The Office of the Presiding Officer of the Assembly, known as "the Speaker", is held by Mr William Hay MLA. The Speaker presides over the proceedings of the Assembly, is Chairperson of the Business Committee and Chairperson of the Assembly Commission.
The Speaker has a scrutiny role in relation to the competence of legislation prior to the First and Final Stages of a Bill. He selects amendments to Bills and Motions for debate and selects questions for oral answer. Following the first reading of a Bill the Speaker sends a copy to the Human Rights Commission and on the completion of all the Stages of a Bill he sends it to the Secretary of State requesting Royal Assent.
The Speaker receives VIP visitors from the British Isles and overseas to Parliament Buildings, including Heads of State, Ambassadors and senior politicians. The Speaker also hosts and attends a range of events designed to promote an understanding of the Assembly as an institution and to develop links with the wider Northern Ireland community as well as within the UK and internationally.
Standing Orders require the Assembly to elect three Deputy Speakers, currently Mr John Dallat MLA, Mr David McClarty MLA and Mr Francie Molloy MLA. |
