HL Deb 04 November 2004 vol 666 cc41-2WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 12 October (WA 51), why Tourism Ireland's increase in budget for 2003 and 2004 was regarded as necessary for care and maintenance, while a similar request for funding by the Ulster-Scots Agency was not granted. [HL4502]

Baroness Amos

All cross-border bodies continue to operate on a care and maintenance basis only while the Northern Ireland Assembly is in suspension. Under care and maintenance, the bodies may not undertake new functions, but the resource needs required to deliver their existing functions will vary between bodies and over time. A body may therefore receive an increase in its budget provided it relates to the continuation of policies and activities agreed by the North/South Ministerial Council.

In each case the assessment of a body's resource needs is based on budgetary requirements identified in its corporate and operating plans with each case being judged solely on its merits.