As a result of the complex history of the political situation in Northern Ireland since 1921, there have been a number of changes in the way that primary legislation has been made in and for the province. For a summary of these changes see Background - Northern Ireland.
The types of primary legislation for Northern Ireland still extant are:
Acts of the Parliament of Northern Ireland (1921 - 1972)
Measures of the Northern Ireland Assembly (1974 only)
Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly (2000 – 2002 and 2007 to date)
Orders in Council made under the Northern Ireland Acts (1972 to date)
Although this last category of legislation takes the form of statutory instruments (which are secondary legislation), it constitutes, in effect, the primary legislation for Northern Ireland during periods of 'direct rule' by the UK government. Orders in Council continue to be used to legislate for Northern Ireland in relation to matters that have not been devolved to the Assembly.
There is no separate category in Northern Ireland for primary legislation of a local or personal nature.
Legislation of the above types that was still in force at 31 December 2005 is held on SLD revised to that date. Revision work is being carried forward on SLD with effect from the Northern Ireland basedate of 1 January 2006. Acts of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Orders in Council from 1991 to 2005 are also held on SLD in unrevised ('as enacted') form.
You can find out more about the Northern Ireland Assembly and its work at www.niassembly.gov.uk.
See also
Parent topic