No.10/06 (T.A.)
MINUTE OF PROCEEDINGS
MONDAY 15 JANUARY 2007
The Assembly met at noon, the Speaker in the Chair
1. Personal Prayer or Meditation
Members observed two minutes’ silence.
2. New Assembly Member
2.1 The Speaker informed Members that Ms Marietta Farrell had been returned as a Member of the Assembly for the Lagan Valley constituency to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Ms Patricia Lewsley.
Ms Farrell signed the Roll of Members. The Speaker confirmed that Ms Farell had signed the Roll and had confirmed her designation of identity.
3. Private Members’ Business
3.1 Motion – Affordable Housing
Proposed: That this Assembly expresses serious concerns about the affordable housing crisis; notes the deliberations by the committee chaired by Sir John Semple; and demands that any new Executive make affordable housing an urgent Government priority.
[Mr P McGlone]
[Mr T Burns]
3.2 Amendment
Proposed: Delete all after ‘crisis;’ and insert:
‘and the serious under-provision of social housing due to lack of investment and the absence of any strategy; notes the deliberations by the committee chaired by Sir John Semple; and calls on an incoming Executive to make social and affordable housing an urgent priority, and for the development of a strategic response, including action to end homelessness by 2010, and to bring vacant properties back into use to address the unmet need in the provision of social and affordable housing.’
[Mr F McCann]
Debate ensued.
Deputy Speaker (Mr Jim Wells) in the Chair.
The Speaker in the Chair.
The Amendment being put, the Amendment fell without division.
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
3.3 Motion – Rural Schools
Proposed: That this Assembly notes the threat to rural schools in Northern Ireland; calls upon the Government to recognise the vital role that such schools play in the community; and urges the Government to put in place a strategy, where possible, to protect the viability of these schools.
[Lord Morrow]
[Mrs A Foster]
3.4 Amendment
Proposed: Leave out ‘where possible’ and insert:
‘based on quality of educational provision rather than pupil numbers’
[Mr D Bradley]
[Mr J Dallat]
Debate ensued.
Deputy Speaker (Mr Francie Molloy) in the Chair.
The Speaker in the Chair.
The Amendment being put, the Amendment fell without division.
The Question being put, the Motion was carried without division.
4. Adjournment
4.1 Proposed: That the Assembly do now adjourn.
[The Speaker]
The Assembly adjourned at 4.41 pm.
Mrs Eileen Bell
The Speaker
15 January 2006
9 January / Menu / 16 January