Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Assembly Commission what steps have been taken by the Commission to give effect to the provisions in The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.
Assembly Commission: In respect of Part 7A (National and Cultural Identity) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (the 1998 Act), the Assembly Commission’s Equality Scheme already contains detailed provision under which individuals may choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity; and express and celebrate that identity in a manner that takes account of the sensitivities of those with different national and cultural identities. The Assembly Commission is currently considering any additional steps which may be necessary to comply with the duties in Part 7A of the 1998 Act.
In respect of Part 7B of the 1998 Act (The Irish Language), the Assembly Commission is awaiting the publication of standards of best practice relating to the use of the Irish language by public authorities. It will be for the Irish Language Commissioner to publish these standards, having consulted with such persons as the Commissioner considers appropriate. These standards must be approved by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly. The Assembly Commission will take any additional steps necessary to comply with these standards when they are published.
In respect of Part 7C of the 1998 Act (The Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition), the Assembly Commission is awaiting the publication of guidance on developing and encouraging the relevant language, arts and literature (including facilitating the use of Ulster Scots in the provision of services to the public or a section of the public in Northern Ireland). It will be for the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition to publish such guidance, having consulted with such persons as the Commissioner considers appropriate. The Assembly Commission will take any additional steps necessary to comply with this guidance when it is published.
Finally, you will wish to note that, for the purposes of The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, the Assembly Commission is a “public authority”. The institution of the Assembly does not have a corporate identity and is not a “public authority” for the purposes of The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.
ENDS
Your MLA 