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.

Urgent Oral Question: Funeral of Bobby Storey – Monday 6 July 2020

https://youtu.be/7I56reYy00M Jim Allister MLA asks an urgent oral question of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Mr Allister asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister how they propose to restore credibility to the Executive’s promotion of the restrictions under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 after the deputy First Minister’s… Continue Reading Urgent Oral Question: Funeral of Bobby Storey – Monday 6 July 2020

Second Stage: The Executive Committee (Functions) Bill – Monday 6 July 2020

https://youtu.be/DMwMtjs4XTY After the Bill was introduced earlier in the day, and Members approved the motion to permit the Bill pass through the Assembly by accelerated passage, the second stage of the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill is discussed. The policy objective of the Bill is to clarify that: (i) referral to the Executive Committee must take… Continue Reading Second Stage: The Executive Committee (Functions) Bill – Monday 6 July 2020

Executive Committee (Functions) Bill – Proposal for accelerated passage Monday 6 July 2020

https://youtu.be/TmLdljnueG4 Following the introduction of the Executive Committee (Functions) Bill earlier in the day, Junior Minister Declan Kearney proposes that the Bill passes through the Assembly via accelerated passage. The policy objective of the Bill is to clarify that: (i) referral to the Executive Committee must take place where a matter is significant and controversial… Continue Reading Executive Committee (Functions) Bill – Proposal for accelerated passage Monday 6 July 2020

Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations: Amendments 7 and 8 – Monday 6 July 2020

https://youtu.be/uJ6zgji4ljA MLAs discuss the latest amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations. Amendment 7 permits gatherings in private dwellings of up to six people. Amendment 8 allows certain food and drink businesses to open and amends the restrictions on places of worship. View Amendment No. 7 View Amendment No. 8 Watch MLAs discuss Amendments… Continue Reading Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations: Amendments 7 and 8 – Monday 6 July 2020

Concern and Anxiety over the Reopening of Schools – Tuesday 30 June 2020

https://youtu.be/ki3q7oshxN0 MLAs Ms Karen Mullan, Ms Catherine Kelly, Mr John O’Dowd and Mr Pat Sheehan propose the motion that the Assembly recognises the concern and anxiety that exists among teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as among parents and young people, in relation to the eventual reopening of schools and the associated safety concerns while… Continue Reading Concern and Anxiety over the Reopening of Schools – Tuesday 30 June 2020

Legislative Consent Motion: Environment Bill – Tuesday 30 June 2020

https://youtu.be/KBWBAmwJlp4 Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots asks Members to endorse the extension to Northern Ireland of the provisions of the Environment Bill, as introduced in Westminster on 30 January 2020. View the Environment Bill’s progress in the UK Parliament Read more about the Environment Bill and what it means

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations – Amendments No. 5 and No. 6 – Tuesday 30 June 2020

https://youtu.be/riVp32QN-3s MLAs discuss the latest amendments to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations and what the changes mean for businesses and members of the public. The amendments affect the opening of businesses, places of worship and social gatherings. View Amendment No.5 View Amendment No. 6 Watch MLAs discuss Amendment 4 Watch MLAs discuss Amendments 2… Continue Reading The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations – Amendments No. 5 and No. 6 – Tuesday 30 June 2020

Final Stage: Housing (Amendment) Bill – Tuesday 30 June 2020

https://youtu.be/LHyfKD8gIuY Minister for Communities Caral Ni Chuilin introduces the Final Stage of the Housing (Amendment) Bill before Members discuss the Bill for the final time before it is passed. The purpose of the Bill is to facilitate a reversal of the decision of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to reclassify Registered Housing Associations (RHAs).… Continue Reading Final Stage: Housing (Amendment) Bill – Tuesday 30 June 2020

The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2020 – Tuesday 30 June 2020

https://youtu.be/UpzCLP4dZD8 Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon asks Members to affirm the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2020. The purpose of this Statutory Rule is to exempt persons riding in a motor ambulance from the requirement to wear a seat belt while that person is providing medical treatment to a patient which due… Continue Reading The Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2020 – Tuesday 30 June 2020