HL Deb 21 April 2004 vol 660 cc37-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultation took place with cross-border implementation bodies before the Republic of Ireland passed the Official Language Act 2003; and, if so—where the consultations took place; when they took place; with whom they took place; and whether all bodies, including the Ulster-Scots Agency, were included in the consultations. [HL2132]

Baroness Amos

Her Majesty's Government understand that the Irish Government did not consult the implementation bodies before the enactment of the Official Languages Act 2003.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Republic of Ireland, by an Act of its Parliament, gave instructions to the implementation bodies set up under the Belfast Agreement of 1998 without the approval of the North/South Ministerial Council. [HL2134]

Baroness Amos

The implementation bodies, established by agreement between the British and Irish Governments, carry out their functions subject to the domestic law of the two jurisdictions. That agreement does not require the approval of NSMC to the application of domestic law of the UK or Republic of Ireland to the bodies.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they became aware of the Republic of Ireland's Official Languages Act 2003; what representations they have made on the Act; when any such representations were made; and to whom. [HL2135]

Baroness Amos

The Government became aware of the Official Languages Act 2003 following its publication by the Irish Government. No representations were made to the Irish Government.