Overview

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill aims to enhance the recognition and use of the Irish language and Ulster Scots/Ulster British traditions in Northern Ireland, while also establishing an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression to promote cultural pluralism and reconciliation.

Description

The bill introduces several key elements:

• National and Cultural Identity Principles: It enshrines principles that everyone can choose and express their identity while respecting others, and that public authorities should promote reconciliation and understanding. An Office of Identity and Cultural Expression will be established to monitor this.
• Irish Language Commissioner: A new Commissioner will be appointed to promote the Irish language's use by public authorities, setting best practice standards and investigating complaints.
• Ulster Scots/Ulster British Tradition Commissioner: A Commissioner will also be appointed to support the Ulster Scots language, arts, and literature.
• Repeal of the 1737 Act: The Administration of Justice (Language) Act (Ireland) 1737 is repealed, which previously restricted the use of languages other than English in legal proceedings.
• Ulster Scots in Education: The Department of Education will be tasked with encouraging and facilitating the use and understanding of Ulster Scots in the education system.
• Secretary of State Powers: The Secretary of State is granted concurrent powers with Northern Ireland ministers and departments regarding identity and language functions, allowing for direction in certain circumstances. This includes the power to establish or fund the Castlereagh Foundation for academic research into identity.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely involve costs associated with establishing the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and the two new Commissioners, including salaries, operational costs, and potential grants. Further costs may be involved with the implementation of new duties on public authorities. The exact financial implications will depend on the size and scope of these entities and their programmes.

Groups Affected

• Irish speakers: Potentially positive impact through increased official recognition and use of the Irish language.
• Ulster Scots/Ulster British community: Potentially positive impact through enhanced support for their language, arts, and literature.
• Public authorities in Northern Ireland: New duties and responsibilities to comply with best practice standards and potentially increased administrative burdens.
• Northern Ireland Executive: Their powers and responsibilities related to identity and language will be shared with the UK Secretary of State.
• The UK Government: Increased responsibility and expenditure for overseeing the new bodies and policies

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