Meetings

Business Committee considered and agreed the draft Standing Order report.

Members returned to the issues raised at the previous meeting after consulting with their political groups on the proposals. Members agreed that nominations for an additional Deputy Presiding Officer should be tabled by the Presiding Officer, following consultation with the Business Committee.

Members agreed that in the event that the office of Presiding Officer is vacant or if the Presiding Officer is unable to act, Standing Orders should specify that the Presiding Officer’s functions would automatically become exercisable by the first Deputy Presiding Officer.

Whilst one Member expressed a view in favour of using the English titles of 'Speaker' and 'Deputy Speaker', Members agreed that the English titles of ‘Presiding Officer’ and ‘Deputy Presiding Officer’, currently set out in Standing Orders should stay as they are.

Members confirmed their agreement for the reminder of decisions they took in principle at the last meeting.

Members were broadly content with the proposals, subject to considering further information on the arrangements to propose a motion to the Senedd that an additional Deputy Presiding Officer be elected, and in relation to the delegation of responsibilities in circumstances where the office of Presiding Officer is vacant, or if the Presiding Officer is unable to act.
 

Business Managers agreed to consult their political groups on the proposals, including whether or not to consider changing English references to “Presiding Officer” and “Deputy Presiding Officer” in Standing Orders to “Speaker” and “Deputy Speaker”.