HL Deb 11 December 2002 vol 642 cc36-7WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What funding or resources have been made available to the Irish Language Agency, similar to that referred to in the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6 November (WA 120) concerning two assistant editor posts, in each year since 1999; and for what the funding or resources were used. [HL138]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

Funding by the Department of Education and Science has not as yet been provided to the Irish Language Agency for the two assistant editor posts referred to in my Answer on 6 November in any year since 1999.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6 November (WA 120) concerning the appointment of two assistant editor posts for the Irish Language Agency, on what date the agency was informed that North/South Ministerial Council approval was required and that approval could be given at a meeting of 9 October; who provided that information; why the same facility was not offered to the Ulster-Scots Agency; who designed the job specifications and salary scale; and which departments approved them. [HL141]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, on behalf of both sponsoring departments, informed Foras na Gaeilge on 2 July 2002 that NSMC approval was required for the appointment of two assistant editor posts. Foras na Gaeilge was advised to seek that approval at the earliest opportunity after the necessary departmental approvals were obtained. No similar posts have been requested by Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch. The job descriptions and salary scales were designed by Foras na Gaeilge, based on existing job specifications and salary scales in the publications section of the organisation. The salary scale was agreed at official level between the sponsor departments and the two finance departments, subject to the approval of NSMC. The posts were created in response to a request from the Department of Education and Science for assistance in the provision of Irish language training aids. That department will provide all the costs involved.