AQW 11196/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 30/11/2020
Answered On Date: 01/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) when the legislation will be brought forward, as outlined in part 27 of New Decade, New Approach, for the Irish Language and Ulster Scots/Ulster British Commissioners; and (ii) whether this legislation will not be introduced under accelerated passage.

Answer:

Our officials continue with preparatory work, to legislate for the core elements of the Rights, Language and Identity proposals contained in ‘New Decade, New Approach’.

This includes arrangements to progress the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Amendment No. 2) Bill which provides for the establishment of an Irish Language Commissioner, and to progress the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Amendment No.3) Bill which provides for a Commissioner to enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition here.

We will progress the legislation during the current mandate and the appointment of the Commissioners as quickly as possible thereafter.

The legislative process is yet to be agreed by the Executive; we will update the Assembly in due course.