Pensions of members.

1 The Assembly may make provision for the payment of pensions, gratuities or allowances to, or in respect of, any person who— a has ceased to be a member of the Assembly; or b has ceased to hold an office within subsection (1A) but continues to be a member of the Assembly. 1A An office is within this subsection if the salary payable under section 47 to a member of the Assembly holding the office is higher than the salary payable under that section to members of the Assembly generally. 2 Such provision may, in particular, include provision for— a contributions or payments towards provision for such pensions, gratuities or allowances; b the establishment and administration (whether by the Commission or otherwise) of one or more pension schemes. 2A Where any salary payable to a person under section 47 is not payable because of section 47A , any provision made under this section for the payment of pensions which has effect in relation to him shall apply as if the salary were payable. 3 In this section— “ the Commission ” means the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission; “ provision ” includes provision— by an Act of the Assembly (which may include provision establishing an office or body, provision conferring functions on an office-holder or body and ancillary provision) ; or by a resolution of the Assembly conferring functions on the Commission. 4 Any expenditure incurred by the Assembly under this section shall be defrayed out of money appropriated by Act of the Assembly.