Irish language and Ulster Scots bill introduced at Westminster

Key Facts

• It has begun its legislative passage in the House of Lords first, but it is understood it will not be fast tracked.
• The legislation will give the Irish language official status, allow the use of Irish in courts and see the appointment of Irish and Ulster Scots/Ulster British commissioners.
• Media caption, Irish speakers react to news that the legislation has taken its first step at Westminster It will also allow the secretary of state to intervene in areas relating to the decisions of commissioners, if power sharing is not restored.
• Image caption, Anne Smyth, chair of the Ulster Scots Language Society, says the bill does not support their language The legislation has been delayed for months with the government initially agreeing to pass the bill at Westminster last autumn, to resolve a Stormont split on the issue.

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