HL Deb 20 November 2003 vol 654 cc353-4WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure have not arranged extra budget for the Language Implementation Body agreed in June. [HL5277]

Baroness Amos

In accordance with the agreement made by exchange of notes between both governments on 19 November 2002, the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Ireland agreed in June 2003 that the budget originally agreed for the North/South Language Implementation Body for 2003 would be increased, subject to approval of revised business; plans for 2003. Revised business plans were submitted to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in September 2003 for processing through the agreed interim procedures for North/South bodies. I am pleased to report that they have now been approved by the Ministers of the sponsor departments, North and South, in accordance with the procedures.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What role the North/South Ministerial Council has in ensuring that the decision-making process for North/South bodies is correctly applied; and how any such role was fulfilled in the settling of the budget of the Language Implementation Body 2003. [HL5454]

Baroness Amos

The North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat plays a facilitation role in progressing the administrative procedures of the decision-making process.

The Joint Secretariat facilitated the progress of the decision on the increase in the 2003 Budget for the Language Body at the various stages in the administrative procedures.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 11 June (WA 44) what is meant by "the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs advised the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure of the 2003 provision for the North South Language Body"; whether the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs set the budget; and, if not, what action it took. [HL5510]

Baroness Amos

The Answer given on 11 June(WA 44) does not state that "the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs advised the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure of the 2003 provision for the North South Language Body", but that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs advised the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 2003 provision for the North/South Language Body.

I also refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 2 April 2003 (WA 132).