§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date the North/South Ministerial Secretariat became aware of the involvement of Cross-Border Implementation Bodies in the Republic of Ireland's Official Languages Act 2003; what action the secretariat took; and when; and [HL2947]
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 17 May (WA 53) concerning the Republic of Ireland's Official Languages Act 2003, whether there was any discussion between the North/South Ministerial Secretariat and the appropriate government departments and the Eire Government on the Act; if so, when such discussions took place; and what was their nature. [HL2948]
§ Baroness Amos:The North/South Ministerial Council Secretariat became aware of the involvement of the North/South Implementation Bodies in the Official Languages Act 2003 on 29 May 2003.
Following subsequent discussions between relevant officials, north and south, on a number of occasions, the secretariat facilitated a formal discussion on 19 March 2004 when it was agreed that a code of practice reflecting the legal and policy frameworks established in both jurisdictions on the use of Irish language and Ulster Scots would be prepared.
I have nothing further to add to the Answer given on 6 May 2004 (WA 125) regarding discussions on the Official Languages Act 2003.