AQW 41473/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 26/02/2026
Answered On Date: 04/03/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the operation of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

Answer:

We are pleased to say that the Director of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, the Irish Language Commissioner and the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition, all provided for under the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, have been in post since the 13th November 2025. The NIO commenced further provisions of the Act on the 27th January 2026 to enable the Offices to carry out their statutory duties including the Act’s due regards duty on public authorities with regards to the National and Cultural Identity Principles. We met with the three successful candidates individually on the 9th February 2026 and we wish them well during their time in post.