HL Deb 17 June 2004 vol 662 c82WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there have been any meetings between their officials and those of the Eire Government on issues relating to the Official Languages Act 2003; and, if so, when, where and with whom the meetings took place, and whether they will place the minutes of the meetings in the Library of the House. [HL3033]

Baroness Amos

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 6 May 2004 (WA 126).

The meeting on 19 March 2004 took place in Armagh and comprised officials from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Finance and Personnel, the Department of Finance, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the NSMC Joint Secretariat.

Under paragraphs 1 (defence, security and international relations) and 2 (internal discussion and advice) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it would not he appropriate to disclose the minutes of this meeting.