Early Plenary Meetings following an Assembly Election

The Presiding Officer who held office immediately before the Assembly election (the former Presiding Officer) will determine the date and time of the first Plenary meeting, in consultation with the political groups. If the former Presiding Officer is unwilling or unable to act, the Clerk of the Assembly will specify the date and time. All subsequent Plenary meetings will be determined by the newly elected Presiding Officer, until the Business Committee is established (and the first business statement and announcement is made in Plenary by the Minister responsible for government business). The Clerk of the Assembly will notify all Members of the date and time at least 24 hours before each meeting.  The agenda for each Plenary meeting  will also be published at least 24 hours in advance.

Election of the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer

The first Plenary meeting must take place within seven working days of the election to elect a Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer. Proceedings will begin with the election of the Presiding Officer, followed by the election of the Deputy Presiding Officer.

Nomination of the First Minister

The Assembly is required to nominate a First Minister within 28 days of an Assembly election.

Subsequent Early Business

The Assembly must agree a number of key items of business soon after the election, including:

• the appointment of Members to the Business Committee;
• the appointment of Assembly Commissioners;
• the First Minister’s recommendation to Her Majesty of a person for appointment as Counsel General;
• the titles and remits of committees; and
• the membership and chair of each committee