To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister how many Executive Office staff (i) were working on issues arising from the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 during the 2022-23 financial year; (ii) were working on issues arising from the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 during the 2023-24 financial year; and (iii) will be working on issues arising from the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 during the 2024-25 financial year.

The Executive Office is taking forward the necessary arrangements to implement the provisions of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (the Act) for which it is responsible.

During the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 up to 14 staff were allocated to work on the Act as part of their core duties.

Currently (7thth May 2024) 9 staff are allocated to work on the Act as part of their core duties. Future staffing requirements in 24/25 will be dependent on our decisions going forward.

Other staff have and will contribute to the implementation of the Act by supporting these colleagues where appropriate, in line with their overall duties.

TEO officials have and continue to take forward the necessary preparatory work to implement the Act which will be in line with our decisions.

Members will be kept informed on progress.