12commentary on Sections Section 2: Pensions etc.
18.This section makes minor consequential amendments to section 48 of the 1998 Act. Section 48 deals with pensions, allowances and gratuities for persons who cease to be members of the Assembly, or who cease to hold certain offices but continue as members of the Assembly.
19.Subsections (2) and (3) are consequential on the removal of section 47(3) of the 1998 Act by section 1(4) of the Act. They replace a reference to an office mentioned in section 47(3)(a) with a reference to an office in respect of which a higher salary is payable.
20.Subsection (4) amends the definition of “provision” in section 48(3) to make clear that an Act of the Assembly under section 48 may establish an office or body and confer functions on an office-holder or body. This makes it clear that the Assembly’s powers under section 48 are the same as its powers under section 47(10A), inserted by section 1(12) of the Act.