HL Deb 08 February 2005 vol 669 c95WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 21 December 2004 (WA 135), what additional benefits have occurred to cross-border co-operation as a result of the setting up of the cross-border bodies outlined in the Belfast agreement. [HL681]

The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)

I have nothing further to add to my Answer given on 21 December 2004 (Official Report, col. WA 135).

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the budgets for the cross-border bodies for 2005 taking the two sections of the Language Body as separate; and what percentage increase this represents over the 2004 budgets. [HL832]

Baroness Amos

The table below provides details of the budgets for the North/South implementation bodies for 2005 and the percentage increases over the 2004 budgets. The figures quoted in the table for the agencies of the Language Body are based on draft business plans provided by the agencies, as the 2005 budget figures for the Language Body have not yet been agreed.

North/South body implementation 2005 Budget £ million Percentage increase on 2004
Language Body 1.769* 3.81*
-Ulster-Scots 12.968* 0.53*
-Foras Na Gaeilge Inter Tradelreland 9.27 3.00
Special EU Programmes Body 2.195 8.66
Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission 3.67 14.69
Waterways Ireland 34.16 7.76
Food Safety 6.16 1.32

* The 2005 budget figures for the Agencies of the Language Body have not yet been agreed.