Notice is hereby given that the Department of Justice made the above named Statutory Rule under section 90(2) of the Coronavirus Act 2020 on 16 March 2026.

The Statutory Rule will require to be approved by a resolution of the Northern Ireland Assembly before the end of the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the order was made if it is to remain in effect until the 24 September 2026. The calculation of 40 days is subject to the provision made in section 96(8) of that Act.

This Order extends the operation of the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7) which allow the wider and extended use of video or audio live links by all or any courts or a statutory tribunal (Part 1 of Schedule 27). It extends the provisions, which facilitate public participation in legal proceedings if, and when live links are used while protecting those proceedings from unauthorised recordings or transmission (Part 2 of Schedule 27).

The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Extension of Provisions Relating to Live Links for Courts and Tribunals) (No.2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2025 (SR.2025 No.151) extended the operation of these provisions until 24th March 2026.

Article 2 extends the operation of the provisions until 24th September 2026.

Copies of the Rule may be purchased from the Stationery Office at www.tsoshop.co.uk or by contacting TSO Customer Services on 0333 202 5070 or viewed online at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr.