§ David BurnsideTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the(a) role and (b) cost of the deputy speakers of the Northern Ireland Assembly has been since suspension. [156668]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe status of the Deputy Speakers, under Section 39 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, has not been affected by suspension but, since they have not been required to exercise any statutory functions, they have not received any payment as Deputy Speakers.