Resolutions about reduction of financial assistance

1 If the Assembly resolves that the whole or a specified part of any financial assistance payable for a specified period under the Financial Assistance for Political Parties Act (Northern Ireland) 2000 to a particular political party shall not be payable— a because it is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means, or b because it is not committed to such of its members as are or might become Ministers or junior Ministers observing the other terms of the pledge of office, the financial assistance payable to it under that Act shall be reduced accordingly. 2 The Assembly may, before the end of the period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) falls to be made, by resolution extend that period. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) falls to be made shall come to an end if the Assembly— a is dissolved; or b resolves to bring the reduction to an end. 5 A motion for a resolution under this section shall not be moved unless— a it is supported by at least 30 members of the Assembly; b it is moved by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister acting jointly; or c it is moved by the Presiding Officer in pursuance of a notice under subsection (6). 6 If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the Assembly ought to consider a resolution under this section, he shall serve a notice on the Presiding Officer requiring him to move a motion for such a resolution. 7 In forming an opinion under subsection (6), the Secretary of State shall in particular take into account the matters listed in section 30(7). 8 A resolution under this section shall not be passed without cross-community support. 9 In this section a reference to— a the period by reference to which a reduction under subsection (1) falls to be made, ... b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . is, where the period has been extended, a reference to the period as extended.