An Assembly spokesperson said: “The Speaker met party whips and a representative of the smaller parties today to make arrangements for the first sitting of the Assembly following the recent election.
“The Speaker also asked parties for a consensus on what further business would be undertaken by the Assembly and when. On the basis of having received a unanimous view, an Order Paper has issued to Members this afternoon for the preliminary business of Members taking their seats to be conducted on Monday 13th March 2017.
“The Speaker will hold a further meeting with whips in advance of the next sitting of the Assembly on 27 March 2017 when the Assembly will proceed to its first business, beginning with the election of a Speaker and Deputy Speakers.”
