HL Deb 08 July 2003 vol 651 cc24-5WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans the Belfast Education and Library Board have to form connections with Scotland to support the Ulster Scots community. [HL3671]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

There are no plans specifically to form connections with Scotland to support the Ulster Scots community but the board is examining ways to further deepen the links with education providers in other jurisdictions including Scotland.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans the Northern Ireland Department of Education has to facilitate the promotion of Ulster-Scots language, culture and identity. [HL3672]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Scope already exists within the statutory curriculum for schools to introduce aspects of Ulster-Scots language, literature and culture as part of the Cultural Heritage and Education for Mutual Understanding cross-curricular themes, and resource material is available from the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council.