No.06/06 (T.A.)
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 18 DECEMBER 2006
The Assembly met at 10.30 am, the Speaker in the Chair
1. Personal Prayer or Meditation
Members observed two minutes’ silence.
2. Private Members’ Business
2.1 Motion – Water Charges
Proposed: That this Assembly notes the Government’s unacceptable proposals and legislation for the introduction of separate water charges in Northern Ireland, and calls on the Minister for Regional Development to examine and review the provision of water and sewerage facilities so that an improved service may be provided and an acceptable funding arrangement be enacted to cover the costs involved.
[Mr L Cree]
2.2 Amendment No.1
Proposed: Leave out all after ‘charges’ and insert:
‘and further notes:
agreement within the Preparation for Government Economic Challenges sub-committee and the Programme for Government committee;
the work of the subgroup on Comprehensive Spending Review and Programme for Government; Rate Charges and Water Reform;
the ongoing work on an Economic Package for an incoming Executive;
and calls on the Secretary of State to make all necessary provisions to allow an incoming Executive to examine alternative models to deliver the public service that is the Water Service.’
[Mr Raymond McCartney]
2.3 Amendment No.2
Proposed: Leave out all after ‘Ireland’ and insert:
‘, deplores the Secretary of State’s refusal to heed the Programme for Government Committee’s call for deferment of the Water and Sewerage Services Order, and believes that in the absence of a known Strategic Business Plan, Asset and Estate Management Plans, final licence details, adequate regulation or due consumer protection, the public can place no reliance on the figures which Ministers are indicating for future water charges and awaits a report from the Programme for Government Committee.’
[Mr A Maginness]
Debate ensued
Amendment No.1 was, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment No.2 being put, the Amendment was made without division.
The Question being put, the Motion, as amended, was carried without division.
The Sitting was, by leave, suspended at 12.18 pm
The Sitting resumed at 2.00 pm.
2.4 Motion – Implementation of Bamford Review
Proposed: That this Assembly accepts the findings of the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability (Northern Ireland) and calls on the Ministers responsible for all appropriate departments to take immediate steps to implement its recommendations.
[Mr K McCarthy]
2.5 Amendment No.1
Proposed: At end insert:
‘; calls on the Programme for Government Committee to ensure that the required extra financial investment in services as identified by the Bamford Review is included in the discussions for a financial package for a new Executive; and further calls for the full resourcing and immediate implementation of all the recommendations of the Bamford Review in relation to suicide and self harm.’
[Mr J O’Dowd]
[Mr G Adams MP]
2.6 Amendment No.2
Proposed: At end insert:
‘supported by adequate financial and other resources.’
[Mrs D Kelly]
Debate ensued.
Deputy Speaker (Mr Francie Molloy) in the Chair.
Amendment No.1 being put, the Amendment was made without division.
Amendment No.2 was, by leave, withdrawn.
The Question being put, the Motion, as amended was carried without division.
3. Adjournment
3.1 Proposed: That the Assembly do now adjourn.
[The Speaker]
The Assembly adjourned at 3.54 pm.