3.—(1) Section 7 of the 1998 Act (advance notice of protest meetings related to public processions)(1) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1)—

(a)for “(2) to (4)” substitute “(1A) to (4A)”; and

(b)omit the words from “to a member” to the end of that subsection.

(3) After subsection (1) insert—

“(1A) Notice under this section shall be—

(a)left with a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland not below the rank of sergeant at the police station nearest to the place at which the meeting is to be held; or

(b)sent to the Police Service of Northern Ireland by permitted electronic means (see section 7A).”.

(4) After subsection (4) insert—

“(4A) Where notice is sent by permitted electronic means, the signature required by subsection (3)(b) is a permitted electronic signature (see section 7A).”.