The Act provides for the creation of a Commission to make "arrangements for administrative, secretarial or other assistance" to the Assembly.
The Act defines the Presiding Officer (styled Speaker in the manner of the old Parliament of Northern Ireland) as the chairperson of the commission.
[3] The commission has responsibility for the pay and pensions of members both directly and through tax-payer funded appointees.
The members of the commission are party appointees who receive a substantial premium over and above the basic MLA salary.
This body also has an interest in the provision of property, staff and services to support Assembly members, Parliament Buildings and grounds.