Vacancies.

1 The Secretary of State may by order make provision for the filling of vacancies occurring in the Assembly’s membership. 2 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. 3 If a seat becomes vacant, the Presiding Officer shall as soon as reasonably practicable inform the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland. 4 The validity of any proceedings of the Assembly is not affected by any vacancy in its membership. 5 An order under subsection (1) may apply (with or without modifications) any provision of, or made under, any enactment.