Madam, - I am sure George Gilliland (Nov 5th) is correct when he says that he has never heard the Ulster-Scots language even though he has lived most of his life in the province of Ulster. The same goes for the Irish language. Most people in Ulster have never heard it spoken either. In fact, more people in Northern Ireland speak Chinese daily than the combined total who speak Irish and Ulster-Scots.
However, George Gilliland misses the point of the Belfast Agreement. There is a minority in Northern Ireland who wish to have these two languages supported. In the interests of parity of esteem, it was agreed that both should be recognised. It is a small price for a settlement and contribution to peace in Northern Ireland. - Yours, etc,
JOHN KILCLOONEY, House of Lords, London.