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Assembly to hear Irish act views Future of Irish act 'in balance'
(10 minutes later)
Culture Minister Edwin Poots is expected to outline his views on a proposed Irish language act later, amid speculation he intends to scrap it.Culture Minister Edwin Poots is expected to outline his views on a proposed Irish language act later, amid speculation he intends to scrap it.
Mr Poots is on record as saying legislation may not be necessary.Mr Poots is on record as saying legislation may not be necessary.
It is understood the DUP minister will withdraw plans for the act, which Sinn Fein negotiated as part of the St Andrews Agreement. It is understood the DUP minister may withdraw plans for the act, which Sinn Fein negotiated as part of the St Andrews Agreement.
Nationalists are likely to object to Mr Poots' view that the Irish language can be supported without fresh legislation.Nationalists are likely to object to Mr Poots' view that the Irish language can be supported without fresh legislation.
The Irish language act was promised to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at the St Andrew's negotiations last year.The Irish language act was promised to Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair at the St Andrew's negotiations last year.
However, the act is now the responsibility of the Executive, and requires cross-community consensus.However, the act is now the responsibility of the Executive, and requires cross-community consensus.
Unionists have expressed their opposition to introducing the legislation and the minister has also expressed concern about costs.Unionists have expressed their opposition to introducing the legislation and the minister has also expressed concern about costs.
The Sinn Fein chairman of the culture committee Barry McElduff has complained the minister failed to meet him about the issue on Monday despite numerous requests. The Sinn Fein chairman of the culture committee, Barry McElduff, has complained the minister failed to meet him about the issue on Monday despite numerous requests.