asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Northern Ireland Office was consulted by the Ulster Board of the Irish Rugby Football Union on the issue of the singing of the national anthem and the flying of the Union flag at Ravenhill at a recent Irish international match; and, if so, what advice was offered. [HL1458]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on 29 October 2007 (Official Report, col. WA 166).

The Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, which legislate for flag-flying in Northern Ireland, apply only in relation to government buildings, not to sporting venues. Since the restoration of devolved government to Northern Ireland in May 2007, responsibility for matters relating to sport falls to the devolved Administration in Northern Ireland. No advice on this matter was requested from, or given by, the Northern Ireland Office.