Debate contribution: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Emma Sheerin on 30 June 2026.

MLA: Ms Emma Sheerin
Party at the time: Sinn Féin
Date: 30 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Justice Bill: Consideration Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5652767

Text

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Members will be aware that the DUP and some of its lackeys in the UUP cynically used petitions of concern, two weeks ago, to block rights for children. They will also be aware that the Human Rights Commission wrote to us all, independently, last week, to advise that the proposed changes in the amendments would have been in line with human rights advice. Will the Speaker's Office advise on the interpretation of Standing Orders that has not seen the setting up of an Ad Hoc Committee to consider that matter?
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Will you confirm whether the Speaker's Office will write to all Members to clarify how Standing Order 60 was interpreted to decide that no Ad Hoc Committee was required for the implementation of this petition of concern?
As previously stated, this is all pointless.

148 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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