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A strategy to promote Ulster Scots has been approved by the same council equality body boycotted by the DUP over Irish language.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) strategy, policy and resources committee unanimously approved a new strategy on Thursday 16 October to promote Ulster Scots in the district.
A recent public consultation gained almost 445 reponses with 80% of people agreeing the council had a role to visibly develop the language, however a last minute move by unionists to change the name of the ‘Ulster Scots Working Group’ caused some equality concerns.
Mournes councillor Henry Reilly said: ”This was a very impressive response to the public consultation.
“I am sure you are aware of the new commissioner for Ulster Scots, his full title is the Commissioner for Ulster Scots and Ulster British Tradition.
“Would it be possible to defer the approval of this report for a month, just regarding some of the aspects of this?”He added: “Is it possible to amend the name of the working group to include the ‘Ulster British Tradition’ given that the new commissioner and the Irish Language Commissioner will be working together under those titles?
“That would also be reflective of the Assembly working groups.”
The Ulster Scots report before the chamber had been through an equality and good relations process with unanimous approval (8 Oct).
DUP members removed themselves from the equality and good relations group over the previous approval on Irish language in June until further notice, after six years of discussions on bi-lingual signs resulted in non-agreement.
An Ulster Scots working group is now to be formed by a selection of councillors who will then provide suggestions on how to promote the language and its heritage throughout the district.
Slieve Gullion councillor, Pete Byrne said:”I have no issue with the change of name tonight, but the point has been made that the first meeting of the working group is to decide the terms of reference including on what it is called. And I think it is unfair that future members of the working group who don’t sit on this committee don’t have a say in that tonight in this chamber.
“So, we can’t force a name on those members who are potentially not being given a say here tonight.”
Following further debate it was agreed the name change would be brought up for discussion with the new working group to decide on its title.
