asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they propose to apply Part III of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in respect of Ulster-Scots.[HL6553]

The Ulster-Scots language currently enjoys Part II status under the charter. There is no specific timescale for the application of Part III status.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Ulster-Scots language has the same status as the Irish language; and, if not, what they are doing to give it the same status. [HL7115]

Her Majesty's Government remain wholly committed to affording equal respect and recognition to the Irish and Ulster-Scots languages and cultures. The Ulster-Scots language currently has Part II status under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, while Irish has Part II and Part III status. Officials are working with representatives of the Ulster-Scots community to identify what steps might be involved in moving Ulster-Scots to Part III status. Any decision on whether to pursue that option will depend on the outcome of this work.