Explanatory note

Under section 2(1) of the Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (“1997 Act”) a decommissioning scheme must identify a period during which firearms, ammunition and explosives may be dealt with in accordance with the scheme (“the amnesty period”). Section 2(2) of the 1997 Act was amended by the Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment ) Act 2002 (“2002 Act”). Under section 2(2) the amnesty period must end before 27th February 2003 or such later date as the Secretary of State may appoint.

Section 2(3) of the 1997 Act was amended by the 2002 Act and the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 so that the day appointed by any Order under section 2(2)(b) is no more that twelve months after the date on which the Order was made and no later than 27th February 2010.

The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997 (Amnesty Period) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/480) appointed 23rd February 2007 as the day before which the amnesty period identified in a decommissioning scheme must end. This Order appoints 20th February 2008 as the day before which the amnesty period identified in a decommissioning scheme must end.