The North / South Language Body Annual Report & Accounts 2009

FOREWORD TO THE ACCOUNTSBackground InformationThe Ulster-Scots Agency is part of the Language Body, which is a North/South implementation body sponsoredby the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht(DAHG). The Body was established on the 2 nd of December 1999 under the North/South Co-operation(Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Act 1999. Thefunctions of the Ulster-Scots Agency are the promotion of greater awareness and use of Ullans and of Ulster-Scots cultural issues, both within Northern Ireland and throughout the island.The financial arrangements applicable to the body are set out in Part 7 of Annex 2 to the Agreement 1establishing Implementation Bodies. The statement of accounts is to be in a form directed by the Department ofCulture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with the approval of theFinance Departments, as provided for in the Body’s Financial Memorandum, and the Annual Report andAccounts Guidance provided by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance.Business ReviewA review of the Ulster-Scots Agency’s activities is given within its Annual Report for the year ended 31 stDecember 2009. The Financial results of the Ulster-Scots Agency are set out in detail on page 41. The Surplusfor the period was STG: £170,933 (EURO: €191,874), (2008 - Surplus STG £219,113 (€275,165).Fixed AssetsDetails of the movement of fixed assets are set out in note 8 to the accounts. During the year the mainexpenditure on fixed assets was in relation to fitting out the visitor and information centre at 68-72 GreatVictoria Street BT2 7BB.Future DevelopmentsThe agency employed an accountant in April 2010.Important Events Occurring After the Year EndThere have been no significant events since the year-end which would affect these accounts.Charitable DonationsThe Ulster-Scots Agency made no charitable donations during the year ended 31 December 2009.Research & DevelopmentThe Ulster-Scots Agency made no payments to research & development during the year ended 31 December2009.1 Agreement of 8 th March 1999 between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and NorthernIreland and the Government of Ireland establishing Implementation Bodies.33