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NI Assembly is 'back to business' NI Assembly is 'back to business'
(about 4 hours later)
The assembly will hold its first full day of debates since politicians returned from their summer break. The assembly has begun its first full day of debates since politicians returned from their summer break.
First Minister Ian Paisley, who is to step down as Free Presbyterian Moderator, is due to answer questions from assembly members.First Minister Ian Paisley, who is to step down as Free Presbyterian Moderator, is due to answer questions from assembly members.
Politicians will also debate a proposal from Sinn Fein that the assembly should be given the power to vary taxes. Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew revealed that disinfectant controls at airports and ports brought in after the foot-and-mouth scare had ended.
Assembly members have held committee meetings, but Monday will be the first time they return to the main chamber. NI escaped an export ban, and ministers thanked those who had helped in this.
Export bans were imposed on English, Scottish and Welsh meat and dairy produce, but Mr Paisley said the assistance given to Northern Ireland of the British, Irish, US and Japanese governments was particularly welcome.
Deputy first minister Martin McGuinness also paid tribute to a number of US officials including President Bush's special envoy to NI, Paula Dobriansky.
Tax debate
Later in the day's proceedings, politicians will debate a proposal from Sinn Fein that the assembly should be given the power to vary taxes.
Assembly members have held committee meetings, but Monday was the first time they had returned to the main chamber.
Mr Paisley will be on his feet answering questions later.Mr Paisley will be on his feet answering questions later.
The deadline for submitting questions was last Tuesday, so none touch on Mr Paisley's decision, announced at the weekend, that he will step down as Free Presbyterian Moderator at the end of the year.The deadline for submitting questions was last Tuesday, so none touch on Mr Paisley's decision, announced at the weekend, that he will step down as Free Presbyterian Moderator at the end of the year.
Instead the first minister will deal with topics such as the cost of divisions here, the role of junior ministers and the delay in appointing a Victims Commissioner. Instead the first minister will deal with topics such as the cost of divisions in Northern Ireland, the role of junior ministers and the delay in appointing a victims commissioner.
The other ministers facing questions and making statements are Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew and Culture Minister Edwin Poots.
Assembly members will also debate an SDLP proposal for an economic task force focussing on areas west of the Bann and a Sinn Fein suggestion that Stormont should have tax varying powers.
This would follow the example of the Scottish parliament which has the power to vary income tax by three pence in the pound either way - a power Scottish politicians have not so far used.