HL Deb 13 February 2003 vol 644 cc144-6WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In reference to the appointment of the deputy chief executive, Director of Education Services of the Irish Language Agency, who will be in charge of the agency's Belfast office commencing on 17 February; on what dates this appointment was approved by (a) the agency, (b) the North/South Ministerial Council, and (c) other relevant departments; and which are those departments. [HL1215]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The deputy chief executive, Director of Education Services of the Irish Language Agency, will be in charge of the agency's Belfast office commencing on 17 February.

The relevant departments are the sponsor departments, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (formerly Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands) and the finance departments, Department of Finance and Personnel and Department of Finance.

The sponsor departments recommended the grading and pay range for the post on 20 March 2002, and after consultation with officials in the two finance departments the grading and pay range were agreed on 10 April 2002.

The North/South Ministerial Council on 15 April 2002 approved the recruitment process and, subject to the approval of finance ministers, the grading and pay range for the post. That part of the board of the North/ South Language Body with responsibility for the Irish Language Agency on 29 April 2002 authorised the chief executive to implement the recruitment process approved by NSMC for the appointment of the deputy chief executive, Director of Education Services.

Finance ministers' approval for the grading and pay range for the post was received on 23 September 2002.