Motion

Motion TitleAmend Standing Order 45A

Motion TextLeave out Standing Order 45A, and insert: “45A. The Opposition (1) A party may choose to be recognised as the opposition, or part of the opposition, if no member of that party holds a Ministerial office and it satisfies any of the following conditions— (a) the party was entitled to nominate a person to hold Ministerial office under section 18(2) to (6) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and declined to do so; (b) during the relevant period, the party was entitled to nominate a person to hold a Ministerial office under section 18(10) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and declined to do so; or (c) the party’s members comprise 8% or more of the total number of members of the Assembly at the end of the day on which the Assembly first meets. (2) Where only one party is recognised as the opposition in accordance with paragraph 1, the nominating officer of that party must nominate a person who is a member of the Assembly and that party to be the Leader of the Opposition. (3) Where two or more parties form the opposition, then— (a) the nominating officer of the largest party must nominate a person who is a member of the Assembly and that party to be the Leader of the Opposition (b) the nominating officer of the second largest party must nominate a person who is a member of the Assembly and that party to be the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. (4) The opposition is dissolved if either of the following conditions are met– (a) The Assembly is dissolved; or (b) all Ministers cease to hold office in accordance with section 18(1) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (5) In this order “relevant period” means the period of two years beginning with the date on which the Ministerial offices are filled under section 16A(3)(b) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.”

Motion CategoryCommittee Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office15/02/2022

Date Selected By Committee22/02/2022

Date of Plenary Debate01/03/2022