Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has taken steps to promote the use of the Ulster-Scots dialect.

The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, including those provisions which allow for the establishment of an Irish Language Commissioner and a Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition. In May 2023, the Government commenced the provisions in the Act required for the Executive Office to begin to progress work in relation to these appointments. The Government expects the Executive Office will make an announcement in due course regarding next steps on implementation of the legislation.

This week, the Government commenced Section 5 of the Act which places a duty on the Department of Education in Northern Ireland to encourage and facilitate the use and understanding of Ulster Scots in the education system

My officials continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on this, and I look forward to implementation of the Act which will enshrine respect and tolerance for Northern Ireland’s traditions.