Part IV

The Northern Ireland Assembly

Presiding Officer and Commission

Presiding Officer.
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1
Each Assembly shall as its first business elect from among its members a Presiding Officer and deputies.
2
A person elected Presiding Officer or deputy shall hold office until the conclusion of the next election for Presiding Officer under subsection (1) unless—
a
he previously resigns;
b
he ceases to be a member of the Assembly otherwise than by virtue of a dissolution; or
c
the Assembly elects from among its members a person to hold office as Presiding Officer or deputy in his place.
3
If the Presiding Officer or a deputy ceases to hold office (otherwise than under subsection (2)(c)) before the Assembly is dissolved, the Assembly shall elect another from among its members to fill his place.
4
The Presiding Officer’s functions may be exercised by a deputy if the office of Presiding Officer is vacant or the Presiding Officer is for any reason unable to act.
5
The Presiding Officer may (subject to standing orders) authorise a deputy to exercise functions on his behalf.
6
Standing orders may include provision as to the participation (including voting) of the Presiding Officer and deputies in the proceedings of the Assembly.
7
A person shall not be elected under subsections (1) to (3) without cross-community support.
Pts. II-IV applied in part (1.1.2007) by The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006/439), reg. 53(6)