Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Primary and Secondary Legalisation Human Transplantation Bill- The Committee Stage began on the 17th November 2015. The Committee added twenty two clauses to the bill such as clause eighteen which defines numerous terms in the bill. Food Hygiene Rating Bill- Passed its second stage on the 11th November 2014, and the committee added twenty clauses such as clause eighteen which states the general provisions for making rules for the bill. The committee also asked for views of any outside groups. Tobacco Retailers Bill- Entered committee stage on the 9th October 2013 and received 42 amendments by the committee who published their first official report on the 28th May 2013. All clauses were accepted and it became law on the 25th March 2014

Policy Scrutiny of the Minister In February 2013, the committee raised the issue of cancelled hospital appointments with the Minister as in 2011-12 around 180,000 appointments were cancelled. It took evidence from the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts. As a result, during the summer of 2013, the Trust created a plan to make the information around cancelled appointments more available. June 2011- committee became aware of growing concerns of a specific illness pregnant woman can contract, heard from medical academics and a victim of the disease. It issued a guide to health professionals and asked minister to raise awareness. February 2012- raised issue of the “Community Meals Provision” with the department, discovered this was not being carried out equally amongst all Trusts. Through their work, the correct provisions were enforced.
Budgetary Scrutiny Committee began considering its budget for 2015/16 in October 2014. Took evidence from department officials later that month and again in November in order to write a draft bill. For 2015/16, the committee had planned to take a wide range of evidence and examine the health service’s finance in other countries. Also disagreed with the minister over the priorities for the upcoming year. The department’s budget is still uniquely co-ordinated by the department of finance and personnel.
Inquiries and Assembly Motions January 2014- the Committee began a “Review into Waiting Times for Elective Care” to review the approach to waiting times. It heard from government officials from Portugal and Scotland on policies which are operating in these countries. It published the report in the autumn of 2014. July 2012 - Committee began a “Review of Health Inequalities” Took evidence from the World Health Organisation, their report made nine recommendations on the current system. Committee held a motion on the Care Bill in 2013, and accepted the bill when there was greater clarification of its clauses.

Engagement with Stakeholders Had an event in Carrickfergus Town Hall as part of its review into health inequalities experienced by people with a learning disability. Invited charities and those who are disabled. 10th September 2012- Held an event on World Suicide Prevention day, 80 linked charities invited to Parliament to talk with MLAs. A motion was later introduced because of this event.