HL Deb 16 October 2003 vol 653 c127WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer from the Lord President on 9 September (WA 106) concerning Cross Border Bodies, whether the decision of the North/South Ministerial Council of 19 May concerning staff remuneration of the Language Implementation Body was taken in line with the procedures issued on 5 December 2002 entitled, Ministerial Decision Making Interim Procedures. [HL4454]

Baroness Amos

The decision of 19 May was taken in line with the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments dated 19 November 2002. However, as the noble Lord is aware, the decision, which was incorrectly titled, was intended to apply only to the Irish Language Agency and not to the whole language body.

To rectify the situation another paper was prepared entitled, General Round Pay Increases for Foras na Gaeilge (other than the Chief Executive) and this was approved on 1 September 2003 in line with the agreement made by the exchange of notes between the two governments.