HL Deb 01 May 2002 vol 634 cc132-4WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their interpretation of the concepts enunciated in the Belfast Agreement of 1998 which offered total equality and parity of esteem, as far as it concerns Ulster Scots Language, culture and history. [HL3970]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Belfast Agreement affirmed the parties' recognition of "the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland., the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland".

Policy responsibility for the issues referred to by the noble Lord rests with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure within the Northern Ireland Executive.