Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022

Key Points

• Creates a Castlereagh Foundation (or grants funding to establish one) to promote Ulster Scots and Ulster British traditions.
• Foregrounds Ulster Scots/Ulster British traditions across the legislation and reaffirms the Commissioner's role in guiding public bodies.
• Introduces duties for public authorities to have regard to guidance from the Commissioner on Ulster Scots and Ulster British traditions.
• Gives the Department of Education powers to fund programmes to promote Ulster Scots in education.
• Includes governance and oversight provisions, with potential timeframes for action and links to funding through New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) arrangements, and considerations of costs.

Progress

The bill completed its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent on 6 December 2022, becoming law. It has moved from debate to practical implementation, with new structures and funding mechanisms to be put in place.

Voting

In the Lords, the Second Reading was carried overwhelmingly (380 Aye to 4 No), showing broad cross‑party support for the bill’s aims. Across stages, some amendments proposed by different parties (notably the DUP and others) sought changes to duties on public authorities, funding arrangements, and the Castlereagh Foundation; many Lords amendments shaped the final form, with the Commons ultimately approving the measures and the Act becoming law.