HL Deb 09 September 2003 vol 652 cc106-7WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 11 June (WA 43) concerning the North/South Implementation Bodies, how long they can continue to exist under the Belfast Agreement without the existence of a Northern Ireland Assembly. [HL3828]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I have nothing further to add to my answer of 11 June (WA 43)

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 7 July (WA 3) concerning the funding of North/South Implementation Bodies, what is meant by "a standard arrangement which has already been agreed in respect of other North/South bodies"; who this was agreed by; and why the agreement covers the North/South Language Body. [HL3911]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The "standard arrangement" referred to in the answer given on 7 July (WA 3) relates to the application of future salary increases for staff employed in North/South bodies. The principle is that future salary adjustments following general pay increase rounds for staff of North/South bodies shall be agreed between sponsoring departments with the approval of finance departments without further reference to NSMC. This is to the benefit of the North/South bodies as it does not require a case to be made every year to NSMC for routine increases in salary ranges. Decisions in keeping with this principle have already been agreed for the SEUPB and FSPB by the North/South Ministerial Council prior to suspension. A further decision in keeping with this principle was made under the interim procedures for the Irish Language Agency of the North/South Language Body.

The decision of 11 June is in keeping with this principle.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in the creation of pension provision for staff of the implementation bodies set up after the Belfast Agreement of 1998; and what, if any, difficulties are still outstanding. [HL3965]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I refer the noble Lord to the answer given on 21 May 2003 (WA 85).

Progress continues to be made on all aspects of the pension scheme for staff of the North/South Implementation Bodies and consultation with the relevant stakeholders is proceeding.

Further proposed amendments to the scheme rules resulting from the most recent round of consultations are currently with the Bodies for consideration.