Llun, 11 Mawrth 2024
The Assembly met at 12 noon (Principal Deputy Speaker [Ms Ní Chuilín] in the Chair). Members observed two minutes' silence.
Ms Joanne Bunting has been given leave to make a statement on Operation Kenova, which fulfils the criteria set out in Standing Order 24. If other Members wish to be called, they should rise in...
If Members wish to be called to make a statement, they should indicate that by rising in their place. Members will have up to three minutes in which to make their statement. I remind Members that...
I will make a statement on displays of hate that we have seen in our communities in the past few weeks. I reiterate that hate crime should have no place in our communities or society. Recent...
I will speak about the dreadful fire at Conway Square, Newtownards on Friday morning, when, sadly, Cordners shoe shop was totally destroyed. Cordners has been in Newtownards for many years and...
I want to congratulate Lisburn Rugby Club on winning the qualifying league on Saturday with a bonus-point win over Strabane. The club won the league with a match to go, which is a brilliant...
We often talk about helping those who suffer from mental health injuries and say that those injuries should be treated no differently from physical injuries. We also often say that we must...
I rise to support the many tireless and committed volunteers who work across our communities to deliver sporting and athletic events, and I pay special tribute to the volunteers at and, indeed,...
I speak again on an issue that has been raised in the Chamber far too many times: another life lost on the A5 road. As many of you will be aware, Caolan Devlin from the Bogside, Aughamullan,...
I congratulate an organisation that is based in my constituency for securing a funding award recently. Formed in 2018 by Brian and Karen Kerr, the Listening Ear project, based in Rathcoole, has...
Two weeks ago, I raised the issue of EU regulation 2023/2411 — it sounds exciting, but it is not — the geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. I remind...
I want to say a few words on the fantastic news that Cillian Murphy claimed one of the most iconic awards on the world stage last night, when he was awarded the prestigious Oscar for best actor....
I definitely call Paul Frew now.
I offer hearty comhghairdeas [Translation: congratulations] to a proud Irishman, Cillian Murphy, who has become the first Irish-born winner of the best actor award for his role as Oppenheimer. It...
I want to take a moment today to highlight the issue of stem cell donation. Yet another family has been impacted by blood cancer and is calling on the public for help. Tracy McKenna is a mum of...
In a few days' time, people will celebrate St Paddy's day with craic and ceol, [Translation: craic and music] but, this year, there is a really sinister edge that needs to be challenged and...
This afternoon I take some time to recognise today, Commonwealth Day, on its 75th anniversary. The Commonwealth is an association of 56 member states, with a combined population of 2·5...
Stephen Dunne has sought leave to present a public petition in accordance with Standing Order 22. He will have up to three minutes in which to speak.
Resolved: That the following Members are appointed as trustees of the Assembly Members' pension scheme, in accordance with the scheme rules: Mrs Ciara Ferguson; Mr Trevor Clarke; Mr Stewart...
I beg to move That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved.
The following motion stood in the Order Paper: That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 be approved....
The following motion stood in the Order Paper: That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved. —...
Question 12 has been withdrawn.
1. Ms Ennis asked the Minister of Justice to outline how many applications there have been for stalking protection orders (SPOs) since they were introduced. (AQO 134/22-27)
2. Mr Clarke asked the Minister of Justice to outline what support she has given the Chief Constable to secure a pay settlement for police officers and staff. (AQO 135/22-27)
3. Mr Mathison asked the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the impact the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 will have on her Department. (AQO 136/22-27)
4. Ms Ferguson asked the Minister of Justice for an update on the use of full-body scanners within the prison estate. (AQO 137/22-27)
5. Mrs Erskine asked the Minister of Justice to provide an update on proposals to amend legislation to help tackle antisocial behaviour. (AQO 138/22-27)
6. Mrs Dillon asked the Minister of Justice to outline what plans she has to introduce legislation to remove police pensions and injury benefits from the Policing Board's responsibility. (AQO...
7. Ms Sugden asked the Minister of Justice to outline her plans to reintroduce a drug-free wing in Magilligan prison. (AQO 140/22-27)
T1. Mr O'Toole asked the Minister of Justice whether she has confidence in the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), given the Kenova report, which is a shocking indictment of the brutality of the...
T2. Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the long- and short-term sickness levels in prison grade staff. (AQT 92/22-27)
T3. Mr Chambers asked the Minister of Justice for her assessment of current police numbers. (AQT 93/22-27)
T4. Ms Sugden asked the Minister of Justice, while appreciating that she has no operational responsibility for policing, to state her view of the prevalence of PTSD in the police and...
T5. Mr Donnelly asked the Minister of Justice to outline her plans for hate crime legislation, given that she will be aware that hate incidents and crimes are all too common in Northern Ireland,...
T6. Ms Brownlee asked the Minister of Justice, in light of the shocking statistics on attacks on the PSNI, to state what her Department can do to address the issue. (AQT 96/22-27)
T7. Ms Ferguson asked the Minister of Justice, after welcoming her commitment to longer sentences through stronger legislation, to commit also to stronger sentencing for knife and drug-related...
T8. Mr McHugh asked the Minister of Justice, having previously met the family, whether she will issue a decision on the request for a full, independent inquiry into the botched police...
I will talk away here to let Andrew get into his seat. As question 1 has been withdrawn, when Andrew is in his seat, I will call Gary Middleton.
2. Mr Middleton asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what steps he is taking to deliver the marginalised minority community (MMC) support. (AQO 149/22-27)
3. Mr Dunne asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of the effectiveness of the High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. (AQO 150/22-27)
4. Mr Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs whether he will maintain the bovine TB compensation rate at its current level. (AQO 151/22-27)
5. Mr Donnelly asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the implementation of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. (AQO 152/22-27)
6. Mr K Buchanan asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline when the rural micro capital grant scheme (RMCGS) will be open for new applicants. (AQO 153/22-27)
7. Ms Kimmins asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline his plans to improve the water quality of rivers. (AQO 154/22-27)
8. Mr Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline the results from the test and vaccinate or remove (TVR) wildlife intervention research. (AQO 155/22-27)
T1. Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development for more detail on the proposal outlined during evidence to the AERA Committee last Thursday, when members...
T2. Mr Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development whether he agrees that it is bitterly frustrating for those residents and businesses that have to live and...
T3. Ms Egan asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to outline his plans to ensure that more trees are planted across Northern Ireland. (AQT 103/22-27)
T5. Ms Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to outline his role in combating food poverty, given that, later this week, a report will be published on the...
T6. Ms Forsythe asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development whether he has structures in place or plans for solution-based, joined-up working with other Departments and...
T7. Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development when he will enforce the compulsory removal of animals infected with bovine viral diarrhoea, given that he...
T8. Mr Mathison asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development to outline the protections that are in place for fallow deer in and around the Clandeboye estate. (AQT 108/22-27)
T9. Mr Harvey asked the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Development, further to his earlier response to a North Down colleague in relation to bovine TB testing, to state whether he...
Debate resumed on motion: That the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Powers to Act for the Protection of Public Health) (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 be approved. — [Mr Swann (The...
On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Will the Speaker's Office rule on the Standing Order on ministerial statements? It is my understanding that if the Assembly is sitting in plenary format,...
I beg to move That this Assembly recognises that International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women; believes that this...
Members, I have received notification from the members of the Business Committee of a motion to extend the sitting past 7.00 pm under Standing Order 10(3A). Resolved: That, in accordance with...
I beg to move That this Assembly stresses the importance of fair and timely access to vehicle testing across Northern Ireland; believes it is unacceptable that many motorists are facing lengthy...
