In the application of this Act to Northern Ireland, the expression “statute of limitation” means
[F1(a)]any enactment (whether of the Irish Parliament or of the Parliament of the United Kingdom or of the Parliament of Northern Ireland) [F2for the time being in force in Northern Ireland]under which a period is prescribed as the period within which any action to which such enactment relates is required to be brought [F1and—
(bin a case to which Article 3(1) of the Foreign Limitation Periods (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 applies, so much of the law of any country outside Northern Ireland as applies by virtue of that Order;], but does not include any enactment prescribing a period within which any criminal proceedings, or any proceedings to recover any penalty imposed as a punishment for a criminal offence, or any proceedings before a court of summary jurisdiction must be brought.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 5(b) and the word preceding it and “(a)” inserted by S.I. 1985/754 (N.I.5), art (4)
F2Words substituted by Limitation Act 1963 (c. 47), s. 14(1) and the substitution continues to have effect by Limitation Act 1980 (c. 58, SIF 79), s. 40(1), Sch. 2 para. 2 (notwithstanding the repeal by the Act 1980 of section 14(1) of the Act of 1963)