§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the(a) procedure and (b) timescale for filling the vacant post of Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency. [170784]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyUnder the Implementation Bodies Agreement of 8 March 1999 made between the British and Irish Governments, the North South Ministerial Council fill the vacancy left by Lore Laird's resignation as Chairperson of the Ulster Scots Agency.
During suspension, such decisions are taken by the British and Irish Governments under the Agreement made between the two Governments is on 19 November 2002.
No timescale for any such appointment has yet been set.
§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the reasons given by the Chairman of the Ulster-Scots Agency for his resignation. [170785]
§ Angela SmithIn a letter of resignation to the North South Ministerial Council on 23 April, Lord Laird stated that a lack of official support and public funding for the Ulster-Scots Agency were the reasons. This I refute.
The Budget for the Agency has trebled since 2000 to a current level of £1.7 million which is an 11 per cent. increase on last year's budget. This is within a care and maintenance arrangement as agreed by North South Ministerial Council.
My Department continues to work closely with the Ulster-Scots Agency in support of their work.