Assembly Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at on 22 January 2007.
Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. I support Dr Paisley’s request for a debate on Muckamore Abbey Hospital. Will for the Business Committee consider holding an extra sitting this week — perhaps on Wednesday — to discuss Nuala O’Loan’s latest report, which is on the murder of Raymond McCord and others as a result of state collusion between the RUC and loyalist paramilitaries?
If I may answer Dr Paisley first, we are all extremely concerned about the situation at Muckamore Abbey Hospital. As he knows, for the House to debate the issue, a motion must be tabled in the Business Office so that the Business Committee, which will meet on Wednesday, can consider it for inclusion in next week’s business.
I remind Members that Monday 29 January is the only day next week on which we may have a sitting. I hope that Lord Morrow, or another DUP Member, will bring a motion to the Business Committee on Wednesday, so that we can consider the matter seriously.
Mr McElduff’s point will also be discussed by the Whips at the Business Committee meeting. If he wishes to inform his party Whip of the matter, we will discuss it on Wednesday as well.
Further to that point of order, Madam Speaker. Would you be in favour of having an extra sitting some day this week?
Thank you, Dr Paisley. As you know, it would be wrong for me to express a view on that. I will take what comes. The Business Office will consider any proposals put to it. We will discuss the matter tomorrow and bring it to the Business Committee on Wednesday for full discussion. If the Business Committee decides that a sitting should be held on Wednesday, we will do that. I thank the Member for his interest.