Part 2Powers of the Secretary of State

I1I26Concurrent powers and powers of direction

1

The Secretary of State may do anything that a Northern Ireland Minister or Northern Ireland department could do in the exercise of an identity and language function.

2

The Secretary of State may direct a Northern Ireland Minister, Northern Ireland department or identity and language authority to do or not do anything that the Minister, department or authority—

a

could do in the exercise of an identity and language function;

b

could otherwise do (but this is subject to subsection (3)).

3

The Secretary of State may give a direction under subsection (2)(b) if the Secretary of State considers the direction appropriate—

a

for the purpose of ensuring the effective operation of an identity and language authority, or

b

in relation to the exercise, by the Secretary of State, of another function under this section.

4

After giving a direction under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must—

a

lay a copy of the direction before Parliament, and

b

publish the direction.

5

In this Part—

  • “identity and language authority” means—

    1. a

      the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression;

    2. b

      the Irish Language Commissioner;

    3. c

      the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition;

  • “identity and language function” means—

    1. a

      a function conferred by or under Parts 7A to 7C of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 other than a power to make regulations or give a direction, or

    2. b

      a function ancillary to such a function;

  • “Northern Ireland Minister” includes the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly.