Discusses multiple new clauses and amendments introduced, including provisions for joint election of First Ministers, identical status and responsibilities, weighted majority vote in the Assembly without use of designations. Also covers restoring Good Friday Agreement provision for joint election by the Assembly.

Robinson agrees that the Bill reflects New Decade, New Approach but suggests caution against extensive amendment unless there is joint agreement on a range of issues through another forum. He highlights the importance of maintaining stability and avoiding unnecessary changes.

Supports the debate on the First Minister’s titles but argues that other amendments are not appropriate for this Bill. He emphasises the importance of implementing clauses asserting the continuation of Executive roles in case a First or Deputy First Minister exits power sharing, citing witnesses from Committee discussions and the need to avoid another three years without government as seen in 2017. He advocates for the removal of the two-month commencement date to ensure quicker implementation of the Bill's provisions.

Welcomes many provisions but expresses deep concern over the political context, especially regarding the DUP’s threats to pull down the Assembly. Discusses issues related to the election of First and Deputy First Ministers and highlights the failure of Unionist parties in addressing nationalist participation in key roles like the Justice Department. Calls for resolving the issue through new clause 3, emphasising the need for stability and addressing real problems rather than constant debate over titles.

Supports extending the period to ensure stability and prevent crises. Acknowledges the need for devolution but criticises the current political instability in Northern Ireland. Highlights the importance of delivering services in education, health, housing, and infrastructure during interregnums.

Shannon welcomed the Minister to his new role and expressed a preference for devolution over direct rule. He argued that issues should be debated within Northern Ireland's Assembly rather than being tagged onto other Bills. Shannon highlighted the interference by Westminster during the abortion issue, emphasising the need for local decision-making in health, education, policing, and other key areas. He pointed out waiting times for medical procedures such as hip replacements and cataract surgeries are excessively long in Northern Ireland post-covid, with a lack of classroom assistants in schools and delays in assessment for ADHD and autism cases. Shannon urged the Government to allow the Assembly to prioritise need over political wishes.

Welcomes attempts to safeguard power sharing. Suggests the Secretary of State should respond to the forthcoming report on a Bill of Rights and request advice from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. Proposes the re-establishment of a civic forum as envisaged under the Good Friday agreement.

Asked when an Irish language Act will be brought forward, highlighting the importance of such legislation in celebrating culture and bringing people together.

McGinn questions the Minister about the commitment to an Irish language Act and other cultural provisions. He seeks clarity on when the Government will bring forward this legislative package as previously committed.

Farry thanks everyone for their contributions and acknowledges the tension between implementing New Decade, New Approach faithfully and anticipating future crises. He does not intend to push amendments to a vote today but believes there may be an opportunity for further reflection and consultation with Northern Ireland parties.

Intervened to ask for more clarity on when the cultural package might be seen and if it will need legislation from Westminster. Expresses understanding of how the Secretary of State envisages dealing with the matter.

Asked for an assurance that if the House of Lords considers potential further reforms and soundings show consensus from Northern Ireland political parties, the Government will be open-minded about legislating to put them into effect.

Supports the Bill to safeguard power sharing but urges fast-tracking its passage. Cites evidence that devolved power sharing is overwhelmingly popular with voters and emphasises the importance of a functioning Executive amid current instability in Northern Ireland.

[INTERVENTION] Clarifies that there has never been discussion about an Irish language Act; instead, it is a cultural package. Emphasises the importance of delivering on this commitment.

Welcomes the Bill's contribution to securing a prosperous and well-governed Northern Ireland, emphasising that democratic politics needs space for discussion and consensus-building. Supports Clause 2 as it enhances transparency, accountability, and opportunities for good governance.

Lockhart supports a stable Stormont and criticises the UK government's inaction during Sinn Féin's disruption. She calls for caution against future interventions that could undermine devolution and stresses the importance of addressing concerns regarding the Northern Ireland protocol.

Eastwood agrees with Lockhart's comments about Sinn Féin but challenges her to speak against threats from her own party regarding the protocol, which he sees as a threat to Good Friday agreement institutions.

Hoare agrees that business views should be heard but questions why tearing down Stormont and removing local voices would help those businesses, indicating a support for devolution stability.

Ms Hanna emphasised that without genuine belief in power sharing, rules alone cannot force cooperation. She cited examples of governance failures due to lack of accountability, such as the renewable heat incentive scheme scandal. She also raised concerns about the current designation structures fostering sectarianism and advocated for their review.

Mr Dhesi agreed that a functioning Northern Ireland Assembly is crucial for local governance, criticising the UK Government's approach to Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol as detrimental to stability.

Mr Farry questioned a specific party's reluctance to expedite language and culture provisions through the Northern Ireland Assembly, implying support for local action rather than waiting for UK Parliament intervention.

Ian Paisley criticises the two-faced approach of some Members who claim to support the Belfast Agreement while proposing changes. He accuses certain MPs of wanting to uphold sectarianism and challenges Claire Hanna's speech.

Claire Hanna objects to being misquoted by Ian Paisley, clarifying that she criticised the current designation mechanisms for locking in sectarianism rather than supporting it.

Eastwood intervenes to remind Ian Paisley of historical context, including his party's opposition during the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. He emphasises that his party has been implementing the agreement since St Andrews.