HL Deb 10 February 2003 vol 644 c101WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 20 January (WA 80), on what dates the necessary approvals were received from the appropriate departments for the two posts in the Irish Agency: and what were those departments. [HL1213]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I refer the noble Lord to my Answer on 6 November 2002 (WA 120) (HL6243).

The sponsor departments (Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) approved the paper on 18 September 2002.

The finance departments informed the sponsor departments on 2 October 2002 of their approval, subject to certain amendments. The amended paper was approved by the North/South Ministerial Council on 9 October 2002.