SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1The Assembly

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).