No plans for an Ulster ScotsAct: Minister

CULTURE Minister Carál Ní Chuilín says she has no plans for an Ulster Scots Act despite her intention of forging ahead with proposals to bring an Irish Language Bill to the Executive Legislative Programme 2011- 2015.

The Minister revealed the Irish language received more favourably treatment than Ulster Scots as part of the St Andrew’s Agreement in 2006.

She stated: “The Belfast Agreement made a commitment to take resolute action to promote the Irish language.

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“The St Andrew’s Agreement of October 2006 committed the British Government to introduce an Irish Language Act based on the experience of Wales and Ireland; and to work with the incoming Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.

“I regard an Irish Language Act as essential to protect and promote Irish in the North. I intend to bring forward proposals for an Irish Language Bill to the Executive Legislative Programme 2011-2015.”

But asked by UUP MLA Michael McGimpsey is an Ulster Scots Act was on the cards she stated: “The Belfast Agreement recognises the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to Ulster-Scots.

“Following the Agreement at St Andrews the British Government passed legislation at Westminster to amend the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

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“Section 28D(2) of this Act is now as follows: ‘The Executive Committee shall adopt a Strategy setting out how it proposes to enhance and develop the Ulster Scots language, heritage and culture.’

“The Executive’s Programme for Government 2011-2015 includes a Strategy for the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture as part of Priority 4 ‘Building a Strong and Shared Community.’”

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