7.This section suspends the operation of the Northern Ireland Assembly and sets out in subsections (2) – (7) some specific functions and activities of the Assembly that cannot take place during the suspension period. These include:
	The Assembly and/or its committees cannot meet or conduct any business.
	The Assembly cannot pass any legislation.
	Ministers will not hold office and there can be no appointments to office.
Subsection (8) refers to the Schedule of the Act. This sets out details of how Assembly business and functions will be carried out during the suspension period and is dealt with in more detail below.
Commentary Section 1: Suspension of devolved Government in Northern Ireland