Welfare Reform Bill: Final Stage

Executive Committee Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 1:30 pm on 9 March 2015.

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Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker 1:30, 9 March 2015

I inform Members that a valid petition of concern has been lodged.

The following motion stood in the Order Paper:

That the Welfare Reform Bill [NIA 13/11-15] do now pass. — [Mr Storey (The Minister for Social Development).]

Motion not moved.

Photo of Mervyn Storey Mervyn Storey DUP

Mr Speaker, I am seeking to reschedule the Bill.

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker

I will take the point of order after we deal with this matter. The Final Stage of the Welfare Reform Bill is not being moved. The next matter of business is Question Time. Before we suspend for Question Time, I will take a point of order from Jim Allister.

Photo of Jim Allister Jim Allister Traditional Unionist Voice

Is it in order to observe that Sinn Féin has obviously been following a strategy to subvert the supposed agreement at Stormont House, and should we not now move to an election for the House?

Photo of Mitchel McLaughlin Mitchel McLaughlin Speaker

The Member will take his seat. A valid petition of concern: that is the information that answers your rhetorical question. I keep reminding people that they should not abuse the procedures of this House. If you want make political points, join the debate.

The sitting is suspended until Question Time at 2.00pm.

The sitting was suspended at 1.38 pm.

On resuming (Mr Deputy Speaker [Mr Beggs] in the Chair) —