Image source, NI Assembluy

Mark Durkan says protections for tenants in the private sector "have been severely lacking to date".

The SDLP MLA says many people "have been pushed into the sector given a dearth of social housing stock".

"This much-needed legislation marks the first step, as others have said, in a robust framework of measures to strengthen tenancies," he adds.

Kellie Armstrong says Alliance will be supporting the Private Tenancies Bill at final stage.

She says that any future legislation to deal with the issue of rent caps will require "consultation and careful consideration if it too is to achieve the balance between protecting renters and potential over-regulation of the private rented sector".

Image source, NI Assembly

Paula Bradley chairs the Communities Committee and says the Private Tenancies Bill has had a “rocky path” in the assembly in recent weeks.

She welcomes that the bill will offer tenants “better protection” and provide clearer outlines for tenants and landlords.

Image source, NI Assembly

Ciara Ferguson, the communities minister’s Sinn Féin colleague, says this is a “much-needed piece of legislation”.

“This legislation is not only vital but provides crucial protection” to private renters, she adds.

“It will protect renters from facing multiple rent increases in any one year.”

Image source, NI Assembly

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey says that when she came into post "I knew that reform was urgently needed to reform protections within the private rented sector".

"I have been very clear that this bill (Private Tenancies Bill) is the first step. There is a lot more to be done in terms of reforming the private rented sector and we have a lot to get on with," she adds.

The minister says the bill will ensure "safety, security and standards within the private sector".

As is usual with final stage debates Ms Hargey thanks all those who have taken part in the preparation of the bill.

Next on the agenda is the final stage debate on the Private Tenancies Bill.

It's brought to the House by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.

You can read more on the bill here., external

Image source, NI Assembly

Health Minister Robin Swann winds up the final stage debate on the Adoption and Children Bill.

He thanks MLAs for their support throughout the legislative process.

“It’s 35 years since the last major reform of NI adoption law took place,” says the Ulster Unionist.

He says this bill will ensure the most vulnerable children in NI will have the care and protection they need.

The deputy speaker puts the final stage to an oral vote and the bill passes.

It will now be granted royal ascent.

Image source, NI Assembly

Paula Bradshaw of Alliance says the Adoption and Children legislation perhaps exceeds that of neighbouring jurisdictions.

"It is an exciting day," she says.

Ms Bradshaw thanks the bodies from the voluntary and community sector that took part in the preparation of the legislation.

She also commends Health Committee member Alan Chambers for bringing forward his private member's bill on the preservation of documents relating to historical institutions.

Image source, NI Assembly

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath says the Adoption and Children Bill “shows this place at its very best”.

“We really, really appreciate the contribution” which young people made to this bill, says the South Down representative.

“While adopting one child may not necessarily change the world, for that child their world will change forever.”

Image source, NI Assembly

“This is a significant and important piece of legislation, it is making good law and has the current and future well-being of children at its core,” says Alan Chambers.

The Ulster Unionist representative adds that “today will be seen as a good day”.

“It has taken 16 years but it has finally arrived,” says the North Down MLA.

Image source, NI Assembly

Colm Gildernew chairs the assembly's Health Committee.

The Sinn Féin MLA says the Adoption and Children Bill is "much overdue and is one that makes a massive difference to the people that it impacts".

He thanks the health minister and his officials for bringing forward the legislation.

Mr Gildernew says the bill represents "this assembly at its very best".

Committee deputy chair Pam Cameron says "this is a momentous day for our assembly".

"The need is all too clear for a more fit-for-purpose, responsive and child-focused adoption process in NI," the DUP MLA adds.

"Through each stage in the legislative process the welfare of the child has been at the heart of every member's comments," Ms Cameron says.

Robin Swann says he is “proud to have been able to bring” the Adoption and Children Bill to the assembly during his tenure as health minister.

“This is among the most important pieces of legislation that will be made by this House during this mandate,” he adds and says it will “change lives”.

“It will mean that adoptive families can enjoy support” and will “strengthen and widen support for families in need”, says the Ulster Unionist.

Image source, NI Assembly

Mr Swann explains in detail the changes which the legislation will bring about.

He puts on record his thanks to officials in his department, including one who extended their retirement date to be able to see the bill reach its final assembly stage.

“Sixteen years after this process started, I’m delighted to say I commend this bill to the House.”

Image source, NI Assembly

Deputy Speaker Patsy McGlone opens the session.

He announces that Paul Rankin has been returned as DUP MLA for Lagan Valley to fill the place left by the resignation of Edwin Poots.

The deputy speaker says Mr Rankin has signed the roll of membership.

He turns to the first item on the agenda.

It's the final stage of the Adoption and Children Bill and the opening speaker is Health Minister Robin Swann.

John Campbell
BBC News NI Economics and Business Editor

Image source, Getty Images

The Northern Ireland jobs market continued its post-pandemic recovery in February, official data suggests.

Payrolled employees, payroll earnings and number of employee jobs (as reported by businesses) were all above pre-pandemic levels.

However, the recovery is not complete, with the number of self-employed people still well below the pre-Covid level.

Unemployment and economic inactivity are also still higher than they were before the pandemic.

Read more here.

Image source, Reuters

Welcome to Tuesday's live coverage of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

We're getting used to bulging agendas in these last days leading up to the end of the current mandate and the elections.

Today is no different with four bills reaching their final stages and debates on the Fair Employment and Period Products Bills.

Health Minister Robin Swann appears at Question Time.

The assembly opens for business at 10:30. Do stay with us.