As noted earlier this week, a question was put to the First Minister during yesterday's NAW (National Assembly for Wales) Plenary session (13 January) regarding the progress of the Welsh Language LCO. The question/answer were as follows*:
"Eleanor Burnham AM [Lib Dem, North Wales]: Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress of the Welsh language LCO?
The First Minister: We are working closely with colleagues in the Westminster Government to publish the Order as soon as possible and deliver on our 'One Wales’ commitments on the Welsh language.
Eleanor Burnham: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I am sure that we would all appreciate some kind of development since we were all concerned about the fact that Paul Murphy said, when he came here before Christmas, that he had been looking at the matter for over a month, if I remember correctly. In addition, it would be useful to have an explanation of the timetable for the process, because the Welsh Language Society held a rally on 10 January to coincide with an announcement by the Minister for Heritage.
The First Minister: I do not know anything about the arrangements to which you have referred. We hope, and we have been working closely with the Wales Office and the Secretary of State for Wales, to make an announcement as soon as possible. That is all that I can say.
Nerys Evans AM [Plaid, Mid & West Wales]: Can you confirm whether each department of the Westminster Government has approved the draft Order?
The First Minister: A process of learning and developing skills is under way in our administration, and the relevant Westminster departments are also familiarising themselves with the system of Legislative Competence Orders. I do not think that it is appropriate to start detailing where these discussions have taken place by naming departments in London. All that we can say is that we believe that we are drawing to the conclusion of the process and that we will be able to make an announcement before long.
Paul Davies AM [Conservative, Preseli]: You have confirmed in this place that you as a Government will establish a Language Commissioner after you have been granted the powers to do so. Under the circumstances, can you say in your opinion what powers and responsibilities will be attached to that post?
The First Minister: Subject to the legislation reaching the end of the process without many amendments to it—and that could happen, of course—the present proposals would establish a Commissioner at arm’s length from the Government. To a great extent, the Commissioner will be similar to the Children’s Commissioner and the Commissioner for Older People, and will be part of a redress system in order to help people to get justice if they feel that they were not given justice regarding Welsh-language services."
The full transcript of yesterday's Plenary session is available here.
Details of the Welsh Assembly Government's One Wales commitments on the Welsh Language can be found on their website.
*NB: quoted from English-language translation of Record - original exchange in Welsh (see transcript).
"Eleanor Burnham AM [Lib Dem, North Wales]: Will the First Minister make a statement on the progress of the Welsh language LCO?
The First Minister: We are working closely with colleagues in the Westminster Government to publish the Order as soon as possible and deliver on our 'One Wales’ commitments on the Welsh language.
Eleanor Burnham: Thank you for that answer, First Minister. I am sure that we would all appreciate some kind of development since we were all concerned about the fact that Paul Murphy said, when he came here before Christmas, that he had been looking at the matter for over a month, if I remember correctly. In addition, it would be useful to have an explanation of the timetable for the process, because the Welsh Language Society held a rally on 10 January to coincide with an announcement by the Minister for Heritage.
The First Minister: I do not know anything about the arrangements to which you have referred. We hope, and we have been working closely with the Wales Office and the Secretary of State for Wales, to make an announcement as soon as possible. That is all that I can say.
Nerys Evans AM [Plaid, Mid & West Wales]: Can you confirm whether each department of the Westminster Government has approved the draft Order?
The First Minister: A process of learning and developing skills is under way in our administration, and the relevant Westminster departments are also familiarising themselves with the system of Legislative Competence Orders. I do not think that it is appropriate to start detailing where these discussions have taken place by naming departments in London. All that we can say is that we believe that we are drawing to the conclusion of the process and that we will be able to make an announcement before long.
Paul Davies AM [Conservative, Preseli]: You have confirmed in this place that you as a Government will establish a Language Commissioner after you have been granted the powers to do so. Under the circumstances, can you say in your opinion what powers and responsibilities will be attached to that post?
The First Minister: Subject to the legislation reaching the end of the process without many amendments to it—and that could happen, of course—the present proposals would establish a Commissioner at arm’s length from the Government. To a great extent, the Commissioner will be similar to the Children’s Commissioner and the Commissioner for Older People, and will be part of a redress system in order to help people to get justice if they feel that they were not given justice regarding Welsh-language services."
The full transcript of yesterday's Plenary session is available here.
Details of the Welsh Assembly Government's One Wales commitments on the Welsh Language can be found on their website.
*NB: quoted from English-language translation of Record - original exchange in Welsh (see transcript).
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