Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 2 “Inclusive” approach to exercise of functions Section 78: The Welsh Language
285.Under this section the Welsh Ministers are required to adopt a Welsh language strategy which sets out their proposals for promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh Language. The Welsh Ministers are also required to adopt a Welsh language scheme. The scheme must specify the measures they are proposing to take, for the purpose of giving effect (as far is appropriate and reasonably practicable) to the principle that English and Welsh should be treated on a basis of equality in the conduct of public business in Wales. The scheme applies in relation to the use of Welsh in connection with the provision of services to the public by the Welsh Ministers or by those acting as servants or agents of the Crown, or by those who are public bodies within the meaning of Part 2 of the Welsh Language Act 1993.
286.The Welsh Ministers must keep both the strategy and scheme under review, and may revise or replace them with new versions as they deem appropriate. The Welsh Ministers must consult such persons as they think appropriate before they adopt or revise a strategy or scheme. They are also required to publish the scheme and strategy when they are first adopted, and any new versions or revisions which are subsequently adopted, and to lay that which is published before the Assembly.
287.At the end of each financial year the Welsh Ministers must publish a report of how the proposals in the strategy and scheme were implemented in that financial year. The report must also set out how effective the implementation of the proposals in the strategy has been in promoting and facilitating the use of Welsh. A copy of the report must be laid before the Assembly.