http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2003/0110456661/introduction

The Northern Ireland Act 2000 (Modification) Order 2003

Legislation

King's Printer of Acts of Parliament

2010-11-19

NORTHERN IRELAND;CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

While section 1 of the Northern Ireland Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”) is in force, with the effect that the Northern Ireland Assembly is suspended, paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the 2000 Act allows legislation by Order in Council for any matter for which the Assembly may legislate under the terms of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This power to legislate by Order in Council is limited to the first six months of any period during which section 1 of the 2000 Act is in force but may be extended by Order for a further period of up to six months at a time.