Northern Ireland Legislation - Secondary Legislation

Secondary Legislation

All secondary legislation is derived from primary legislation. Parliament cannot amend secondary legislation, but may reject or approve it. Secondary legislation is drafted by a branch of government:

  • A parent Act can give power to a government department or agency to issue more detailed laws.
  • The Privy Council of the United Kingdom can enact secondary legislation as "Orders in Council". The Privy Council of Northern Ireland was created in 1922, but became dormant in 1972 with the reinstatement of direct rule. Its advisory powers were then handed over to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who is head of the Northern Ireland Office.

Secondary Legislation is titled a Statutory Instrument when drafted by a Westminster department and a Statutory Rule when an Assembly department. Previously Statutory Rules were titled Statutory Rules and Orders.

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