Clause 3 - The Ulster Scots and the Ulster British Tradition

Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] – in the House of Commons at 3:45 pm on 26 October 2022.

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Amendment proposed: 1, page 9, line 31, at end insert—

“78SA Duty to have regard to published advice or guidance

(1) A public authority must, in providing services to the public or a section of the public in Northern Ireland, have due regard to any advice or guidance published pursuant to section 78S(2).

(2) A public authority must prepare and publish a plan setting out the steps it proposes to take to comply with the duty in subsection (1).

(3) A public authority—

(a) may revise and re-publish the plan if the authority considers it necessary or desirable to do so;

(b) must revise and re-publish the plan if relevant revised advice or guidance is published in accordance with section 78S(2).

(4) In preparing or revising a plan under this section, a public authority must consult the Commissioner.”—(Ian Paisley.)

This amendment would place public authorities under a duty to have regard to advice, support and guidance issued by the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and Ulster British traditions. It would also require authorities to prepare and publish a plan demonstrating how they will adhere to the duty. This mirrors the duty to have regard provision that applies to the Irish Language Commissioner giving expression to the need for public authorities to give expression to the parity of esteem principle in relation to both Commissioners.

Question put, That the amendment be made.

Division number 78 Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Bill [Lords] Committee: Amendment 1

Aye: 105 MPs

No: 283 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Abstained: 1 MP

Abstained: A-Z by last name

The Committee divided: Ayes 106, Noes 286.

Question accordingly negatived.

Clauses 3 to 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.