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I thank the Member for his supplementary question. We should always endeavour to build those positive relationships. There is an opportunity because, as outlined, there are Scots-Irish and Ulster-Scots links, particularly through the vice president, who has spoken about those connections before. There is an…
I know that the deputy First Minister has been involved for many years in engagement with the US on Northern Ireland's behalf. Given the change in Administration, does she agree that engagement in DC, in particular, is crucial to build those relations? The Finance Minister outlined just last week Northern Ireland's £1…
The St Patrick's Day period offers an opportunity to deepen our connections with the US. This year, there are around a dozen events being organised. Currently, however, no invitations have been issued from the White House to Ministers. Once we have confirmation of the full range of events in Washington DC, the First…
I thank the Member for his question. I am not aware that it was discussed. If I am incorrect, I will certainly write to the Member. I understand that the financial issues pertaining to that body are to do with some pension contributions or other aspects. Those issues are entirely separate from the funding that we…
The deputy First Minister will be aware of the news that broke over the past week or so about the Irish language group's concerns about losing funding . My understanding is that, at the North/South Ministerial Council last year, a new framework was discussed for funded bodies such as Foras na Gaeilge and others. Will…
I thank the Member for her question, but I do not agree at all that there has been a total failure. In fact, there has been significant investment in the Irish language and, indeed, in Ulster Scots over not just the past number of years but the past 18 years, from restoration back in 2007. That has led to a…
Does the deputy First Minister agree that there has been a total failure on the part of the Executive to fund Foras na Gaeilge? Will she please update the House on the last time that she and the First Minister spoke about the Irish Language Commissioner post?
I thank the Member for his question. I understand that the appointments will be based on the legislation on which the Committee was already consulted. Indeed, that legislation is now in place, so the appointments will be fully in line with the statutory responsibilities in that legislation and will not require…
When does the deputy First Minister expect all those processes to be completed, and will there be an opportunity for her Department to bring that information to the Executive Office Committee?
I thank the Member for his question. He will be aware that these are new appointment processes and that there are a number of posts: not just the two commissioners but the staff in the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, which will go out to public appointment. Departmental officials have therefore carried out…
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a freagra. Will the Minister outline specifically what the Executive Office has been doing to progress the establishment of the bodies and the appointment of the commissioners, and within what time frame?
The appointments of the language commissioners and the director and members of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression are essential to the implementation of the provisions of the Identity and Language Act, for which TEO is responsible. We are committed to establishing the three bodies, and preparations are now…
I thank the Member for her question. We are all aware that the way in which we communicate has changed. It is no longer through just radio, TV programmes and news channels; a huge number of people now get their information from social media. People choose more and more to get their news and information from those…
I thank the Member for her question. The Member is aware that the Department is under the equality duty set out in section 75, as all Departments and public bodies are. We take that duty seriously. It is important to us that we are able to communicate our strategies and other information, including on the things that…
Indeed. That is why the Department has led the way in doing that and has done so for a considerable time. We try to focus on the accessibility aspect of all our social media posts. As I indicated, that includes that, where we use videos, we try to subtitle them. We also make things as clear as possible and use the…
I thank the deputy First Minister for that answer. Does the deputy First Minister agree that it is important to make social media content accessible to people with visual impairments and that functions such as alt text image descriptions aid understanding and make social media more inclusive?
The Executive Office is committed to ensuring that the information and services that it provides are fully accessible to all parts of the community. That includes its communication on social media. The Executive information service (EIS) has provided accessibility training for its communications staff to enable them…
I am sure that, as Chair of the Finance Committee and leader of the Opposition, the Member is aware that the Executive cannot set a multi-year Budget in the absence of a multi-year spending review by Westminster.
Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I have 10 minutes, although I may not use them all. Thank you for taking my point of order on the anomaly that relates to my two roles. It is important that it be resolved. Today and tomorrow, we will have a significant opportunity to debate the Budget process in the…
Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. As you have set out, the debate covers the three Supply resolutions for the spring Supplementary Estimates (SSEs) 2024-25, which cover the current financial year, the Vote on Account for 2025-26 and a Statement of Excesses for 2023-24, all of which are associated…
On a point of order. I appreciate your granting me the opportunity to raise a point of order, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I ask the Speaker's Office again to look at the anomaly of the situation that the Opposition and I are in for timed debates in particular, but which will also arise tomorrow. I, as Chair of the…