Assembly Debates

Assembly Debates raise awareness of topical and/or specific local issues. This category will promote those debates that are in the wider public interest.

Climate Change and the Introduction of a Climate Change Act – 21 July 2020

The motion read: That this Assembly acknowledges the ongoing climate and biodiversity emergency and calls by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for rapid decarbonisation; reiterates the Assembly’s declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency, the Assembly’s demands for the urgent introduction of a Climate Change Act, the all-party New Decade, New Approach commitment to… Continue Reading Climate Change and the Introduction of a Climate Change Act – 21 July 2020

Motion: Ministerial Breaches of COVID-19 Regulations and Guidelines – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/RwVhoBgM7qM MLAs discuss a motion that proposes that the Assembly acknowledges the immense sacrifices that people, families and communities have made during the COVID-19 emergency; pays tribute to those who selflessly prioritised the need to keep each other safe above their own personal needs, particularly during times of trauma, loss and grief; expresses disappointment in… Continue Reading Motion: Ministerial Breaches of COVID-19 Regulations and Guidelines – Tuesday 7 July 2020

Motion: Disability Services and Family Carer Support – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/bRUHe_2IxEw MLAs discuss a cross-party motion that the Assembly recognises the significant impact of COVID-19 on children and adults with a disability and the exceptional contribution of family carers given the cessation of many statutory and non-statutory services; and calls on the Minister of Health to produce a detailed plan for the resumption of services.

Concerns over COVID-19 Guidance and Financial Support to Industry Sectors – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/I04EdsHH0hI This motion, proposed by Michelle McIlveen Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee, asks that the Assembly recognises the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi, haulage, driving instruction, and private hire bus and coach sectors; acknowledges that these industries have not been prioritised in terms of guidance and support packages; and calls on the… Continue Reading Concerns over COVID-19 Guidance and Financial Support to Industry Sectors – Tuesday 7 July 2020

Legislative Consent Motion: Business and Planning Bill – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/cXXjAmdwCPA Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon asks Members to approve the Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) for the Business and Planning Bill, introduced in Westminster on 25 June 2020. An LCM allows for legislation from Westminster to apply to Northern Ireland when it would normally be a devolved matter legislated by the Assembly. The Bill includes a… Continue Reading Legislative Consent Motion: Business and Planning Bill – Tuesday 7 July 2020

Rates Exemption for ATMs in Rural Areas – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/MJCC4_FE5Qk Finance Minister Conor Murphy proposes a motion of rate exemption for ATMs in rural areas to help sustain their availability in those areas. Members point out the importance of such a measure was illustrated during the Coronavirus pandemic when the closure of many banks made it difficult for those in rural areas to access… Continue Reading Rates Exemption for ATMs in Rural Areas – Tuesday 7 July 2020

The Sea Fish Industry (Coronavirus) (Fixed Costs) Scheme – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/AxQO0Bbpo4o Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Edwin Poots, brings the Sea Fish Industry (Coronavirus) (Fixed Costs) Scheme to the Chamber. The Scheme makes provision for payments of grant to the sea fishing industry to address financial difficulties as a result of the global Coronavirus pandemic. The grants are to assist with fishing boats’… Continue Reading The Sea Fish Industry (Coronavirus) (Fixed Costs) Scheme – Tuesday 7 July 2020

Second Stage: Pension Schemes Bill – Tuesday 7 July 2020

https://youtu.be/C1F7_CorSTI Minister for Communities Caral Ni Chuilin, moves the second stage of the Pension Schemes Bill. This Bill seeks to ensure that savers are appropriately protected, regardless of the sort of pension scheme they are saving in, by increasing the regulation of Master Trusts. The Bill also seeks to provide members of occupational pension schemes… Continue Reading Second Stage: Pension Schemes Bill – Tuesday 7 July 2020