Northern Ireland Assembly Commission facts for kids

The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission (often called the Assembly Commission) is like the management team for the Northern Ireland Assembly. It helps the Assembly run smoothly. The person in charge of the Commission is the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, who is currently Alex Maskey MLA.

How the Assembly Commission Started

The Northern Ireland Assembly was created by a law called the Northern Ireland Act in 1998. This law also said that a special group, the Assembly Commission, should be set up. Its main job is to provide "administrative, secretarial, or other assistance" to the Assembly. This means they help with all the daily tasks and support needed.

The Act also stated that the Speaker would be the leader of this Commission. If there are any legal matters involving the Assembly, the Commission handles them. The staff who work for the Assembly are part of the Commission's team, helping everything operate.

What the Assembly Commission Does

The Assembly Commission has important jobs to make sure the Assembly works well.

Supporting Assembly Members

One of its main roles is to look after the pay and pensions for the Assembly members (MLAs). They also make sure MLAs have the property, staff, and services they need to do their jobs. This includes providing offices and other support.

Managing Parliament Buildings

The Commission is also in charge of Parliament Buildings and the surrounding grounds. They make sure these important places are well-maintained and suitable for the Assembly's work.

Who is on the Commission?

The Assembly Commission is made up of the Speaker and five other Assembly members. These members are chosen by their political parties.

See also

• Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body
• Senedd Commission (Wales)