Northern Ireland Act 2006

Section 1

SCHEDULE 1 The Assembly

The Assembly

1 There is to be an Assembly (referred to in this Act as “the Assembly”)—

(a) whose members at any time are to be the persons who are at that time members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and

(b) whose purpose is to take part in preparations for the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.

Meetings

2 Meetings are to be held at such times and places as the Secretary of State directs.

Presiding officer

3 (1) The Secretary of State may—

(a) appoint a presiding officer and no more than three deputy presiding officers, or

(b) authorise the Assembly to elect a presiding officer and no more than three deputy presiding officers in such manner as the Secretary of State may specify.

(2) The Secretary of State may if he thinks fit exercise his powers under sub-paragraph (1)(b) after exercising his powers under sub-paragraph (1)(a) (so that an elected presiding officer and elected deputy presiding officers replace those appointed by him).

(3) The Secretary of State may appoint a person, or authorise the Assembly to elect a person—

(a) to fill any vacancy in the office of presiding officer or deputy presiding officer, or

(b) to replace a presiding officer or deputy presiding officer who, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, is unable, unfit or unwilling to perform his functions (whether because of illness or otherwise).

Proceedings

4 (1) Proceedings are to be conducted in accordance with directions determined by the Secretary of State from time to time and notified to the presiding officer or any deputy presiding officer.

(2) The provision that may be made by the directions includes provision which corresponds, or is similar, to any provision of standing orders made (or treated as made) under section 41 of the 1998 Act.

(3) The provision that may be made by the directions for the purposes of the election referred to in section 1(1)(a) of this Act includes provision which corresponds, or is similar, to any provision of section 16 of the 1998 Act.

(4) The provision that may be made by the directions for the purposes of the nominations referred to in section 1(1)(b) of this Act includes provision which corresponds, or is similar, to any provision of section 18 of the 1998 Act.

(5) Sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) do not affect the generality of sub-paragraph (1).

Staff etc

5 (1) The Secretary of State must secure the provision of the services of such staff, the use of such premises and such other facilities as he thinks appropriate.

(2) Expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State by virtue of this paragraph is to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund of Northern Ireland.

Privilege

6 A written or oral statement made by a member in or for the purposes of the Assembly is to be privileged from action for defamation unless it is proved to have been made with malice.