Identity and Language

The Act includes the creation an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and two Commissioners, namely:

• The Irish Language Commissioner; and
• The Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British Tradition.

Office of Identity and Cultural Expression (OICE)

The principal aims of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression are:

• to promote cultural pluralism and respect for diversity;
• to promote social cohesion and reconciliation between those of different national and cultural identities;
• to increase the capacity and resilience of people to address issues related to differences in national and cultural identity; and
• to support and promote the celebration of the cultural and linguistic heritage of all people living here.

Dr Katy Radford was appointed as the Director of OICE on 27 October 2025 and will take up her post on 13 November 2025 for a period of five years.  

Five members of the OICE have also been appointed namely; 

• Brian Dougherty;
• Ellen Finlay;
• Stephen Moore;
• Dr Callie Persic and
• Dr Jackie Witherow. 

They will take up their positions on 3 December, also for a five-year term.

Irish Language Commissioner

Pól Deeds was appointed as the Irish Language Commissioner on 27 October 2025 and will take up his post on 13 November 2025 for a period of five years. 

The principal aim of the Irish Language Commissioner is to enhance and protect the use of the Irish language by public authorities in the provision of services to the public or a section of the public.

Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition Commissioner

Lee Reynolds was appointed as the Commissioner of the Ulster Scot and Ulster British tradition on 27 October 2025 and will take up his post on 13 November 2025 for a period of five years. 

The principal aim of the Commissioner for the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition is to enhance and develop the language, arts and literature associated with the Ulster Scots and the Ulster British tradition.

Further information

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly made a written statement to the NI Assembly on 28 October 2025.

• Written Ministerial Statement