Language JC 21 June 2000

1. The first meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in its Language Sectoral format was held in Belfast on Wednesday 21 June 2000. The meeting dealt with issues relating to the Language Body, which is one of the six North/South Implementation Bodies.

2. The Northern Ireland Executive Committee Delegation comprised Mr Michael McGimpsey MLA, Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Ms Bairbre de Brún MLA Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The Irish Government was represented by Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

3. Both sides recognised the significance of the meeting as the first Sectoral meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council on Language Matters. They agreed that the Body would have an important role to play in enhancing co-operation between North and South in promoting the Irish Language and in promoting greater awareness and use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues.

4. The Chairperson of the Language Body Mairéad Uí Mhairtín, in the absence of Lord Laird of Artigarvan, reported on behalf of both Joint Chairpersons on the progress in developing the Body as a whole and in taking forward its remit in regard to the Irish Language and Ulster-Scots. She stressed the value of the Body as a means of promoting greater respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to cultural and linguistic diversity.

5. The Interim Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency of the Body, Mr John Hegarty, made an oral report to the Council. He indicated that initial preparations to carry out the functions of the Ulster-Scots Agency were well underway. He indicated that early meetings of the Board of the Agency would concentrate on devising a corporate strategy, which would in turn determine the operational business of the Agency. The Council noted the current position and looked forward to working closely with the Board of the Agency.

6. The Interim Chief Executive of the Irish Language Agency of the Body, Micheal Ó Gruagain, made an oral report to the Council. He indicated that the transfer of functions and staff from the former Bord na Gaelige had gone smoothly. He also reported on the good progress made in devising a corporate strategy for the Agency and preparing a business plan. He briefed the Council on a number of its current operational activities. The Council noted the current position and looked forward to working closely with the Board of the Agency.

7. The Council considered a request by the Chairperson of the Board of the Irish Language Agency for the provision of assistance in carrying out her duties and agreed a means by which this could be done.

8. The Council considered and agreed a proposal by the Irish Language Agency of the Body to establish a temporary office in Belfast.

9. The Council agreed to meet again in this Sectoral format in the South in September 2000.

Joint Secretariat

21 June 2000