Explanatory note

This Order ends the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly imposed by section 1 of the Northern Ireland Act 2000 that has been in place since 15th October 2002. Article 4 is a transitional provision, included to enable signature of the Roll of Membership and designation of identity in the Transitional Assembly to remain in place for the purposes of the Northern Ireland Assembly following the restoration of devolved government.

Section 2 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 provides for Schedule 2 to that Act to come into force on the same day as this Order. Paragraph 2(1) of that Schedule disapplies section 3(2) to (7) of the Northern Ireland Act 2000, and makes alternative provision in relation to the filling of Ministerial offices on restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly.