HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 cc100-1W
Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on the promotion and support of(a) Irish and (b) Ulster-Scots cultural activities excluding the Irish language expenditure, identified in his answer of 13 January, Official Report, column 57, in each of the past five years. [17084]

Mr. Ancram

Other than projects with a distinct language dimension, it is not possible to categorise objectively cultural activities which receive support as Irish or Ulster-Scots.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the promotion and teaching of the Irish language in English-medium schools cost in 1995–96, broken down by(a) teacher costs, (b) teaching materials, (c) inspectorate and examination costs, (d) teacher training, and (e) overhead costs. [17083]

Mr. Ancram

Teaching of the Irish language is an integral part of the curriculum in many schools. The breakdown of financial information in the form requested is not available.

Rev. Ian Paisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been employed in each of the last five years by direct and indirect Government funding on the promotion and teaching of(a) the Irish language and (b) the Ulster-Scots language. [17085]

Mr. Ancram

The primary purpose of funding projects with an Irish language or Ulster-Scots language dimension is not employment creation. The information requested is not collated centrally and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.