Extension of categories of authorised participants

3.—(1) Sections 71F to 71Y of the 2000 Act (1) shall become Chapter 1 of Part 4A of the 2000 Act.

(2) After section 71Y insert—

“CHAPTER 2 SPECIAL PROVISION IN CONNECTION WITH NORTHERN IRELAND

71Z.    Introduction

(1) The following provisions have effect for the interpretation of this Chapter.

(2) “Northern Ireland participant” means —

(a) a party registered in the Northern Ireland register, or

(b) a regulated participant who is—

(i) an individual ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland, or

(ii) a members association wholly or mainly consisting of members of a Northern Ireland party.

(3) “Regulated participant” and “members association” have the same meaning as in Schedule 7A.

(4) “Prescribed” means prescribed by an order made by the Secretary of State after consulting the Commission.

71Z1.    Extension of categories of authorised participants in relation to Northern Ireland participants

(1) In relation to a regulated transaction or controlled transaction involving a Northern Ireland participant, section 71H(3) and paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 7A have effect as if the following were also authorised participants—

(a) an Irish citizen in relation to whom any prescribed conditions are met;

(b) a body which is of a prescribed description or category and in relation to which any prescribed conditions are met.

(2) A description or category of body must not be prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) unless the Secretary of State is satisfied that a body of that description or category would be entitled under Irish law to enter into a transaction which corresponds to a regulated or controlled transaction in relation to an Irish political party.

71Z2.    Northern Ireland participants are not authorised participants in relation to Great Britain

(1) In relation to a regulated transaction or controlled transaction to which—

(a) a registered party which is registered in the Great Britain register, or

(b) a regulated participant resident or carrying on activities in Great Britain,

is a party, section 71H(3) and paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 7A, have effect as if a party registered in the Northern Ireland register is not an authorised participant.

(2) The reference in subsection (1)(b) to Great Britain includes the combined region.”

(1)

Sections 71F to 71X were inserted by section 61 of the EA Act and section 71Y was inserted by paragraph 98 of Schedule 1 to the EA Act.