Language Implementation Body

HL Deb 16 June 2003 vol 649 cc78-9WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the activity since 1999 of the two sections of the Language Implementation Body is satisfactory; whether they have received representations from the Government of the Irish Republic on this activity; and, if so, what were the representations. [HL2923]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The activity of the two agencies since 1999 has been considered satisfactory in terms of contributing to fulfilling their statutory functions. The Irish Government make known their views on the Language Implementation Body through the North/South Ministerial Council. Day-to-day dialogue takes place between the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the South in their roles as sponsoring departments for the Language Body. Similar discussion takes place as necessary between the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance.