Minutes of Proceedings

The Assembly met at 10.30am, the Principal Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

1. Prayers

Members observed two minutes’ silence.

2. Members’ Statements

Under Standing Order 24A, the following Members made a statement to the Assembly:

Mr Peter Martin
Mrs Linda Dillon
Mr John Blair
Mr Robbie Butler
Mr Mark Durkan
Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Ms Paula Bradshaw
Mr Paul Frew
Mr Dany Donnelly
Mr Timothy Gaston
Mr Gerry Carroll
Mr Phillip Brett

3. Ministerial Statement

3.1 North South Ministerial Council Health and Food Safety Meeting

The Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt, made a statement regarding a North South Ministerial Council Health and Food Safety Meeting, following which he replied to questions.

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

4. Private Members’ Business

4.1 Motion: Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes National Museums NI’s (NMNI) commitment in its Ethics Policy to proactively seek to democratise and decolonise its collections, through ethical collections development, research, partnerships and engagement; further notes the Inclusive Global Histories exhibition launched by Ulster Museum in 2022 which aims to demonstrate NMNI's commitment to decolonisation, diversity and inclusion; commends the continued repatriation efforts of NMNI regarding the return of human remains and other sacred objects to the people of Hawaii; acknowledges the immense cultural, social, and historical significance that the return of artefacts represent to societies and indigenous communities impacted by colonialism around the world, including on this island; encourages museums to further develop and expand decolonisation policies, such as cooperating with requests for the repatriation of art and artefacts; and calls on the Minister for Communities to support museums here in their efforts to decolonise their collections.

Miss Nicola Brogan
Mr Colm Gildernew
Mr Maolíosa McHugh

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘impacted’ and insert:

‘; recognises that many museums are already working under significant financial constraints and that their primary responsibility must remain the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of collections that reflect history and identity; believes that while the ethical return of human remains or sacred objects may be appropriate in individual, evidence-based cases, this should not be confused with a broader mandate to revise or remove shared cultural artefacts that help tell our collective story; further acknowledges the risk of ideologically driven international campaigns around cultural or historical revisionism and blame which may not reflect the unique context or priorities of each society, nor the complexities surrounding provenance, acquisition, and legal ownership in many historical cases; further recognises that such artefacts are often preserved and made accessible through the expertise, conservation facilities, and educational programmes offered by museums, enabling them to serve as valuable resources for public learning and community cohesion; and calls on the Minister for Communities to support museums in developing their ethical policies with a focus on access, education, and reconciliation, ensuring that resources are directed toward programmes that foster understanding within and between communities.’

Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Robbie Butler
Mr Andy Allen
Mr John Stewart

Debate ensued.

The Question being put, the amendment fell. (Division 1)

The Question being put, the motion was carried. (Division 2)

The Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, took the Chair.

4.2 Motion: Addressing the Impact of Illegal Immigration in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the Prime Minister’s plans to reduce legal migration to the UK; regrets the Government’s continuing failure to meaningfully address illegal immigration, including through measures that apply equally across the UK; expresses alarm that the estimated cost of accommodation for asylum seekers in Northern Ireland has risen to £400 million, four times the original estimate, as detailed in the National Audit Office briefing on the Home Office’s asylum accommodation contracts; is concerned that, increasingly, this is placing unsustainable pressures on basic services, including access to GPs, dentists and the provision of school places; further notes the link between illegal immigration, increased demand for housing, and the proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in many areas of Northern Ireland; and calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to urgently review, and amend, the Strategic Planning Policy Statement to place additional restrictions on the approval of HMOs by local councils.

Mr Jonathan Buckley
Mrs Deborah Erskine
Mr Brian Kingston

Amendment:

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘legal migration to the UK;’ and insert:

‘acknowledges that immigration can deliver many benefits including contributing to economic growth and addressing skills shortages; regrets the continued divisive rhetoric around immigration in UK politics, including from the UK Government; agrees that insufficient investment places greater pressure on the delivery of key public services; recognises that immigration policy should focus on integration and addressing the drivers of displacement; expresses concern that Northern Ireland remains without a refugee integration strategy; and calls on the First and deputy First Minister to publish a refugee integration strategy by September 2025.’

Mr Matthew O’Toole
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Mr Colin McGrath

Debate ensued.

The sitting was suspended at 12.57pm.

The sitting resumed at 2.00pm, the Deputy Speaker, Dr Aiken, in the Chair.

5. Question Time

5.1 Health

Questions were put to, and answered by, the Minister of Health, Mr Mike Nesbitt.

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

6. Private Members’ Business (cont’d)

6.1 Motion: Addressing the Impact of Illegal Immigration in Northern Ireland (cont’d)

Debate resumed.

The Question being put, the amendment was made. (Division 3)

The Question being put, the motion, as amended, was carried. (Division 4)

The Deputy Speaker, Mr Blair, took the Chair.

7. Adjournment

Proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

The Speaker

The Principal Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

Miss Órlaithí Flynn spoke to her topic regarding Improving Mobile Phone Coverage in West Belfast.

The Assembly adjourned at 5.17pm.

Mr Edwin Poots
The Speaker
20 May 2025

Northern Ireland Assembly

20 May 2025 – Division 1

Amendment: Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘impacted’ and insert:

‘; recognises that many museums are already working under significant financial constraints and that their primary responsibility must remain the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of collections that reflect history and identity; believes that while the ethical return of human remains or sacred objects may be appropriate in individual, evidence-based cases, this should not be confused with a broader mandate to revise or remove shared cultural artefacts that help tell our collective story; further acknowledges the risk of ideologically driven international campaigns around cultural or historical revisionism and blame which may not reflect the unique context or priorities of each society, nor the complexities surrounding provenance, acquisition, and legal ownership in many historical cases; further recognises that such artefacts are often preserved and made accessible through the expertise, conservation facilities, and educational programmes offered by museums, enabling them to serve as valuable resources for public learning and community cohesion; and calls on the Minister for Communities to support museums in developing their ethical policies with a focus on access, education, and reconciliation, ensuring that resources are directed toward programmes that foster understanding within and between communities.’

Mr Doug Beattie
Mr Robbie Butler
Mr Andy Allen
Mr John Stewart

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 27

Noes: 38

AYES

Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Stewart, Mr Chambers.

NOES

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Ms Hunter, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Baker, Ms Sheerin.

The amendment fell.

Northern Ireland Assembly

20 May 2025 – Division 2

Motion: Decolonisation of Museum Collections and Repatriation of Artefacts

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes National Museums NI’s (NMNI) commitment in its Ethics Policy to proactively seek to democratise and decolonise its collections, through ethical collections development, research, partnerships and engagement; further notes the Inclusive Global Histories exhibition launched by Ulster Museum in 2022 which aims to demonstrate NMNI's commitment to decolonisation, diversity and inclusion; commends the continued repatriation efforts of NMNI regarding the return of human remains and other sacred objects to the people of Hawaii; acknowledges the immense cultural, social, and historical significance that the return of artefacts represent to societies and indigenous communities impacted by colonialism around the world, including on this island; encourages museums to further develop and expand decolonisation policies, such as cooperating with requests for the repatriation of art and artefacts; and calls on the Minister for Communities to support museums here in their efforts to decolonise their collections.

Miss Nicola Brogan
Mr Colm Gildernew
Mr Maolíosa McHugh

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 38
Noes: 27

AYES

Mr Baker, Mr Boylan, Mr Carroll, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Mrs Guy, Miss Hargey, Ms Hunter, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Miss McAllister, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Ní Chuilín, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr Baker, Ms Sheerin.

NOES

Dr Aiken, Mr Allen, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Butler, Mr Kingston.

The motion was carried. 

Northern Ireland Assembly

20 May 2025 – Division 3

Amendment: Addressing the Impact of Illegal Immigration in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

Leave out all after ‘legal migration to the UK;’ and insert:

‘acknowledges that immigration can deliver many benefits including contributing to economic growth and addressing skills shortages; regrets the continued divisive rhetoric around immigration in UK politics, including from the UK Government; agrees that insufficient investment places greater pressure on the delivery of key public services; recognises that immigration policy should focus on integration and addressing the drivers of displacement; expresses concern that Northern Ireland remains without a refugee integration strategy; and calls on the First and deputy First Minister to publish a refugee integration strategy by September 2025.’

Mr Matthew O’Toole
Ms Sinéad McLaughlin
Mr Colin McGrath

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 43
Noes: 27

AYES

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McCrossan, Mr O’Toole.

NOES

Mr Allen, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Buckley, Mr Kingston.

The amendment was made.

Votes cast by proxy:

Ms Nicholl’s vote was cast by Ms Bradshaw.

Northern Ireland Assembly

20 May 2025 – Division 4

Motion as amended: Addressing the Impact of Illegal Immigration in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly notes the Prime Minister’s plans to reduce legal migration to the UK; acknowledges that immigration can deliver many benefits including contributing to economic growth and addressing skills shortages; regrets the continued divisive rhetoric around immigration in UK politics, including from the UK Government; agrees that insufficient investment places greater pressure on the delivery of key public services; recognises that immigration policy should focus on integration and addressing the drivers of displacement; expresses concern that Northern Ireland remains without a refugee integration strategy; and calls on the First and deputy First Minister to publish a refugee integration strategy by September 2025.

The Question was put and the Assembly divided.

Ayes: 43
Noes: 27

AYES

Dr Archibald, Mr Baker, Mr Blair, Mr Boylan, Ms Bradshaw, Mr Carroll, Mr Delargy, Mr Dickson, Mrs Dillon, Miss Dolan, Mr Donnelly, Mr Durkan, Ms Egan, Mrs Ennis, Mrs Ferguson, Ms Finnegan, Miss Flynn, Miss Hargey, Mr Honeyford, Ms Hunter, Mr Kearney, Mr Kelly, Ms Kimmins, Mr McAleer, Mr McCrossan, Mr McGlone, Mr McGrath, Mr McGuigan, Mr McHugh, Mr McMurray, Mr McNulty, Mr McReynolds, Mrs Mason, Mr Mathison, Mr Muir, Ms Mulholland, Ms Nicholl, Mr O'Dowd, Mr O'Toole, Ms Reilly, Mr Sheehan, Ms Sheerin, Mr Tennyson.

Tellers for the Ayes: Mr McCrossan, Mr McGrath.

NOES

Mr Allen, Mr Beattie, Mr Bradley, Mr Brett, Ms Brownlee, Mr K Buchanan, Mr Buckley, Ms Bunting, Mr Butler, Mr Chambers, Mr Clarke, Mr Crawford, Mr Dunne, Mrs Erskine, Ms Forsythe, Mr Frew, Mr Gaston, Mr Harvey, Mr Irwin, Mr Kingston, Mr Lyons, Miss McIlveen, Mr Martin, Mr Middleton, Mr Nesbitt, Mr Robinson, Mr Stewart.

Tellers for the Noes: Mr Buckley, Mr Kingston.

The motion, as amended, was carried.

Votes cast by proxy:

Ms Nicholl’s vote was cast by Ms Bradshaw.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Proxy Voting Notifications

In line with Standing Order 27A, Ms Kate Nicholl arranged for her vote to be exercised by a proxy (Ms Paula Bradshaw) during the period 31 March 2025 to 28 December 2025.

Northern Ireland Assembly

Papers Presented to the Assembly on 20 May 2025.

1. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly

2. Bills of the Northern Ireland Assembly

3. Orders in Council

4. Statutory Rules

SR 2025/91 The Rate Relief (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department of Finance)

For Information Only

SR 2025/84 The Period Products (Department for Communities Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department for Communities)

SR 2025/92 The Farming with Nature Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

5. Legislative Consent Memorandums

6. Assembly Reports

7. Written Ministerial Statements

Establishment of a Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland (Minister of Health)

8. Publications Laid in the Northern Ireland Assembly

The Strategic Investment Board Retention and Disposal Schedule (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Department for Communities)

Children’s Court Guardian Agency for Northern Ireland (CCGANI) Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24 (Department of Health)

9. Publications Presented in the Northern Ireland Assembly

Northern Ireland Assembly Legislation:

Stages in Consideration of Public Bills
First Stage: Introduction of Bill.
Second Stage: General debate of the Bill with an opportunity for Members to vote on its general principles.
Committee Stage (Comm. Stage): Detailed investigation by a Committee which concludes with the publication of a report for consideration by the Assembly.
Consideration Stage (CS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, the details of the Bill including amendments proposed to the Bill.
Further Consideration Stage (FCS): Consideration by the Assembly of, and an opportunity for Members to vote on, further amendments to the Bill.
Final Stage: Passing or rejecting of Bill by the Assembly, without further amendment.
Royal Assent.

Proceedings as 20 May 2025

2022-2027 Mandate

2022-2027 Mandate
Non-Executive Bills

/ Bills progressing by accelerated passage