Northern Ireland Act 1998

Valid from 07/01/2004

[F147AResolutions about reduction of remunerationU.K.

(1)If, in relation to the salary payable under section 47 to a Minister or junior Minister, the Assembly resolves that the whole or a specified part of the salary payable for a specified period shall not be payable—

(a)because he is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means, or

(b)because of any failure of his to observe any other terms of the pledge of office,

the salary payable to him under that section shall be reduced accordingly.

(2)If, in relation to the salaries payable under section 47 to members of the Assembly who are members of a particular political party, the Assembly resolves that the whole or a specified part of the salaries payable for a specified period shall not be payable—

(a)because that party is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means, or

(b)because it is not committed to such of its members as are or might become Ministers or junior Ministers observing the other terms of the pledge of office,

the salaries payable to them under that section shall be reduced accordingly.

(3)The Assembly may, before the end of the period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) or (2) falls to be made, by resolution extend that period.

(4)The Assembly may, before the end of the period by reference to which provision for non-payability under section 47B(2) or (5) applies, by resolution extend that period.

(5)The period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) or (2) falls to be made shall come to an end if the Assembly—

(a)is dissolved; or

(b)resolves to bring the reduction to an end.

(6)A motion for a resolution under this section shall not be moved unless—

(a)it is supported by at least 30 members of the Assembly;

(b)it is moved by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister acting jointly; or

(c)it is moved by the Presiding Officer in pursuance of a notice under subsection (7).

(7)If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the Assembly ought to consider a resolution under this section, he shall serve a notice on the Presiding Officer requiring him to move a motion for such a resolution.

(8)In forming an opinion under subsection (7), the Secretary of State shall in particular take into account the matters listed in section 30(7).

(9)A resolution under this section shall not be passed without cross-community support.

(10)In this section a reference to—

(a)the period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) or (2) falls to be made, or

(b)the period by reference to which provision for non-payability under section 47B(2) or (5) applies,

is, where the period has been extended, a reference to the period as extended.]

Textual Amendments