The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Diego Martin Central for the period Jan 20-23, 2015.

There are 13 Papers to be laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

One Report was presented by the Member for La Brea, The Eighteenth Report of the Joint Select Committee on Ministries appointed to inquire into and report on Government Ministries (Group 2), and on the Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises falling under their purview on the Inquiry into the Administration and Operations of the Government Human Resources Services Company Limited (GHRS). See the Supplemental Order Paper.

Prime Minister’s Questions took place since this is the second sitting of the House in the month of January. The Prime Minister fielded several questions from members opposite.

Three Urgent Questions were asked and answered.

14 Questions qualify for oral answer. Five Questions were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper

One Bill was introduced in the name of the Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration.

The Minister of Gender, Youth And Child Development moved a Motion asking the Senate to approve the Foster Care Regulations, 2014. In so doing, he asked the House to also consider Motions to approve the Children’s Authority Regulations, 2014 and the Children’s Community Residences Regulations, 2014, since they are related. The Member for Diego Martin Central was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Education, The Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West, and Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development and the Member for Arouca/Maloney. The Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development then rose to conclude. The Motions were then approved.

The Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development moved the second reading of the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The Member for Arouca/Maloney was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Member for Point Fortin, the Member for St. Ann’s East and the Member for Laventille East/Morvant. The Minister of Gender, Youth and Child Development then rose to conclude. The Bill was read a second time then considered in Committee, where it was passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to approve the notification of the President of the nomination of Dr. Maria Therese Gomes for appointment as a member of the Police Service Commission. The Opposition Chief Whip made a brief intervention. The Leader of the House then rose to conclude. The Motion was then approved.

At the next sitting debate is expected on a Private Motion by the Member for Chaguanas West. The sitting ended at 12:47 a.m.