Plenary, 31 Jan 2007
Meeting date: Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Official Report
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Presiding Officer's Ruling
I have reflected on the matter that Shona Robison raised on a point of order about 10 minutes ago. I confirm my initial view that the issue is political and therefore a matter for the Executive rather than for me.
I take this opportunity to clarify Roseanna Cunningham's point about the admissibility of amendments at stage 2. Decisions on admissibility at stage 2 are entirely a matter for the convener of the committee once amendments have been lodged. I hope that that clarifies matters.
Further to that point of order, Presiding Officer. The motion is
"that the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the … Bill."
The member in charge of the bill and others have confirmed that the fundamental principle is having directly elected members take decisions in health boards. It therefore seems somewhat incongruous that we could overturn that fundamental principle at stage 2.
That is a matter to be debated at stage 2, Mrs MacDonald. It is a matter for the committee.