Part IPreliminary
1In this Schedule “devolution issue” means—
(a)a question whether any provision of an Act of the Assembly is within the legislative competence of the Assembly;
(b)a question whether a purported or proposed exercise of a function by a Minister or Northern Ireland department is, or would be, invalid by reason of section 24;
(c)a question whether a Minister or Northern Ireland department has failed to comply with any of the Convention rights, any obligation under Community law or any order under section 27 so far as relating to such an obligation; or
(d)any question arising under this Act about excepted or reserved matters.
2A devolution issue shall not be taken to arise in any proceedings merely because of any contention of a party to the proceedings which appears to the court or tribunal before which the proceedings take place to be frivolous or vexatious.