Interpretation of Acts of the Assembly etc.

1 This section applies where— a any provision of an Act of the Assembly, or of a Bill for such an Act, could be read either— i in such a way as to be within the legislative competence of the Assembly; or ii in such a way as to be outside that competence; or b any provision of subordinate legislation made, confirmed or approved, or purporting to be made, confirmed or approved, by a Northern Ireland authority could be read either— i in such a way as not to be invalid by reason of section 24 or, as the case may be, section 76; or ii in such a way as to be invalid by reason of that section. 2 The provision shall be read in the way which makes it within that competence or, as the case may be, does not make it invalid by reason of that section, and shall have effect accordingly. 3 In this section “ Northern Ireland authority ” means a Minister, a Northern Ireland department or a public authority (within the meaning of section 76) carrying out functions relating to Northern Ireland.