APN 257 - 17/22: Chamber arrangements during COVID-19 restrictions

Seating

In order to adhere to the 2m guidance on social distancing only 22 seats are available in the Chamber at any one time. The Business Committee has agreed to the following allocation for parties:

DUP – 5 seats

SF – 5 seats

SDLP – 3 seats

UUP – 3 seats

ALL – 2 seats

GP, PBP, TUV and Independents – 4 seats

The attached plan shows where in the Chamber parties are expected to sit:

DUP 5 – orange

SF 5 – green

SDLP 3 – red

UUP 3 – blue

ALL 2 – yellow

GP, PBP, TUV and Independents – purple

The seating plan is a guide only. Members will be expected to be flexible in accommodating colleagues.

In particular Members will wish to note:

• The 6 members of the smaller parties and independent Members should arrange between themselves which 4 Members will be in the Chamber.
• The smaller parties and independent Members should occupy the curved back benches on either side of the door.
• If the Justice Minister is present in the Chamber, the SDLP or UUP should give up one of their seats on the front bench.

Members will note that the Speaker has relaxed the ruling on Members being in the Chamber for a full item of business in which they wish to participate. In particular, Members do not have to be in the Chamber to hear a statement in its entirely if they wish to ask a question.

Requesting to speak

The Business Committee has agreed that should Members prefer, they may indicate their desire to be included on the speaking list by rising in their place during any item of business. Members may still put in a request to speak in the usual way (notifying the Business Office or at the Speaker’s Table).

Members should note that these arrangements are specific to the current situation and will be reviewed regularly by the Business Committee.