HL Deb 28 January 2003 vol 643 cc143-4WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 9 January (WA 237–38) concerning Waterways Ireland, why the annual report for 1999–2000 indicated that it was set up by legislation on 2 December 1999 when that is incorrect. [HL1068]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

As the six North/South Implementation Bodies were in fact established by an agreement made on 8 March 1999 between the British and Irish governments, Waterways Ireland's statement in its annual report for 1999–2000 is incorrect. Waterways Ireland has been made aware of this inaccuracy and has undertaken to make an appropriate correction in its next annual report for 2001.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 9 January (WA 237–38) concerning Waterways Ireland, how many of the 70 employees at the headquarters in Enniskillen are from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and how many from that of the Irish Republic; and how many required Irish language to obtain employment. [HL1069]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

There are currently 51 employees at the Waterways Ireland headquarters in Enniskillen: 48 of these employees were recruited through open competition. Two employees are currently on secondment from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and one employee was transferred from the Irish Civil Service. None of the employees required Irish language to obtain employment.