Mr. John DavidTaylor asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to be in a position to announce a decision on proposals to facilitate the flying of the tricolour of the Republic of Ireland (a) within Northern Ireland generally and (b) on public and Government buildings in Northern Ireland, specifically.
§ Mr. ScottNo such proposals are under consideration. The question of the Flags and Emblems (Display) Act (NI) 1954 will, along with other public order issues, be addressed later this year in the light of forthcoming changes in Great Britain public order law. The effect of the Act is to give a privileged status to displays of the union flag: it does not prohibit the flying of the tricolour in peaceful circumstances.