The first review of the Northern Ireland Assembly's management structures is to be held, the Assembly Speaker said today.
Former Scottish presiding officer George Reid is to lead the rethink and is due to report back by October.
Assembly Speaker Willie Hay said it was the first reappraisal since the body was formed in 1998. Issues like resourcing of backbench MLAs' research will be included.
Mr Hay said: "It is a unique opportunity for the Assembly that we have this review and that we all end up with a better organisation."
Mr Reid (68), is known for turning around the disastrous management of the Holyrood building project of Scotland's parliament four years ago.
A former SNP MP for Clackmannan and East Stirlingshire, he stood down as Scotland's Speaker before the May election and was invited to Stormont by Mr Hay to chair the steering group.
He will join former Permanent Secretary at the Assembly's Department of Finance and Personnel John Hunter and a small group of other experts.
PA