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Emma Rogan of Sinn Féin has the third listed question.

She wants “an update on the abolition of conversion therapy”.

The term ‘conversion therapy’ refers to any form of treatment or psychotherapy which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or to suppress a person's gender identity.

Ms Ní Chuilín begins by describing the practice is “abhorrent” and that it “is widely opposed by many”.

The matter will be taken forward as part of the sexual orientation strategy that was agreed under New Decade, New Approach.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath asks if the minister has spoken to the charities commissioner about certain charities that support conversion therapy.

The minister says she hasn’t had a conversation about that, but will happily do so if the member can provide her with more information, as she says “this needs to end”.

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Pat Catney of the SDLP asks the minister “when she will introduce primary legislation on welfare mitigations”.

The minister says she intends to introduce “new primary legislation that will allow for an extension of welfare mitigation payments to those people affected by bedroom tax”.

She adds that a draft bill has been shared with executive colleagues adding that she wants to “proceed with this as soon as possible”.

Ms Ní Chuilín says mitigations continue to be made to those who are eligible.

Pat Sheehan, the minister’s party colleague, asks if the new legislation will help those who moved to universal credit.

Ms Ní Chuilín says she’s “currently looking at the benefit cap mitigation schemes that are currently available to people on universal credit” as well as additional investment “into the contingency fund”.

Next on the agenda is questions to the Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín.

The SDLP's Justin McNulty has the first question.

He wants the minister to outline" any new support packages she plans to introduce to assist financially sports clubs and organisations" given the prohibition of indoor and non-elite sports from 14 October.

The minister says she recognises that the regulations have had "a significant impact" on all sports.

She says she met with senior representatives of sports governing bodies last week.

As a result, Ms Ní Chuilín says, she subsequently made a bid for a £15m financial package which was approved.

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Mr McNulty asks if it would be "unfair and inappropriate" to ask the GAA to pay "more that their legal obligation of £15m" towards Casement Park.

He asks if the minister's recent comment to this effect in a TV interview was a party position, an agreed executive position, or "a solo run".

The minister says any funding arrangement with the GAA "will be an ongoing discussion", adding, "it's not the first time that that has been said in public".

She says she wants to assure the member and other members of the GAA family "that Casement Park will be built".

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That concludes listed questions for the agriculture minister, it’s now time for 15 minutes of topical questions.

They are an opportunity for members to ask the minister anything related to their department’s responsibilities,

Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson is up first.

She asks about “checks at border control posts” which, she says, were to be carried out by EU experts. “Can you give us an update as to where that’s at?”

Edwin Poots says those checking at the points of entry “will be vets from NI” who will be “provided from our own department and our own authorities”.

Green Party MLA Claire Bailey asks about waste management licences and wants to know if any have been issues retrospectively.

Mr Poots says “if you establish an anaerobic digester prior to the planning permission, you’ll not get your waste-management licence”.

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Declan McAleer of Sinn Féin is the chair of the Agriculture Committee. He asks the minister about the impact on farmers of how EU “replacement funding will be calculated”.

Mr Poots says the Treasury “would indicate that they think that they could take £34m that previously had been identified for us”.

He says this is being contested, adding that “I believe it is something that we all need to oppose”.

The minister and his Scottish and Welsh colleagues have written to the DEFRA minister.

Keith Buchanan, the minister's party colleague, asks about the farm business improvement scheme.

Mr Poots says there will be additional points for people who are “covering tanks” and buying equipment that is “low emission-spreading”.

“We will add to that going forward,” he says, adding that “farmers will have a better knowledge of what their fields exactly need”.

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The DUP's Michelle McIlveen (above) asks how the department has assisted the fishing industry during Covid-19.

Her party colleague replies that he introduced a temporary support package in April 2020 "that was geared to cover 50% of a fishing vessel's costs for three months".

He says £1.32m has been paid out to 171 vessel owners.

A further scheme made financial support available to the aquaculture industry.

Gerry Carroll of People Before Profit asks the minister “for his assessment of the action taken to address the odours emanating from the Mullaghglass landfill site”.

The NI Environment Agency has said that “13 additional gas extraction wells have been installed in the active areas of the landfill", which the minister says was completed in October 2020.

The minister says NIEA inspectors will continue to inspect the site.

Mr Carroll raises the 104 concerns brought by residents concerning the site, and wants to know what assurances the minister can give to them over their health.

Mr Poots says “NIEA has directed the operator to take action and to take measures to address the odour nuisance”.

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Órlaithí Flynn of Sinn Féin says the site is not due to close until December 2021, and wants to know if there are “any other long-term plans in place to deal with the odours”.

She says, as a resident of the area, “they are extremely unpleasant to live with”.

Mr Poots says the NIEA “have initiated joint inspections in the area”.

Pat Catney of the SDLP asks if the minister has “plans to seek out some sort of prosecution for those who are responsible” in relation to illegal dumping in the area.

Mr Poots says there is a need to ensure that “council sites are open to take these materials”.

“There are companies who are not engaging correctly and we need to ensure that we pursue those people,” he adds.

The DUP's Gary Middleton asks for "an update on the administration of the Basic Payment Scheme".

The minister says "NI farmers are receiving their payments in one lump sum this year" and 94% of payments went out on the first day.

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The SDLP's Daniel McCrossan asks what financial commitments the minister has sought from the British government to maintain the current level of support for farmers after the transition period.

"I have sought those commitments both verbally and in writing," says Mr Poots.

"We will continue to keep arguing to ensure that NI's envelope remains the same as it has been previously," he adds.

“What consideration is being given to cross-border cooperation on environmental protection and governance as new arrangements are established following the end of the transition period?” Alliance’s John Blair asks the minister.

Mr Poots says he made a commitment to work with his Irish counterpart on this issue.

“Cross-border cooperation will continue following the end of the transition period,” says the minister, and lists a number of areas where this will happen.

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Sinn Féin’s Emma Sheerin asks the minister “would you agree that all-island cooperation and coordination to environmental issues is vital?”

“I don’t get too hung up about politics over these type of things,” says Mr Poots.

“I have always worked well with colleagues south of the border,” he adds.

SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole asks about “dairy producers” who, he says, feel a no-deal would mean “we will not be able to process at least 35%, possibly more, of our milk produced in NI”.

The minister says he has been asked by the DEFRA minister to produce papers that “they will take account of”.

He calls for the EU to “recognise that NI could be very damaged as a consequence of the protocol”.

“There is a trading scheme in terms of the dairy sector,” he adds.

The next question comes from DUP MLA David Hilditch.

He asks his party colleague “what progress has been made in reviewing the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011”.

The minister responds that the policy areas fall under his department and a number of others.

Mr Hilditch asks if there is any work that can de done with the councils to ensure there is more enforcement.

Mr Poots says litter and dog fouling will be looked at.

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Karen Mullan of Sinn Féin also asks about dog fouling.

The minister says that dogs are great pets but that owners have a responsibility to clean up after them.

SDLP MLA Pat Catney asks the minister if he would agree that an independent environment and protection agency would be best to overseen the implementation of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

Mr Poots says he hopes the members has told councils that he intends to take those powers off them.

Suitably refreshed, the members are back in the chamber for questions to the Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots.

Sinn Féin's Catherine Kelly was listed to ask the first question but she has resigned her seat so the honour goes to Chris Lyttle of Alliance.

He asks for an update "on the delivery of a Climate Change Act to give environmental targets a strong legal underpinning, as outlined in New Decade, New Approach".

Mr Poots says he is currently finalising a discussion document for consultation on a future NI climate change bill.

He says he wants to ensure that NI's emissions targets are "credible".

Mr Lyttle asks for a timescale for the passage of a climate change act and suggests it might be better for the minister to support the cross-party private members climate change bill.

Mr Poots says the timescale would cover "the lifetime of this assembly" and that he wouldn't support the private members bill because "rushed legislation is not normally good legislation as the member well knows".

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Philip McGuigan of Sinn Féin says that surely the minister must be in a position to give a timeframe to the assembly.

"The timeframe is that we are close to having a consultation document ready," Mr Poots replies.

"Let's consult the public on it," he adds.

Deputy speaker Roy Beggs suspends the sitting until 14:00 when the members will reconvene for questions to the agriculture and communities ministers.

Do re-join us then.

In the meantime, we're off to grab a sandwich.

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DUP MLA Alex Easton says the number of deaths related to alcohol consumption in recent years has been 15% higher than recorded a decade ago.

He says Covid-19 has had a “serious impact on the hospitality sector in recent times”.

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Sinn Féin’s John O’Dowd says he thinks the committee will be, “quite rightly inundated” with representations from across society.

He says there is a need to create “a relationship with alcohol that is responsible”.

“I used to work as a chef, I also did many an hour behind a bar as a barman, and it gives you an interesting insight into the mindset,” he adds.

The MLA says a “well-run bar” is more than a bar, but “almost like a community within a community”.

“When you’re in a bar, your drinking habits are regulated,” says Mr O’Dowd, but this is not the same when people are drinking at home.

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Robbie Butler of the UUP is speaking on behalf of his party.

He says his colleague Andy Allen is self-isolating at the minute.

“It is vitally important that we strike a balance in supporting this,” says the MLA.

“It’s estimated that the hospitality sector generates around £1.2bn per year for the local economy” says the Lagan valley MLA, but adds that Covid has resulted in the sector struggling in recent times.

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Kellie Armstrong of Alliance says “Covid has caused catastrophe” for the hospitality industry.

While there are immediate concerns, she says there is a need to create “legislation that is fit for the future”.

She says her party welcomes the extended Easter opening times, adding that she expects there will be further debate at extended drinking-up time.

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Sinéad Ennis of Sinn Féin is up next.

She enumerates the amendments that have been made to the 1996 legislation to date.

Ms Ennis refers to local breweries in her constituency and the changes that the legislation will bring.

“I believe we have realistic, workable and fair proposals before us,” she adds.

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Mark Durkan of the SDLP begins by declaring an interest as his family owns licensed premises.

He says “we don’t know what lies ahead of us” in terms of Covid-19, but asks the minister if the legislative changes will be in place by Easter 2021 or 2022.

“It’s within the scope of this bill for the committee and this house to look at the system of awarding licences,” says the MLA.

“Extending opening hours has a knock-on effect on policing and enforcement, and in turn a need for more awareness around problem drinking,” he adds.

DUP MLA Paula Bradley is the chair of the Communities Committee.

She says these are “long-awaited changes” to the liquor licensing in NI, as she says, the “current legislation relating to the sale of alcoholic drinks in NI relates back to 1996”.

A review of the licensing laws was launched back in 2011, says the MLA, and outlines the consideration undertaken by the committee.

“Alcohol has never been more affordable or available,” says Ms Bradley, adding that alcohol misuse is a “significant issue in NI”.

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“The committee are keen to ensure the bill contains sufficient measures to tackle excessive alcohol consumption,” says Ms Bradshaw.

In her role as a DUP MLA, she says she “welcomes” the bill, adding “we are being lobbied heavily by all sections of the community”, including those who are against the move.

“The evidence needs to be listened to,” says Ms Bradley, adding “for many this bill will have gone too far, and for many it will have not”.

Next on the agenda is the debate on the second stage of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is back at the lectern to open the debate.

She says she thinks "everyone in the chamber will support this bill", particularly the aspects that support the hospitality sector when society is once again able to operate "under more normal circumstances".

The minister says the aims of the bill include "the reduction in alcohol-related harm while providing some much-needed assistance to the hospitality sector as it supports our tourist offering".

All additional restrictions on licensed premises and registered clubs over the Easter weekend would be removed.

The period of drinking-up time would be extended from 30 minutes to one hour, to prevent the "stockpiling of drinks" and drinking too quickly.

The bill also contains a power to revert back to 30 minutes should difficulties emerge.

Authorities will have the power to designate an event as a "major event" and the department will be able to vary the opening hours for that event.

Pubs and clubs will no longer have to obtain a children's certificate, however all current requirements must be met if children are to be permitted on the premises.

Young people will be allowed to attend functions at licensed premises and clubs provided a number of conditions are met, the minister explains.

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This will allow events such as school formals to be held where adequate safeguards are in place.

The sale of alcohol by self service and vending machines will be prohibited if the bill is passed.

Premises that are already permitted to apply for late opening to 1 am will be able to apply for late licences up to 2 am up to 104 times a year.

Licensed race tracks will be allowed to sell alcohol on a Sunday.

Local producers of ciders, beers and spirits will be able to apply for a licence to sell their product from their premises for consumption off the premises and samples can also be supplied on the premises.

Off-sales premises, including supermarkets will only be permitted to advertise alcoholics drinks within the licensed area of their premises. The intention is to reduce impulse buying of alcoholic drinks.

Sports clubs will be allowed to apply to extend the area of licensed premises six times a year to allow for special events.

The next item is a motion brought by the Economy Minister Diane Dodds.

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (Coronavirus) (Amendment of Relevant Period for Meetings of Registered Societies and Credit Unions) Regulations (NI) 2020.

She moves the motion and opens the discussion.

Mrs Dodds explains this was a “piece of emergency legislation” and contains provisions to help companies and cooperatives “to deal with the economic consequences of the Covid pandemic”.

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Caoimhe Archibald of Sinn Féin says she supports the motion.

The minister’s party colleague, Christopher Stalford, says he is pleased Mrs Dodds has “moved to protect the credit union sector throughout the pandemic”.

The minister winds the debate by saying she is confident the motion will “meet the need”.

It passes on oral vote.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden says there will be a focus on more populated areas, but she wants to know how the minister plans to allocate housing for rural areas.

The minister says “this isn’t just about urban regeneration housing”.

“A lot of the councils are up for this, particularly about sustaining rural families,” adds Ms Ní Chuilín.

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Jim Allister of the TUV asks about rural areas and housing commitments in areas such as Armoy, but says there is no “sewage capacity”.

“We can’t build houses without that infrastructure,” says the minister.

“Is the task mighty in front of us? It is, but we’re going to tackle this as best as we can,” she adds.

That concludes members' questions on the statement.

Rachel Woods of the Green Party asks if the minister intends that the homelessness duty to be changed into tenancies which only last a year, and if so, why not two?

“A year for a lot of people, in fact for everyone, is too short,” replies the minister.

She says it is something she is looking at.

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Gerry Carroll of People Before Profit says some letting agents are charging letting fees, and wants to know what is being done to support renters.

The minister says she will “pick that up”.

“I do not support any distress from what was sited in the Loughlin judgement,” adds the minister.

Independent MLA Trevor Lunn says he “feels like a party pooper even asking questions” about the minister’s statement.

He asks if the statutory body “will not contain members who my have a connection to organisations that may have intimidated people out of their property to start with”.

Ms Ní Chuilín says that’s why she wants to change the verification process.

“The PSNI need to be more involved in the verification of intimidation,” she adds.

Dolores Kelly of the SDLP asks how the strategy will address empty homes across NI.

“If there are circumstances where homes are empty and they are beyond repair, we need to condemn them and regenerate that area,” says Ms Ní Chuilín.

“I intend to be aggressive on behalf of everyone on the housing waiting list, particularly those in housing stress,” adds the minister.

“Land for me is critical and key to increasing housing supply.”

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Colin McGrath, also of the SDLP, asks about the housing allocation scheme.

“Is there a way we can give comfort to local people,” he asks so that families and friends can remain in the local communities that they have grown up in.

Ms Ní Chuilín responds that she can’t give any assurances.