Northern Ireland Assembly

First Minister Arlene Foster answers Members questions.

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 (Coro...

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) (Amendmen...

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.

Minister of Justice Naomi Long answers Members questions.

Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon answers Members questions.

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...

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 (A...

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 Vot...