§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether a draft equality scheme was agreed at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting on 14 June; and, if so, whether it applies to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. [HL417]
§ Lord Williams of MostynSection 75 and Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 impose statutory duties concerning equality of opportunity and good relations on the North/South Language Body in carrying out its functions relating to Northern Ireland.
A draft equality scheme for the North/South Language Body was approved by the North/South Ministerial Council at the Language Sector meeting on 14 June 2002 and subsequently by the Equality Commission on 26 November 2002.
The equality scheme explains how the North/South Language Body proposes to fulfil these statutory obligations, and a copy has been placed in the Library.