Giving the notification of the start of the democratic consent process

1 The Secretary of State must give the notification of the start of the democratic consent process to — a the Presiding Officer, and b the clerk to the Assembly. 2 The notification of the start of the democratic consent process must state that the alternative democratic consent process applies. 3 As soon as practicable after giving notice under sub-paragraph (1), the Secretary of State must take reasonable steps to provide the members of the Assembly with such explanatory materials as it is reasonable to provide in order to assist them when deciding the question on the motion for a consent resolution. 4 In this paragraph “the clerk to the Assembly” means the person who holds or exercises the functions of that office in accordance with the standing orders or practice of the Assembly.