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After amendments have been moved, debate takes place. At the end of the debate the Chair poses questions to the Assembly to see if the amendments are agreed to.
| 1 | Debating times. For each question being considered, a member can speak twice (five minutes on each occasion). There is no limit on the time, or number of occasions, that the minister in charge of the bill can speak for. | |
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Questions from the Chair. When debate on a question has finished the Chair puts the relevant question. There are a number of options: |
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‘That the amendment be agreed to’. This is the most straightforward question, used when there is general agreement. |
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‘That the words proposed to be omitted stand part’. This is used where a member proposes words should be omitted; the question asks if they should be left in the bill. |
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If a member wants to substitute words, the question above is put. If that is not agreed to (ie the Assembly decides to omit words) then the question ‘That the words proposed in the amendment be inserted’ is put next. |
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To add or insert words the question is ‘That such words be inserted [or added]’. |
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3 |
Moving an amendment. When the relevant clause is being debated, a member will normally refer to the amendment already circulated and say ‘I move amendment No [ ] standing in my name’. The member may give an explanation and the amendment can be debated. |
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Amendments to the same text. Sometimes more than one member wishes to amend the same text. The Chair will normally allow the government amendment to be considered first but will try and put the questions in such a way as to allow all amendments to be voted on. |
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