Northern Ireland's Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds appeared before Stormont's Executive Office Committee on Wednesday to defend remarks linking hostility to the Irish language with support for unification.

In February, Conradh na Gaeilge amended its constitution to pursue a united Ireland to benefit the Irish language and Gaeltacht areas. Deeds then stated that words against Irish could aid unification efforts. He described this as parodying and inverting a Troubles-era phrase about Irish words advancing freedom.

Deeds told the committee the statement urged reflection on consequences of anti-Irish hostility, made by young activists radicalised by such opposition. He denied offering constitutional advice when questioned by DUP MLA Philip Brett. Deeds called his response appropriate, though it grew through reactions to reactions.

Several unionists informed Deeds his point was valid, he said. He linked Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist suspicions of Irish to unresolved identity and language issues tied partly to past conflict. Deeds said his comments aimed to distance himself from Conradh na Gaeilge's choice and urged the group to include other cultures.

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston challenged Deeds on continuing Sinn Fein ties, having canvassed for the party years ago, and politicising Irish. Deeds countered that Gaston attacked him and politicised the office, stressing a link between hostility and pro-unity radicalisation.

Deeds promotes Ulster Scots and Ulster British traditions in speeches, he stated. Gaston raised loyalist activist Jamie Bryson; Deeds declined to apologise for past remarks or confirm personal hostility, noting opposition from Bryson instead. Deeds said he answered a query on the legality of Bryson's signage challenges.

The committee will investigate if that legal query used Deeds' budget or Executive Office funds and its basis, per Gaston and Brett. Lee Reynolds, Ulster Scots commissioner, and Dr Katy Radford, director of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression, raised budget limits hindering events, research and staffing. Reynolds cited setup costs, inflation and pay rises as constraints and is reviewing Ulster Scots equality law status.