Stage of the Justice Bill and the Consideration Stage of the Autism Bill could be taken on either day, as time permitted.
4.6 The Speaker asked members to consider timing issues on Tuesday 22 February. Following discussion, it was agreed that the lunchtime suspension should be from 1pm to 2pm. Members noted Ms Lo’s concerns that All Party Groups meet on Tuesday’s during lunchtime, but it was considered that these meetings should not be unduly affected. Members also agreed that the sitting should be suspended at 8pm and resume at 10.30am on Wednesday to conclude the remaining business.
5. Provisional Arrangements for Plenary meetings in week commencing 28 February 2011
Executive Business
5.1 Members noted that the following Executive Business was scheduled for Monday 28 February:
- Consideration Stage – Civil Registration Bill;
- Further Consideration Stage – Budget Bill; and
- Question Time to the Minister of Education and the Minister for Employment and Learning.
5.2 Members noted that the following Executive Business was scheduled for Tuesday 1 March:
- Further Consideration Stage – Housing (Amendment) (No.2) Bill;
- Further Consideration Stage – Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill;
- Further Consideration Stage – High Hedges Bill;
- Final Stage – Sunbeds Bill;
- Final Stage – Budget Bill; and
- Question Time to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Minister of the Environment.
5.3 Members noted that additional Executive Business may be scheduled next week.
Commission Business
5.4 Members agreed to schedule the Final Stage of the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Bill on Tuesday 1 March.
Private Members’ Business
5.5 Members agreed to schedule the Second Stage of Mr Daithí McKay’s Single Use Plastic Bags Bill on Monday 28 February. Members also agreed to schedule a motion to suspend Standing Order 42(3) in relation to the Bill, and a motion for the accelerated passage of the Bill.
5.6 Members agreed to review the position on scheduling Private Members’ motions and Adjournment Debates next week, when the position on Executive Business is clearer.
6. Any Other Business
Amendments for Consideration Stages Scheduled Next Week
6.1 Members noted that five major Consideration Stages have been scheduled for next week. At the Speaker’s request, Whips agreed to encourage their party colleagues to liaise with the Bill Office well in advance of the deadline for tabling amendments, to ensure that Bill Clerks have the capacity to provide Members with advice in good time. Members noted that Clerks may have difficulty providing the normal level of assistance if amendments are tabled very close to the deadlines.
7. Date and Time of next meeting
7.1 Members agreed to meet at approximately 1pm on Tuesday 22 February 2011 in Room 106.
The Speaker brought the meeting to a close at 12.50pm.
Mr William Hay
Speaker
08 February 2011 / Menu |
