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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the implications for the conduct of policing resulting from the ratification of the European Convention on Minority Languages; what instructions have been issued to Consensia concerning language issues in police recruitment; and what questions are addressed to potential applicants concerning their proficiency in the Irish language. [152868] Mr. Ingram: The NIO and devolved Administration have agreed which elements of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages are for them to take forward. Ratification was expected in the week commencing 12 March 2001 and the Northern Ireland Office is in the process of assessing the impact of ratification on those areas for which it is responsible in readiness for implementation during mid 2001. The police already have available information on the rights of those in custody in various languages, including the Irish language, and make available interpreters as necessary. No instructions have been issued to Consensia by the Secretary of State. No questions are addressed to applicants on their proficiency in the Irish language.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

152868; 365 c415-6W

Session

2000-01

Subjects

Languages Northern Ireland Police Minority groups European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk