Following recent, rather hypocritical, criticism of culture minister Edwin Poots after he stated in a written answer (AQW 4045/08) he hadn't attended any Irish language events during his first 9 months in the job, Edwin Poots will today attend an Irish Gaelic language event in Belfast. Isn't that a turn-up?

Follow up:

The original question was answered on 22nd February.

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) Ulster Scots events; and (ii) Irish language events, he has attended since becoming Minister.

(AQW 4045/08)

Mr E Poots: I have attended a total of 5 Ulster-Scots events as the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. To date I have received 4 invitations to Irish language events but have not attended any.

Follow-up question AQW 4300/08, answered on 29th February, asked him to explain his previous answer.

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 4045/08, to detail the reasons why he has been unable to attend an Irish language event since taking up office.

(AQW 4300/08)

Mr E Poots: While I would, diary permitting, be happy to attend events of a cultural nature, I am not a speaker of the Irish language and could not contribute in any meaningful way to an event conducted in Irish.