14. —(1) Upon presentation of a draft scheme to the Minister by a public body, the Minister may, after consultation with such other persons including such other (if any) Minister of the Government as the Minister considers ought to be consulted, and with the consent of the head of the public body concerned, confirm the draft scheme either without amendment or with such amendments as he or she considers appropriate.

(2) The Minister shall, after confirmation of any draft scheme under this section, forward a copy of the scheme to the Commissioner.

(3) A scheme shall remain in force for a period of 3 years from the date on which it is confirmed by the Minister or until a new scheme has been confirmed by the Minister pursuant to section 15, whichever is the later.

F23[(4) Where a language standard has been prescribed to apply to a public body under section 19A(2) a scheme confirmed by the Minister under this section or pursuant to section 15 shall, notwithstanding subsection (3), cease to be in force.]