THE STORMONT assembly will today convene for a final schedule meeting until September as its annual summer recess begins.
The Northern Ireland Executive is also scaling back its regular meetings, with ministers planning to come together just twice during August.
The assembly's recess comes in the midst of the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic and six months on from the restoration of devolution following a three-year hiatus.
While the threat to public health from Covid-19 remains significant, the devolved administration is expected to respond promptly to developments.
A spokesman for the Executive Office said that while ministers plan to meet only on August 6 and August 20, there was provision for an unscheduled meeting to take place should circumstances require it.
Likewise, the assembly can convene at short notice for an emergency session.
Members are expected to return from recess in early September.
