MLAs debated the consideration stage of the Justice Bill. It aimed to make a number of changes to the law in relation to the administration of civil and criminal justice.
A petition of concern was submitted to block an amendment to tighten the law in Northern Ireland relating to abortion.
The amendment was intended to criminalise abortion in any setting other than an NHS property.
A DUP amendment proposed the introduction of a paedophile disclosure scheme in Northern Ireland.
The Employment Minister, Stephen Farry, and Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell appeared at Question Time.
The TUV's Jim Allister sets out his amendments and opposition to certain clauses which he explains focus on the process by which someone is returned for trial in the crown court.
He speaks about testing evidence and says that in the past year, in the 56 cases where this happened, 18 "fell apart and there didn't need to be a trial and the state was saved the costs".
This stage of the bill has 78 amendments grouped into five areas.
MLAs are debating the first group of amendments which concern the reform of committal and court process.
Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin announces the beginning of the debate on the consideration stage of the Justice Bill.
The bill aims to make a number of changes to the law in relation to the administration of civil and criminal justice.
Ulster Unionist Tom Elliott asks about any concerns about cross-border research being carried out into fracking.
The minister says there have been some concerns expressed about one of the companies carrying out the research.
"They aren't, however, concerns that I share," he adds.
Pam Cameron of the DUP asks about waste management in the new councils.
Mr Durkan says it is important that there is consistency across all the councils, and notes that there are currently three waste management partnerships in operation.
Barry McElduff of Sinn Fein asks about illegal dumping sites.
The minister says 17 have been identified, and 10 of these have been cleared.
Anna Lo of Alliance, who chairs the Environment Committee, asks about air quality, and whether the minister intends bringing forward legislation.
Mr Durkan says research into air pollution is still underway.
He says he intends to present the findings later in the year, but he will not speculate on legislation.
Matters discussed at the meeting included the carrier bag levy, restrictions on the dumping of food waste in landfill sites, and clean bathing water, the minister says.
"Ministers expressed continuing concern at the impact of fuel laundering and stressed the importance of closer co-operation between agencies to tackle the issue," he says.
Minister of the Environment Mark H Durkan is making a statement on a recent North South Ministerial Council meeting.
It is looking like it is going to be a marathon session in the chamber today as MLAs debate the consideration stage of the Justice Bill.
We will be here all day bringing you text commentary from 10.30am.