Debate resumed on motion:

That the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill proceed under the accelerated passage procedure. — [Ms Hargey (The Minister for Communities).]

I ask the Minister for Communities to conclude and wind up the debate on the motion.

We had a break in between, so, if I forget somebody's questions, I apologise.

Obviously, accelerated passage is not the normal way. The demonstration earlier, with the Bill being received at the last minute, shows that. However, it is necessary in the circumstances because we need to extend the legislation. I know that all Members appreciate that and want to allow local government to do its business with the restrictions still in place but without hindrance.

I have already given the reasons for that delay in the Chamber. Initially, legislation was to be made by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Minister at Westminster, but, at the very last moment, that was pulled because the timetabling at Westminster would not allow for it. That presented us with the challenge that we needed to move the Bill forward ourselves. We have tried to do that at pace, with interim solutions being put in place and through working with councils. I am glad that we are at this point, so that we can progress to the next stage of the Bill.

Before we proceed to the Question, I remind Members that the motion requires cross-community support.

Question put and agreed to. Resolved (with cross-community support):

That the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Bill proceed under the accelerated passage procedure.