24.This section replicates the offence at section 3 of the PTA and section 31 of the EPA. The PTA version, which has effect in England and Wales and in Scotland, is summary only with a maximum custodial penalty of 6 months. The EPA version, which has effect in Northern Ireland is an either way offence with a maximum custodial penalty on indictment of 1 year. In the Act, the offence is summary only, as in the PTA. Thus in consolidating the legislation the Act aligns the situation in Northern Ireland with that in Great Britain.
Commentary Part Ii: Proscribed Organisations Section 13: Uniform