To ask the Assembly Commission to outline its plans for reopening Parliament Buildings to the public.

The Commission took the decision to close Parliament Buildings to the public from 9pm on Wednesday 18 March, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

While no public tours, events or visitor activities have taken place since then and only permanent Assembly passholders and those essential to the delivery of Assembly business have had access to the building since then, the focus has been on ensuring that the Assembly can continue to meet to carry out its legislative and scrutiny functions.

At its meeting on 9 December 2020, the Commission agreed that in light of the ongoing health risks and restrictions in place, that Parliament Buildings should remain closed to the public until 28 February 2021 and that the situation would, again be reviewed at that time.

That consideration will, of course, take account of the prevailing public health situation and, as ever, will continue to follow the guidance issued by relevant entities such as the Public Health Agency and will fully comply with all Regulations in place.

It was clearly regrettable that the Building had to close and that there was disruption to public engagement activities so soon after the Assembly resumed normal business in January. The Speaker and the Commission are currently giving consideration to activities and initiatives that could be undertaken next year once we are in a position to do so.

Unfortunately, the Commission cannot be more definitive about when the building will be able to re-open fully to the public but, like everyone else, the Commission is hopeful that the reported success of potential vaccines and continuing vigilance by everyone will help that re-opening happen sooner rather than later.