The Secretary of State may by order make provision for the filling of vacancies occurring in the Assembly’s membership.

Such provision may be made by reference to by-elections or substitutes or such other method of filling vacancies as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

If a seat becomes vacant, the Presiding Officer shall as soon as reasonably practicable inform the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland.

The validity of any proceedings of the Assembly is not affected by any vacancy in its membership.

An order under subsection (1) may apply (with or without modifications) any provision of, or made under, any enactment.