Detailed Commentary on Sections in Part 6 Tribunal proceedings Schedule 11: Transitional Provisions Paragraph 48: Welsh Language Strategy and Scheme
862.Section 78(1) requires the Welsh Ministers to adopt a Welsh Language strategy, which must set out how the Welsh Ministers propose to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language. Paragraph 48 provides that when section 78 comes into force (which will be immediately after the first appointment of a First Minister under section 46), then the National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales (or Iaith Pawb), in whatever form it exists at that time, is to operate with appropriate modifications from then on as if it were a Welsh Language strategy adopted under section 78(1). In addition, any Welsh language scheme which the Assembly constituted under GoWA has adopted under section 21 of the Welsh Language Act 1993 and which is in force when section 78 comes into force, is to operate with appropriate modifications from then on as if it were a Welsh language scheme adopted under section 78(2).
863.The effect of paragraph 48(3) is that the Welsh Ministers are not required to re- publish the National Action Plan for a Bilingual Wales, nor any Welsh language scheme, which is operating as if made under section 78. The effect of paragraph 48(4) is that the Welsh Ministers are not required to publish a report under section 78(8) in relation to the financial year ending 31 March 2007.