Northern Ireland Assembly: Recent Episodes
Northern Ireland Assembly
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The Northern Ireland Assembly is the devolved legislature for Northern Ireland. It is responsible for making laws on transferred matters in Northern Ireland and for scrutinising the work of Ministers and Government Departments. The Assembly sits at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Estate, in Belfast.
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs - Thursday 12 June 2025 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee held its meeting in the Conference Room, RSPB Window on Wildlife, Belfast on Thursday 13 February 2025.On the agenda:- Briefing from The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs - Update on new Farm Sustainability Standards and penalty regime- SL1 - The Farm Sustainability Payments to Farmers (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025- SR 2025/0000 The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025- Briefing from the RSPB Northern Ireland - Update on current issues
The Committee for the Economy met at the Magee campus of the Ulster University to receive a briefing session from the Magee Expansion Taskforce on the Final Taskforce report, a briefing session from the Ulster University Strategic Policy Unit on Magee student numbers and a briefing from Department for the Economy officials on Great British Energy Bill legislative consent.
The Committee for Communities met on Thursday 12 December 2024 at Clooney Hall Methodist Church, 36 Clooney Terrace, Londonderry.
The Committee met in the CAFRE Loughry Campus, Cookstown and received briefings from Rural Partnership Groups and Rural Support Networks on issues facing rural communities.
The Committee for Agriculture, Environment and rural Affairs held its meeting at Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards on Thursday 17 October 2024.
The Committee for the Executive Office held its meeting in the Ebrington Hotel, Derry/Londonderry, on Wednesday 16 October 2024. The Committee received a briefing from the Strategic Investment Board and considered an update on its Inquiry into Gaps in Equality Legislation.
The Committee visited Clandeboye Estate and Courtyard, Bangor, and received a briefing from Clandeboye Estate Farm on Farm Sustainability and briefings on SL1 - The Hops Certification (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 from Departmental officials and Just Transition - Climate Change from the Assembly's Research and Information Service.
The Committee for the Economy visited the Magee Campus, Ulster University on Wednesday 18 September 2024 to receive a briefing from the Magee Expansion Taskforce. The Committee also considered SR 2024/161 The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2024.
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs - Thursday 13 June 2024 by Northern Ireland Assembly
At its meeting, which was held externally at the Belfast Transport Hub, the Committee received evidence from the Department of Infrastructure on Budget 2024-25 and from Translink on public transport safety.
The Committee held a meeting on the Clandeboye Estate and heard evidence from representatives of the NI Forest School Association.
Making Sense Of Brexit’s Challenges To Economic Citizenship by Northern Ireland Assembly
Prof Derek Birrell - The problems with outcome based accountability by Northern Ireland Assembly
Independence of the voluntary community and social enterprise sector in NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
Mental Health Self Harm And Suicide In University Students by Northern Ireland Assembly
Supported decision making experiences Approaches and preferences by Northern Ireland Assembly
Health psychology behaviour change for health and wellbeing by Northern Ireland Assembly
Sit less move more reducing sedentary behaviour to improve health by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Verina Waights Technologies for care The imperative for upskilling carers by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Hannah R Marston The cohesiveness of technology in later life by Northern Ireland Assembly
Mr Ian W McGowan - Mellow parenting caring -for vulnerable mothers by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Mark McGovern - Breastfeeding promotion as an economic investment by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Lauren Dempster - The ‘Disappeared ’the ICLVR and dealing with the past by Northern Ireland Assembly
Shailey Minocha - Role of virtual reality in geography and science fieldwork by Northern Ireland Assembly
Prof Stephen McClean - Interactive technologies to enhance learning and teaching by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Taiwo Oriola Criminalising Revenge Porn In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Prof Gráinne McKeever - Litigants in person in the civil and family courts by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Paul McKenzie Mapping Fuel Poverty Across Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dr Mark Simpson - Protecting dignity, fighting poverty, promoting social inclusion by Northern Ireland Assembly
Transition from primary language programmes to post-primary language provision by Northern Ireland Assembly
The charity sector in NI - The importance of regulation, accountability, trust by Northern Ireland Assembly
Prof Ann-Marie Gray - The problems with outcome-based accountability by Northern Ireland Assembly
How should NI respond to Corporation Tax cuts in ROI and GB by Northern Ireland Assembly
Unlocking benefits and opportunities through social infrastructure by Northern Ireland Assembly
A Question of sport perspectives of children and young people by Northern Ireland Assembly
‘Quality Of Life’ Inclusion and resilience in community cultural development by Northern Ireland Assembly
Difference in how residential facilities support people with disabilities by Northern Ireland Assembly
The empowering role of smartphones in behaviour change interventions by Northern Ireland Assembly
Autism A cross-cultural perspective on service provision and capacity building by Northern Ireland Assembly
How to help families of children diagnosed with autism in NI 2 by Northern Ireland Assembly
How to help families of children diagnosed with autism in NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
Gender equality in the NI public sector - A view from the top by Northern Ireland Assembly
Regulation and bureaucracy A significant source of farmers’ stress by Northern Ireland Assembly
Returning to STEM interventions to support women returners after career breaks by Northern Ireland Assembly
Environmental Methods Of Surface Transport Noise Reduction by Northern Ireland Assembly
A case study of scenario planning methodology applied to food system planning by Northern Ireland Assembly
A case study of scenario methodologies applied to food system planning by Northern Ireland Assembly
Promoting community wellbeing through partnerships and co-production by Northern Ireland Assembly
Opportunity Brexit institutional economic implications for NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Role Of Oral History In Societies Emerging From Conflict by Northern Ireland Assembly
The role of punishment attacks and intimidation in suicides in post-agreement NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
The implications of Brexit for the Irish border Challenges and options by Northern Ireland Assembly
Alcohol Drugs Suicide Interactions Between Misuse In Life At Death by Northern Ireland Assembly
Approaching the Contested Commemoration of the Easter Rising and Battle Of The Somme by Northern Ireland Assembly
Candidate Selection In Northern Ireland A cold House For Women by Northern Ireland Assembly
Dismantling The Peace Walls By 2023 Rational Or Irrational Policy Thinking by Northern Ireland Assembly
Enhancing The Effectiveness Of Planning Enforcement In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Emancipating Health Care Support Workers to Become Registered Professionals In NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
Exploring Consumers Quality Perceptions Of Local NI Food Drink Produce by Northern Ireland Assembly
Ensuring A Bill Of Rights For Northern Ireland Remains On The Political Agenda by Northern Ireland Assembly
Findings From The Registry Of Self Harm For Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Exploring The Relationship Between Anxiety, Sleeping Problems And Suicidal Behaviours by Northern Ireland Assembly
Formal and Informal - Translation - And - Interpretation - For - Immigrants - And - Asylum - Seekers by Northern Ireland Assembly
How can the NI - Economy - Become - More - Competitive in the 21st - Century - Global - Economy by Northern Ireland Assembly
Self Harm And Help Seeking Service User And Practitioner Perspectives by Northern Ireland Assembly
Putting Dignity To Bed The Taxing Question Of The UKs Housing Rights Relapse by Northern Ireland Assembly
Shared Education And Collaboration Between Schools In A contested Space Setting by Northern Ireland Assembly
Supporting General Practitioners In NI in The Care Of Dementia Patients by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Creative Citizens Programme Local - Government - Involving - Citizens - In - Arts - Development by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Role Of University Law Clinics In Delivering Access To Justice by Northern Ireland Assembly
Translating Values Insights From Multilingual And Multiethnic Focus Groups In NI by Northern Ireland Assembly
Understanding Suicide And Suicidal Behaviour In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Using The Planning System To Secure Health And Well Being Benefits by Northern Ireland Assembly
Area Of Residence And Admissions To Care Homes For Older People by Northern Ireland Assembly
Benefiting A regional Economy With Societal Driven Innovation by Northern Ireland Assembly
Community Planning And Land Use Planning In Irelands Border Area by Northern Ireland Assembly
Differential Educational Achievement Areas Of Multiple Deprivation by Northern Ireland Assembly
Developing And Harnessing Golf Tourism And Film Tourism As Economic Drivers by Northern Ireland Assembly
Gender Equality At The Executive Level Of The Northern Ireland Public Sector by Northern Ireland Assembly
Improving Arts Accessibility For People With Visual Hearing Ability by Northern Ireland Assembly
Making Timely Decisions For Children Balancing Differing Needs In Families by Northern Ireland Assembly
Marine Planning For The Blue Economy Small Island Big Challenges by Northern Ireland Assembly
People With Intellectual Disabilities Promoting Health Addressing Inequality by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Effectiveness Of The Policy Support Environment For Local Food Production by Northern Ireland Assembly
Time To Address Inequalities In Sports And Physical Activity Participation by Northern Ireland Assembly
Towards An Understanding Of Bereavement In The Pathway To Suicide by Northern Ireland Assembly
Where Is Design In The Creative Industries Network Of Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Female Participation In Physical Activity And Sport In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Addressing The Over Representation Of Looked After Children by Northern Ireland Assembly
Carbon Economic Growth Unsustainability The Transition To A-low Carbon Economy by Northern Ireland Assembly
Creating A Constructive Interface Between Community Planning And Land Use by Northern Ireland Assembly
Fiscal Devolution Debates And The Future Of The Barnett Formula by Northern Ireland Assembly
Exploiting The Corpus Of Northern Ireland Placenames For Cultural Tourism by Northern Ireland Assembly
Improving Mental Health Pathways And Care For Adolescents In Transition by Northern Ireland Assembly
Lost Generations Taking The Longer View On Northern Ireland Migration by Northern Ireland Assembly
Mental Health And Well Being Of Polish Migrants In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
New And Shifting Populations In Belfast Analysis And Impact by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Role Of Knowledge Management In Building A Sustainable Economy by Northern Ireland Assembly
Rural Primary School Partnerships Sustainability And Social Cohesion by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Role Of The Hospice Volunteer In Two Community Settings by Northern Ireland Assembly
Child Rights Indicators And Reporting On United Nations Convention by Northern Ireland Assembly
NI Census Of Population And The Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study by Northern Ireland Assembly
Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution In Northern Ireland by Northern Ireland Assembly
Parenting Support A New Policy Domain In Northern Ireland And Elsewhere by Northern Ireland Assembly
Addressing the educational underachievement of children in care by Northern Ireland Assembly
Defining the breadline - is there a Northern Ireland consensus by Northern Ireland Assembly
Supported and substitute decision making under mental capacity legislation by Northern Ireland Assembly
Older peoples perceptions of elder abuse - Implications for policy and professional practice by Northern Ireland Assembly
Institutional stigma and the delivery of methadone maintenance by Northern Ireland Assembly
The complexities of providing evidence to inform public policy by Northern Ireland Assembly
Understandings of wellbeing implications for public policy by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Education Committee met to discuss school restarts with representatives of National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation, Ulster Teachers’ Union, National Education Union and the National Association of Head Teachers.
The Committee received an oral briefing from Departmental Officials on The Financial Assistance (Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) Remediation Fund) (Private Residential Properties over 18m) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee also received written briefings on The New NAV List (Time of Valuation) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021, The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus) (No2) (Amendment No2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and The UK Statistics (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021.
The Committee received a Department of Health Briefing on COVID case numbers, staffing issues and the vaccination programme.
The Committee received a briefing on the current and future workings of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland from The Rt Hon Lord David Frost CMG, Cabinet Office.
The Committee received a Ministerial briefing from Health Minister Robin Swann and briefings on the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and from Health Trust Chief Executives.
In open session the Committee considered a number of Departmental briefings on statutory rules.
The Committee discussed a number of statutory rules and items of subordinate legislation.
The Committee received a briefing on the Review of Hate Crime Legislation in Northern Ireland - Report Findings and Recommendations from representatives of Review of Hate Crime NI.
This was followed by a briefing on proposals for the development of a joint secure care and justice campus for children on the Woodlands-Lakewood site; the DoJ Response to the NIAO Report on Managing Children Who Offend; and other justice issues relevant to Children and Young People from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People.
The Committee received a briefing on the Inquiry into Sports Sustainability Fund from representatives of the Department for Communities, Sport NI, and the Department of Finance.
The Committee received a briefing from the Department of Finance on the June Monitoring Outturn and a briefing from the Financial Services Union on banking issues.
The majority of the meeting took placed in closed session. In open session the Committee considered the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill; the Legislative Consent Motion - Subsidy Control Bill; and SL1 - The Education (Student Fees (Amounts), Loan Repayment and Support etc.) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee received briefings on the Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) from Audit Scotland and from the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received a briefing on area planning from representatives of the Department of Education and the Education Authority and a pre-summer update briefing from representatives of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.
Linda Dillon MLA asked Justice Minister Naomi Long an urgent oral question about the PPS decision not to prosecute British soldiers.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme - Phase 2 from 2021 - 2024.
Private Tenancies Bill
Post Covid-19 Recovery - Briefing by Sport NI
Public from 11:45 AM (45 mins) Post Covid-19 Recovery - Briefing by the Arts Council
Post Covid-19 Recovery - Briefing by Hospitality Ulster • Mr Joel Neill, Hospitality Ulster
SL1 - The Occupational Pension Schemes (Master Trusts) Regulations (NI) 2021 SR 2021/166 The Registered Rents (Increase) Order (NI) 2021
Briefing on development of a Joint Secure Care and Justice Campus for Children on the Woodlands/Lakewood site
The Committee received a Briefing from the NIAO on the Second Report – Overview of the Northern Ireland's Executive Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and another Briefing & Preparation Session with the NIAO on the Inquiry into Sports Sustainability Fund. During closed session the Committee discussed the Inquiry into Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy.
At The beginning of todays meeting the Committee received Oral Evidence from Ulster Farmers Union on the Climate Change Bill. The rest of the meeting was taken up with Departmental Briefings.
The Committee met in closed session at the beginning of the meeting to discuss the clauses by clause consideration of the Health and Social Care Bill. Later in the meeting they received 2 Departmental Briefings -
Departmental Briefing - Brexit UK SI: The Health Security (EU Exit) Regulations 2021 - Departmental briefing
Agenda includes:
Oral Evidence - Expert Advice NI Protocol
Public from 3:15 PM (70 mins) Oral Evidence - Expert Advice NI Protocol: Article 5 - Customs and the movement of goods
Written Briefing - Subordinate Legislation:Departmental Disposal and Retention Schedule
Written Briefing - Subordinate Legislation: The Business Tenancies (Coronavirus) (Restriction on Forfeiture: Relevant Period) (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Regulations 2021
The Committee met on Wednesday 30th June and received Oral Briefings from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs Manager and from the Junior Ministers on EU Exit Matters.
Youth Engagement - Northern Ireland Assembly Engagement Office Oral Briefing
Youth Engagement - Department of Education Oral Briefing
School Uniform Policy: Comparative Best Practice - Northern Ireland Assembly Research and Information Service Oral Briefing
The Committee received a briefing on the statement of entitlements for an official opposition and considered a Clerk's paper on The Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Bill 2021-22.
The Committee received a Briefing from CCEA - Assessment and awarding of Qualifications. The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill was also discussed during the meeting.
The Committee met on Wednesday 30th June. The Committee received a briefing from NI Water on PC21 and Newry Business Improvement District on controlling parking zones.
Philip McGuigan MLA asks Health Minister Robin Swann an urgent oral uestion on review of radiology reports.
The Committee met to receive a briefing on the Report on the Review of Opposition Entitlements.
Jim Allister MLA asks Justice Minister Naomi Long an urgent oral question in relation to Capita: Troubles-related incident Victims Payment Scheme.
The Committee received briefings on the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill from representatives of Alliance for Choice and Alliance for Choice Derry; and from representatives of Doctors for Choice, Abortion Rights Campaign & Women’s Policy Group NI.
The Committee received a Briefing by UNISON on Supporting People Programme and 4 Departmental Briefing on : - Supporting People Programme - Neighbourhood Renewal - Labour Market Interventions - Post Office Card Accounts
The Committee received 3 Oral Evidence sessions at todays meeting. - Climate Change Bill - Oral Evidence from Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association - Climate Change Bill - Oral Evidence from Dairy Council NI - Climate Change Bill - Oral Evidence from UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre.
The Committee received briefings on Historical Institutional Abuse from a member of the Assembly Research and Information Service; from Stakeholder Groups; and from the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board.
The Committee received Department of Education briefings on the Special Educational Needs Framework; on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); and on Budget/In-Year Monitoring Update, Childcare Strategy and Common Funding Formula.
The Committee received 2 Oral Evidence sessions at todays meeting, the first evidence briefing was from Ulster University – Economic Policy Centre: Covid Recovery and Business Rates Reform and the second from Expert Advice NI Protocol: Generalists The Committee also discussed the Committee considerations of its draft Report on an independent Fiscal Council for Northern Ireland.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on the Review of Planning Act and a Briefing from Taxi Operators – Current Issues Facing the Sector.
The Committee receive a briefing on Tourism Recovery from representatives of the Department for the Economy, Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland.
Health Committee starts at 9:15AM
Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill - Briefing from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists • Dr Carolyn Bailie, • Dr Jonathan Manderson
Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill - Briefing from Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Christian Action Research & Education, Both Lives Matter, Evangelical Alliance NI • Miss Karen Jardine, Presbyterian Church in Ireland • Ms Grace Cahoon, Presbyterian Church in Ireland • Mr Stephen Lowry, Presbyterian Church in Ireland • Ms Sarah Pike, CARE NI • Ms Dawn McEvoy, Both Lives Matter • Mr David Smyth, Evangelical Alliance Northern Ireland
Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill - Briefing from Down's Syndrome Research Foundation and Don't Screen Us Out • Dr Elizabeth Corcoran, Down's Syndrome Research Foundation UK • Ms Lynn Murray, Don't Screen Us Out
SR 2021/151 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 6) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 • Ms Claire Hulbert, DfE • Mr John McGuigan, DfE
SR 2021/154 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 • Ms Debra Sharpe, DoH
Committee Business
In open session, the Committee received briefings on the Inquiry into Generating Electricity and Ministerial Directions from Renewable Energy from Department for the Economy officials.
Te Committee received an Update on Oral Evidence sessions on the Damages (Return on Investment) Bill. The Committee also discussed Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour - Proposed Legislative Powers and Non Legislative Initiatives and the Report into the Legislative Error in the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 - Update on Implementation of the Recommendations.
In open session the Committee discussed a number of items of Committee business before moving into an informal session to discuss deliberations on a preamble.
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing on Welfare Reform Mitigations from Deirdre Hargey, Minister for Communities.
The Committee received 3 Oral Briefings;
Special Educational Needs Framework – Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Children’s Law Centre. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – Children’s Law Centre
The Committee received a briefing on the Climate Change Bill from NI Environment Link and from Climate NI. The Committee also received a briefing on the Horse Racing (Amendment) Bill from an Assembly Research Officer.
The Committee met and discussed the Committee Inquiry into the Decarbonisation of Road Transport in Northern Ireland - Briefing from RaISe – Analysis of survey results. The Committee also received two Departmental Briefings, the first one on Driver & Vehicle Agency - MOT's & Driving Testsand the other on DVA Lift Action Plan & Public Accounts Committee Report.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing - June Monitoring and also discussed the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.
The Concurrent Committee received a briefing on Covid Recovery from the Interim Head of the Civil Service and a briefing from the High Streets Task Force.
The Committee received a briefing on the Review of Private Members' Bills from the Assembly's Research and Information Service.
Mike Nesbitt MLA asked the Minister for the Economy, following the withdrawal of Stobart Air from George Best Belfast City Airport, to outline the steps that he is taking to secure the employment of workers and the continuation of the affected routes.
The Minister, Paul Frew, answered the question and related supplementary questions.
The Committee received briefings from Department for Communities officials on the Charities Bill and the June Monitoring Round. The Committee then received briefings on Post Covid-19 Recovery from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action and from representatives of CO3, Barnardo's and Cancer Focus NI.
The Committee began with a briefing from the Food Standards Agency NI on The Food and Feed Hygiene and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021. This was followed by a briefing from Royal College of Midwives and NI Abortion and Contraception Taskgroup on the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill. The Committee also received a briefing from Autism NI and a briefing from Departmental officials on the Health and Social Care Bill.
The Committee received briefings on the Damages (Return on Investment) Bill from representatives of the Forum of Injury Lawyers (FOIL) and Confederation of British Industry NI; the Association of British Insurers (ABI); the Forum of Complex Injury Solicitors (FOCIS); and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. This was followed by a briefing on the Protection from Stalking Bill with Action Against Stalking, Scotland.
The Committee received a briefing from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the Business Plan 2021-22 and briefings on the Climate Change Bill from representatives of the UK Climate Change Committee, the Woodland Trust and the Agri-food and Biosciences Institute.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on spending plans and June monitoring; a briefing on COVID Recovery from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland; and an Assembly Research Service briefing on High Streets Task Force.
The Committee received briefings on 'A Fiscal Council for NI’ from representatives of the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council.
The Committee receied 2 Oral Briefings. The first one by The Uniform Youth Work Hub on Voluntary Sector Outdoor Centres and the second by the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Education Authority on Children and Young People Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Strategy/Provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
The Committee received 2 Departmental Briefings. One on the Budget - June Monitoring and the other on Commercial Bus Service Permits & Transport Integration.
The Committee received a Briefing from Belfast Met & Hospitality and Tourism Skills Network – Tourism and Hospitality Hub and a Departmental Briefing – Vocational Qualifications Examinations & Youth Training Reform. The Committee also discussed the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.
Health starts at 9:30AM
Agenda includes:
Departmental Briefing - June Monitoring
Briefing from Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission - Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services • Mr Les Allamby, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission • Dr David Russell, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission • Miss Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill - Briefing from Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission • Mr Les Allamby, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission • Dr David Russell, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission • Miss Rhyannon Blythe, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill - Briefing from Amnesty International and Informing Choices NI • Ms Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK • Mr Ruari Rowan, Informing Choices NI
SR 2021/130 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
SR 2021/131 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
SR 2021/141 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
Committee Business
The Committee received Oral Evidence from DAERA - Minister Poots - Withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority staff from ports, Oral Evidence from DAERA - June Monitoring Round 2021 and a written briefing from DAERA - Consultation on protection for service animals in Northern Ireland.
The Committee talked about the Ministerial Direction and then went into closed session were the discussed the Inquiry into Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy - Consideration of draft report.
The Committee received a Briefing by RaISe on the High Street Task Force for Northern Ireland.
The Committee considered a number of items of Committee business before moving into closed session.
The Committee received briefings on Urban Villages and Communities in Transition from representatives of Community Relations in Schools and the Executive Office. The Committee also considered the wording of the Committee Motion on Historical Institutional Abuse.
The Committee received a briefing from Assembly Research on House of Commons Procedure Committee Inquiry and considered New Decade, New Approach - Commitments for Committee on Procedures - Simultaneous Translation and Summary.
The Committee received a briefing from Assembly Research on the 2021-22 Budget and received Departmental briefings on the Main Estimates and Budget (No.2) Bill 2021 and the June Monitoring Round.
The Committee received briefings in relation to the Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO).
The Committee received an Oral Briefing by Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. The Committee also received an Oral Briefing by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) on Appeals and Contingency Plans.
The Committee received a Briefing from Bus & Coach NI Ltd and Hannon Coach - Commercial Bus Service Permits & Transport Integration. The Committee also received a Departmental Briefing – Review Planning Policy and Low Carbon Energy.
The Committee met on Wednesday morning 2 June 2021 and discussed the Report on Legislative Consent Memorandum on UK Government Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill. The Committee also received briefings from the Department on the Review Planning Policy and Low Carbon Energy, Reforms of Youth Training and the Skills Strategy consultation.
The Committee received a number of briefings on the Damages (Return on Investment) Bill and the Protection from Stalking Bill.
Health Committee starts at 9:30AM
Agenda includes:
Health and Social Care Bill - Briefing from NILGA and Chairpersons of Local Commissioning Groups
Health and Social Care Bill - Briefing from BASW NI, British Dental Association and Community Pharmacy NI
Departmental Briefing - Inquiry into hyponatraemia-related deaths
SR 2021/121 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
SR 2021/132 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 3) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
Committee Business
The main items of business; to consider several Ministerial Directions; to consider Issues Paper from ‘Speeding up Justice’; and to consider the draft Press Release on DVA inquiry.
The Committee discussed the following items of business at thier meeting this morning:
- Reform of Gambling Law
- Independent Review of Charity Regulation
- LCM - Westminster Compensation (London Capital and Finance plc and Fraud Compensation Fund) Bill and
- Sport and Disability in Northern Ireland and Female Participation in Sport and Physical Activity in Northern Ireland
The Committee received the following at their meeting this morning:
- Oral Evidence from DAERA - Climate Change Bill
- Written Briefing DAERA - Consultation on amendments to the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011
- Written Briefing DAERA - EU Transition Update
The Committee received two Oral Evidence sessions from the Department. The first one on the Financial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies) Bill (NI) – Departmental briefing pre 2nd Stage and the other on the Budget (No.2) Bill and Main Estimates.
The Committee received two Oral Briefing, one from GTCNI Chair and Vice-Chair on the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) and the other from the GTCNI Chief Executive.
The Committee received a briefing with Junior Ministers Declan Kearney and Gordon Lyons on EU Matters. This was followed by a briefing from Special EU Programmes Body on EU programmes. The Committee also considered the wording of an Historical Institutional Abuse Committee Motion.
The Committee received a Briefing from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association – Review of the Planning Act and another briefing from CBI – Review of the Planning Act.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing in relation to a review of Level 4 and 5 provision in Higher Education and Further Education. The Committee also received a briefing from NI Tourism Alliance (NITA) on tourism recovery.
Edwin Poot, AERA Minister, answers Members questions on 25 May 2021.
Each of the questions answered have been chaptered in the video to help you find them more easily.
Nichola Mallon, Infrastructure Minister, responds to questions from MLAs on 24 May 2021.
The Committee received a briefing session on the Inquiry into Speeding up the Justice System.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the proposal for a Farm Welfare Bill and Nature Friendly Farming.
The Committee received a briefing from the British Medical Association on access to GP services and a briefing from representatives of Royal College of General Practitioners NI, Royal College of Nursing and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Northern Ireland on the Health and Social Care Bill.
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing from Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey on the Local Government Bill and a Departmental briefing on Budget 2021-2022.
The Committee received briefings on Historical Institutional Abuse from the Victims and Survivors Service and from departmental officials.
The Committee received briefings on a Fiscal Council for Northern Ireland from representatives of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and representatives of the Parliamentary Budget Office of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Committee considered Legislative Consent Motions, New Decade, New Approach, Standing Orders: Temporary Provision and Proxy Voting.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing - Update on the UK exit from the European Union and Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill and also received a Briefing from NUS-USI & Student Unions Representatives - Student Support through Covid-19.
The Committee received a Briefing from the Electric Vehicle Association NI (EVANI) on the Inquiry into the Decarbonisation of Road Transport in Northern Ireland and received another Briefing from the Department for Infrastructure pn the Committee Inquiry into the Decarbonisation of Road Transport in Northern Ireland.
Agenda includes:
Assessment, Restart and Contingency Planning
Minister of Education Oral Briefing • Mr Peter Weir, Minister of Education Restraint and Seclusion
Department of Education Oral Briefing
The Committee received a briefing from the Assembly's Research and Information Service on the Climate Change Bill.
The Committee discussed the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill - Agreement of Report and Covid-19 Charities Funding.
The Committee received briefings on the Protection from Stalking Bill from representative of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Human Rights Commission and Women’s Aid Federation.
The Committee received two Departmental Briefing, the first one on Unadopted Roads and the second on the A5 and York Street Interchange.
The Committee recieved two Oral Briefings. First one on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and the other on The Addressing Bullying in Schools (2016 Act) (Commencement) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee received Oral Evidence from Scottish Fiscal Commission: A Fiscal Council for Northern Ireland, NICVA Report on fiscal powers for NI and Oral Evidence - Department of Finance / Land and Property Services - Covid recovery, repayment issues, Business Rates Reform. The Committee also received a number of written brifings.
The Committee received a briefing by Departmental Officials on Budget - 2021-22 Spending Plans and a briefing on the UK Exit from EU from the NI Assembly EU Affairs Manager.
The Committee met to agree its report on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received oral evidence sessions from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on the withdrawal of Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and local authority staff from ports. The Committee also considered a number of written briefings.
The Committee met in Room 29 and discussed the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill - Clause by Clause Consideration.
The Committee received an overview of the Committee's Stakeholder Engagement from a member of the Assembly's engagement team; a briefing on the results of Focus Groups with Schools from a member of the NI Assembly Education Service; and a briefing from Church Representatives.
The Committee received a Department of Justice briefing on Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders - Summary of Consultation Responses and Proposed Next Steps.
In open session, the Committee discussed Ministerial Direction with representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Vaccination Programme and Health Inequalities. The Committee also considered the latest coronavirus-related health regulations.
In public session the Committee discussed a number of items of Committee business. The majority of the meeting took place in closed session.
The Committee received briefing sessions from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Fiscal Council Options; the Institute for Fiscal Studies on Fiscal Council Options and the Carnegie Trust on Public Sector Reform.
The Committee received a briefing by the Assembly Commission on New Decade, New Approach - Simultaneous Translation and a briefing by the Bill Office on Review of Private Members' Bills.
The Committee discussed the Draft Committee Motion - Restrictive Intervention & Seclusion of Children and Young People with Additional Support Needs and received a briefing from NIA Research and Information Service on Flexible School Starting Age .
The Committee received two briefings, first one on the Northern Ireland Local Government Association & SOLACE NI - EU Successor Funding and the second on the Construction Employers Federation – Review of Planning Act.
Departmental Briefing - High Street Voucher Scheme.
Briefing from Department for Infrastructure – Regional Planning Issues.
The Committee received briefings on Estimate 2021-22 from representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
The Committee received briefings on the Climate Change Bill from Ms Clare Bailey, MLA; the withdrawal of DAERA andlocal authority staff from ports from Belfast City Council & Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council; and on Nature Friendly Farming from the Nature Friendly Farming Network.
In open session the Committee discussed a number of items of Committee business. The majority of the meeting took place in closed session.
The Committee received a briefing by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission on the implications of Brexit for Human Rights and a briefing by the Children's Law Centre on Children and Young People's Rights.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on 2021-22 Department of Justice Final Budget Allocations and New Three-year Victims and Witnesses Strategy for Northern Ireland and the Establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland - Proposed Consultation.
The Committee discussed NIAO Main Estimate 2021-22, Memorandum of Reply and Ministerial Direction with representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on 2021/2022 Final Budget Outcome and a briefing on the Health and Social Care Bill from the Health and Social Care Board. The Committee also received briefings on the latest Coronavirus Health Protection regulations.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Final Budget 2021-22; the Impact of Budget 2021-22 on departmental spending; and Reform of Property Management Programme. The Committee also received a briefing from Queen's University Belfast on Public Sector Reform.
The Committee received an evidence session with Junior Ministers Gordon Lyons and Declan Kearney on Brexit Issues and a briefing by Mark Bassett and Professor Colin Harvey on the EU and Irish Unity.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on the Budget position update and a Briefing on Economic Impact by Research and Information Service (RaISe) . The Committee also discussed the Energy Strategy Consultation.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing - Living with Water in Belfast. The Committee also discussed Statutory Legislation on Trunk Road T4 Loughbrickland to Hillsborough (A1 Junctions Phase 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021 and The Trunk Road T2 (Ballynahinch Bypass) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee meet in formal session on 28 April 2021 at 9.30am when they received the following oral briefings:
Budget 2021-22 – Department of Education Youth Engagement – Professor Lundy, QUB and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Parents’ views on Education during the 2021 Lockdown – Parentkind and the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement
In open session the Committee discussed All Party Groups. The majority of the meeting took place in closed session.
The Committee received a number of briefings in relation to its Inquiry into Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy.
The Committee considered the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill, the Protection from Stalking Bill and the Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The Committee received 3 oral Evidence session at todays Committee meeting. The first one from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on the Withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority Staff from Ports, the second from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council – Shared Environmental Services – Its role and remit, planning in rural areas and farming communities and the last from The Horse Racing (Amendment) Bill - Outcome of consultation and policy position on DAERA Bill.
The Committee received a Ministerial update from Health Minister Robin Swann on the COVID-19 disease response and a Departmental Briefing on rebuilding services. The Committee also received a number of briefings on statutory rules related to the Coronavirus Health Protection regulations.
The Committee continued its consideration of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received two briefings, one from the Financial Services Union on Bank branch closures and the other from the Financial Services Union on Bank branch closures.
The Committee received a briefing on Historical Institutional Abuse from the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) and a briefing from Carnegie UK Trust on Citizen Engagement and the Programme for Government.
The Committee received briefings on Special Educational Needs Education from representatives of the Children's Law Centre and the Education Authority.
The Committee received briefings on:
Northern Ireland Committee – Irish Congress of Trade Unions – Public Sector Pensions
and
Department of Finance - Reform of Property Management Programme
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon containing and update on COVID-19 and current issues. This was followed by a Departmental Briefing on the Budget.
The Committee considered the Review of Private Members' Bills - Draft Terms of Reference and Members' Statements.
The Committee received a statement from the First Minister and deputy First Minister on the latest easing of COVID-19 related restrictions. The First Minister and deputy First Minister also answered Members questions on the statement.
The Committee received briefings from the Department of Justice on Review of Sentencing Policy in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service on a business recovery update.
In public session, the Committee receive an update from the Northern Ireland Audit Office on Management of the NI Direct Strategic Partner Project - Helping to deliver Digital Transformation/The LandWeb Project.
The Committee received a briefing from representatives of Conradh na Gaeilge on language rights.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on Brexit, the Health and Social Care Bill and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) Regulations.
The Committee received briefings from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs on the withdrawal of DAERA and Local Authority Staff from ports.
The Committee continued its consideration of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received briefing from the Department for the Economy & Fibrus Broadband Northern Ireland on Project Stratum.
The Committee received briefings on Public Sector Reform from representatives of the Institute for Government and Pivotal. This was followed by a briefing from Department of Finance on Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and Energy Performance Building Regulations.
The Committee received a briefing from the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
This was followed by a briefing from NI Human Rights Commission, Equality Commission NI, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland (Article 2(1)).
The Committee also considered SR 2021/68 Travel Agents (Coronavirus, Financial Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee considered a number of statutory rules and subordinate legislation before receiving a briefing from Waterways Ireland.
The Committee received briefings on the Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman from representatives of the International Ombudsman Institute, the University of Liverpool, the University of Glasgow and the University of Sheffield.
The Committee received a briefing from Autism NI on Mandatory Teacher Training and a briefing from the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY).
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots answers Members questions.
During the morning session of its meeting the Committee received Departmental briefings on the Sports Sustainability Fund and a Departmental briefing on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill .
The Committee received a briefing on the survey results related to its Call for evidence. This was followed by a briefing from the NICCY Youth Panel on Children and Young People's Rights and Mr Niall Murphy, KRW Law LLP on his perspective on a Bill of Rights.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill and the Second Statutory Review of the Magistrates’ Courts and County Court Appeals (Criminal Legal Aid) (Costs) Rules (Northern Ireland) 2009.
The Committee received briefings on:
Ministerial Direction - Department for the Economy - Proposal to provide all full time higher education students with a Covid-19 disruption payment of £500
Ministerial Direction - Department for Health – Additional Financial Support to DOH Core Grant Funded Organisations 2020/21
Ministerial Direction - The Executive Office – Travel Agent Support Scheme
The Committee receive a briefing on GP Services from the Royal College of General Practitioners and British Medical Association GP Committee. This was followed by a Departmental Briefing on Hyponatraemia related deaths and the report recommendations.
The Committee receive Departmental briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on Programme for Government and considered a number of written Departmental briefings. The Committee also considered the Independent Panel for Review of Decisions.
The Committee considered Statement of Entitlements for an Official Opposition, Legislative Consent Motions, and Proxy Voting.
The Committee received briefings from the NI Assembly Research and Information Service on Programme for Government - Outcomes Framework; and a Departmental briefing on Programme for Government - Consultation. The Committee also received evidence from Business Organisations on the UK Exit from EU and Post-Brexit Transition.
The Committee received a briefing from the Department of Finance on the NI Procurement Board; a briefing from the NI Assembly EU Affairs Manager on the Withdrawal Agreement Structures; and a briefing from Assembly Research on Building Regulations RoI.
The Committee began with a briefing from the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). This was followed by a Departmental briefing in relation to the GTCNI. The Committee also received a briefing from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) regarding Centre Determined Assessments.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on Departmental Briefing on the Energy Strategy.
The Concurrent Committee of the Committee for the Economy, Committee for Infrastructure and Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs met to receive a briefing from The Trader Support Service (TSS) & Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on the impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The Committee received a briefing from Minister of Education Peter Weir and Departmental officials on the restart of schools and related issues.
The Committee met to discuss a number of pieces of subordinate legislation and statutory rules.
Health Minister Robin Swann answers an urgent oral question from Paula Bradshaw MLA on abortion services.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on the vaccination programme and a briefing from the Interim Mental Health Champion. The Committee also discussed The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No.5) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee received briefings from he Equality Commission for Northern Ireland on Rights and Equality; the Women's Policy Group on Women's Rights; and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Perspective on a Bill of Rights.
The Committee received a briefing on the Inquiry into Generating Electricity from Renewable Energy from representatives of the Department for the Economy, the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Department of Finance.
The Committee received Department of Justice briefings on Consent to Serious Harm for Sexual Gratification: Not a Defence - results of the consultation and proposed way forward; and Development and Implementation of a Statutory Registration Scheme for Legal Aid Practitioners in Northern Ireland - Report on 2017 Targeted Consultation and Proposed Way Forward.
The Committee also discussed the proposals for the Committee stage of the Damages (Return on Investment) Bill and Protection from Stalking Bill.
Education Minister Peter Weir addresses the Committee on the Department's latest measures in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Committee discussed subordinate legislation, statutory rules, the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill and Committee business.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Climate Change Bill consultation and policy proposals; and Waste Crime and update on Mobuoy.
Health Minister Robin Swann was asked an urgent oral question by Colm Gildernew MLA on the roll out of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Committee received a briefing from the Legal Services Agency on Legal Aid Update on progress to implement NI Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee recommendations and action plan to address fraud and error and a Departmental briefing on the Draft Modern Slavery Strategy 2021-22.
The Committee received briefings from the NI Youth Forum and Professor Monica McWilliams, University of Ulster.
In open session the Committee discussed Committee business with representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The Committee then moved into closed session for the remainder of the meeting.
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Meeting Thursday 11 March 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee receive a briefing from the Chair of Inter-Departmental Working Group Mother and Baby institutions. This was followed by a Departmental Briefing on waiting lists and waiting times. The Committee also received a briefing from Paul Givan MLA and representatives of Don't Screen Us Out on the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received a briefing from the Department for Communities on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received a briefing from Social Enterprise NI on Public Procurement Common Framework and Department of Finance briefings on feedback from the 2021-22 Draft Budget Public Consultation and from the Public Sector Pension Consultation.
The Committee met with the Seanad Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU to discuss the UK Exit from EU and its implications.
The Committee received a number of briefing sessions in relation to the Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
The Committee received a number of briefing sessions in relation to the Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
The Committee received a briefing from Children and Young People's Voices on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of children and young people.
The Committee received a briefing from the NI Tourism Alliance (NITA) on the Covid-19 response & EU Exit/NI Protocol. This was followed by a Departmental briefing on the Economic Recovery Action Plan.
In open session the Committee discussed Subordinate Legislation - SL1s not subject to Assembly proceedings and the statutory rule, The Ballyboley Road, Larne (Abandonment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021. The Committee also considered the draft E-car survey in relation to its Inquiry into the Decarbonisation of Road Transport in Northern Ireland. Please note that the remainder of the meeting took place in closed session.
The Committee began with a briefing by the Deaf Campaign Group on Video Relay System. This was followed by briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from the Institute of Public Health Ireland, the Gaelic Athletic Association and Drinkaware.
The Committee also discussed The Covid-19 Heating Payment Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2021 and The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Regulations (NI) 2021.
In open session the Committee received briefings on its Inquiry into Capacity and Capability in the NICS from the Civil Service Commissioner (NI) and the Civil Service Commissioner (UK).
The Committee received a summary of consultation responses and proposed next steps on the Draft Adult Restorative Justice Strategy for Northern Ireland from representatives of the Department of Justice.
Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights Meeting Thursday 4 March 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee received a Departmental update on construction and staffing at border control posts/points of area. This was followed by a briefing from an Assembly Research Officer on Northern Irelands Contribution to UK Net Zero. The Committee also received a briefing from the Climate Change Committee.
The Committee received a Ministerial Update on the COVID-19 Disease Response from Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride. This was followed by a Departmental briefing on the Health and Social Care Bill. The Committee also received a Departmental briefing on SR 2021/26 The Healthy Start Scheme and Day Care Food Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee received a joint briefing from a number of stakeholders on High Streets Task Force. This was followed by a briefing from the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman on Part 3 of the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.
The Committee received briefings from Assembly Research Officers on the draft Budget 2021-22 and the Public Procurement Common Framework. The Committee also received a briefing on the Public Procurement Common Framework from the Construction Employers’ Federation. The Committee also received a Departmental briefing on SL1 The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021.
The Committee received a briefing from Invest NI & InterTradeIreland Briefing on the EU Exit and Northern Ireland Protocol. The Committee also discussed a number of items of subordinate legislation and Committee business.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on Programme for Government and a briefing from the Construction Employers Federation.
The Committee received briefings on Integrated Education and the UNESCO Religious Education Certificate Report.
Question Time: Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tuesday 3 March 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Declan McAleer MLA asks the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Gordon Lyons to set out the legal basis of his unilateral decision to halt the construction of port inspection facilities required by the Withdrawal Agreement.
The Committee received a briefing on the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) Report on the Care and Treatment of Victims and Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland. This was followed by a briefing with representatives of PSNI, Public Prosecution Service, Victim Support and the Department of Justice on the action plan to address findings and recommendations in the CJINI Report.
In open session the Committee discussed Committee business and received a briefing from the Northern Ireland Audit Office on Direct Payments in lieu of Free School Meals (FSM) to families of entitled children in special schools from 25 January – 12 February during current Coronavirus restrictions.
The Committee received an update on the Climate Change Bill Discussion Document from Departmental officials. The Committee then received a briefing from NI Farm Groups on the Farm Welfare Bill. The Committee also received evidence from Departmental officials on implications of EU Exit and impact of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Statutory Rules.
The Committee received briefings from Dr Robin Wilson, Council of Europe and Ms Jonna Monaghan, Northern Ireland Women's European Platform on Perspective on a Bill of Rights.
The Committee received a briefing from Departmental officials on Departmental spending plans. This was followed by an evidence session with Junior Ministers Declan Kearney and Gary Middleton on Brexit issues.
The Committee received an update on vaccination programme from the Department of Health and a briefing from Chief Nursing Officer on the workforce. The Committee also discussed Health protection Regulations, The Healthy Start Scheme and Day Care Food Scheme (Amendment) Regulations, The Recovery of Health Services Charges (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations and the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill.
The Committee received briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from Northern Ireland Local Government Association, PSNI, NI Alcohol and Drug Alliance and Stirling University.
Committee for the Economy Meeting - Wednesday 24th February 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee received an Assembly Research briefing on Q3 Outturn; Pandemic Bids, draft Budget Bill 2021, Spring Supplementary Estimates (SSEs) and Vote on Account. This was followed by a briefing from the Construction Employers' Federation on 2021-22 Draft Budget.
The Committee then received a Department of Finance briefing on draft Budget Bill 2021, Spring Supplementary Estimates (SSEs) and Vote on Account.
The Committee received briefings on restrictive practice, seclusion and restraint from Parent Action and representatives of the Department of Education and the Education Authority.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on SL1 - Further Financial Assistance for Bus and Coach Operators due to Coronavirus.
The Committee discussed Committee business and an update on All Party Groups before moving into closed session for the remainder of the meeting.
The Committee received briefings on Ministerial Direction and the Inquiry into Driver and Vehicle Agency 2019-20.
The Committee received a Department of Justice briefing on stocktake of policing oversight and accountability arrangements. The Committee also discussed the Damages (Return on Investment) Bill and EU exit and justice related issues - Update. The Committee then received an update from the Department of Justice on Draft Budget 2021-22.
The Committee received briefings by Tony O'Reilly, North West Forum of People with Disabilities on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and from Alexa Moore, TransgenderNI on Perspective on a Bill of Rights.
The Committee received the following briefings:
• Oral Evidence from DAERA - Update on the Climate Change Bill Discussion Document consultation and policy proposals for the draft Bill • Oral Evidence from - RSPB - Risk to the natural environment of Statutory Regulations setting low Control Inspection Rates • Written Briefing DAERA - Draft SR - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 • Written Briefing DAERA - Draft SR - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Simplification) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
The Committee received a Department of Health briefing on Vulnerable Children in relation to the COVID-19 Disease Response. The Committee also discussed the latest Health Protection Regulations.
The Committee received briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from the Wine and Spirits Trade Association; Tourism NI; and the Institute of Licensing.
The Committee received briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from the Wine and Spirits Trade Association; Tourism NI; and the Institute of Licensing.
The Committee received Department of Finance briefings on the Department's 2021-2022 Draft Budget allocation and draft Budget Bill 2021, Spring Supplementary Estimates (SSEs) and Vote on Account.
This was followed by an Assembly Research briefing on analysis of Forecast Outturn Quarterly Report - 2020-21 annual outturn, and Analysis of Departmental bids for capital and resource funding during the pandemic.
The Committee also received a briefing from representatives of Northern Ireland Committee - Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NIC-ICTU) and Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) on the 2021-22 Draft Budget.
The majority of the meeting took place in closed session. During open session the Committee discussed a number of items of Committee business.
The Committee receive a presentation from the Northern Ireland Youth Forum - Our Voices: Speaking Truth to Power.
The Committee began with a briefing on the Blues Programme and emotional health and well-being framework from Action for Children. This was followed by a Department of Education briefing on the Curriculum Sports Programme and a briefing on wellbeing from Healthy Kidz.
The Committee considered subordinate legislation and statutory rules before receiving a briefing from Northern Ireland ports on Brexit and current issues. This was followed by a briefing from Retail NI on Brexit and current issues.
The majority of the meeting was conducted in closed session. The Committee discussed some items of Committee business in open session.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the 2021/22 budget and Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum for the Environment Bill. This was followed by a briefing from stakeholders on the Independent Panel for Review of Decisions.
The Committee received a Ministerial Update on the COVID-19 Disease Response from Minister of Health, Robin Swann. This was followed by a Departmental Briefing on the 2021/2022 Draft Budget Outcome.
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing on regional and sub regional stadia from Deirdre Hargey, Minister for Communities.
The Committee also received briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from the Federation of Small Businesses, Food NI and the Law Society.
The Committee received briefings on the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill from the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Public Prosecution Service.
The Committee received briefings from Jeffrey Dudgeon MBE and Lady Trimbleon on their perspective on a Bill of Rights.
The Committee received briefings on the Inquiry into Driver and Vehicle Agency 2019-20.
The Committee received a briefing on Brexit from theJoint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. This was followed by a Departmental briefing on Article 2 of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland - Funding arrangements and dedicated mechanisms. The Committee was also briefed on a Research and Information Service Briefing Paper on The Executive’s International Relations and comparisons with Scotland and Wales.
The Committee received a briefing from Ulster University Economic Policy Centre on the 2021-22 Draft Budget. It then received a briefing from Pivotal on the Draft Budget.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on structural maintenance and winter service and a briefing from an Assembly Research Officer.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on Draft Budget 2021/22 and Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay. The Committee also considered the Draft Outcomes Framework for the Programme for Government.
The Committee received briefings from the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) on the Commencement of Part 3 of the Public Services Ombudsman Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 and on NIPSO's Strategic Plan and Business Plan.
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing on school restart, exams and grading from Peter Weir, Minister of Education and Departmental officials.
The Committee also received a briefing from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment on Examinations 2021.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Gordon Lyons answers Members questions.
The Committee received briefings from the Food Standards Agency on Food and Feed Safety and Hygiene Common Framework; and Nutrition Labelling, Composition and Standards Common Framework.
This was followed by a number of Departmental briefings on Statutory Rules related to the Mental Health Order and the Health Protection Regulations.
The Committee received briefings from the Food Standards Agency on Food and Feed Safety and Hygiene Common Framework; and Nutrition Labelling, Composition and Standards Common Framework.
This was followed by a number of Departmental briefings on Statutory Rules related to the Mental Health Order and the Health Protection Regulations.
The Committee received briefings from the Food Standards Agency on Food and Feed Safety and Hygiene Common Framework; and Nutrition Labelling, Composition and Standards Common Framework.
This was followed by a number of Departmental briefings on Statutory Rules related to the Mental Health Order and the Health Protection Regulations.
The Committee received a briefing from The Bar of Northern Ireland on the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill and a Departmental briefing on the budget for 2021-22.
The Committee received a briefing from The Bar of Northern Ireland on the Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill and a Departmental briefing on the budget for 2021-22.
In open session the Committee received a briefing from Northern Ireland Audit Office officials on Ministerial direction.
The Committee began with a Departmental briefing on the budget for 2021-22. THis was followed by a briefing from Methodist and Presbyterian Churches on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. The Committee also received briefings on the Bill from Retail NI, NI Drinks Industry Group and Copeland Distillery. To conclude, the Committee considered a number of pieces of subordinate legislation.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on:
• Implications of EU Exit for local fishing fleet • Budget 2021/22 • SL1 - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Simplifications) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 • SL1 - The Direct Payments to Farmers (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
The Committee also considered a number of Departmental written briefings.
The Committee received a briefing from Council officials on proposed amendments to Building Regulations and an Assembly Research briefing on Freeports and State Aid.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on the High Street Task Force and an introductory briefing from the Interim Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service/The Executive Office Permanent Secretary.
The Committee discussed Committee business and gave further consideration to proxy voting.
The Committee began with a briefing from the NI Mental Health Champion on pupil wellbeing. This was followed by briefing from representatives of the Department of Education, the Education Authority, the Department of Health and the Health and Social Care Board on the COVID-19 Vulnerable Children Plan.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on COVID-19 financial support schemes and a briefing from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on the latet developments in relation to COVID-19.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on COVID-19 financial support schemes and a briefing from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on the latet developments in relation to COVID-19.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Budget and Common Frameworks - Hazardous Substances.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on COVID-19 financial support schemes and a briefing from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland on the latet developments in relation to COVID-19.
Declan McAleer asks the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs why live animals, dairy and meat products will continue to be allowed through Larne and Belfast Ports in the absence of physical inspections given the potential damage to our agri-food industry through the spread of disease and damage to our international reputation for high quality, safe food.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon answers questions put to her during Question Time.
Ad Hoc Committee on a Bill of Rights Meeting Thursday 28 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Public Accounts Committee Meeting Thursday 28 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the future of agricultural funding, COVID-19 financial support for Lough Neagh Fisheries and the Independent Panel for Review of Decisions.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on the Looked After Children Strategy. This was followed by Departmental briefing on the following statutory rules:
SR 2021/8 The Mental Health (1986 Order) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2021
SR 2020/355 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel) (Amendment No. 27) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020
SR 2021/3 The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021
The Committee received briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from Armagh Cider Company, the Public Health Authority and Omniplex. The Committee then received Departmental briefings on JobStart and the Budget 2021-2022.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the January Monitoring Round and the Public Procurement Common Framework. The Committee was also briefed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Public Sector Reform - Innovative drivers for, and barriers to, change and improvements.
The Committee received a briefing on Brexit issues from Junior Ministers Declan Kearney and Gordon Lyons. The Committee also received a briefing on Historical Institutional Abuse including Memorial for Victims from the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse.
Committee for Infrastructure Meeting Wednesday 27 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Health Minister Robin Swann answers an urgent oral question from MLA Pat Sheehan in relation to private healthcare.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill answers questions put to the Department during Question Time.
The Committee received an update from Health and Social Care Trusts on the COVID-19 response and a Departmental update on the vaccination programme. The Committee also considered a number of statutory rules.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on the principles of the Protection from Stalking Bill.
The Committee discussed Ministerial direction with representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received a number of briefings on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill from:
• Lacada Brewery Co-operative • Society of Independent Brewers • CAMRA • Unite the Union • Movie House
The Committee received a briefing from the Department and Loughs Agency on the role and remit plus update on Meenbeg incident. This was followed by a Departmental update on Common Frameworks. The Committee also considered a number of statutory rules and a written Departmental briefings on Avian Influenza Outbreak in Northern Ireland 2020/21 and The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme.
The Committee received a Ministerial briefing from Finance Minster Conor Murphy on the Draft Budget 2021/22. This was followed by an Assembly Research briefing on building regulations. The Committee also received a briefing from Solace NI and Northern Ireland Local Government Association on EU Successor Funding in Northern Ireland.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on Historical Institutional Abuse and The Executive Office Work Strands under New Decade, New Approach.vv
The Committee received a briefing on Hybrid Proceedings from the Assembly's Head of Communications.
The Committee discussed an All-Party Group (APG) Update before moving into closed session for the remainder of the meeting.
The Committee receive a briefing on impact of COVID 19, school closures and examinations from representatives of Teaching Unions.
The Committee receive a briefing on impact of COVID 19, school closures and examinations from representatives of Teaching Unions.
The Committee receive briefing from Katy Hayward and David Phinnemore of Queen's University, Belfast on the implementation of Trade & Co-operation Agreement and NI Protocol.
The Committee received a Departmental Briefing on the progress on options for Driver & Vehicle Agency issues and a briefing from Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Logistics UK and Road Haulage Association on issues facing the freight/haulage sector.
The Committee receive a briefing on impact of COVID 19, school closures and examinations from representatives of Teaching Unions.
The Committee received evidence from the Northern Ireland Fishermen's Federation on the impact of EU Exit on the fishing industry.
The Committee receive a briefing from Justice Minister Naomi Long on key issues related to justice.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds answers an urgent oral question from John Stewart MLA concerning the Supply Chain between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots answers Members' questions.
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Meeting Thursday 14 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Committee for Communities Meeting Thursday 14 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Public Accounts Committee Meeting Thursday 14 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee received a briefing from the First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. This was followed by Departmental briefings on the assessment of the impact of Brexit on the institutions and North/South and East/West relationships; and an update on Common Frameworks.
The Committee received a briefing from Finance Minister Conor Murphy on the budget 2021-22. The Committee also received a briefing on The Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 from United Kingdom Accredition Service (UKAS) and the Director of Fire Safety Engineering Research and Technology,
Committee for the Economy Meeting Wednesday 13 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Committee for Infrastructure Meeting Wednesday 13 January 2020 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Ad Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 Response Wednesday January 2020 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Thursday 7 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Thursday 7 January 2021 by Northern Ireland Assembly
The Committee receive a Ministerial update on the COVID-19 response from Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief medical Officer Michael McBride.
Minister for Health Robin Swann and Minister of Education Peter Weir delivered statements to the Ad Hoc Committee on the latest developments on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each statement was followed by questions from Members.
The Committee received a Ministerial Briefing from Ms Deirdre Hargey on Departmental Priorities. The Committee also received a Briefing by the Arts Council on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Arts Sector.
Today’s agenda includes:
Briefing by the Right Honorable Sir John Gillen on the rights of victims/complainants and a Bill of Rights
• Rt Hon. Sir John Gillen, Retired
Briefing by the Right Honorable Sir Stephen Irwin on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland
• Rt Hon. Sir Stephen Irwin, Retired
The Committee received an oral Finance Briefing from Departmental officials on the January Monitoring Round. The Committee also considered a proposal for a Statutory Rule on the PSNI and PSNI Reserve (Injury Benefit) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
The Committee discussed business with representatives of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Today’s agenda includes: Oral Evidence from DAERA – EU Exit Preparedness and Priorities for 2021 • Mr Edwin Poots, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
The Committee received Departmental evidence sessions on the January Monitoring Round and the Budget Statement 2021-2022 and a briefing from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors on Dilapidation Payments.
The Committee received two briefings on Brexit, one from Departmental Officials and one from the Joint Committee of Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
The Committee considered Standing Orders: Temporary Provision - Draft motions to amend; Proxy Voting - Consideration of options; Legislative Consent Motions - Consideration of responses and; Strategic Planning - Review of work priorities for 2021
In open session the Committee considered potential topics for its forward work programme.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on the draft Children and Young People’s Strategy.
The Committee received a Ministerial update on support for business during the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues from Economy Minister, Diane Dodds. The Committee also considered a number of statutory rules.
The Committee considered a number of items of subordinate legislation and received a Departmental Briefing on Common Frameworks.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon answers Members' questions during Question Time.
The Committee received an evidence session on draft Budget 2021-22 from the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission.
First Minister Arlene Foster answers questions from fellow Members on behalf of the Executive Office.
The Committee received briefings from Mr Peter Coll, Bar Council of Northern Ireland and Ms Maria McCloskey, Human Rights and Equality Group of the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
The Committee received Oral Evidence from DAERA on the Common Frameworks on (i) Animal Health and Welfare and (ii) Zootechnical Breeding: Provisional Approval And Engagement. The Committee also received a number of written briefings from the department.
The Committee received Ministeriak Direction on the Funding for City of Derry Airport from the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The majority of the meeting was in closed session.
The Committee meeting began with Departmental Briefings on the Five Year Strategy and labour market interventions. This was followed by briefings from National Museums NI and the Model Engineers Society. The Committee also received an Assembly Research briefing on NI Public Finance Framework and Budget Scrutiny and considered a number of pieces of subordinate legislation.
The Committee received a briefing from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust and a Departmental briefing on the Review of Urgent and Emergency Care. The Committee also considered amendments 17 and 18 to the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) Regulations.
The Committee received an evidence session on Brexit from the House of Lords Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee. This was followed by an evidence session with Departmental Officials on EU funding programmes and participation in EU programmes in the future.
The Committee received a consultation summary from Departmental officials on The Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. The Committee also considered a written Assembly Research briefing on Review of Financial Process and written evidence from Department of Finance on the Public Procurement Common Framework.
The Committee received briefing sessions from the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO), the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) and the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission on budgets for 2021-22.
The Committee received a briefing from Education Minister Peter Weir on restart issues, curriculum delivery, examination contingency and budget 2021-22. This was followed by a briefing from the British Association of Social Workers on restrictive practice, seclusion and restraint.
The Committee received a Briefing from Northern Ireland Taxi Operators - Financial Assistance for Taxi Operators. The Committee also received a Briefing from Northern Ireland Electricity - Infrastructure for a Green Recovery.
The Committee receives briefing from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on broadband provision and Project Stratum.
The Committee receive a briefing from Justice Minister Naomi Long on the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds steps in for Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to answer Members questions on behalf of the Department.
The Committee received an evidence session on its Inquiry into Capacity and Capability in the Northern Ireland Civil Service from representatives of the Department of Finance and Kieran Donnelly of the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on proposals for new legal framework for setting the personal injury discount rate and review of the current rate. The Committee also considered Legal Aid update on progress to implement NIAO and PAC recommendations; proposals to reform rehabilitation periods in Northern Ireland; and proposals for the introduction of domestic abuse protection notices and orders.
The Committee received a briefing from Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, Irish High Court and a briefing from Professor Brice Dickson, Queen's University Belfast.
The Committee began with a Ministerial update on the COVID-19 Disease Response from Health Minister Robin Swann with Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride. This was followed by a briefing from international academics on the COVID-19 response. The Committee also considered the latest Health Protection Regulations.
Committee For Agriculture, Environment And Rural Affairs Meeting Thursday 03 December 2020
The Committee received a briefing from Kingspan Insulation and Engineered Panels in Construction on The Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020. This was followed by an Assembly research briefing on analysis of forecast outturn.
The Committee considered a Departmental written briefing on Historical Institutional Abuse, Engagement with Institutions.
The Committee receive a Departmental briefing on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Framework including consultation on regulations and code of practice. This was followed by a briefing with representatives of the Department and the Education Authority on 'Looked After Children and Care Experienced Children and Young People Strategy'.
The Committee receive a briefing from Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Business & Human Rights Forum. This was followed by a briefing from economist Richard Ramsey on stimulating the economy using a voucher based scheme. The Committee also received a Departmental Briefing on newly announced support schemes.
The Committee received a briefing from Belfast International Airport on the financial impact of COVID-19. This was followed by a Departmental Briefing on flood management plans including reservoirs and briefings from an Assembly Research Officer on electric vehicle waste and water and sewerage company business models in GB and Ireland.
The Committee receive a Departmental briefing on Departmental amendments for the Further Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon answers Members questions during Question Time in the Assembly Chamber.
The Committee received a briefing on proposed Departmental amendments for the Further Consideration Stage of the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill. The Committee also received a Departmental briefing on the Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme.
The Committee received briefings on its Inquiry into Capacity and Capability in the Northern Ireland Civil Service from representatives of the northern Ireland Audit Office.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on the budget. This was followed by a briefing from the Chair of Inter-Departmental Working Group Mother and Baby institutions. The Committee also considered a number of statutory rules and subordinate legislation.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on the Rural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland. The Committee also received evidence from Rural Community Network, Rural Action and NI Rural Womens Network on the Future Rural Affairs Policy.
The Committee received briefings on Brexit issues from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs and from Junior Ministers Gordon Lyons and Declan Kearney. The Committee also considered its draft report on the evidence received from local councils on the impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on EU Exit Preparation and Transition Group: Business Readiness for the end of the Transition period. The Committee also considered SL1 – The Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (Coronavirus, Calculation of a week’s pay) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
The Committee received a briefing on COVID-19 and the Impact on the Charity Sector from representatives of CO3, The Children's Heartbeat Trust and The Stroke Association. This was followed by an Assembly Research briefing on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. The Committee also received an Assembly Research briefing on Sign Language Legislation.
The Committee received evidence from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service on Amendments to the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012. The Committee also considered SR 2020/262 The Financial Assistance (Coronavirus) (No. 2) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on PC21 and a briefing from the Community Transport Association.
The Committee received research briefings into its Review of the governance and accountability arrangements for the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) and the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) and received a briefing on Annual Report & Accounts 2019/20 from the Northern Ireland Ombudsman's Office.
The Committee received an Oral Briefing from Mr Colm Cavanagh on the Independent Review of Integrated Education.
Mr Dickson asked the Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds when part B of the COVID-19 business support scheme will open to support businesses in the direct supply chain of other businesses required to close or cease trading.
Pam Cameron MLA asked the Minister of Health Robin Swann, in light of hospitals across Northern Ireland operating at overcapacity, for his assessment of whether the COVID-19 surge planning strategic framework has worked.
Colin McGrath MLA asked the Minister of Health Robin Swann how his Department will address the shortage of 200,000 flu vaccinations, which has been described as deeply concerning and frustrating by senior GPs.
The Committee received a Departmental briefing on Brexit. This was followed by a number of Departmental briefings on the various Health Protection regulations and amendments.
In public session the Committee received two briefing sessions on the Inquiry into Special Educational Needs.
The Committee received Departmental evidence sessions on the Draft Three Year Northern Ireland Organised Crime Strategy and consultation on the Law on Child Sexual Exploitation.
The Committee received a briefing from Colm O'Cinneide, Professor of Constitutional and Human Rights Law at University College London, on Brexit and Human Rights and a briefing from Brian Gormally and Dr Anne Smith, (of The Committee on the Administration of Justice), on challenges facing Northern Ireland and a Bill of Rights.
The Committee began with a briefing from Communities Minister Cara Ni Chuilin on Housing Policy. This was followed by a briefing by Cliff Edge Coalition on Welfare Reform.
The Committee received a briefings from Departmental officials and from representatives of the Ulster Farmers' Union on Future Agricultural Policy and Basic Payment Scheme. The Committee also considered a number of Departmental written briefings concerning subordinate legislation.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on SL1 The Rate Relief (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and on fraud and other matters in relation to Land & Property Services.
The Committee heard an evidence session from the Special EU Programmes Body. This as followed by a Departmental briefing on the Victims' Payment Scheme.
The Committee received a briefing from an Assembly Researcher on proxy voting and considered responses relating to Members' Statements and Legislative Consent Motions.
The Committee considered a number of written Departmental briefings and items of subordinate legislation before receiving a briefing from Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) on the NI European Social Fund Programme.
The Committee received a briefing from the Children's Law Centre on the impact of COVID-19 and vulnerable children support during lockdown. This was followed by a consultation on COVID-19 with representatives of Department of Education, Education Authority and Department of Health, with particular emphasis on Cross-sectoral Support Plan for Vulnerable Children.
The Committee received a joint briefing on Active Travel from Department for Infrastructure & Sustrans. This was followed by a Departmental briefing on Living with Water in Belfast.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots answers Members questions during question time.
The Committee received a briefing on the COVID-19 Disease Response from Carer's Coalition and a Departmental briefing on the Legislative Consent Motion: Amendment to the Medicines and Medical Devices Bill. The Committee also considered a number of pieces of legislation.
The Committee received a briefing from DfC Officials on Casement Park, following that they discussed with NI Audit Office the Inquiry into Major Capital Projects
The Committee heard a Departmental briefing on Environment Strategy NI and Green Growth Strategy & Delivery Framework. The Committee also considered a number of written Departmental briefings.
The Committee received a briefing by NI Retail Consortium on Licensing and Regulation of Clubs ( Amendment) Bill. This was followed by a briefing by Ulster orchestra on the Impact of Covid-19 on the Arts Sector and a number of pieces of subordinate legislation.
The Committee received a briefing from Justice Minister Naomi Long on amendments in relation to the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill. The Committee also considered the development and implementation of a Statutory Registration Scheme for Legal Aid Practitioners in Northern Ireland and the CJINI Report on the Review of Policing and Community Safety Partnerships in Northern Ireland.
The Committee received a number of briefings on the impact of Brexit from local Councils including: Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Ards and North Down Borough Council; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
The Committee received a briefing from Departmental officials and the Special EU Programmes Body on the PEACE PLUS programme. THis was followed by a briefing on a Fiscal Council Research Paper from a member of the Assembly's Research team. The Committee also considered its report on The Functioning of Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
The Committee received a briefing on the role of sport in schools and the Sports Programme from representatives of the Irish Football Association, Ulster GAA, Irish Football Association, Gaelic Athletic Association, Physical Intelligence and Ulster Rugby. This was followed by a briefing on the Emotional Health and Well Being Framework from representatives of the Department of Education and the Education Authority.
The Committee considered the Review of the Statement of Entitlements for an Official Opposition and received a briefing from a member of the Assembly's research team on Institutional Review Committees.
The Committee received a briefing from Wrightbus and Ryse Hydrogen on Northern Ireland Hydrogen Ambitions. This was followed by a briefing from the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Infrastructure.
The Committee considered a number of items of Committee business before moving in to closed session for the remainder of the meeting.
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds, answers an urgent oral question from Stewart Dickson MLA in relation to job losses in the Northern Ireland plants of Caterpillar, the US manufacturing firm.
The Committee received a Ministerial Update on the COVID-19 disease response from Robin Swann, Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride. This was followed by a briefing from the Food Standards Agency on the UK Common Framework. The Committee also recieved a number of Departmental briefings on the various Health Protection Coronavirus regulations.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the principles of teh Criminal Justice (Committal Reform) Bill 2020 and future year budgets 2021-24.
The Committee received a briefing from Mr Kevin Hanratty, Human Rights Consortium and Professor Christopher McCrudden, Queen's University Belfast.
The Committee received a Ministerial Update on the COVID-19 disease response from Robin Swann, Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride. This was followed by a briefing from the Food Standards Agency on the UK Common Framework. The Committee also recieved a number of Departmental briefings on the various Health Protection Coronavirus regulations.
The Committee received a Ministerial Update on the COVID-19 disease response from Robin Swann, Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride. This was followed by a briefing from the Food Standards Agency on the UK Common Framework. The Committee also recieved a number of Departmental briefings on the various Health Protection Coronavirus regulations.
The Committee heard a Departmental briefing on EU Exit preparedness. The Committee also considered a number of written Departmental briefings.
The Committee received a briefing on the Impact of COVID-19 on the events sector by We Make Events. This was followed by a Department for Communities briefing on the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. This was followed by the Committee's consideration of the Pension Schemes Bill and a number of pieces of subordinate legislation.
The Committee received a briefing from representatives of the Department for Education and the Education Authority on Special Schools area planning including pre-schools. This was followed by a Departmental briefing on the October Monitoring Round - 2021-24 Budget Gathering Exercise.
The Committee received Departmental briefings on the Review of Financial Process, the Consultation & Changes to the Transitional Arrangements 2015 Scheme – Pensions Division and October Monitoring.
The Committee received a number of briefings related to the potential impact of Brexit. Evidence was heard from representatives of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Mid Ulster District Council, Derry and Strabane District Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
The Committee met in room 29, Parliament Buildings on Wednesday 04 November to discuss All Party Groups.
The Committee received two briefings during todays meeting.Both briefings from the Department, one on Permitted Development Rights and the other on Driver & Vehicle Agency - MOT's, Lifts & Driving Tests.
The Committee received a Briefing from the Department on the NIAO report on NIRO. The Committee also discussed the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (Amendment of Relevant Period for Meetings of Registered Societies and Credit Unions No.2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Edwin Poots answers Members questions during question time.
The Committee receive a briefing from Justice Minister Naomi Long on key justice issues.
Minister of Finance Conor Murphy answers an urgent oral question from Robbie Butler MLA who asks the Minister for his assessment of the announcement of the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and its impact on businesses in Northern Ireland.
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds answers an urgent oral question from Andrew Muir MLA. Mr Muir asked the Minister how ineligible payments occurred under the Coronavirus £10,000 Small Business Support Grant Scheme, including progress in recovering payments.