This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.

Friday 15 February 2008

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
Assembly Commission

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

'The Irish Community in Britain'

Mr B McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that the report of Committee D of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, 'The Irish Community in Britain', will be tabled as an agenda item at the next meeting of the British-Irish Council; and to outline the action it will take to bring forward an action plan to implement the recommendations contained in the report.

(AQW 2421/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): We understand that the report makes recommendations on matters which are the responsibility of the British and Irish Governments and these will be considered by both. It is therefore a matter for the Governments, in the first instance, to respond to the recommendations in the report.

Disability Discrimination

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide a timescale for the introduction of the Disability Discrimination (Transfer Vehicles) Regulations.

(AQW 2719/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Article 7 of the Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006 was commenced on 31 December 2007. This Article replaces the current exemption for operators of transport services from the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 with a more precise exemption applying only to transport services relating to the provision or use of a vehicle. The commencement of Article 7 also provides us with the powers to make Regulations to lift the exemption and consultation on the Disability Discrimination (Transport Vehicles) Regulations which will take place shortly. The consultation will seek views on proposals to lift the exemption for:

buses and coaches
taxis
trains
rental cars
breakdown recovery vehicles

We will be writing to the OFMDFM committee shortly in relation to this.

Child Poverty

Mr F Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the levels of child poverty in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2734/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The table below shows the number of children living in households experiencing relative income poverty; that is the number of children living in households with an income that is 60% or less of the median income. It is necessary to combine three years of data in order to provide estimates of child poverty that are more robust. A single year’s data would not be robust enough to provide estimates at the level of geography requested.

Table 1: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty Before Housing Costs by Parliamentary Constituency for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined.

Source: Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006

Notes 1. As with any sample survey there is a degree of error attached to the estimates.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the (i) number; (ii) sex; and (iii) religious affiliation of (a) the applicants for the post of Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, following the advertisement of the position in October 2007; (b) the candidates interviewed for the post after it was advertised in October 2007; and (c) the candidates short-listed after those interviews.

(AQW 2942/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the advertisement in October 2007, forty-two people submitted applications for the post of Commissioner for Victims and Survivors. Fourteen people were interviewed and three considered suitable for appointment. These were added to the list of five people considered suitable for appointment remaining in the pool from the first stage of the process. We do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the breakdown of sex and religious affiliation.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the (i) number; (ii) sex; and (iii) religious affiliation of the candidates that were short-listed for the post of Commissioner of Victims and Survivors, encompassing both recruitment campaigns.

(AQW 2943/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:

Both stages of the public appointments process to appoint a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors resulted in a total of nine individuals being considered suitable for appointment. We do not feel it is appropriate to comment on the breakdown of sex and religious affiliation.

A Shared Future First Triennial Action Plan

Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the current status of the document 'A Shared Future First Triennial Action Plan 2006-2009'.

(AQW 3171/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are fully committed to building a shared and better future. As previously stated we will bring forward proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration for a shared and better future which will take into consideration the progress already achieved. These proposals will be brought forward to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, the Executive and the Assembly, prior to public consultation.

In the meantime, departments are working within their own set of responsibilities on taking forward the good relations agenda. A wide range of programmes are ongoing, funded by OFMDFM.

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to the Northern Ireland Executive by Mr Jim Allister MEP; and (ii) the cost of processing these requests, since 8 May 2007.

(AQW 3246/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Mr Jim Allister MEP has submitted a total of 55 Freedom of Information requests to the Northern Ireland Departments since 8 May 2007. Information about the cost of processing these requests is not currently held since there is no satisfactory formula that facilitates the calculation of accurate figures.

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the proportion of Freedom of Information requests, submitted to the Northern Ireland Executive by elected representatives since 8 May 2007, that is accounted for by Mr Jim Allister MEP.

(AQW 3247/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Freedom of Information requests submitted to the Northern Ireland Departments by Mr Jim Allister MEP account for just under half of all such requests submitted by elected representatives since 8 May 2007. Elected representatives have made 121 requests since 8 May 2007.

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on the recent appointments to the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 3450/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission exercises its functions independently of OFMDFM but the Department is responsible for providing the resources needed for the Commission to discharge its responsibilities. Appointments to the Commission are made by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Five new appointments were made to the Commission at the beginning of January 2008 – 3 new entrant Commissioners, 1 Call-Off Panel Commissioner and 1 Senior Commissioner.

The additional funding allocations for PAC in the Budget 2008-2011 will enable the Chief Commissioner to fund a significant number of additional Commissioners to deploy against the backlog of planning appeals cases. Arrangements are currently under way to deliver a competition with a view to recruiting a number of additional new commissioners and to enhance the Commission’s capacity to manage and train an increased complement. This will of course be subject to the availability of suitable people from within a limited and specialised market.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister pursuant to AQW 2962/08, to detail the measurement difficulties for each of those targets in table five of the Sustainable Development Strategy that have measurement difficulties.

(AQW 3746/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Further to the answer provided to AQW 2962/08, this answer encloses details of the measurement difficulties associated with a small number of Sustainable Development Targets (see table 1).

Table 1: Details of Sustainable Development (SD) Targets with Measurement Difficulties

SD Strategy Target Number	Target	Measurement Difficulty
1	Northern Ireland economy will achieve 85% resource efficiency by 2025.	The resource efficiency indicator is prone to different definitions and interpretations of what should be in it and, as a consequence, there are potentially wide variations in the result.
10	Increase Northern Ireland’s forested area by at least 500 hectares per annum in line with Northern Ireland Forestry Strategy – A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth.	At present, DARD has no means of measuring loss of woodland. Data is only available on new woodland. This target is therefore not measurable.
22	Reduce the productivity gap (I) between Northern Ireland and other UK regions; and (2) between the Northern Ireland average and the most deprived communities.	Data is not available to measure the productivity of deprived and non-deprived communities.
23	Reduce the skills gap between Northern Ireland and other UK regions and between the Northern Ireland average and the most deprived communities.	Data is not available to compare the skill levels of deprived and non-deprived communities on a regular basis.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Alpha-Nortestosterone

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of male animals that were slaughtered because of high readings of Alpha-nortestosterone, in between the time it was first believed this condition to be a result of induced drugs and when it was realised that this condition was a natural reaction in male casualty animals, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 3288/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): I am unable to provide details, by parliamentary constituency, of male casualty cattle condemned due to the presence of alpha-Nortestosterone, as the Department does not hold the information in that format. However, the information is available by county and this is detailed below:-

COUNTY NUMBER OF CASES

Antrim 16

Armagh 31

Down 37

Derry 9

Fermanagh 7

Tyrone 56

TOTAL 156

COUNTY	NUMBER OF CASES
Antrim	16
Armagh	31
Down	37
Derry	9
Fermanagh	7
Tyrone	56
TOTAL	156

Between March 2006 and March 2007, 156 casualty male cattle from 139 herds were condemned due to the presence of alpha-Nortestosterone. Following the initial positive in March 2006, 100% testing of such cattle was initiated from the beginning of April 2006. This was considered necessary to protect public health and to fulfil EU statutory obligations.

However, in light of Professor Wall’s report which stated that the accepted scientific consensus on naturally occurring alpha-Nortestosterone in male cattle needed to be reviewed and, following discussion with the relevant regulatory authorities, testing was reduced to a risk related approach based on the opinion of the Official Veterinarian at the meat plant. The revised arrangements came into operation on 28 March 2007 and no further positives have been detected since.

There is now emerging recognition within the EU that Alpha-Nortestosterone is likely to occur naturally in injured or stressed male bovines and we expect the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) for hormones to produce a guidance paper to reflect this position in the near future.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.

(AQW 3299/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The total bids in respect of Current expenditure (i.e. Resource) submitted to DFP by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review, together with Budget allocations, are set out in the table below. These include bids to, and allocations from, the Innovation Fund.

	08/09 £m	09/10 £m	10/11 £m
Total Resource bids	33.26	38.24	43.58
Budget allocations	15.95	27.22	40.02

These Resource bids and allocations are in addition to a roll forward of the Departments 2007/08 baselines. DARD’s total Resource allocation in the three forward years is £234.4m, £238.4m, £245.4m respectively.

The total bids for capital expenditure (after deducting capital receipts) and the Budget allocations (net of receipts) are set out in the table below. These include bids to, and allocations from, the Innovation Fund.

	08/09 £m	09/10 £m	10/11 £m
Capital bids	135.21	73.12	69.33
Capital allocations	83.90	28.90	-170.90

The Budget Capital allocation in 2010/11 is based upon a receipt of £200m from the sale of land at Crossnacreevy.

Water Rights

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on the proposed transfer of ownership of the water rights at the Clay Loughs, Shrigley, from the Tannery to her department.

(AQW 3346/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency has received written confirmation that the current controller of water levels in Clea Lakes is prepared to relinquish the water rights and control to Rivers Agency. Discussions are ongoing to finalise the legal transfer.

Animal Transport

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of United Kingdom Animal Transport type 1 Authorisations, valid for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours, issued; and (ii) the number of United Kingdom Animal Transport type 2 Authorisations, valid for journeys over 65km and over 8 hours, issued.

(AQW 3352/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As of the 31 January 2008, the number of UK Animal Transport type 1 Authorisations, valid for journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours, issued by DARD is 688.
As of the 31 January 2008, the number of UK Animal Transport type 2 Authorisations, valid for journeys over 65km and over 8 hours, issued by DARD is 93.

Pig Industry

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the current state of the pig industry; and to detail what actions she is taking to address the situation.

(AQW 3356/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The pig sector faces losses as a direct consequence of the global rise in cereal and protein prices. Pigmeat production and prices have yet to respond to those input cost increases. However the EU has reduced the set-aside rate to zero for 2008 in response to cereal market conditions and the weakening of sterling against the euro will increase the cost of pigmeat imports from the rest of Europe in sterling terms. These events should help check feed input costs and firm prices here.

I have written to Hilary Benn urging that the UK support Commissioner Fischer Boel’s proposal for export refunds and I welcome the fact that the EU commission has re-introduced export refunds for pigmeat.

To help address the industries difficulties I have met with Grampian Country Pork and subsequently with Ministers Ruane and McGimpsey with a view to developing and expanding local sourcing initiatives in the Education and Health services. I have also written to and met with major retailers to raise the issue of rising costs for producers.

My Department continues to provide support to the pig industry through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). It is also providing resource at farm level to aid compliance with environmental restrictions and has agreed to co-fund a review of the pig sector. The Processing and Marketing Scheme is now open for applications. The Supply Chain Development Programme will be replaced by another scheme under the Rural Development Programme and plans are also well advanced for a new Scheme to support the Marketing of Quality Agricultural Produce.

Biofuels

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the 'Are biofuels sustainable?' report drawn up by the all party Environmental Audit Committee at Westminster.

(AQW 3357/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I welcome the recent publication ‘Are biofuels sustainable?’ drawn up by the all party Environmental Audit Committee in Britain. This report will assist in expanding the existing knowledge base and informing the future development of robust renewable energy policy here.

It is not appropriate for me to make comment on this Report at this time. However, my Department is working closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), who take the lead on energy related matters, on a study to assess the potential for the sustainable development of bioenergy, including biofuels, in the North.

My Department remains committed, through the DARD Renewable Energy Action Plan, to promoting the opportunities afforded by the sustainable development of renewable energy in the agri-food sector, forestry sector and wider rural economy.

The DARD Renewable Energy Action Plan has two broad objectives:

Support the exploitation of opportunities for the alternative land uses and sustainable management of agri-food waste linked to renewable energy; and

Underpin knowledge and increase awareness of renewable energy technologies.

Holstein Bull Calves

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the potential for producing beef from Holstein bull calves.

(AQW 3358/08)

Ms M Gildernew: It is estimated that 75,000 to 85,000 Holstein bull calves are produced annually in N.I. The majority of the beef produced from these bull calves is used for mince. Mince accounts for a considerable proportion (almost half) of the beef sold by multiple retailers and is also an important component of the food service sector.

At present the production of beef from Holstein calves using existing production systems is not an economic proposition based on current input costs (particularly for feed and energy) and present returns for the finished product.

Consequently, some calves are humanely destroyed soon after birth by dairy farmers. There are no estimates of the numbers of these calves as they are not registered on APHIS. Since the end of the livestock export ban in 2006 the option exists to export calves to specialist veal production units in Europe.

If economically viable and sustainable production systems could be established they would have the potential to provide a positive financial return to producers and to the beef processing sector thereby utilising an existing natural resource.

Equality Promotion

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how she has promoted equality in her department in the current (i) Budget; (ii) Programme for Government; and (iii) Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3401/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department carried out an equality consultation on the DARD elements of the draft Programme for Government (PfG), Budget (Budget 2007) and Investment Strategy 2008 – 2011 (ISNI 08) from 11 December 2007 until 16 January 2008.

As part of the consultation process, views were sought from approximately 180 equality groups and individuals on the Department’s consultation list, and in addition, information about the consultation was also placed on the Department’s website. A number of public consultation events were held in the week commencing 17 December 2007. These events were held in Cookstown, Enniskillen and Antrim. The Department also organised a one-day equality workshop which was held on 30 January 2008 in Belfast. This event brought together around 30 senior staff from the Department along with key Section 75 representatives to discuss equality outcomes in relation to DARD specific functions within the Budget, PfG, and the Investment Strategy.

Forest Service Organisational Structure

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her plans for the overall organisational structure of the Forest Service.

(AQW 3426/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The organisational structure of the Forest Service is a matter for the Chief Executive and Board of the Forest Service. The Chief Executive has informed me of the Board’s decision to begin to restructure the Agency from April 2008. Services will be delivered on a functional basis, rather than through the current three-District structure. The Board believes that this will facilitate better delivery of strategic objectives, set out in the Forestry Strategy, and result in greater efficiency. I am content with the proposals and have asked for a pragmatic approach regarding arrangements for staff affected by the restructuring.

The structure proposed will involve a small number of staff relocating to a new Headquarters to support the creation of discrete functional responsibilities for business areas such as harvesting, forest stewardship and central operations.

The move to a functional structure will not, however, affect the strong local presence of Forest Service throughout Northern Ireland. Operational bases, whilst not public offices, will continue to operate at various locations, including Enniskillen, Castlewellan and Garvagh. All industrials will continue to be based at, and work at, local level and will not be affected.

A separate review of the administrative and finance support function within the Agency is also being taken forward. The purpose of the review is to ensure that this function is as efficient as possible. This may result in a reduced staff requirement, with a small number of administrative staff (possibly 4 or 5) having to be redeployed, either to HQ or other Government offices.

The Chief Executive has assured me that both the Trade Union and staff are being kept informed of developments.

Farmers' Markets

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had in relation to the establishment of new Farmers' Markets; and to detail the number of enquiries she has received about this issue.

(AQW 3439/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I can confirm that my Department has not been involved in any discussions regarding the establishment of new farmers’ markets. While there have been enquiries from individual business people for whom such markets represent current or potential outlets for their products, I understand that there have been no formal approaches from groups planning new markets for the sale of agricultural produce.

Farmers' Markets

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number and location of Farmer Markets operating in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3448/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have noted with satisfaction the increasing profile of farmers’ markets throughout the North. It is clear that locally sourced produce has an important role to play in shortening supply chains, raising farm incomes, reducing transport costs, protecting the environment, strengthening local communities and improving public health. In that regard, I am pleased to say that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided financial support to several farmers’ markets, most notably, in Derry, Ballymoney and Strabane.

However, the Department has no oversight or regulatory role when it comes to such markets and so holds no statistics on their number or location. I am therefore unable to provide the detailed breakdown sought.

The regulation of farmers’ markets is primarily the responsibility of local government, which has important environmental health functions, particularly with regard to the sale of food products. Licensing arrangements affect not markets but individual vendors, who are required to register with their local authority. I understand that, in keeping with the system of local accountability in place, there is no central database of such individuals. Once registered, however, a vendor may trade anywhere in the North and is not bound to a specific site or market.

Badgers Diseases

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what actions her department is taking to stop the spread of diseases by badgers.

(AQW 3494/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am responding in relation to bovine Tuberculosis (TB) specifically, which is a disease of cattle that is also present in badgers in the North.

The TB control programme in the North is based on the detection of diseased or high risk cattle, the compulsory removal of these animals from their herd of origin to slaughter, and the restriction of movements of cattle from infected herds until they are tested clear. My Department has also issued advice on how farmers can help to protect their herd from TB and this includes the practical steps they can take to reduce the contact between cattle and badgers. The advice leaflet is given to all farmers who have a TB breakdown in their herd and it is also available on the DARD web site and through the local Divisional Veterinary Offices. It is important that farmers take all reasonable precautions to protect their herds from possible infection by other cattle or badgers, by adopting good biosecurity such as secure boundary fencing and taking practical steps to reduce badger and cattle contact. We have made considerable progress with TB in recent years. Since peak levels for the disease in 2002, the herd incidence has been reduced by nearly 50%.

Whilst it is established that there is a link between TB in badgers and TB in cattle, it is not certain what role the badger might have in the spread of TB to cattle, or if there are other factors involved in maintaining TB infection in the North. Work is on-going to look at this whole area. The Badger Stakeholder Group, which is chaired by my Department and includes both farmer and environmental interests, has an important role to play in this work. My officials also continue to work with officials from the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service in respect of the role of badgers in TB.

The badger is a protected species and ultimately any decision to intervene in badger populations in the North will require agreement both from me and the Environment Minister.

Bovine Tuberculosis

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total cost of bovine tuberculosis to her department, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3495/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The total costs of the Bovine tuberculosis control programmes for each of the past 5 financial years are shown below

Year	Total Expenditure
2002/03	£22,009,627
2003/04	£24,427,115
2004/05	£23,792,178
2005/06	£21,620,607
2006/07	£22,758,922

Bovine Tuberculosis

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the actions her department is taking to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis.

(AQW 3496/08)

Ms M Gildernew: NI has had a compulsory disease eradication programme in place since 1959.

This is a "test and remove" approach. The main surveillance components of the programme are tuberculin testing annually of all cattle and public health examination of all slaughtered cattle. My Department continues to implement and develop this programme.

Where bovine tuberculosis is suspected in a herd, valuation, compensation and removal of reactors, live animal movement restrictions and increased frequency of testing is implemented. DARD staff assess the incident epidemiologically and take appropriate steps to trace the source and spread of the disease.

Recent developments within the programme include the introduction of supplementary blood testing where appropriate, enhanced movement restriction regimes, and more staff dedicated to the implementation of the programme.

In the North, levels of TB rose steadily through the 1990s to a peak herd incidence of 10.2% in 2003, post foot and mouth disease.

However, since 2004 there has been a steady decrease in herd incidence to 5.35%, a reduction of nearly half. This still leaves NI with a disease incidence the same as in the late 1990s. However, in contrast, the trend now is downwards.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Irish Language

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what new action he has taken to ensure the promotion and development of the Irish language since assuming Ministerial responsibility.

(AQW 3069/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

My Department continues to provide a secretariat to the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG) that is responsible for reporting on Northern Ireland’s implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The ICIG meets quarterly to share ideas and best practice across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

DCAL Translation Service

My Department has made every effort to meet rising demands for translations into and from the Irish language following our return to devolution. In furtherance of the levels of service offered by the translators the Department is currently considering engagement with the translation software TRADOS. In addition provision is also being made to ensure that all the translators used are accredited by Foras na Gaeilge and that their work is Quality Assured to the highest standards. Progress has also been made in developing a set of Guidelines for translators to be published on the Department’s website.

British Irish Council Subgroup on Minority and Lesser Used Languages

During my Ministerial term officials from my Department have engaged with the other jurisdictions of the British Irish Council to share information and best practice in relation to language issues.

NSMC Meeting

At the NSMC meeting on 26 October 2007, I along with Minister Ó Cuív welcomed a report on the work of Foras, in particular in the eGovernment area with the development of an online database of terminology – www.focal.ie, the launch (with Microsoft) of an Irish language version of Windows XP and the development of Córas Creidiúnaithe/an Accreditation Scheme for Irish Language translators.

Appearance before the CAL Committee

I have made two presentations to the CAL Committee on the strategy for the development and enhancement of the Indigenous Language as set out in the St Andrews Agreement Act 2006, the most recent being on the 31 January 2008. I await a response from the committee on how they propose to contribute to the strategy.

Meetings with Irish Language Groups

Since assuming Ministerial responsibility I and my Officials have met with the following groups, Foras Na Gaeilge, POBAL and ACHT to discuss Irish Language issues and the strategy for indigenous languages locally.

Eel Fishing Industry

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not he plans to meet with the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative to discuss the needs of the eel fishing industry.

(AQW 3402/08)

Mr E Poots: Yes, I plan to visit the Lough Neagh Fishermen's co-operative to discuss the needs of the eel fishing industry.

Salmon Catches

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to address the fall in the numbers of salmon caught in waters around Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3416/08)

Mr E Poots: A management strategy dealing with the decline in populations of salmon for the period 2008 - 2012 is nearing completion and shall be submitted to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) shortly.

The Department implemented a voluntary buyout of commercial salmon licences between 2001 and 2004. Before the scheme, 31 fishermen had licences to fish 56 nets. 49 of those nets were bought out, reducing the fishing effort by 90% and salmon exploitation from 11,000 to 2,000 per annum in the sea around Northern Ireland. It is hoped that this reduction in exploitation will contribute to a long term strategy to increase numbers of salmon in European waters.

In the Loughs Agency jurisdiction mixed stock interceptory drift net fisheries for Atlantic salmon seaward of Lough Foyle were prohibited for the 2007 season as these fisheries were suspected of catching salmon destined for rivers in the north-east Atlantic not reaching their conservation limits. The Loughs Agency also reduced the number of commercial nets operating in both Lough Foyle and the River Foyle. A limited commercial fishery is still pursued within Lough Foyle and the tidal River Foyle, these fisheries catch salmon from rivers within the Foyle area only, which at present have all been determined to be meeting their conservation limits.

Homophobia in Sport

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to tackle homophobia in (i) football; and (ii) other sports.

(AQW 3551/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for tackling homophobia in football rests with the governing body, the Irish Football Association (IFA). I understand the IFA runs a number of programmes designed to address problems of under representation among minority groups. In addition, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, is developing a new 10-year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation. The purpose of the Strategy is to ensure an improved quality of life for all the people of Northern Ireland with no section of the community being excluded or left behind.

Homophobia in Sport

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the research his department has carried out into the level of homophobia in (i) football; and (ii) other sports.

(AQW 3553/08)

Mr E Poots: Responsibility for carrying out research into the level of homophobia in football rests with the governing body, the Irish Football Association. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has commissioned research on barriers to participation in culture, arts and leisure activities in Northern Ireland, including sport. This research recommended that the Department work with appropriate organisations to improve awareness and identify best practice. These recommendations are being considered by DCAL, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland, as part of the development of a new 10-year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation.

Lenadoon Community Forum

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in light of the recent Budget announcement, to confirm whether or not the Lenadoon Community Forum will now have the opportunity to avail of funding from Sport NI, after their previous successful application was not funded due to monies being diverted to the 2012 Olympic Games.

(AQW 3591/08)

Mr E Poots: I am aware that Lenadoon Community Forum has had their application for Lottery funding declined under Sport Northern Ireland’s Building Sport programme. Following the agreement on the budget for sport, Sport Northern Ireland in conjunction with my department will be examining ways in which groups affected by the diversion of Lottery funds can be accommodated.

La Nua Newspaper

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the funding allocated by the Arts Council to the Irish language newspaper La Nua; and the background to the funding.

(AQW 3617/08)

Mr E Poots: Preas an Phobail, publisher of Lá Nuá has received funding from the Arts Council for a twice weekly arts supplement in Lá Nuá, including a contribution towards the salary of a part time Arts Editor to produce the supplement. The following grants were paid:

Exchequer Arts Development Fund

2003/04 £27,200

2004/05 £27,200

2005/06 £15,000

Lottery Access

2006 £117,200 over 3 years

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether or not he will consider introducing a timetable for the transfer of power from the Fisheries Conservancy Board to his department before the deadline of June 2008.

(AQW 3653/08)

Mr E Poots: Provisions to abolish the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) and transfer its functions to the Department are included in the Draft Public Authorities Reform Bill which will be taken forward by OFMDFM and is included in the Legislative Programme for the 2007/2008 Assembly Session. Latest indications are that the Bill could be introduced in April 2008, subject to Assembly Executive approval. It is not possible to transfer power before this legislation is made, which could be up to 6 months or more after introduction.

Regional or Minority Languages

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in relation to the 36 provisions of Part 3 of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, to which the United Kingdom Government signed up, to detail the provisions that have been implemented to date, and those which have yet to be implemented.

(AQW 3699/08)

Mr E Poots: The Committee of Experts (COMEX) have reported they are satisfied that these 36 provisions of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Language have been implemented in respect of Irish Language, thus fulfilling the criteria for meeting Part III status.

Irish Language Legislation

Mr F Brolly asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update of the progress that has been made on the preparation of a paper for discussion by the Executive, in relation to the introduction of Irish language legislation.

(AQW 3728/08)

Irish Language

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in light of the £4m increase to his department's budget, to detail what proportion of this will be used in enhancing and protecting the development of the Irish language.

(AQW 3729/08)

Mr E Poots: The 2008 budgetary allocations include an increase of 2% on the budget of Foras na Gaeilge. As you are aware Foras na Gaeilge have the statutory responsibility for the promotion of the Irish Language.

Irish Language Strategy

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his strategy for promoting and enhancing the Irish language; and what action is he taking to ensure that this strategy is effectively resourced within his department's budget allocations.

(AQW 3730/08)

Mr E Poots: I refer the member to my statement to the CAL Committee of the 31 January 2008 on a Strategy for the enhancement and protection of Indigenous Languages in Northern Ireland as set out in the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006. I await a response from the CAL Committee on how they propose to contribute to this Strategy. Any Strategy with be implemented within the agreed budgetary allocations.

Irish Language Promotion

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on the progress made in relation to bringing forward a strategy to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.

(AQW 3731/08)

Irish Language Development

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a timeframe for proposals to bring forward a strategy to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.

(AQW 3732/08)

Mr E Poots: I advised the Culture, Arts & Leisure Committee on the 31 January 2008 that I expect to bring forward proposals on a strategy for Indigenous Languages by the summer of 2008. I await a response from the CAL Committee on how they propose to contribute to this strategy.

EDUCATION

Phoenix Primary School

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated to build a new school for Phoenix Primary School, Cookstown.

(AQW 2823/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): To date the Department has approved £560k for temporary accommodation for Phoenix Integrated Primary School. No agreement has been reached on either the type or cost of a new build at this site.

Taskforce Report 2002

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Education to state the measurement tools that have been developed and implemented for West Belfast and the Greater Shankill area as recommended in the Taskforce Report 2002; and to provide, in relation to these measurement tools, (i) an assessment of their performance and the outcomes achieved; (ii) the issues they have raised; and (iii) what action he has taken in result of the issues raised.

(AQW 2876/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Taskforce Report acknowledged the role of education in helping to break the cycle of deprivation. In response to its findings and wider research and evidence on how to tackle underachievement, my Department has committed to a programme of actions to raise standards across all schools here, but with a particular focus on Belfast. These include the implementation of the revised curriculum and, specifically, the dedicated foundation stage element which was informed by the pilot work on the enriched curriculum undertaken in some west Belfast schools as well as the provision of funding to support extended schools and schools where standards needed to be raised.

Our work, which has been supported through the commitment and dedication of teachers, governors and community representatives, is beginning to deliver improvements against key educational indicators as the table below shows but we are far from complacent and are continuing to take action to raise standards and tackle educational underachievement. This action includes continuing support for extended schools and a Full Service Extended Schools pilot in the north of the city as well as for the development of a Full Service Community Network based around Corpus Christi College in Ballymurphy. Additionally, I have published for consultation a new policy on school improvement and plan shortly to publish, again for consultation, a revised strategy for literacy and numeracy. I know that the Belfast Education and Library Board is also working, through its ‘Béal Feirste a Bhaint Amach’ ‘Achieving Belfast’ initiative, with a small number of schools in the city which face particular challenges in order to ensure that no child is left behind. A similar approach is being developed by the Western Education and Library Boards for schools in Derry.

Educational indicator	Performance in 1998/99		Performance in 2005/06
Educational indicator	West Belfast Schools	Shankill Schools	West Belfast Schools	Shankill Schools
Pupils achieving at least 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*- C or equivalent	47%	20.4%	54.7%	35.9%
Pupils leaving school with no GCSEs	9%	13.6%	7.7%	8.2%
Pupils leaving with 2 or more A levels at Grade A-E (incl. equivalencies)	25.2%	6.1%	35.9%	21.8%
Pupils achieving level 4 or above in English and Maths at Key Stage 2 assessments	51.4% - English 60.4% - Maths	45.7% - English 53.7% - Maths	64.6% - English 69.4% - Maths	62.4% -English 61.6% - Maths

Meetings Request

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2139/08, to detail the requests for a meeting with her that were received from individual members of the public and from organisations, that were (i) granted; and (ii) refused; and in relation to those requests that were refused, to confirm whether or not they were refused (a) due to prior diary commitments; (b) because negotiations regarding issues referred to in the request were still ongoing; (c) as a result of the issues already being well advanced or already resolved; (d) because the meeting was to discuss a decision that had already been agreed by direct rule Minister; or (e) because the request had been referred to other organisations.

(AQW 2877/08)

Ms C Ruane: I cannot release details of requests received from members of the public that might help identify that person.In relation to the information regarding requests received from other organisations, please see table below:-

NAME OF ORGANISATION	ACCEPTED/DECLINED	REASON
SELB	Accepted
INTO	Accepted
GSPG	Accepted
Focus Learning	Declined	Diary commitments
VSO	Accepted
N/South Exchange Consortium	Accepted
GTCNI	Accepted
Mersey Street Primary School	Declined	Decision already agreed by Direct Rule Minister
SPEAC	Declined	Diary commitments
Community Relations Council	Accepted
GBA	Accepted
CBI	Accepted
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network	Accepted
NASUWT	Accepted
Conlig Primary School	Accepted
South Down Ecumenical Study Group	Accepted
PIPS	Accepted
IEF	Accepted
NAHT	Accepted
Alternative Education Providers Forum	Accepted
InaG	Accepted
Patsy McGlone MLA	Declined	Review Ongoing
ASPECT	Declined	Diary commitments
Ballysally Primary School	Accepted
NASUWT	Accepted
Torbank Primary School	Accepted
FONT	Accepted
Peat and Irish Autism Action	Declined	Diary commitments
Public Appointments NI	Accepted
Equality Commission	Declined	Diary commitments
NIPSA	Accepted
Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA	Accepted
Lagan College	Accepted
INTO	Accepted
IEF	Declined	Diary commitments
Belfast Royal Academy	Accepted
Co-ordinator of Coliaste Brhide	Accepted
Sydenham Infants School	Declined	Referred to BELB
Ulster Farmers’ Union	Accepted
YouthNet	Accepted
Opportunity Youth	Accepted
Brethern Christian Fellowship	Declined	Diary commitments
OFCOM	Accepted
Iris Robinson MP MLA	Accepted
Irish Autism Action	Declined	Diary commitments
YCNI	Accepted
NI Children’s Enterprise	Accepted
Cumann Na Bunscoil	Declined	Referred to GAA
Educational Trade Union Group	Accepted
NST	Declined	Referred to ELBs
Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach	Accepted
Upper Bann FE Students	Accepted
Early Years Strategic Alliance	Accepted
Net Media Business Solutions	Declined	Referred to DHSS PS
Restorative Justice in Schools	Accepted
Gaelscoil Eanna	Accepted
Cinemagic	Accepted
Knockavoe Secondary School	Declined	Referred to WELB
Christian Education Movement	Declined	Issue already resolved
NICEM	Accepted
IOD	Accepted
Michael McGimpsey MLA	Declined	Issue already resolved
Rainey Endowed School	Accepted
British Council	Accepted
Children’s Law Centre	Accepted
Donaghadee HS Parents’ Action Group	Declined	Referred to ELB
NI PE and School Sport Taskforce	Declined	Referred to officials
RNID	Declined	Referred to officials
Love for Life	Declined	Referred to officials
Kelloggs	Declined	Diary commitments
Breakthru	Declined	Diary commitments
Good Shepherd Nursery School	Declined	Referred to CCMS and SEELB
Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA	Declined	Referred to SEELB
Youth Sport Trust	Declined	Diary commitments
East Belfast Primary and Nursery Group	Accepted
REACT Ltd	Accepted
Stiurthoir Cholaiste Speirin	Accepted
NIPSA	Accepted
North Belfast Principals’ Group	Accepted
Bishop Donal McKeown	Accepted
Patsy McGlone MLA	Accepted
UNISON	Accepted
Community Foundation for NI	Declined	Diary commitments
Danny Kennedy MLA	Accepted
Dawn Purvis MLA	Accepted
Ulster Teachers’ Union	Accepted
Antrim Community Forum	Declined	Diary commitments
Buddy Bear	Accepted
Naomi Long MLA	Declined	Referred to officials
Philomena Smyth	Accepted
St Malachy’s HS	Accepted
Greater Shantallow Arts	Declined	Referred to CCEA
ICEP	Declined	Diary commitments
Waterside House	Accepted
NDBC	Accepted
Drumlins PS	Accepted
Youth Action	Accepted
Hydepark Educ Trust	Declined	Issue already resolved
Nigel Dodds MP MLA	Declined	Referred to officials
Sport Tracker	Declined	Referred to GAA
Lifestyle Designers	Declined	Issue already well advanced
USSI	Accepted
Arts Council	Accepted
USHPF	Accepted
Lower Ormeau Residential Group	Declined	Referred to officials
NIAMH	Accepted
South Belfast Surestart	Declined	Referred to officials
CINI	Accepted
All Party Group on CINI	Accepted
SENTINUS	Declined	Diary commitments
Camlough Community Association	Declined	Referred to officials
POBAL	Accepted
Jim Shannon MLA	Declined	Referred to SEELB
NIPSA	Accepted
Netcare NI	Declined	Referred to officials
HIV Support Centre	Declined	Referred to CASS
NI Hospice	Accepted
Chambers Coach Hire	Declined	Diary Commitments
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	Accepted
University of Ulster Processors	Declined	Referred to DETI
NCH	Accepted
Sean McGourty	Declined	Referred to GAA
Teen Pregnancy Group	Declined	Referred to CCEA
NICIE	Declined	Diary Commitments
Danny Kennedy MLA	Declined	Referred to SELB
Skill NI	Accepted
Family Coaching Consultancy	Declined	Referred to officials
The Corporate Goat	Declined	Referred to CCEA
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass	Accepted
NITC	Accepted
NIMFA	Accepted
Mental Health Forum	Declined	Diary Commitments
Internet Watch Foundation	Declined	Diary Commitments
Comber Drugs Awareness Group	Declined	Diary Commitments
Newry & Mourne District Council	Accepted
Centre for Irish Programs	Declined	Diary Commitments
Fred Cobain MLA	Accepted
Joint Committee of Naiscoil Charn Tochair & Naiscoil Mhachaire Ratha	Declined	Diary Commitments
Queen’s University	Accepted
Iris Robinson MP MLA	Accepted
Blackwater College	Accepted
ALTRAM	Accepted
International Fund for Ireland	Accepted
USO	Declined	Diary Commitments
International House	Declined	Issue already resolved
Retrieve Foundation	Accepted
West Belfast Partnership	Declined	Negotiations still ongoing
Michelle Gildernew MP MLA	Accepted
Princes Trust	Declined	Diary Commitments
Stem Review	Accepted
Roy Beggs Jnr MLA	Accepted
Hibernia College	Accepted
Sammy Wilson MP MLA	Accepted
Capital Realisation Taskforce	Accepted
Tom Elliott MLA	Accepted
Irish Medium Education Trust	Accepted
Foras Na Gaeilge	Declined	Issue already resolved
RNIB	Accepted
Dunfane School	Accepted
Stress Free Schools Ireland	Declined	Referred to officials
Lady Sylvia Hermon MP	Declined	Referred to ELBs
Skill NI	Declined	Diary commitments
Raymond McCartney MLA	Accepted
Autism NI	Declined	Diary commitments
NIMFA	Accepted
Assoc of Educational Psychologists	Declined	Issue already well advanced
Community Support Services	Declined	Referred to DHSSPS
Youth Justice Agency	Accepted
St Bronagh’s PS	Accepted
Association of Teachers and Lecturers	Accepted
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain	Accepted
St Gerard’s Educational Resource Centre	Accepted
Women’s Aid	Accepted
Holy Trinity Youth Centre	Declined	Diary Commitments
Association for Quality Education	Accepted
Zest	Declined	Referred to officials
St Aidan’s High School	Declined	Issue already well advanced
All Children’s Integrated PS	Accepted
The Horizon Project	Declined	Diary Commitments
BELB	Declined	Referred to officials
St Michael’s Grammar School	Declined	Diary Commitments
Children’s Independent Therapy	Declined	Issue already resolved
Prince’s Trust	Declined	Diary commitments
Confederation of Passenger Transport NI	Declined	Diary commitments
O’Brien Press	Declined	Referred to ELB
Network of School Planners, Ireland	Declined	Referred to Regional Training Unit
Trevor Lunn MLA	Declined	Diary commitments
Community Organisations of South Tyrone and Area	Declined	Diary commitments
Integrating Education	Declined	Diary commitments
NICIE	Declined	Negotiations ongoing
St Eugene’s HS	Accepted
POBAL	Accepted
Patrician Youth Centre	Accepted
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust	Declined	Diary commitments
Iris Robinson MP MLA	Accepted
Women’s Aid	Declined	Diary commitments
NI Local Government Association	Accepted
St Theresa’s PS	Accepted
National Children’s Bureau	Declined	Diary commitments
P J Bradley MLA	Accepted
MENCAP	Declined	Referred to officials
SELB	Declined	Diary commitments
Creavery PS	Declined	Diary commitments

School Dress Code

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent by her department in defending the legal case brought against Ballyclare High School by representatives of a pupil contesting the school dress code.

(AQW 3229/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has not incurred any costs in respect of the legal case brought against Ballyclare High School by representatives of a pupil contesting the school dress code.

Air Quality Tests

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 343/08, to provide an update on the results of the air quality tests; and to confirm whether or not the odour has returned.

(AQW 3312/08)

Ms C Ruane: The report of the findings of the air quality monitoring tests commissioned by my Department was received on 30 January. These results will now be examined and I will write to you as soon as possible with the outcome.

Teachers' Voluntary Redundancy

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for her department's decision to end the practice of paying the 'added years award', in the case of teachers taking up the offer of voluntary redundancy.

(AQW 3331/08)

Ms C Ruane: An increase in recent years in the number of premature retirements, together with the generous levels of enhancement awarded by employers, have placed an unsustainable burden on the pension scheme in that the scheme’s liabilities are increasing at a much faster rate than current contributions can sustain. The current arrangements for premature retirement are unsustainable even in the short term. To continue without taking action to control the costs of premature retirement would necessitate a significant increase in the pension contribution rate and this would in turn have a significant and unwelcome impact on teachers’ take-home pay.

It has been a statutory requirement in Great Britain for more than a decade that individual employers meet the additional costs associated with teachers’ premature retirements on grounds of redundancy or in the interest of the efficient discharge of the employer’s function. Similarly, employers here must be accountable for decisions to retire teachers early in these circumstances, and for the associated costs. The number of added years’ service which may be credited to a teacher remains unchanged.

The early payment of pension is in itself a significant compensation for early retirement (with associated significant costs) and this remains available at no cost to employers in the 2008-09 financial year. The Department will be consulting with relevant parties on the arrangements for the Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme for future years. This will include detailed consideration of possible alternatives such as enhanced severance pay and the facility for employers to purchase additional pension on an employee’s behalf.

Rowandale Integrated Primary School

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost to her department in funding Rowandale Integrated Primary School, Moira.

(AQW 3364/08)

Ms C Ruane: Rowandale Integrated Primary School opened in September 2007 as a new grant-maintained integrated (GMI) school. In this context, it is entitled to receive recurrent funding from Day-1 of operation. A recurrent budget allocation amounting to £90k has been made available to Rowandale Integrated Primary School in the 2007/08 financial year. As for all new GMI schools, it must satisfy intake criteria laid down by the Department of Education before capital grant-aid can be provided.

Special Educational Needs Review

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which she intends to publish the Special Educational Needs review.

(AQW 3370/08)

Ms C Ruane: I consider the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN) as an important part of my Ministerial responsibilities. Therefore I have taken time to consider the review proposals very carefully. Following my approval, the proposals will be taken through the required Assembly processes prior to being issued for formal public consultation, which on present timescales will be mid-2008.

Requests for Meetings

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of requests for meetings she has had from (i) MLAs; and (ii) other groups, since she took up office.

(AQW 3372/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have received 242 requests for meetings since I took up office, 39 of these were requests from MLA’s and 203 were from other groups.

C2K Helpdesk

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the average cost, per school, of calling the C2K helpdesk in the past year.

(AQW 3374/08)

Ms C Ruane: The services of the C2k helpdesk are provided free of charge to all schools. The only cost that a school would incur would be the cost of the phone call. There were two rates applicable in calling an 0870 number in 2007, 6 pence per minute rising to 7 pence per minute.

Gender of Teachers

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Education to detail the most recent numbers of teachers, broken down by gender, at (i) primary phase; and (ii) post-primary phase, holding management allowances (a) 5; (b) 4; (c) 3; (d) 2; and (e) 1.

(AQW 3390/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Gender	Teaching Allowance	Primary	Post Primary	Total
Female	1	1733	907	2640
	2	712	967	1679
	3	88	544	632
	4	5	238	243
	5	0	111	111
Total		2538	2767	5305

Male	1	225	380	605
	2	149	508	657
	3	30	401	431
	4	4	194	198
	5	2	83	85
Total		410	1566	1976
TOTAL		2948	4333	7281

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education whether or not costings have been prepared for her proposed changes to post primary education.

(AQW 3393/08)

Ms C Ruane: Where a need for restructuring is identified as a result of area-based planning, estimates of cost will be produced. I anticipate that existing structures can deliver much of what is proposed. My plans are unlikely to require restructuring significantly beyond that already required by the need for sustainable schools. In the next ten years our current accommodation deficiencies mean that we have to rebuild a significant amount of the post-primary estate whatever happens.

Youth Service Provision

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures her department is taking to develop youth service provision in the Greater Ballysillan area of North Belfast.

(AQW 3466/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) is responsible for youth provision in the Greater Ballysillan area. I have been provided with the following information by the Chief Executive of the Belfast Education and Library Board.

The Greater Ballysillan area is an integral part of the Board’s North Belfast Youth Division and there are a number of youth service activities ongoing in the Division which impact on the greater Ballysillan area.

Whilst recognising that there are gaps in structural provision, Belfast Education and Library Board youth service is committed to the new youth centre facility currently being incorporated as part of the new school development within Belfast Boys’ Model School.

Currently the school employs a youth tutor to work with disengaged young men both within the school and local communities at a cost of £34,281.

In 2007/08, the Board invested over £280,000 in running youth service activities in its North Belfast Division. The board runs the North Belfast Area Project which prioritises work within communities across North Belfast with little or no youth provision. Ballysillan is currently supported by 3 staff from the area project. These staff work with young people within smaller geographical areas who are not accessing existing youth provision in the area. In thisfinancial year £100,000 has been allocated from the Board’s core Youth Service Budget to maintain this project.

Under the Children and Young Peoples Funding Package and the Renewing Communities Initiative, £150,000 has been allocated to provide detached outreach youth workers throughout the area, to reach out to disaffected young people and engage them in meaningful activities so as to divert them from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. Approximately £30,000 has been allocated to run summer intervention and youth intervention programmes both of which aim to reduce youth migration towards flashpoint areas in Belfast.

The Board also registered 22 organisations in the area which work with children and young people. This includes ten community and church based youth clubs, the girl guides, the scouts and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.

In addition the area has a number of youth workers employed by community organisations; Ballysillan Youth for Christ, Benview Youth Project, Ballysillan Community Forum, all of which secure additional funding from other sources.

The area further benefits from the work of 2 Community Empowerment Programmes (CEPs) that cover the greater Ballysillan Area. These 2 programmes are funded by the North Belfast Community Action Unit. They have a combined youth programme funding of £55,870 for this financial year.

Written Assembly Questions

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of written Assembly Questions she has received since May 2007; and (ii) the average length of time it takes her department to respond.

(AQW 3476/08)

Ms C Ruane: Between 08 May 2007 and 04 February 2008 my Department received 857 Assembly Written Questions. On average it has taken 11 working days to respond.

Language Courses

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail schools in Northern Ireland at primary and post-primary level that currently provide courses in (i) Mandarin; (ii) Hindi; and (iii) Russian.

(AQW 3580/08)

Ms C Ruane: DE does not hold information on course provision. At post primary level course entries for GCSE and A level examinations are collected. The latest available data on post-primary entries relates to the 2005/06 academic year.

Post primary schools with entries in GCSE and/or A Level courses in:

Mandarin

Our lady of Mercy High School

Campbell College

Methodist College

Strathearn School

Downshire School

Belfast High School

Friends School

Royal School Dungannon

Royal School Armagh

Malone Intergrated College

Victoria College

Hindi

No schools had entries in Hindi in the 2005/06 academic year.

Russian

Methodist college

Nendrum college

1. Information on entries in Mandarin, Hindi and Russian courses in individual primary schools is not available.

Independent Integrated Schools

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail what precedent exists to permit her department to give financial support to independent integrated secondary schools.

(AQW 3600/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has not provided financial support to independent integrated secondary schools.

The current location of Rowallane Integrated College is in temporary mobile accommodation on a leased site at Belvoir Park Hospital Estate. The Department has not provided any monies in preparing and maintaining the site.

The Department has not invested any monies in Rowallane Integrated College in the past three years. The school is funded by the Integrated Education Fund.

Rowallane Independent Integrated School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the current location of Rowallane Independent Integrated College; and (ii) the amount of money invested by her department in preparing and maintaining the site.

(AQW 3601/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has not provided financial support to independent integrated secondary schools.

The Department has not invested any monies in Rowallane Integrated College in the past three years. The school is funded by the Integrated Education Fund.

Rowallane Independent Integrated School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the total amount of money her department has invested in Rowallane Independent Integrated Secondary School, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3602/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has not provided financial support to independent integrated secondary schools.

The Department has not invested any monies in Rowallane Integrated College in the past three years. The school is funded by the Integrated Education Fund.

Protestant Teachers

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the percentage; and (ii) the number of Protestant teachers employed in primary schools in (a) the Controlled sector; and (b) the Maintained sector.

(AQW 3631/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not hold statistical information on the religious breakdown of teachers.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the dates on which she briefed the Executive on her proposals for post-primary transfer.

(AQW 3690/08)

Ms C Ruane: I wrote to my Executive colleagues on 4 December 2007. The process of engagement was discussed at meetings of the Executive on 18 December 2007, 17 and 31 January 2008.

Transfer to Post-Primary

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she has sought the views of the Assembly Committee for Education in relation to the future arrangements for transfer to post-primary education.

(AQO 1924/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bhí cruinnithe agam le Coiste Oideachais an Tionóil gairid i ndiaidh mé teacht i gcionn oifige agus bhí cruinnithe agam freisin le hurlabhraithe oideachais na bpáirtithe, agus bhuail mé leis an Choiste arís ar an aonú lá is triocha de mhí Eanáir agus chuir mé freagraí scríofa ar fáil ar cheisteanna a chuir baill den Choiste.

Following initial meetings with the Assembly Education Committee shortly after I took up office, and meetings in the interim period with Party education spokespersons including meeting with the chair, I met with the Committee again on 31 January 2008 and provided written answers to a number of questions they had raised. That meeting provided me with an opportunity to respond to further questions on other points of detail which the Committee wished to raise with me.

I also briefed the Committee on progress that has been made towards seeking a consensus amongst educationalists on arrangements for transfer in 2010 and beyond. At the meeting on 31 January, and indeed prior to Christmas, I invited Committee members to reach a consensus and provide me with their agreed views on a way forward. I am still awaiting their response.

I will continue to engage constructively with the Committee, and I value the input that they can make to the process of building an educational consensus that puts children first.

Dr Farry has asked me, in question number 7, to provide an update on my proposals. I am happy to do so.

After my statement on 4 December I met quickly with groups representing the full range of education interests. I asked all of them to provide me with a position paper based on their response to the vision I set out.

In the new year my officials have met with each group again and have explored the areas of consensus and the areas of continuing contention. I am asking my officials to continue with these discussions since I feel it is vital to engage directly with those in education and to seek an educational consensus.

When these discussions are complete I will bring forward detailed proposals to the Executive, the Assembly and, of course, the Committee. I am sometimes shocked to hear criticisms of this process but I make no apology for it.

This issue has been under discussion for several years. A way forward capable of widespread support has eluded us. I want to achieve it. Indeed I am determined to achieve such an outcome.

Books and Learning Aids

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail the impact the Budget will have on the future purchase of books and learning aids for primary schools in the Strangford constituency, over the next three years.

(AQO 1833/08)

Ms C Ruane: In September last year I signalled my intention to initiate a review of the schools workforce. I expect to make a further announcement about the terms of reference for the review in the near future. However, I should make it clear that the forthcoming review will not be restricted to teachers but will deal with all staff working in our schools. Nor will it be confined to issues around pay and conditions of service which were the main focus of the Curran Independent Inquiry. The terms of reference for the Inquiry are set out in Appendix 1 of the Final Report Part 1, published in June 2003.

Post-Primary Transfer

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on her proposals for post-primary transfer.

(AQO 1932/08)

I will continue to engage constructively with the Committee, and I value the input that they can make to the process of building an educational consensus that puts children first.

Dr Farry has asked me, in question number 7, to provide an update on my proposals. I am happy to do so.

This issue has been under discussion for several years. A way forward capable of widespread support has eluded us. I want to achieve it. Indeed I am determined to achieve such an outcome.

Council for Education in World Citizenship

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to fund the Council for Education in World Citizenship.

(AQO 1931/08)

Ms C Ruane: Fuair an Chomhairle um Oideachas sa tSaoránacht Dhomhanda maoiniú tríd an Scéim Bunmhaoinithe do Chaidreamh Pobail dhá mhíle a haon go dhá mhíle a ceithre. Chuir siad isteach ar mhaoiniú ar bhonn leanúnach i mbabhtaí ina dhiaidh sin, ach ó bhí an maoiniú teoranta, ní tháinig leis an Roinn gach eagraíocht a mhaoiniú a chuir iarratas isteach.

The Council for Education in World Citizenship (CEWC) received funding through the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme (CRCFS) 2001-04. They applied for continued funding, in subsequent rounds, but, as the funding was limited, the Department could not fund every organisation that applied. In the recent round of core funding, commencing in 2007, the application from CEWC was unsuccessful.

All unsuccessful applicants were advised of their right to appeal and were provided with a copy of the appeal procedures. CEWC decided not to appeal the Department decision.

Is tríd an Scéim Bunmhaoinithe do Chaidreamh Pobail amháin a thig maoiniú do obair na Comhairle um Oideachas sa tSaoránacht Dhomhanda, agus faoi láthair tá an scéim lán tiomanta.

The only funding available for the work carried out by CEWC is through the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme and the current scheme is fully committed. CEWC should however be eligible to apply for funding under the next round of the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme.

Education Welfare Officers

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to provide parity of pay and recognition between Education Welfare Officers who have social work qualifications, and Social Workers who are employed in the Health Service.

(AQO 1917/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tuigim ó na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne, arb iad na fostaitheoirí iad sa tSeirbhís Leasa Oideachais, go gcinntítear grádú Oifigeach Leasa Oideachais trí phróiseas comhaontaithe ar mheastóireacht poist.

I understand, from the Education and Library Boards, who are the employers of staff in the Education Welfare Service, that the grading of Education Welfare Officers is determined by an agreed process of job evaluation. This process takes account of a range of factors relating to the job including supervisory responsibility, creativity, contacts, decision making , knowledge and skills (including qualifications), and work context and is regarded as much fairer than a determination solely based on qualification.

Staff employed in the Health and Social Services are engaged under different terms and conditions of service from staff in the Education and Library Boards and their salaries and gradings are agreed through an entirely different negotiating machinery.

North-South Educational Projects

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Education to detail the new North-South educational projects she has introduced since taking up office.

(AQO 1890/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi choimirce na Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas tá comhoibriú ann ar an oideachas trasna réimse ceisteanna: oideachas do pháistí le riachtanais speisialta; an fo-ghnóthachtáil san oideachas; cáilíochtaí agus aoisliúntas múinteoirí; scéimeanna malairte do scoileanna, do dhaoine óga agus do mhúinteoirí.

Under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council there is existing education cooperation across a range of issues: education for children with special needs; educational underachievement; teacher qualifications and superannuation issues; school, youth and teacher exchanges.

I met with Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Education and Science, in Dublin in November last year to review progress in these areas and to initiate further work on the full range of matters. We agreed to develop proposals to tackle educational underachievement, including ongoing work by the Literacy and Numeracy Working Group, and to undertake a formal review of co-operation on educational exchanges and supporting mechanisms, including the North South Exchange Consortium. Following the significant progress made so far to establish a Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown, we endorsed the plans to provide training, advisory and research services and education, learning and support services once building work is complete. Other joint projects are currently underway in the field of special education needs, such as the "Cross Border School and Parent Community Partnership Programme", and we plan to hold a joint Autistic Spectrum Disorder conference this year. Through the Teachers Qualifications Working Group, progress is being made on improving teacher mobility.

In December 2007, Conor Lenihan TD, the Irish Minister for Integration and I jointly launched a Toolkit for Diversity in the Primary School sector. The Toolkit will develop cross-border collaboration to assist children whose language, culture and ethnicity are not Irish and to allow us all to benefit from this rich diversity.

As part of my desire to raise awareness of the important role science and technology in our schools, I have supported the all-Ireland BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibitions, attending the formal opening of the most recent event in Dublin in January with Micheál Martin, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

I will be hosting the next North South Ministerial Council meeting in Education Sectoral format in the Spring and will, of course, report back to the Assembly on progress made on these and other issues.

Implemention Costs

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to identify her department's allocation in the Budget in relation to the costs of implementing her 'vision' for education.

(AQO 1857/08)

Ms C Ruane: Cheadaigh an Tionól an Buiséad ar 29 Eanáir 2008. Tá mé ag déanamh breithniú ar mhiondáileadh an Bhuiséid do sheirbhísí oideachais.

The Assembly approved the Budget on January 29, 2008. I am currently considering the detailed distribution of the budget allocation for education services. However, the proposals under my vision are unlikely to require restructuring significantly beyond that already required by the need for Sustainable Schools.

Academic Selection Procedure

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of grammar schools that only accept pupils with grades 'A' or 'B' in the current academic selection procedure.

(AQO 1914/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sa bhliain oideachais 2007/08 níor ghlac ach 9 de na 69 scoil ghramadaí i dTuaisceart na hÉireann daltaí le Grád A nó Grád B.

In the 2007/08 academic year, 9 of the 69 grammar schools in the North of Ireland only accepted pupils with Grade A or Grade B.

Free Public Transport

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to providing free public transport for special needs children and young adults.

(AQO 1929/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá na socruithe taistil ón bhaile go dtí an scoil do dhaltaí le riachtanais speisialta oideachais taobh amuigh de na socruithe caighdeánacha, agus tá siad sonraithe do gach páiste.

The current home to school transport arrangements for pupils with special educational needs lie outside of the standard arrangements applied, and are tailored to each individual child. If health care professionals deem transport provision necessary as part of the child’s statementing process, then transport will be provided using whatever mode of transport is recommended, to whichever school is deemed most suitable to meet that child’s needs.

As part of its Concessionary Fares Scheme in the north, the Department for Regional Development provides half fares to young people up to the 30^th June of the school year in which they turn 16; that is, while they are in compulsory education. In addition, the Scheme provides free fares to persons who are registered blind. Half fares are available to a number of groups of people with disabilities, including persons: in receipt of either mobility component of Disability Living Allowance; known to have a learning disability; registered as being partially sighted; and persons who have been refused a driving licence on medical grounds. I am advised that the Department for Regional Development made a number of bids to extend the Scheme as part of the recent Comprehensive Spending Review. These bids, which were unsuccessful, included the provision of half fares to young people up to their eighteenth birthday and extending free fares to existing half fare disabled categories.

Disabled Children at St. Joseph's College

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure that disabled children in St. Joseph's Secondary College, Coalisland, have suitable access to school facilities; and what plans she has to ensure that the rights of disabled children in mainstream schools will be protected.

(AQO 1907/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoin Special Educational Needs and Disability Order 2005 tá dualgas ar Bhoird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus ar Bhoird Gobharnóirí gach céim réasúnta a ghlacadh lena chinntiú nach bhfuil dalta le míchumas faoi mhíbhuntáiste i gcomórtas le dalta nach bhfuil míchumas air.

Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order 2005 there is already a duty on Education and Library Boards and Boards of Governors to take all reasonable steps to ensure that a pupil with a disability is not placed at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to a pupil who does not have a disability.

In regard to St Joseph’s Secondary College, I am aware of the current situation. A scheme to provide chair lifts, disabled toilet facilities and a lift is at an advanced stage of planning. This will ensure the children have access to all parts of the curriculum. The first stage to provide chair lifts is expected to be finished in April and the lift will be installed during the summer.

School Buildings Handbook

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the progress of the review of the School Buildings Handbook.

(AQO 1927/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá obair faoi lán seoil le Lámbhleabhar na mBunscoileanna a athbhreithniú. Le deireannas, bhuail Craobh Tógála na Roinne le grúpa de phríomhoidí bunscoile a raibh scoileanna nua-thógtha acu lena gcleachtadh agus a mbarúlacha a phlé maidir leis an Lámhleabhar.

Work is currently underway to review the Primary School Handbook. The Department’s Building Branch have recently met with a group of primary school Principals who have had recent new build schools, to discuss their experiences and their views on the Handbook. It is also intended to meet with other education stakeholders who are closely involved in the planning / design of new schools to obtain their views. It is planned to have the review of the Primary School Handbook completed by the Autumn of 2008.

The Post-Primary Handbook was substantially reviewed in 2003 and there has not been the same requirement to undertake a review of it again. The Department will, however, be considering what further improvements are required through engagement with the education sector.

Youth Services in Belfast

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail all existing cross-departmental funding for youth services in Belfast up to the end of this financial year.

(AQO 1911/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department received cross-departmental funding for the youth service in Belfast in 2007/08 from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). This funding was allocated to the both Belfast (BELB) and South Eastern Education and Library boards (SEELB).

The Department received £175,000 from the OFMDFM from their Community Action Groups Fund. This funding was allocated for youth intervention schemes.

The Department also received £536,000 from DSD from the Integrated Development (Renewing Communities) Fund and the Belfast Regeneration Office Project. This funding was allocated for youth outreach work and summer intervention programmes.

Visiting NI to Study

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of requests she has received from abroad in relation to visiting Northern Ireland to study the 'world-class education system'.

(AQO 1923/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní bhfuair mé aon iarratas sonrach leis an chóras oideachais de chaighdeán domhanda.

I have received no specific requests to study the world class education system. However, I have received:

one request from Mr Paul Smyth from Public Achievement, Belfast on behalf of Miren Azkarate of the Basque Government to discuss conflict resolution and the use of traditional language in contested regions;
an invitation from Miren Azkarate to visit the Basque country to exchange views on the work we are both engaged in and create new bonds of cooperation between the north of Ireland and the Basque country;

one request from Mr Joe Mulhern, Senior Teacher in Harberton School on behalf of a group of visiting teachers from Turkey, Germany and Spain to launch a European Schools Project on the environment;

I have also

hosted a reception for Modern Language Assistants in Parliament Buildings;
had a comprehensive meeting with Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in Scotland; and.

On 12 February I will be attending the launch of Stranmillis Colleges’ project ‘Capacity Building Programme for Teachers in Post-Conflict Areas’ which include representatives from Ireland, Uganda, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.

The assembly will be aware of the widespread interest in the peace process between Ireland, Britain and the new institutions. I regularly meet people at various events from countries throughout the world who have an interest in the process.

School Places

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail any consultations she has had with the European Commission regarding her proposal to give preference to children from the Republic of Ireland for places in schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1817/08)

Ms C Ruane: Creidim gur chóir do pháistí bheith ábalta freastal ar an scoil fhóirsteanach is gaire dóibh, is cuma cén taobh den teorainn a bhfuil sí uirthi.

I believe children should be able to attend their nearest suitable school regardless of which side of the border it is on. Our education system should not be built around partition. I have attended North South Ministerial Council meetings where we have discussed the removal of obstacles to mobility and this is one such area.

It is my intention to review the legislation (with a view to changing it) that currently requires schools to give priority in their admissions criteria to children resident in the North before any child not so resident. This is because the legislation may be in conflict with EU law and I am in the process of obtaining legal advice on this matter; I have not been in contact with the European Commission. Additionally it is my Department’s policy to maximise the extent to which parents are enabled to send their children to their school of first choice.

Funding Youth Provision

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to outline the extent to which her department is funding youth provision in South Belfast; and to detail the portion of this funding that is targeted on drug and alcohol awareness.

(AQO 1902/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dúirt an Príomhfheidhmeannach de Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirsde gur sainíodh £406,483 ó bhunbhuiséad don tseirbhís óige i 2007/08 do Dheisceart Bhéal Feirsde.

I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the Belfast Education and Library Board that £406,483 was designated from the youth service core budget in 2007/2008 for South Belfast. In addition £17,628 was allocated for the Youth Intervention Programme, £10,750 for summer intervention, £35,000 for community based peer educators and £50,000 for detached and outreach youth work posts in the area.

This equates to £519,861 of the available youth allocation going to South Belfast.

In terms of drugs and alcohol awareness work with young people, Belfast Education and Library Board have advised that they do not prioritise funding directly to this area. However, many youth units deliver a raft of personal development programmes which include drugs and alcohol awareness.

Teachers' Conditions of Service

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the terms of reference of the Curran Committee of Enquiry in relation to her department's review of teachers' conditions of service.

(AQO 1891/08)

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Adult Learners

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of adult learners achieving a qualification in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2737/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The number of adult learners achieving a qualification in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency is not available. However, the overall number of adult learners achieving a qualification in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in Northern Ireland in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, is available and is detailed in the table below.

Essential Skills Course	Calendar Year¹
Essential Skills Course	(i) 2005	(ii) 2006	(iii) 2007
Literacy	3,576	5,387	5,227
Numeracy	2,341	4,016	4,955
ICT²	N/A	N/A	131

Source: Awarding Bodies.

Notes:

Figures are correct as at 30^th November 2007.

¹ Calendar year is defined as 1^st January to 31^st December.

²The Department funded a pilot project for a new essential skill of ICT, which commenced in September 2006.

New Deal for Musicians Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the provision of teaching accommodation, facilities and equipment, in the North West, for those students enrolled in the New Deal for Musicians Programme.

(AQW 2783/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The New Deal for Musicians programme is based on participants undertaking study of Open Learning workbooks, as opposed to being classroom based. Therefore, there is no requirement for the South Eastern Regional College who are currently contracted to deliver the programme throughout N. Ireland to provide any teaching accommodation. The workbooks are accessed through the internet with participants advised to use the facilities of their local library to assist them in completing these. Participants can also receive personal hard copies of the workbooks from the College which they can retain.

South Eastern Regional College also offer participants the opportunity to be awarded a discretionary fund of up to £400 to purchase equipment which will assist them finding work primarily in the music industry.

I am content with the delivery of the programme by South Eastern Regional College as the recent contract monitoring visit by my Department’s Quality Performance Branch identified that the programme was being managed in an effective manner.

New Chief Executive

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm when the appointment will take place of the new Chief Executive of the South Eastern Regional College.

(AQW 2883/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The appointment of the Principal of South Eastern Regional College is a matter for the Governing Body of the College, as the employing authority, to determine. My Department has been advised that the interviews for candidates for the position are scheduled for the beginning of February 2008. The date of appointment of the new Principal by the Governing Body depends upon a suitable candidate being identified by the selection panel and any individual circumstances relating to this person.

Capital Build Programmes

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of apprenticeships that will be created, as a result of the Capital Build Programmes to be initiated by the Executive.

(AQW 3286/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Public Procurement Regulations 2006, Regulation 39, allows for the integration of social considerations within the procurement process. This could include the creation of apprenticeships and Central Procurement Directorate is in discussion with the construction industry to determine how this might be achieved.

The number of apprenticeships that will be created will become clearer on conclusion of this process.

Apprentices' Earnings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the guidance, in relation to wages, that he has given to companies that employ apprentices.

(AQW 3432/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Training for Success Operational Guidelines for Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships state that "Apprentices should be paid the appropriate rate for the job in line with National Minimum Wage (NMW) regulations." The Guidelines also provide the NMW Helpline telephone number and the website link, www.hmrc.gov.uk/nmw/help.htm#main

Computer Science Courses

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of full time and part time undergraduate students studying (i) computer science courses; and (ii) subjects in which computer science accounts for at least 50% of their course, at (a) Queen's University, Belfast; and (b) the University of Ulster's campusus.

(AQW 3441/08)

Sir Reg Empey: (i) The number of full-time and part-time undergraduate students studying a computer science course at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the University of Ulster (UU) in 2006/07 are given in the table below:

	QUB	UU	Total
Full Time	805	1,580	2,385
Part Time	90	125	215
Total	895	1,705	2,600

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

(ii) The number of full-time and part-time undergraduate students studying a course in which computer science accounts for at least 50% of their course at QUB and UU in 2006/07 are given in the table below:

	QUB	UU	Total
Full Time	875	1,635	2,510
Part Time	100	195	295
Total	975	1,830	2,805

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

University Fees

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment he has made of the impact of the difference in university fees, between universities in Northern Ireland and those in the Republic of Ireland, on the ability of universities in Northern Ireland to recruit students.

(AQW 3452/08)

Sir Reg Empey: It is too early to gauge the impact of variable tuition fees as we are only in the second academic year of the new arrangements. However, UCAS final accepted applicant figures for entry to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK in academic year 2007/2008 show that the number of applicants accepted to NI institutions has actually increased by 8.4%.

A review of variable fees and student finance arrangements is planned to commence in Academic Year 2008/2009. The review will look at the impact of variable fees on participation levels in Higher Education and inform future student finance policy for Northern Ireland.

Modern Apprenticeships

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the reasons why the consultants who prepared the 'Review of Modern Apprenticeships in the North West - Understanding demographics/trends to date and forecasting future scenarios', did not hold discussions with the North West Regional College.

(AQW 3511/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The terms of reference for the Study of Modern Apprenticeships in the North West commissioned a statistical analysis of the uptake of modern apprenticeships in the North West, benchmarked against other district council areas and against NI as a whole.

The terms of reference required the consultants to review and analyse data already captured by DEL. The terms of reference did not include provision for new or additional research, or for the consultants to hold discussions with any training providers. However, the consultants did meet with the Electrical Training Trust in order to develop a case study included in the report.

Tribunals Enforcement

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail any plans he has to introduce legislation to give (i) the Office of Industrial Tribunals; and (ii) the Fair Employment Tribunal, greater powers to enforce their decisions.

(AQW 3555/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department plans a comprehensive review of mechanisms for resolving individual employment rights disputes beginning later this year. As a first step, officials will shortly begin discussions with key stakeholders, including representatives of business and the trade unions, to establish whether and how systems for resolving disputes can be changed for the better. Full public consultation will follow this initial exploratory phase.

The wide-ranging review will include in its scope, amongst other issues, the functions and powers of industrial tribunals and the Fair Employment Tribunal. I will consider carefully any representations received during the course of the review regarding the enforcement of tribunal decisions.

European Globalisation Adjustment Fund

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2897/08, to provide an update on the meeting that his departmental official had with the European Commission on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.

(AQW 3561/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Following the meeting with officials of the European Commission on the EU Globalisation Adjustment Fund, Departmental officials have been working to clarify the criteria for application to the Fund and to gather information relevant to an application. Upon completion of this process I will make an assessment on the detail of an application.

Language Courses

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the steps that have been taken to provide the relevant language courses suitable for local businesses wishing to access markets in India, China and Russia.

(AQW 3579/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The University of Ulster’s School of Languages and Literature includes a language services company, FLEX (Foreign Languages for Export), which offers customised courses for companies engaged in global markets.

Additionally, Further Education colleges can arrange language courses for local businesses, as required.

Indigenous Trades

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the grants available to train people in indigenous trades, such as thatching and dry stone walling.

(AQW 3637/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Training for Success is the Department for Employment and Learning’s apprenticeship scheme for young people aged 16-24. Under this provision, technical and professional frameworks are developed by Sector Skills Councils, to address the skills needs of that particular sector. If an apprenticeship framework is developed by a Sector Skills Council which includes a particular trade, then the Department will fund the provision of training for an apprentice in that trade.

In relation to the trades you have mentioned, a Construction Industry framework has been developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITBNI). This framework does include training in thatching and stonemasonry, but there is no specific framework for dry stone walling.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has advised that it does not facilitate any grants to train people in indigenous trades. It has advised, however, that under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme, support may in principle be available for specialist or bespoke training. This would, however, have to be agreed by a Local Action Group under the Programme, and be included in a local rural development strategy, which is drawn by the Local Action Group, based on the needs and priorities of its area.

DARD has also advised that the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) offers free training courses on field boundary management to farmers and farm family members. Furthermore, within DARD’s Countryside Management Scheme, payments are available to farmers who carry out Field Boundary Management, which may include dry stone walling.

North West Development

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning pursuant to his answer to AQW 3020/08, to detail (i) the subjects which are identified as necessary for the growth of the North West region; (ii) which of these subjects have been identified for expansion in terms of student numbers and research; and (iii) which new subjects, necessary for economic growth, will be added to the existing range of subjects at the Magee Campus of the University of Ulster.

(AQW 3672/08)

Sir Reg Empey: (i) My Department has identified six priority skills areas which are necessary to the effective growth of the economy across Northern Ireland, including the North West. These are: Software Engineering, Electronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Tourism & Hospitality, ICT and Construction & the Built Environment.

(ii) My Department is working closely with the Sector Skills Councils to improve skills levels in these areas and is targeting resources towards their development. Under the Programme for Government, the Department is committed to increasing the annual intake of DEL funded PhD students by 100 per annum, culminating in 300 additional PhD studentships by 2010/11. These additional studentships will be focused on areas of economic relevance to be determined as part of the Department’s forthcoming "Review of Postgraduate Policy and Funding".

(iii) The University of Ulster is committed to working in partnership with various development agencies, including ILEX, to offer courses at its Magee campus which provide the necessary graduate skills to support the development of the North West region. The University has committed itself to providing those courses deemed necessary for economic development, for example, by developing its current provision in computing and engineering (with a priority to expand into construction and building), creative technologies and business services. Since research, technology transfer and teaching are, to a large extent, complementary activities, research and technology transfer in these economically relevant areas would also be developed further (the latter in partnership with the Northern Ireland Science Park).

Economic Inactivity

Mr L Cree asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking to address economic inactivity amongst categories other than students, single parent families, and those suffering with long-term illness.

(AQW 3724/08)

Sir Reg Empey: A comprehensive range of services is available through my Department’s network of 35 Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres and through contracted Providers to help the economically inactive find work. The services include mandatory work-focused interviews; action planning for certain clients and measures designed to improve the job prospects of those in areas of high unemployment and deprivation who have severe employability barriers. These services are subject to regular review to ensure that the public Employment Service in Northern Ireland is fit for purpose in the delivery of Welfare to Work policies.

Non-NQF Qualifications

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning, in relation to FE 08/07 'Prescribed list of approved Non-NQF Qualifications', to detail (i) what is meant by 'robust quality assurance for non-NQF qualifications'; and (ii) what are recognised as 'clear progression routes'.

(AQW 3725/08)

Sir Reg Empey: (i) The ‘robust quality assurance’ referred to in FE 08/07 means that all of the non-NQF qualifications submitted by the Colleges must receive full endorsement by the relevant Sector Skills Council (SSC) or Standards Setting Body (SSB). This ensures that a rigorous quality assurance process is being maintained across the qualifications offer.

Clear progression routes are those identified by Colleges which enable learners to advance their careers either by continuing with non-NQF qualifications or nationally accredited qualifications, and which will be recognised by educational establishments and employers.

Non-NQF qualifications

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the list of qualifications that his department has accepted for the prescribed list of non-NQF qualifications; (ii) the organisations delivering these qualifications; and (iii) the reasons for the delay in providing the list of qualifications.

(AQW 3726/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The only non-NQF qualifications that have been listed, to date, are the following University Access Courses.

Access Diploma in Combined Studies Univ’y of Ulster

Access Diploma in… Univ’y of Ulster

Computing with Business & Multimedia

Access Diploma in… Univ’y of Ulster

IT Studies & Professional Development

Access Diploma in Life & Social Sciences Univ’y of Ulster

Access Diploma in Science Univ’y of Ulster

Access Diploma in Social Sciences Univ’y of Ulster

Access Diploma for Adult Learning Univ’y of Ulster

Access Certificate in Arts & Humanities Queens University

Access Certificate in Biological Sciences Queens University

Access Certificate in Engineering Queens University

Access Certificate in… Queens University

Humanities & Social Science

Access Certificate in Languages in… Queens University

(French, German & Spanish)

Access Certificate in Mathematics & Computing Queens University

Access Certificate in Nursing & Health Studies Queens University

Access Certificate in Social Sciences Queens University

Certificate in Access Studies OCN NW Region

The Department has agreed with the Colleges that these qualifications will be funded.

The policy of the Department is that these non-NQF qualifications will be delivered by the FE Colleges only.
The publication of the list was delayed to facilitate submissions from the FE sector for additional qualifications to be added.

Recycled Waste

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of waste produced by the department that is recycled.

(AQW 3797/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning does not maintain its recycling information in the format requested. The Department, is however, committed to recycling as much waste as possible as part of its green and sustainable development policies.

A number of specific arrangements have been put in place to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass. For example 33914 kilos of waste paper and 1142 kilos of cardboard have been sent for recycling from the Department’s HQ, Adelaide House, since the introduction of a new "on site" shredding policy in October 2006. The Department also recycles printer cartridges and mobile phones.

The Department actively promotes a policy of reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and keeps staff involved and informed with current initiatives by regular updates on the Department’s Intranet and through articles in the Staff Magazine "Update".

The Department will continue to take every opportunity to develop initiatives in relation to waste management.

Student Anti-Social Behaviour

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the number of students attending Queen's University, Belfast, and the University of Ulster, who have been subject to disciplinary procedures as a result of anti-social behaviour off-campus; and (ii) the number of these students with term time addresses in South Belfast.

(AQO 1901/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Available statistics show that, in the current academic year (2007/8) to date, 232 students at Queen’s University and 143 students at the University of Ulster have been subject to disciplinary procedures in respect of anti-social behaviour.

342 of those students had term-time addresses in the South Belfast area.

Students from Outside Northern Ireland

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number, and country of origin, of students from outside Northern Ireland enrolled in courses at (i) Queen's University Belfast; and (ii) the University of Ulster.

(AQO 1825/08)

Sir Reg Empey: There is a total enrolment of 6,300 students at Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions from over 100 countries across the world.

There are 2,865 students at Queen’s University Belfast and 3,435 students at University of Ulster.

The three countries, excluding Northern Ireland, which had the largest number of students enrolled at Queen’s University Belfast and University of Ulster in 2006/07 are as follows:

Republic of Ireland - 1,025 enrolments at QUB and 2,215 at UU;
England - 485 enrolments at QUB and 365 at UU; and
China - 305 enrolments at QUB and 210 at UU.

A full list of enrolments by country of domicile in each university has been placed in the Assembly library.

Careers Service

Mr D Burnside asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to make the Careers Service more effective.

(AQO 1838/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Careers Service currently provides valuable careers information, advice and guidance to young people and adults. My Department together with the Department of Education has developed proposals for an all-age Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy for Northern Ireland which will further improve the effectiveness of the Careers Service.

Proposals include the development of Careers Resource Centres, improved access to up to date labour market information, development of partnership agreements with schools, implementation of recognised quality standards, and enhanced continuous professional development of staff. This will be supported by effective management information.

Responses to the consultation are currently being analysed and the final strategy and implementation plan are scheduled for summer 2008.

Task Force Report 2002

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the proposals for the future of Further and Higher Education within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force Report 2002.

(AQO 1906/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department, through the statutory Further Education Sector, continues to widen access and increase participation in further and higher education in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill areas.

Belfast Metropolitan College offers a wide range of courses at its main Campus and in its Outreach Centres throughout West Belfast and Greater Shankill. The College is also setting up a Workforce and Economic Development Centre on the Springvale site, which will offer a range of services to support economic and social regeneration in the area.

The Department is committed to Widening Participation in higher education in West Belfast and Greater Shankill, through:

the introduction of the Belfast "Step-Up" programme; and
an additional 200 full-time higher education places, allocated to Belfast Metropolitan College.

IT Sector

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give his assessment of the extent of the labour shortage in the information technology sector.

(AQO 1847/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

It is estimated that the information technology sector needs 1610 new entrants each year to replace those leaving the IT workforce (this need is currently met) and 360 additional recruits per annum to support the predicted growth of that industry. Action to address this issue is currently being taken forward by my Department and InvestNI along with representatives from industry.

Springvale Education Village Project

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking to address the low levels of further and higher education attainment in the Springvale area, particularly in relation to difficulties with the Springvale Education Village Project and high levels of deprivation in this area.

(AQO 1913/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Belfast Metropolitan College continues to take measures to encourage participation in further and higher education by local communities in West and North Belfast, including the immediate Springvale area.

There is a range of Entry Level, Level 1 and Essential Skills courses available through local ‘outreach’ centres and this service will be strengthened by the College’s planned Workforce and Economic Development Centre (WEDC), which will open in the Spring of 2010. The Centre will provide pre-employment and in-company training as well as support services to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

The Department is committed to Widening Participation in higher education in West Belfast and Greater Shankill, through:

the introduction of the Belfast "Step-Up" programme; and
an additional 200 full-time higher education places, allocated to Belfast Metropolitan College.

The Department is also entering into discussions with Belfast Metropolitan College, and other Colleges, about the scope for Colleges to contract with local third party organisations to provide mentoring and support services for those ‘hard to reach’ members of the community who might be prepared to enrol on employment related further education courses.

Newtownards Campus

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of reports that jobs and courses are to be lost at the Newtownards campus of the South Eastern Regional College.

(AQO 1813/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Following the merger of further education colleges in August 2007, the South Eastern Regional College, which includes the Newtownards campus, in keeping with other further education colleges in Northern Ireland, is organising its provision and structures to meet business needs. The College Management has yet to determine the final number and location of posts which may be made redundant as a result of the restructuring process.

Training for Success

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the process undertaken, and standards applied, in relation to his department's procurement exercise, which led to the award of contracts for Training for Success; and what action he is taking to address the lessons learned in relation to future procurement exercises.

(AQO 1895/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I am content with the advice and guidance received from the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate during the tendering and awarding of contracts for Training for Success. The procurement process is quality assured and meets the ISO 9002 standard and also adheres to the 12 principles of Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy as laid down by the Executive in May 2002. My officials are in the early stages of reviewing Training for Success and any lessons learned will be carried forward for future procurement exercises.

Concessionary Fees

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the instructions given to colleges by his department in relation to concessionary fees for pensioners.

(AQO 1815/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I have asked the Department to work with colleges to ensure that they adopt a consistent approach to the application of Age Legislation as far as it relates to the setting of course fees. The Department has received assurances from colleges that consistent approaches will be in place for the start of the 2008/09 academic year. The Department is also working with colleges on eligibility criteria for fees setting that could increase the number of people, including some pensioners, who could benefit from fees concessions, in a way that is compliant with Age Legislation.

Skills Shortage

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to identify the areas where final budget allocations have resulted in gaps in his department's ability to deliver the skills necessary to compete in the global market.

(AQO 1934/08)

Sir Reg Empey: In a tight financial environment, my Department secured a positive budget settlement with increases of 1.8%, 5.3% and 6.2% across the CSR period. In allocating my budget, I have given priority to those areas that support directly the Department’s ability to deliver the skills required for Northern Ireland to compete in the global market. This was strengthened further through the additional budget allocation for innovation. Therefore, the main gaps are in areas which relate to assisting those individuals with barriers to participating in education and employment, including those who are economically inactive.

Economically Inactive

Mr L Cree asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline how he proposes to support the economically inactive and disadvantaged.

(AQO 1851/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department’s Employment Service, through its network of 35 Jobs and Benefits offices and JobCentres, is already pro-actively supporting those who are deemed economically inactive and disadvantaged. This support is available via a wide range of interventions and services, some in the form of specialist help, but all of which are designed to assist jobseekers prepare themselves for entry or re-entry into the labour market. The facilities currently available include access to Work-focussed Interviews; targeted help for those on Incapacity Benefit or Income Support who have health problems; the full range of New Deal programmes; specialist employability-focussed support for those with a history of substance misuse, homelessness or ex-offenders/ex-prisoners; community based provision in areas of high disadvantage for those who do not use the statutory employment services; provision which is testing a new and more targeted approach to address clients needs and a number of programmes to assist people with disabilities.

Through this portfolio of programmes and services, my Department aims to deliver a high quality, customer focussed service, where necessary, helping clients to improve their employability and thereby increasing Northern Ireland’s employment rate.

PhD Places

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not the figure in the Budget for increasing the number of PhD places, takes account of the 150 places that will be lost in March due to the withdrawal of European Union Social Funds.

(AQO 1799/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s budget settlement facilitates the increase of the annual intake of funded PhD students by 100 per annum but does not take account of the withdrawal of European Social Funds or any other changes in funding. PhD studentships are funded from a wide range of sources including the universities themselves, the European Commission, charities, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department for Employment and Learning, the UK Research Councils, businesses and overseas governments.

Careers Education

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what discussions he has had with the Minister for Education in relation to the enhancement of careers education.

(AQO 1850/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I have had discussions with the Minister of Education on 2 occasions, on 5 June and 13 August 2007, in relation to the development of an all-age Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy for Northern Ireland. This work has been taken forward by officials from both departments and the aim is to develop effective career decision makers leading to increased participation in education, training and employment.

The joint strategy issued for consultation in October 2007 and the responses are currently being analysed.

Match Funding

Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the resources available in his department to provide match funding to support women who are economically inactive to re-enter the workforce.

(AQW 3959/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Northern Ireland European Social Fund (NIESF) Programme 2007 -13 offers funding for projects that will benefit economically inactive men and women who are trying to enter, or re-enter, the workforce. The Programme will provide projects with 65% programme funding, made up of 40% from EU Funds and 25% contribution from my Department. The remaining 35% ‘match funding’ must be secured independently from other public sources by the project promoters, as was the case for the previous rounds of ESF funded Programmes.

My Department will not be providing ‘match funding’, in addition to the 25% contribution already offered, to projects to support women who are economically inactive to re-enter the workforce. However it has a range of provision available to assist economically inactive individuals, including women, to find employment such as New Deal, Pathways to Work and Further Education.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Renewable Energy Sources

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of financial assistance that is available for renewable energy sources.

(AQW 3351/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Consideration of these issues is ongoing. I will have a substantive answer to you by Wednesday, 27 February 2008 at the latest.

Investment in Down District

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1130/07, to detail the reasons why Down District was deemed to be an unsuitable location for investment from the other 3 potential investors; and to detail the number of visits to the Down District Council area organised by Invest NI in 2007.

(AQW 3400/08)

Mr N Dodds: Following the 4 inward visits under consideration 2 chose to locate in Northern Ireland, one of which was in the Down District area.

As is often the case, the companies did not provide detailed reasons for preferring one location over another.

When a company is looking at locations for potential investments various factors are considered, such as skills availability, infrastructure and property availability, and each company will assign it’s own weightings to the importance of such factors.

Invest NI does not determine the locations for potential investors: this decision is taken by the investor. Invest NI does however work closely with companies to ensure that the locations to be considered during their assessments of Northern Ireland meet their requirements and also provide the best opportunity to sell the Northern Ireland proposition.

There were no visits organised by Invest NI for the Down District Council area in 2007.

Foreign Direct Investment

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the difficulties that will arise in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), from directing the location of investment in line with the PSA1 objective 2 commitment, to ensure that 70% of new FDI secured occurs within 10 miles of areas of economic disadvantage.

(AQW 3409/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI encourages potential investors to consider all areas of Northern Ireland that have the capacity to support new investment projects but it is the investor who makes the final decision on location. Since its inception in 2002, Invest NI has secured almost 75% of new investment for areas of Northern Ireland that fall into this category.

Invest NI remains committed to delivering against its target for securing new FDI in areas of economic disadvantage, while recognising the challenges presented by the slow down in global markets and the effects of the credit crunch.

Renewable Energy Sources

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of finance allocated to renewable energy sources for each of the last three years.

(AQW 3417/08)

Mr N Dodds: Consideration of these issues is ongoing. I will have a substantive answer to you by Wednesday, 27 February 2008 at the latest.

Deficits in Economic Development

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm that the specific deficits in economic development infrastructure, in relation to the North West area, have been identified in the Invest NI Corporate Plan; to detail what those deficits are; and to outline measures contained in the plan to remedy the deficits.

(AQW 3445/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI's Draft Corporate Plan 2008-2011 will shortly be released for public consultation, following scrutiny by the Enterprise, Trade, and Investment Committee. Prior to preparing the draft plan, Invest NI undertook an extensive consultation process with its clients and key stakeholders, in particular, the main business bodies and academia.

The plan acknowledges the main structural weaknesses within the Northern Ireland economy as a whole, which are compliant to those described in the Executive’s Programme for Government and associated PSA Framework, and outlines Invest NI’s response to the challenge that lies ahead, within the strict limitations of its remit and the resources available to it.

The draft plan does not refer to specific sub-regional issues or initiatives. By necessity, it is strategic in nature. However, the annual operating plans that will emanate from it will bring clarity on specific initiatives and activities, at both the regional and local level. With specific reference to the North West, it is likely these will aim to build on the successes that Invest NI has already achieved since it was set up in 2002.

The Invest NI Performance Information Report 2002/03 – 2006/07, which was recently published, and which is available in the publications section of the Invest NI website (www.investni.com), demonstrates the success of Invest NI in influencing investment commitments in the North West Region (defined as the Limavady, Londonderry, Coleraine and Magherafelt District Council areas). To summarize, Invest NI offered financial assistance totalling over £95 million, contributing towards 1,965 projects that plan to invest almost £432 million.

University of Ulster Science Parks

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in relation to each of the science parks of the University of Ulster, to detail (i) a list of the companies located there; (ii) the industry in which each company is operating; and (iii) the number of people employed locally by each company.

(AQW 3451/08)

Mr N Dodds: The information requested is contained in the table below:

MAGEE SCIENCE PARK

Location	Tenant	Sector	Employees
Technology & Software Innovation Centre, Magee	8over8	ICT	20
	Biznet Solutions	ICT	14
	Clearway Medical	Healthcare	2
	Trufflepig	Multimedia	1
	Euroxchanger	Financial Services	1
	Beeches Management Centre	ICT	1
	Ecom Software	ICT	1
	EFW Ltd	ICT	1
	Optimum Results	Business Support	1
Software Development Centre, Magee	Invision Software	ICT	30
Software Development Centre, Magee	Censys	Telemarketing	35
MS Building, Magee	Northbrook Technologies	ICT	220
Total Employee Numbers at Magee Science Park			327

COLERAINE SCIENCE PARK

Science Innovation Centre, Coleraine	UUTECH	Business Support	3
	Causeway Data Communications	ICT	8
	Gendel	Healthcare	1
	DF Solutions	ICT	3
	Air5	ICT	5
	Gaelectric	Renewable Energy	4
	Covernet	ICT	13
	Netramedia	Multimedia	3
	Invest NI	Business Support	2
	Telatec	ICT	4
	MCL	Property	3
Total Employee Numbers at Coleraine Science Park			49

JORDANSTOWN SCIENCE PARK

Location	Tenant	Sector	Employees
Technology & Engineering Innovation Centre, Jordanstown	Advantage NI	Business Support	3
	Concierge Directory	ICT	1
	Consultus	ICT	1
	Dementia Services (NI)	Healthcare	2
	Farmwizard	Agriculture / ICT	3
	Inphoactive	ICT	5
	SAP	ICT	25
	Tecnico Logix	Engineering	4
	UUTECH	Business Support	6
	FMS-NI	ICT	2
	Sophia Search	ICT	4
	Omiino	ICT	8
Total Employee Numbers at Jordanstown Science Park			64

Total Employee Numbers of UUSRP tenant companies

440

Hotel Accommodation

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of (i) bedrooms; and (ii) bed spaces, available in hotels in (a) North Belfast; (b) West Belfast; (c) East Belfast; and (d) South Belfast.

(AQW 3458/08)

Mr N Dodds: The current number of hotels within the four Belfast Borough Parliamentary Constituencies, along with their respective room and bed-space totals, are detailed in the table below:

Parliamentary Constituency	Number of Hotels	Number of Rooms	Number of Bed-spaces
Belfast North	3	115	232
Belfast West	1	42	84
Belfast East	2	166	376
Belfast South	19	1,909	3,955
Total	25	2,232	4,647

Within this distribution, two of the three Belfast North Hotels and all bar two of the Belfast South hotels are located in close proximity to Belfast City Centre. This includes the area south of the City Hall, the University area, Gasworks and Sandy Row/Great Victoria Street Areas.

EU Competitiveness Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline when calls will be made for the EU Competitiveness Programme, with particular reference to (i) Priority 2.4 signature tourism projects; and (ii) Priority 2.3 tourism product and market development; and to confirm which agency is responsible for administering these measures.

(AQW 3464/08)

Mr N Dodds: DETI are the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness Programme and The Programme will be implemented directly by DETI and its Agencies, principally Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). NITB is the designated Intermediate Body for the delivery of the Tourism element of the Programme namely Priorities 2.3 and 2.4.

There will be no call for Priority 2.4 Signature Tourism as this will be implemented by NITB.
The proposals for the administration of Priority 2.3 Tourism Product and Market Development are currently being developed. This Priority will be delivered by a mix of procurement, open call and by NITB directly. Where appropriate, NITB will commence open calls in 2008/09.

Hotel Accommodation

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of (i) bedrooms; and (ii) bed spaces, available in hotels in the (a) Coleraine District Council area; and (b) Limavady Borough Council area.

(AQW 3492/08)

Mr N Dodds: The current number of hotels within Coleraine Borough Council and Limavady Borough Council, along with their respective room and bed-space totals, are detailed in the table below:

Council	Number of Hotels	Number of Rooms	Number of Bed-spaces
Coleraine Borough Council	12	375	1,018
Limavady Borough Council	2	158	402

Casement Park

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm whether or not Casement Park in West Belfast is designated as a tourist attraction; and if so, to confirm if it is eligible for white on brown tourist signing.

(AQW 3493/08)

Mr N Dodds: Tourism signing in Northern Ireland is considered under a policy jointly agreed between the Department of Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Under Section 1.2.p of the Roads Service Policy and Procedure Guide The Signing of Tourist Attractions and Facilities (2004), a sport facility is designated as a "Tourist Utility" – a place or a service that would be of interest to tourists but does not of itself constitute an attraction. On this basis, Casement Park is not eligible for white on brown tourist signing.

Other sports facilities in Northern Ireland have been considered for signing by Roads Service using black on white local directional signage. Decisions on signage of this nature rest with DRD Roads Service.

Arntz Belting Company

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of the public investment in the Arntz Belting Company, Derry/Londonderry, what his assessment is of the (i) short-term; (ii) medium-term; and (iii) long term, sustainability of the company.

(AQW 3520/08)

Mr N Dodds: Arntz Belting Company continues to trade as normal and there are no concerns about previous public investment in the Company. It is not appropriate for me to comment on the short, medium and long term future of the Company as any comments would be purely speculative in nature.

Planning and Environmental Heritage Regimes

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the impact of planning and environmental heritage regimes on his plans to provide a dynamic and thriving economy in the short-term.

(AQW 3531/08)

Mr N Dodds: Sustainable economic growth requires a planning regime which permits development whilst safeguarding the environment. This balance is not always easy to achieve; but I and my officials are committed to working with the Ministers for the Environment and for Regional Development and their departments to ensure that the planning and environmental heritage regimes operate in a way that facilitates economic development.

Students Language Skills

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the number of school leavers with language skills in (i) Russian; (ii) Mandarin; and (iii) Hindi, in relation to the potential needs of Northern Ireland business in the global economy.

(AQW 3578/08)

Mr N Dodds: I have not had cause to undertake an assessment as no weight of evidence has been made available to Invest N.I that an inadequacy of language skills in Russian, Mandarin and Hindi is, or is likely to become, a limiting factor in the development and growth of its client companies.

However, I am satisfied that the practical support and assistance that is made available through Invest NI’s offices in Mumbai and Shanghai, coupled with the trade and investment functions provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through its Embassy network in India, China and Russia, is capable of meeting the needs of Northern Ireland businesses in these markets.

Hotel Accommodation

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of bed spaces available in hotels in the West Tyrone constituency.

(AQW 3608/08)

Mr N Dodds: There are currently four hotels within the West Tyrone Parliamentary Constituency, with a combined 86 rooms and 193 bed-spaces. These hotels are detailed below:

Hotels within West Tyrone Parliamentary Constituency
Hotel Name	Number of Rooms	Number of Bed-spaces
Fir Trees Hotel	16	37
Hunting Lodge Hotel	15	33
Mellon Country Hotel	15	43
Silverbirch Hotel	40	80
Total:	86	193

Trade Visits

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of businesses, based in the West Tyrone constituency, that have taken part in trade visits abroad organised by Invest NI, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3609/08)

Mr N Dodds: Five companies from the West Tyrone constituency have taken part in trade visits organised by Invest NI in the past 3 years as follows:

2004/05 - 1

2005/06 - 2

2006/07 - 2

Trade visits are open to all companies interested in doing business in export markets. Invest NI promotes these visits through mailshots, websites and seminars. A seminar on Doing Business in International markets was held in Omagh on 18 February 2008.

Workplace Injuries

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of people who have been injured in the workplace for each of the last five years.

(AQW 3742/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number of work-related injuries reported to HSENI and the District Councils for the last five years, is as follows:

2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
4467	4167	3696	3853	3524

Further detail is published in HSENI’s Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2006/07, which can be accessed on HSENI’s website via the link: http://www.hseni.gov.uk/annual_report_06_07.pdf

Local Enterprise Companies

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the role and contribution of local enterprise companies in (i) addressing the skills needs of employers; and (ii) helping to stimulate the local economy.

(AQO 1882/08)

Mr N Dodds: In relation to point (i), the Department of Employment and Learning has advised that Local Enterprise Agencies have no formal role in addressing the skills needs of employers. However, where needs are identified, the LEAs may refer these to local Further Education Colleges, or other training providers.

In relation to point (ii), LEAs work for the benefit of their communities by supporting small businesses and community enterprises. The services they provide include enterprise awareness initiatives, start-up support, access to loans and property and business advice/guidance. Much of their programme activity is funded by government, the Start a Business Programme being the largest single contract which they have delivered continuously since 2001. This alone has supported the setting up of approximately 17,000 new businesses over that period, resulting in the creation of 22,000 jobs.

Social Economy Growth

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline how he proposes to encourage growth in the social economy.

(AQO 1842/08)

Mr N Dodds: My department has and will continue to lead on the development of a successful social economy in Northern Ireland. Our approach centres on three strategic objectives – to increase awareness of the sector, develop its business strength and provide a supportive environment in which it can prosper.

Invest NI play an important role in DETI’s contribution to the development of the sector through its range of business support services, particularly the Social Entrepreneurship Programme and will continue to do so.

Its Social Entrepreneurship Programme has been used to assist 65 new social economy enterprises since its launch in September 2006.

DETI will also continue to fund and support the development of the SEN with a grant totalling £600k over the 4 year period up to 2011.

Investment Conference

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of chief executive officers of major corporations in the United States of America that have confirmed their attendance at the Investment Conference on 8 May 2008.

(AQO 1868/08)

Mr N Dodds: The invitation process is underway and the First Minister and deputy First Minister have issued a "Save the Date" letter to over 250 targeted US CEOs. The formal invitation will issue shortly with an RSVP request and we would expect replies to come from that. Indeed, even before these invitations have issued, twenty targeted companies have expressed their interest or support for the conference at this point.

Requests for participation in the conference have also gone to existing investors and, as their participation is confirmed, we will be publicising their involvement on a conference website.

It should be noted that we will not be disclosing names of attendees in advance of the conference as companies have asked us to keep this information commercial in confidence.

Regional Tourism Partnerships

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the funding commitments he has made to Regional Tourism Partnerships; and to provide a timescale within which these commitments will end.

(AQO 1800/08)

Mr N Dodds: In the context of the Programme for Government, the Budget, and of an independent evaluation of the Strategic Framework for Action for Tourism 2004 to 2007, which has recently been carried out, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is in the process of developing its Corporate Plan to define its priorities for the next 3 year period, against which detailed funding allocations will be made. A draft of the Tourist Board’s Corporate Plan will come to me for consideration.

Once priorities, programmes, targets and objectives for the allocation of the Tourist Board’s budget are defined, consideration will be given to the most appropriate delivery mechanisms at Northern Ireland and local level to deliver the required outcomes. Funding commitments and associated timescales will be allocated to Regional Tourism Partnerships as appropriate within this context

Civic Amenity Site

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the Invest NI client companies that have registered an interest in purchasing the site that Down District Council wishes to acquire to provide a civic amenity site, but are unable to purchase due to Invest NI policy.

(AQO 1881/08)

Mr N Dodds: The site referred to is at the Killough Road Industrial Estate. Invest NI holds approximately 46 acres at this location, 18.8 of which remain available. There are three recorded interests against this remaining available land.

Invest NI land is held exclusively for its client companies with an approved business case and an immediate demonstrable business need. As its clients’ property needs vary, Invest NI does not record interests against a specific site but rather against remaining available land on an estate.

Demand for Invest NI land is at a record level and land that has previously remained vacant for many years is now subject to client interest.

Links with India

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the benefits which will result from closer trade and investment links with India.

(AQO 1831/08)

Mr N Dodds: I have no doubt that closer trade and investment links with India will result in increased opportunities for the Northern Ireland economy. Invest NI’s new office in Mumbai, which I officially opened during my visit to India last week, is well placed to take advantage of these.

Invest NI has a successful record in securing good quality investment from India. To date, six Indian companies have invested £65 million in projects that have already led to the creation of 2,235 new jobs. During my visit to the country last week, I had very positive discussions with a number of companies, showing that there is significant scope for further investment by Indian businesses in Northern Ireland.

Invest NI’s trade missions to the market have also been popular and lucrative. Fourteen companies have already committed to joining the next mission to Mumbai and Chennai in April.

Trade with India has strong export potential particularly in Engineering, for example, material handling, airport equipment, automotive, ICT and Software Services and a number of companies are already doing business there.

Titanic Signature Project

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide an update on his plans to take forward the Titanic Signature project, following the failure to secure Lottery funding.

(AQO 1814/08)

Mr N Dodds: Efforts are continuing to bridge the £25 million funding gap caused by the failure to secure Lottery funding. It would be counter-productive for me to reveal the detail of those efforts. I can, however, assure the House that I am working hard to bridge this substantial funding gap.

Tourist Accommodation

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he is taking to provide incentives to hoteliers in order to encourage the development of tourist accommodation in areas of Belfast with growing visitor numbers, such as West Belfast and the Shankill.

(AQO 1884/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI offers development assistance to hotels throughout Belfast. It supports the training and development of staff; management improvement; development of marketing; process and energy efficiency, and the development of management information systems.

A moratorium on capital assistance for hotel development within a 10 mile radius of Belfast city centre was introduced by NITB in 1997 and remains in place.

Where, however, the project is based in an area designated as an area of economic disadvantage, Invest NI may consider the merits of any proposed hotel and its ability to satisfy stated support policy.

Invest NI is aware of a number of proposals for development of hotels in West Belfast and has met with the promoters of a number of these projects.

Foreign Direct Investment Jobs

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the number of new foreign direct investment jobs that were brought to the Foyle constituency, in the last three years; and (ii) how many are targeted over the next three years.

(AQO 1862/08)

Mr N Dodds: In the 3 financial years 2004/05 to 2006/07, Invest NI supported development projects from externally-owned clients that promoted 1,155 new jobs and safeguarded 1,375 others in the Foyle Parliamentary constituency. Over this period, Invest NI made 7 offers of assistance amounting to £27.9 million towards planned investment costs of £135.6 million.

In the Programme for Government, for the next 3 years, Invest NI has a target to promote 6,500 new inward investment jobs within Northern Ireland. There are no specific jobs targets set for different regional locations.

Invest NI has limited scope for directing first-time mobile investment to specific geographic areas within Northern Ireland. Clients are increasingly choosing locations that offer access to a large and skilled labour pool, within a reasonable travel to work area, ease of access through good transportation linkages, and access to a wide range of economic and leisure amenities.

Granville Industrial Estate

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of possible investors who have visited the Granville Industrial Estate over the last two years.

(AQO 1871/08)

Mr N Dodds: Much of the existing Granville Industrial Estate was sold to the private sector in 1994. Invest NI owns 50 acres of developed land in the estate to cater for demand from its clients and a further 40 acres that is yet to be developed; is being held as a strategic reserve.

Over the last two years, Invest NI has organised visits to its Granville lands for ten clients.

In recent years, Invest NI has seen a large increase in demand for industrial land. At 31 March 2007, it had 861 acres of land available right across Northern Ireland. Site leases are expected to reduce this figure to 770 by the end of this financial year. At this rate of uptake, Invest NI’s landholding will be fully let within 5 to 7 years.

The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland has a target that Invest NI will acquire and develop a further 200 acres of land by 2012.

Income Gap with UK

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to create higher paid jobs, increase productivity, and close the income gap with the United Kingdom average.

(AQO 1843/08)

Mr N Dodds: In the context of developing the Programme for Government, I have made increasing private sector productivity my Department’s top priority. We will therefore focus on high quality inward investment, seeking to secure investment commitments promising over 6,500 jobs by 2011, of which 5,500 will offer salaries above the Northern Ireland private sector median. In addition, we will target investment to increase innovation and exports and improve energy and telecoms infrastructure. However, the productivity drivers also include skills and wider infrastructure, therefore DEL and DRD have also important roles in achieving a high productivity, high wage economy.

Direct Air Routes

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of the impact of the financial assistance provided to encourage direct air routes into Northern Ireland.

(AQO 1809/08)

Mr N Dodds: A recent review concluded that the Air Route Development Scheme, ARDS, introduced by my Department in 2003 and which provided financial assistance for nine new air routes produced a positive economic benefit for Northern Ireland. This Scheme has recently closed.

Specific direct benefits, up to September 2007, identified by the review include:

(i) funded routes carried just under 128,000 visitors, of whom around 29,000 would not have come to Northern Ireland if there had been no direct flight;

(ii) those 29,000 new visitors spent an estimated £12.5 million;

(iii) the airlines have created around 207 jobs as a result of the funded routes; and,

(iv) annual tourism expenditure by the additional visitors support an estimated, additional 196 jobs in the wider economy.

In addition the Scheme has acted as a catalyst for new air routes, and Northern Ireland now has 35 international air routes, in comparison to only 1 when it was launched in 2003.

Performance Assessment

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the present performance of (a) Invest NI; (b) Intertrade Ireland; and (c) Tourism Ireland, in relation to their current contribution to economic development.

(AQO 1867/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and Tourism Ireland continue to perform effectively and contribute significantly to economic development in Northern Ireland. A summary of recent performance for each body is set out below:

Invest NI: Performance to date and the estimated outturn against Invest NI’s 2005-08 Corporate Plan targets (most of which are activity based outputs), indicates that the majority will be met. In 2006-07, Invest NI attracted 28 first-time and reinvestment projects from overseas owned companies, the best annual performance in this area of its operations since the agency was created. Headline targets in relation to new business start-ups, trade activity and foreign direct investment successes are likely to be achieved. It is expected that over 10,000 new start-ups will have been created, over 600 firms will have begun to export for the first time, over 200 firms will have engaged in their first R&D activity and some 48 new inward investments will have been secured. It is also estimated that, across all its programmes, Invest NI activity for the period will result in planned investment in the NI economy of over £1,500m.

InterTradeIreland: From 2003 to 2006, InterTradeIreland has created more than 20 new North/South Business Networks and engaged with more than 12,000 companies to which it has provided information, advice and services. More than 850 companies have participated directly on its programmes, generating more than £81 million worth of trade and business value. More than 50,000 copies of the body's research reports have been downloaded.

Tourism Ireland: The ambitious targets set by Tourism Ireland for 2005/2006 (the latest years for which statistics are available) were met. 2005 showed a 6.8% (9% NI) growth in revenue and 5.1% (7% NI) growth in visitor numbers. In 2006, there was 6.9% (9%NI) growth in revenue and 5.2% (6.9% NI) growth in visitor numbers.

Corporate Plans going forward are subject to rigorous scrutiny to ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are promoted effectively.

Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline (i) the steps he is taking to ensure that a world class Visitor's Centre is constructed at the Giant's Causeway; and (ii) the stakeholders who will be involved in discussions.

(AQO 2041/08)

Mr N Dodds: The National Trust has advised my Department that it wishes to take forward the public sector proposal for new facilities at the Giant’s Causeway. I have asked officials to assist the National Trust by providing all relevant material and information relating to the project.

The National Trust is in the lead in terms of discussions with key stakeholders, who include Moyle District Council, statutory consultees, such as Environment & Heritage Service, and potential funders.

ENVIRONMENT

Mains Water

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister of the Environment whether or not a resident in a rural dispersed rural community in West Tyrone who wishes to provide his own water system from a local well, because he cannot afford to access mains water, will receive a financial contribution towards the cost, in the same way as those who are connected to mains water do.

(AQW 1879/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): Householders who requisition a water main under Article 76 of the Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 are required to pay the reasonable costs in accordance with Article 77. However, these costs may be reduced by the application of a reasonable cost allowance to reflect the economic value of the new main to the public supply network. For properties built before 2000 a higher allowance is provided to assist properties unconnected to the public supply with the costs of mains requisition. This allowance is significantly higher than comparable provision in England and Wales.

The independent review of water and sewerage services recommended that the policy on reasonable costs allowances be reviewed.

Although my Department is responsible for public water supplies it has no statutory or financial basis for funding private water systems.

MEPs Meetings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the number of meetings she has had with each of the 3 Northern Ireland MEP's since May 2007; and (ii) the purpose of these meetings.

(AQW 3201/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have not met with any of the Northern Ireland MEPs since May 2007. However, I am due to meet with Jim Nicholson on 28 February to discuss the Mayboy Landfill site at Ringsend.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.

(AQW 3359/08)

Mrs A Foster: Budget 2008-11 has provided my Department with additional Resource funding of £4.4m (£2008/09), £6.5m (£2009/10) and £13.0m (£2010/11) and the table attached at Annex A details how this additional funding has been allocated against the various bids put forward.

Following proposals put to the Finance Minister and the Executive, my Department has also been allocated additional Capital funding of £3.1m (£2008/09), £13.7m (£2009/10) and £180.2m (£2010/11). This funding, which has been disclosed in both the Budget 2008-2011 document and the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI), will be disbursed to the councils to help them procure the waste infrastructure required to enable Northern Ireland to comply with the stringent EU Landfill Directive targets. This capital subvention will ultimately lessen the impact of these waste infrastructure costs being passed on to ratepayers.

Budget 2008-11 Resource Allocations

Planning Applications

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the percentage of planning applications; and (ii) the percentage of retrospective planning applications, that were approved over the last five years.

(AQW 3425/08)

Mrs A Foster: In 2006/07, the percentage of planning applications and retrospective planning applications approved were 79.8% and 85.4% respectively. The figures for 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, and 2005/06 are currently being prepared for publication and will be available later in 2008.

Anaerobic Digestion Treatment

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what plans her department has to promote and facilitate the introduction of Anaerobic Digestion Treatment.

(AQW 3465/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland, published by my department, encourages a mix of technologies to deal with our waste, and in particular those that can contribute to meeting our non-fossil fuel obligations and policies on renewable energy. While anaerobic digestion is one option that can provide energy from waste, responsibility for identifying the exact type and number of waste facilities to be developed rests with the three sub-regional district council waste management partnerships, through their waste management plans.

Leylandii Trees

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to introduce legislation in relation to nuisance Leylandii trees and high hedges.

(AQW 3497/08)

Mrs A Foster: I am aware that this is an issue of widespread concern and I am keen to bring forward legislation as soon as possible, starting with a policy consultation on the detailed operation of the legislation. However, the timing will be subject to consideration of other competing priorities facing my Department.

Wildlife Order

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether or not her department has any plans to introduce legislation in relation to a new Wildlife Order for Northern Ireland

(AQW 3498/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department is proposing to update the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 and a policy consultation paper on proposed amendments will be formally published before the end of February.

Lough Neagh Water

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 3067/08, to confirm whether or not the company will (i) use water from; and (ii) discharge effluent into, nearby Lough Neagh.

(AQW 3502/08)

Mrs A Foster: The company, Rose Energy, have not yet submitted a formal planning application.

However, based on the information currently available; (i) the company do not propose to use water from Lough Neagh, and (ii) the company do not propose to discharge effluent into nearby Lough Neagh.

Producer Responsibility Unit

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of people currently employed within the Producer Responsibility Unit in her department.

(AQW 3540/08)

Mrs A Foster: There are 16 people currently employed within the Producer Responsibility Unit, which is part of the Environment and Heritage Service’s Land & Resource Management Unit. Under the team manager, 8 people deal with Packaging Regulations and 7 people with Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment, End of Life Vehicles and Batteries.

Producer Responsibility Unit

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the responsibilities of the Producer Responsibility Unit.

(AQW 3541/08)

Mrs A Foster: The role of the Producer Responsibility Unit within EHS is to implement European Directives on Packaging (2004/12/EC), Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (2002/96/EC), End of Life Vehicles (2000/53/EC) and Batteries (2006/66/EC). These Directives have been implemented through a variety of Northern Ireland or UK wide regulations. EHS works closely with colleagues in the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to maintain consistent regulatory systems across the UK.

The main responsibilities of the team are to:

Identify and register obligated businesses;
Audit businesses to check the accuracy of their data returns;
Approve waste operators to issue evidence of waste collection and recovery targets;
Regularly audit waste operators and check their data returns;
Regulate Compliance Schemes;
Report Northern Ireland data to the relevant UK Government Departments (DEFRA and BERR).

Review of Road Safety

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an indicative timescale for her review of road safety.

(AQW 3545/08)

Mrs A Foster: The review of the current Road Safety Strategy is well advanced and a draft report will be completed over the next couple of months for agreement with the statutory partners: DRD and the PSNI. I recently discussed some of the high level outcomes at a meeting with the Environment Committee.

Plans to prepare a new strategy have also moved ahead. I would envisage that this work, including underpinning research and consultation, to which all three partners are fully committed, would be completed during 2009 for introduction from January 2010, two years ahead of the end of the existing strategy. I also discussed with the Environment Committee a programme of road safety work that will be taken forward by my Department in the interim period up to 2010.

The new Strategy will include innovative education, training, engineering and enforcement measures to meet challenging new casualty reduction targets.

Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the discussions that have taken place between her department and the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in relation to the Giant's Causeway site, and plans to provide a new Visitors' Centre.

(AQW 3559/08)

Mrs A Foster: The records held by my officials do not appear to indicate any discussions having taken place between my Department and the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) regarding proposals to provide a new visitors centre at the Giant’s Causeway.

However, on 20^th October 2006, Planning Service officials replied to a written request for information from OFMDFM in relation to the application for a new visitors centre at the Giant’s Causeway.

Planning Service Staff

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what action she will take to deal with the capacity deficit in the Planning Service, due to the reported difficulties in recruitment and retention of specialist staff.

(AQW 3604/08)

Mrs A Foster: Whilst Planning Service has had some problems in recruiting specialist staff, the particular difficulty in recent years has been the loss of experienced planners through resignations and retirements. These issues had been raised at Ministerial level and with the Department of Finance & Personnel’s Central Personnel Group (CPG) which is responsible for, among other things, pay and terms and conditions of employment. Remuneration packages which can compete with those offered to planners by employers outside the NICS are neither viable nor affordable.

However over the last year the number of professional staff leaving the Planning Service has declined and the Agency will continue to monitor this closely.

To reduce the number of vacancies a recruitment competition for casual professional planners has recently been held and 25 new staff will be in post from mid February 2008.

In addition, the Planning Service continues to monitor and prioritise the effective use its staff. For example, as resources required for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan reduce, professional planning staff are being redeployed to other priorities such as processing planning applications.

An important further action to enhance capacity is the Planning Service’s significant investment in staff training. In particular it is carrying out a comprehensive review of training and development for its planners, aimed at accelerating the learning, development and competence of its new and inexperienced staff. The importance of ensuring the continuing professional development of these specialist staff, given their particular contribution to the work of the Agency, has been recognised in my decision to meet the cost of their membership fees to professional bodies.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the bids for funding, for an Environmental Protection Agency, that her department made to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

(AQW 3723/08)

Mrs A Foster: Final decisions on environmental governance have not yet been made so my Department has not made any bids for funding for an Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Civil Service Vacancies

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the current number of vacant positions, including grade level, in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

(AQW 3293/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The number of vacancies in all permanent Northern Ireland Civil Service posts in the eleven Northern Ireland Departments and their Agencies as at 1 January 2008 is set out in the table attached. The figures are broken down by General Service (and analogous) grades, and industrial grades.

Vacancies in Permanent NICS Posts (FTE)
in the 11 NI Departments and their Agencies
Position as at 1 January 2008*

Grade Level	Number of Vacancies
(i) General Service and analogous (non-industrial)
Grade 3	2
Grade 4	1
Grade 5	9
Grade 6	25
Grade 7	53
Deputy Principal	103.5
Staff Officer	253.5
Executive Officer 1	262.7
Executive Officer 2	210.3
Administrative Officer	536.5
Administrative Assistant	348.2
(ii) Industrial Grades	64
TOTAL	1868.7

* except figures for CSA available only at 21 December 2007

Civil Service Absentee Figures

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the latest absentee figures for the Northern Ireland Civil Service, broken down by department.

(AQW 3454/08)

Mr P Robinson: The information requested is set out in the attached table. You will note that the overall rate of sickness absence for the 11 NI Departments for the period April 2007 to December 2007 was 9.6 days. It is estimated that the rate for the annual review period - April 2007 to March 2008 will be 12.7 days, down from 13.7 days in 2006 / 2007.

The overall figures presented include NI Government Departments and their Executive Agencies.

Table 1

Working Days Lost due to sickness

Department	Working Days Lost* Year to date (Apr 07 - Dec 07)**
DARD	8.4
DCAL	9.5
DE	9.2
DETI	5.8
DFP	8.2
DEL	10.8
DHSSPS	7.3
DOE	8.1
DRD	6.5
DSD	12.5
OFMDFM	6.5
NI Departments Overall	9.6

Note:

* Working days lost is the average number of days lost per whole time equivalent member of staff.

** Days lost on a year to date basis is a cumulative figure.

Pension Credit

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what assessment his department has made of the amount of rates that a person who receives pension credit, and who lives in a house worth £100,000, will pay in (i) 2008; (ii) 2009; (iii) 2010; and (iv) 2011.

(AQW 3499/08)

Mr P Robinson: An individual who receives pension guarantee credit or pension guarantee credit and pension savings credit and living in a house valued at £100,000 who applies for housing benefit will be entitled to a full rate rebate in (i) 2008; (ii) 2009; (iii) 2010: and (iv) 2011 provided there are no non-dependants living in the household.

Pension Credit

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of rates that an individual who received pension credit, and who lived in a house valued at £100,000, would have paid in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007.

(AQW 3500/08)

Mr P Robinson: An individual who received pension guarantee credit or pension guarantee credit and pension savings credit and living in a house valued at £100,000 who applies for housing benefit would have been entitled to a full rate rebate in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007 provided there are no non-dependants living in the household.

Water Rates

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel , in light of the findings of the Independent Water Review Panel's second report, what assessment his department has made of the amount of water rates a person who receives pension credit, and who lives in a house valued at £100,000, will pay in (i) 2008; (ii) 2009; (iii) 2010; and (iv) 2011.

(AQW 3501/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Executive is currently considering the recommendations put forward by the Independent Water Review Panel in its Strand 2 Report and has not yet agreed a methodology by which consumers will contribute increased revenue.

The Panel has dealt with the issue of affordability in its second and final report. It recommends that all those entitled to rate relief should continue to be entitled to the Affordability Tariff and that this should continue after 2010. Although Pension Credit is not a passport to the Affordability Tariff it is a passport to Housing Benefit which is, in turn, a passport to the Affordability Tariff.

The Affordability Tariff investigated by the Panel consisted of a three-tier flat rate based on the capital value of the domestic property occupied. The three bands were:

Property values up to and including £70,000
Property values over £70,000 up to and including £100,000
Property values over £100,000

The combined water and sewerage Affordability Tariff for the High Band (over £100,000) would be set at 3% of the single person’s pension credit guarantee. For the Medium Band this is discounted by 25% and for the Low Band by 50%. In 2008/09 there will be no bill for water and sewerage but for subsequent years the combined Affordability Tariff for a property valued at £100,000 (which would fall into the Medium Band) is estimated as follows:

2009/10 £145
2010/11 £149
2011/12 £153

Compensation for Asbestos Related Illness

Mr T Burns asked tthe Minister of Finance and Personnel whether or not he intends to follow the example of the Scottish Parliament, and introduce legislation to ensure that people can continue to make claims for compensation for asbestos related illness.

(AQW 3549/08)

Mr P Robinson: In Rothwell and others v Chemical and Insulating Company Ltd and others (2007) the House of Lords decided that the presence of pleural plaques did not give rise to an action for damages in tort. Pleural plaques are small areas of scarring (fibrosis) on the membrane surrounding the lungs (pleura) which indicate that the patient has been exposed to asbestos. The presence of pleural plaques does not normally impair lung function or cause disability and can only be detected through X-Ray or CT scans. However, a diagnosis of pleural plaques may cause the patient to become anxious that he or she will develop a more serious asbestos-related condition.

The decision raises serious issues for those individuals in Northern Ireland who have been negligently exposed to asbestos and have subsequently developed or been diagnosed with pleural plaques. Prior to the decision it had been accepted that a person diagnosed with pleural plaques was entitled to compensation. The decision of the House of Lords is binding on the courts in Northern Ireland. It affects people claiming compensation in Northern Ireland as well as people from here making a claim for compensation in Scotland or England & Wales.

The Scottish Government announced on 29 November 2007 that it would bring forward new legislation to make clear that the decision in Rothwell would have no effect in Scotland and that people diagnosed with pleural plaques would continue to have a right to claim damages. The UK Government has indicated that it does not believe that it would be appropriate to reverse the decision for England and Wales. I will be following very closely the developments both in Scotland and England and Wales.

Before making a decision whether to follow the Scottish Government and present legislation to the Assembly to reverse the decision of the House of Lords I will wish to reflect further on the matter and consider, along with Executive colleagues, all the options which may be available. My officials are currently examining in more detail the decision in Rothwell and its impact on people in Northern who have been diagnosed with pleural plaques.

Sufferers of Pleural Plaques

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what assessment he has made of the impact on Northern Ireland of the House of Lords ruling in relation to sufferers of pleural plaques and their right to claim compensation in England and Wales.

(AQW 3552/08)

Unclaimed Assets Scheme

Mr J Craig asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide an update on the progress made in relation to the Unclaimed Assets Scheme.

(AQW 3566/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill reached the Report Stage in the House of Lords on 29 January 2008. The Third Reading is scheduled for 26 February 2008. It is not yet known when the Bill will be introduced in the Commons.

When the Bill reaches the final amending stage in the Commons, the Department of Finance and Personnel will consult with key stakeholders, after which a public consultation on the Northern Ireland spending priorities will be taken forward.

Infant Mortality Rates

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the infant mortality rates for children living in areas of social deprivation.

(AQW 3623/08)

Mr P Robinson: The table below shows the infant mortality rate over the period 2002 to 2006, for areas classified by their level of deprivation.

Area¹ Infant Death Rate²

Most Deprived decile
6.4

2^nd Most Deprived decile
7.0

3^rd Most Deprived decile
5.4

4^th Most Deprived decile
6.1

5^th Most Deprived decile
5.7

6^th Most Deprived decile
5.1

7^th Most Deprived decile
5.2

8^th Most Deprived decile
3.9

9^th Most Deprived decile
4.2

Least Deprived decile
3.7

Area¹	Infant Death Rate²
Most Deprived decile	6.4
2^nd Most Deprived decile	7.0
3^rd Most Deprived decile	5.4
4^th Most Deprived decile	6.1
5^th Most Deprived decile	5.7
6^th Most Deprived decile	5.1
7^th Most Deprived decile	5.2
8^th Most Deprived decile	3.9
9^th Most Deprived decile	4.2
Least Deprived decile	3.7

¹ Areas are classified on the basis of the ranking of Super Output Areas by the Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM) 2005.

² The infant death rate is defined as deaths of children aged less than 1 year per 1,000 resident live births over the period 2002 to 2006.

Capital Spending

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the level of capital spending by each department, as a proportion of the budget allocation, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 3640/08)

Mr P Robinson: The following table sets out capital spending as a percentage of the capital allocation made to each department in the previous year’s budget.

The figures are for capital DEL and are based on the final outturn information provided by departments

Capital Expenditure against Budget Allocation
	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
AOCC		90.0%	263.3%	63.3%	50.0%
DARD	67.0%	97.6%	118.8%	53.9%	57.4%
DCAL	117.7%	169.2%	66.3%	67.3%	48.2%
DE	118.2%	121.5%	74.1%	59.5%	62.1%
DEL	95.6%	110.4%	87.8%	59.7%	71.2%
DETI	4.1%	109.0%	102.4%	83.5%	39.3%
DFP	152.3%	186.8%	-28.8%	45.7%	102.3%
DHSSPS	125.9%	130.2%	112.5%	89.7%	100.5%
DOE	103.6%	248.0%	92.2%	76.2%	121.8%
DRD	102.0%	131.4%	98.8%	90.3%	105.0%
DSD	67.9%	6.3%	142.5%	91.8%	35.5%
FSA				94.0%	56.0%
NIA	12.1%	1.6%	1.0%	1.5%	3.1%
NIAER	287.0%	73.9%	87.0%	291.3%	139.1%
NIAO	278.1%	110.2%	142.1%	134.6%	275.8%
OFMDFM	0.8%	-125.3%	103.6%	29.6%	16.5%

Total	83.2%	105.6%	99.8%	79.1%	77.3%
Note 1: 2002-03 is on a RAB Stage 1 basis all other years are on RAB stage 2
Note 2: AOCC in 2002-03 and FSA in 2004-05 had no capital allocation in the budget.
Note 3: The figures published in the December 2002 budget for 2003-04 did not include capital grants the figures above have been amended to include them.

You should note than in comparing expenditure against a budget allocation the impact of changes which occurred during the inyear monitoring process has not been captured.

United States Investment Conference

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give a timescale within which the new Regional Economic Strategy will be prepared and the role it will play in the United States Investment Conference in May.

(AQW 3671/08)

Mr P Robinson: The draft Regional Economic Strategy (RES) reflects the aspirations of the previous Direct Rule Ministers. There is therefore a need to radically rewrite the document to reflect the Assembly and Executive’s economic aspirations for Northern Ireland, as set out in the Programme for Government and Final Budget.

Drafting a new RES will take place in parallel with the second Varney Review. The recommendations of this Review will be highly relevant to the future economic development of Northern Ireland and it would therefore not be appropriate to finalise the RES before this review completes. The policy implications of the second Varney Review will be available for discussion and circulation, if necessary, at the US/NI Investment Conference scheduled for May 2008.

Department's Vehicle Usage

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the records kept of non-Ministerial use of the department's car pool.

(AQW 3736/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Official Car Pool holds full details of all journeys undertaken by officials entitled to use the service. Details include the date, the pick-up point and time together with the destination and time of arrival.

Workplace 2010 Project

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide an update on Workplace 2010; and to detail reasons for any delay in delivering this project.

(AQW 3888/08)

Mr P Robinson: I am pleased to say that on 14 January 2008 the Department of Finance and Personnel invited the two remaining bidders, Land Securities Trillium and Telereal, to submit their best and final offers for the Workplace 2010 contract. The invitations were issued following the resolution of a legal challenge taken against the Department by an unsuccessful bidder in spring 2007. The legal proceedings created some delay in the process although in procurement terms the Workplace 2010 timetable is still very realistic. Based on current projections the Department will be seeking to appoint a preferred bidder in the early autumn with a view to finalising the contract in early 2009.

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Clostridium Difficile

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether or not he intends to initiate a Public Inquiry into the recent outbreak of Clostridium difficile, and the resultant deaths of 16 people, including 10 patients at the Antrim Area Hospital.

(AQW 3196/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): My priority is to ensure that the current outbreak is brought under control. I believe establishing a public inquiry would distract the Trust from this overriding priority and put patients at risk. I have however asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, once the outbreak is over, to carry out an independent review into the circumstances that led to this incident and make recommendations to the Trust and to the wider Health and Social Care family.

Clostridium Difficile

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what steps he has taken to determine the cause of the outbreak of Clostridium difficile in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 3197/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, once the outbreak is over, to carry out an independent review into the circumstances that led to this incident and make recommendations to the Trust and to the wider Health and Social Care family. Lessons drawn from the RQIA’s report will be acted on in order to reduce the risk of occurrence of such an outbreak in any hospital in Northern Ireland.

In the meantime the Trust has put in place a robust action plan which includes reviewing antibiotic use; containment of infected patients, and an intensive cleaning regime.

Causeway Women’s Aid

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not Causeway Women’s Aid will continue to receive funding via the Children’s Fund in order to deliver their ‘Domestic Violence and Children: A Prevention and Intervention Project’.

(AQW 3259/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Some funding has been identified to support Children’s Fund-type activity after March 2008. Decisions about funding for individual projects should be announced shortly.

Bowel Screening Programme

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans are in place to ensure that the bowel screening programme will commence in March 2009; and to confirm that the necessary administration, technology and facilities will be in place.

(AQW 3310/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I am pleased that the budget settlement will allow me to introduce screening for bowel cancer in 2009. The introduction of the programme is planned for late 2009, not for March of that year.

The introduction of a new screening programme is a complex task, requiring the establishment of the necessary and appropriate administration, technology and services. The Department is currently working with service providers to expand the capacity of endoscopy services; to ensure that endoscopy services meet the UK national standards that have been set, and to establish a training programme for endoscopists, so that the necessary follow-up services can be provided to those who are identified as being at risk through the screening programme.

We are also in the process of appointing a project manager to coordinate the introduction of the screening programme.

Closure of Sperrin Ward

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he has any plans to close the Sperrin ward at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital.

(AQW 3327/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have no plans to close the Sperrin ward. I understand that the Western Health and Social Care Trust is redesigning the care services provided there.

Refurbished Hospital Theatres

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the projected lifespan of the refurbished theatres at the Erne Hospital; and what plans he has for the theatres when the new acute hospital opens in 2011.

(AQW 3328/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The two existing theatres at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen, which are currently being refurbished will have a projected lifespan of approximately five years. These services are expected to move to the new South West Acute Hospital in 2012. The existing Erne Hospital including theatres, will then be decommissioned. Where practicable, serviceable equipment will be relocated for use in other acute facilities

Clostridium Difficile

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the directives his department has given in relation to clostridium difficile, following the 16 deaths in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 3336/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: On 12 April 2007, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Nursing Officer issued a letter headed ‘the prevention of infection caused by Clostridium difficile’ to all Trust Chief Executives; Infection Prevention and Control Leads in the Trusts; Trust Medical Directors; Trust Nursing Directors, for dissemination to all nurses; Consultant Microbiologists; Infection Control Nurses; Regional Epidemiologists at CDSC (NI); Consultants in Communicable Disease Control in the HSS Boards and Directors of Public Health in the HSS Boards. This letter is available at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phhss_md_9-2007.pdf and was accompanied by a Good Practice Guide to Control of Clostridium difficile. The letter emphasises the need for Trust policies to cover:

antibiotic prescribing policies to minimise the use of broad spectrum antibiotics;
clinical protocols for the prompt diagnosis of infection caused by Clostridium difficile in patients with diarrhea;
isolation or cohorting of cases of infection caused by Clostridium difficile and control of the movement of infected patients between wards and departments;
enhanced infection control procedures for the nursing care of patients with infection caused by Clostridium difficile, including emphasis on the need for handwashing after patient contact or handling bedpans etc, and
cleaning protocols which include increased environmental cleaning and the use of disinfectants e.g. chlorine-based in areas where there are Clostridium difficile infected patients.

The Permanent Secretary wrote to Health and Social Care organisations on 18 January 2008 detailing learning from the HCAI incident in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust. The Chief Medical Officer issued a further letter on 24 January 2008, in response to the increase in cases at Antrim Area Hospital, reminding clinicians of the need for heightened awareness of this condition; for policies and procedures to be in place to minimise the risk of infection caused by Clostridium difficile, and for management of cases. This letter is available at www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/hss-md-2008.pdf

I have asked the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, once the outbreak is over, to review the circumstances that led to the incident in Antrim Area Hospital, and make recommendations to the Trust and to the wider Health and Social Care family.

On 25January 2008, I announced that I would be investing an additional £9 million over the next three years to improve patient safety and, in particular to reduce the spread of infections such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile. This additional funding will be used to put in place an extensive package of further measures aimed at fighting healthcare-associated infections, including: single rooms for new hospitals to improve privacy as well as hygiene; unannounced inspections of all hospitals; a regional dress code for all health care staff; a regional hand hygiene campaign; rapid response cleaning teams at all hospitals; funding for a pharmacist in each Trust to promote safer prescribing of antibiotics; and quarterly publication of Trusts’ infection control performance.

I believe that measures that I have announced, along with the practices and protocols already in place, will help to restore public confidence in our hospitals.

Departmental Funding

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) his department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and (ii) the amount of funding that has been allocated against them in the Budget 2008-11.

(AQW 3361/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department submitted bids to the Department of Finance and Personnel under the CSR process covering both unavoidable pressures and service development needs. My original bids for resources, as adjusted for ongoing analysis during the CSR process, were £336m/£640m/£1000m for 2008/09 to 2010/11. In addition, a bid for Innovation Funding of £2.6m/£4.2m/£6.3m and a Welfare Reform bid made by Department of Social Development of £3.6m/£3.6m/£4.6m brought my total bids to £342.2m/£647.8m/£1010.9m.

In the Final Executive Budget, my Department has been allocated total funds of £3949.6m/£4076.4m/£4273.6m for 2008/09 to 2010/11. In addition, the budget has provided a package of measures designed to provide DHSSPS with greater scope and flexibility and an additional £20m as the guaranteed first call on in-year monitoring in 2008/9 to 2010/11.

I have set out at Annex A the full list of original bids together with the monies that I have allocated against each based on the final budget outcome.

ANNEX A

INESCAPABLES £000
	2008-09		2009-10		2010-11
	Original	Final	Original	Final	Original	Final
Pay at 3%, Pay Reform and Agenda for Change	105,000	105,000	199,000	199,000	294,000	294,000
Pay at 3%, Pay Reform and Agenda for Change	105,000	105,000	199,000	199,000	294,000	294,000
Non Pay at 2.7%	20,000	20,000	40,000	40,000	60,000	60,000
Non Pay at 2.7%	20,000	20,000	40,000	40,000	60,000	60,000
Pharmaceutical Services	44,000	44,000	92,000	92,000	144,000	144,000
Amended NHS Pension (Superannuation) Scheme	13,000	9,000	28,000	10,000	31,000	11,000
Pandemic Flu Emergency Provision	4,000	3,000	4,000	2,000	20,000	20,000
Pandemic Flu Emergency Provision	4,000	3,000	4,000	2,000	20,000	20,000
Medical Workforce Training and Tuition Fees	7,000	7,000	13,000	13,000	17,000	17,000
Medical Workforce Training and Tuition Fees	7,000	7,000	13,000	13,000	17,000	17,000
Renal Services	3,000	2,000	6,000	3,000	9,000	6,000
Renal Services	3,000	2,000	6,000	3,000	9,000	6,000
Child Protection	1,000	1,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000
Child Protection	1,000	1,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000
Children with Complex Needs	2,000	2,000	3,000	3,000	4,000	4,000
Children with Complex Needs	2,000	2,000	3,000	3,000	4,000	4,000
Blood Safety	1,000	1,000	3,000	3,000	5,000	5,000
Blood Safety	1,000	1,000	3,000	3,000	5,000	5,000
Revenue Consequences of capital investment	22,000	21,000	47,000	44,000	71,000	67,000
GP Contract	1,000	0	5000	3,000	10,000	5,000
GP Contract	1,000	0	5000	3,000	10,000	5,000
Additional acute costs	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000
Additional acute costs	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000
Mainstreaming Children and Young People's Package	5,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	4,000	4,000
Mainstreaming Children and Young People's Package	5,000	5,000	4,000	4,000	4,000	4,000
Demographic Pressures in Primary and Community Services	5,000	7,000	11,000	18,000	25,000	35,000
Demographic Pressures in Primary and Community Services	5,000	7,000	11,000	18,000	25,000	35,000
Capitation	0	3,000	0	10,000	0	10,000
Capitation	0	3,000	0	10,000	0	10,000
Nursing mentoring	0	1,000	0	2,000	0	2,000
Nursing mentoring	0	1,000	0	2,000	0	2,000
HSC Complaints	0	1,000	0	1,000	0	1,000
HSC Complaints	0	1,000	0	1,000	0	1,000
TOTAL INESCAPABLE BIDS	235,000	234,000	459,000	451,000	698,000	689,000

SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS £000
	2008-09		2009-10		2010-11
	Original	Final	Original	Final	Original	Final
Mental Health and Learning Disability(Note 1)	20,850	21,850	33,200	25,200	53,600	45,600
Long Term Conditions (Note 2)	11,350	8,750	17,600	14,400	24,300	21,000
Cardiovascular/Stroke	6,000	4,000	12,000	6,000	20,000	16,000
Cancer Services	2,000	2,000	14,000	3,000	20,000	6,000
Cancer Control	6,000	3,000	10,000	10,000	16,000	13,000
Public Health and Health Protection	9,000	5,000	17,000	7,000	22,000	12,000
Specialist Drugs	5,000	1,000	10,000	3,000	15,000	12,000
Quality & Safety	4,000	2,000	8,000	2,000	10,000	5,000
Disability	5,000	1,000	7,000	2,000	12,000	7,000
Children	8,000	5,000	12,000	7,000	19,000	10,000
Acute Services	6,000	1,000	10,000	2,000	18,000	8,000
Elective Care Access	5,000	4,000	10,000	5,000	15,000	6,000
Fire	2,000	2,000	3,000	2,000	5,000	3,000
Research and Development (Note 2)	6,000	1,000	6,000	1,000	6,000	1,000
Free Personal Care	0	0	0	0	25,000	0
Free Prescriptions	3,000	0	6,000	0	9,000	0
Free Eye Examinations	3,000	0	3,000	0	3,000	0
Developing Core Services	5,000	0	10,000	0	20,000	0
TOTAL SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS	107,200	61,600	188,800	89,600	312,900	165,600
TOTAL INESCAPABLES and SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS	342,200	295,600	647,800	540,600	1,010,900	854,600

Note 1 – this includes funding for Welfare Reform bid for by DSD.

Note 2 – this includes innovation funding.

Health Care Provision

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) health and care centres; (ii) minor injury units; (iii) community hospitals; and (iv) acute hospitals, currently in existence in Northern Ireland, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 3379/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Health and Care Centres by Parliamentary Constituency Area (PCA)

Health and social care is provided from a wide range of community facilities across Northern Ireland including health centres, GP practices, resources centres, day care facilities, residential and nursing homes. My current policy provides for a number of these services to be brought together in new health and social care centres across Northern Ireland. Following an estate rationalisation programme and the introduction of these new models in Belfast, all boards in conjunction with Trusts have now developed plans for the provision of these new centres in their areas. The following centres are operational:

PCA	Health & Care Centres
Belfast East	The Arches Centre
Belfast South	The Bradbury Centre
Belfast North	Carlisle Centre

(ii) Minor Injury Units by PCA

In addition to A&E, urgent care and treatment and minor injuries services provided at the hospitals offering a restricted or full range of services at (iv) below, the following hospitals provide minor injuries services:

PCA	Minor Injury Units
Fermanagh & S. Tyrone	South Tyrone
Newry & Armagh	Armagh Community
North Down	Bangor
Strangford	Ards

(iii) Community hospitals by PCA

There is no definitive description of a community hospital in Northern Ireland. The hospitals/providers below provide a range of local services, for example, care of the elderly, palliative care, rehabilitation, intermediate care, outpatient services and diagnostics:

PCA	Hospital/provider
Belfast East	Woodstock Lodge
Belfast North	Alexandra Gardens
Belfast South	Forster Green
Foyle	Waterside (wards 1-4); Waterside (ward 5)
Lagan Valley	Thompson House
Newry & Armagh	Armagh Community; Mullinure
North Antrim	Dalriada; Robinson Memorial; Braid Valley
North Down	Bangor
South Down	Mourne
East Antrim	Moyle; Carrickfergus
Strangford	Ards
Upper Bann	Lurgan;

In addition, mental health and learning disability services are provided from:

PCA	Hospital/provider
Belfast North	Whiteabbey
Belfast South	Shaftesbury Square; Young People’s Centre; Knockbracken Healthcare Park; Windsor House (Belfast City)
East Londonderry	Ross Thompson Unit (Causeway)
Foyle	Gransha; Lakeview (formerly Stradreagh)
Newry & Armagh	St Luke’s; Longstone;
South Antrim	Holywell; Muckamore Abbey
South Down	Downshire;
West Tyrone	Tyrone and Fermanagh

(iv) Acute hospitals by PCA

The following hospitals provide a restricted or full range of inpatient acute services:

PCA	Acute Hospitals
Belfast North	Mater Infirmorum; Whiteabbey
Belfast South	Belfast City; Musgrave Park
Belfast West	Royal Group of Hospitals
East Londonderry	Causeway
Fermanagh and S Tyrone	Erne
Foyle	Altnagelvin Area
Lagan Valley	Lagan Valley
Mid-Ulster	Mid-Ulster
Newry & Armagh	Daisy Hill
South Antrim	Antrim
South Down	Downe
Strangford	Ulster
Upper Bann	Craigavon Area
West Tyrone	Tyrone County

Mental Health Funding

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money from his department's budget that will be allocated to mental health.

(AQW 3380/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There will be an additional £11m allocated to mental health services in 2008/09, £12m in 2009/10, and £23m in 2010/11. This will be on top of an estimated spend of £187million in 2007/08 on mental health services.

Mental Health

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what actions he is taking in relation to (i) prevention; and (ii) promotional issues on mental health.

(AQW 3382/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Promoting Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan was issued in 2003 and contains 20 actions to improve people’s mental health and emotional well being. In this financial year my Department has made available £600,000 to Health and Social Care and the Health Promotion Agency to implement the actions. This includes a range of measures such as raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues, programmes to promote coping skills, and improving knowledge and skills of health professionals.

Comprehensive major public information campaigns including television and radio advertisements and information leaflets have been developed by the Health Promotion Agency. These are aimed at promoting awareness and understanding around the issue of mental and emotional health.

Funding for Fire Station

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if funding will be made available to build a new Fire Station (i) in Ballymena; (ii) in Cushendall; and (iii) in Ballycastle.

(AQW 3407/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department recently secured an additional £14 million for the Fire and Rescue Service capital development programme, bringing its total capital budget to £46m. This increased level of funding will assist in the continued delivery of essential modernisation to fire service fleet and specialist equipment, as well as provide initial investment for the redevelopment of fire stations in this vital pubic service.

Determining priorities of the capital budget, including renewal / upgrading of fire stations, including those in Ballymena, Cushendall and Ballycastle will be a matter for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

Medinet at Tyrone County

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of operations carried out by Medinet at Tyrone County Hospital over the past 12 months; (ii) the types of operations carried out; and (iii) the total cost of these operations to the department.

(AQW 3412/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Medinet carried out 43 operations at Tyrone County Hospital in the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007.

All operations were for the removal of cataracts.

The total cost of these operations was £36,550

Nursing Staff Pay

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the Health and Social Services Boards who have paid the 2% increase to their nursing staff, as agreed in June 2007; (ii) the Health and Social Services Boards which have still not done so; and (iii) the date on which payment will be made by these Health and Social Services Boards.

(AQW 3413/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The 2.5% pay increase from 1 April 2007 is only payable to staff on the Agenda for Change rates of pay. For staff not yet on these rates the 2.5% increase will be paid when they are put on the new rates and backdated to 1 April 2007. Most nurses are employed by the Health and Social Care Trusts however there are a small number employed by the Health and Social Services Boards. The Northern Health and Social Services Board does not directly employ nursing staff; of the other three Health and Social Services Boards (i) the Western Board paid the 2.5% increase to all staff including nurses in December, (ii) the Eastern and Southern Boards have not yet moved their nursing staff to Agenda for Change rates of pay but are working towards concluding this exercise, and (iii) the 2.5% pay increase will be paid when staff are moved on to the Agenda for Change rates of pay.

Ambulance Response Times

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the method used for calculation of ambulance response times; (ii) the type of vehicles determined as ambulances for the purposes of these calculations; and (iii) the equipment contained in those vehicles included in the calculation of ambulance response times.

(AQW 3420/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) In order to calculate the response time the clock starts when the following details of the call have been ascertained :

caller’s telephone number;
exact location of the incident; and
nature of the chief complaint.

The clock stops when the emergency response vehicle or a ‘first responder’ arrives at the scene of the incident.

(ii) An emergency response may be made by:

an Accident and Emergency ambulance;
a rapid response vehicle; or
an approved first responder dispatched by, and accountable to, the Ambulance Service.

(iii) An Accident & Emergency Ambulance will typically contain:

A single trolley
Defibrillator
O2 resuscitator
Suction
Analgesic gas
Vacuum splints
Spinal Boards

Although Rapid Response Vehicles do not transport patients they carry equipment similar to a full scale A&E vehicle.

First Responders are equipped with a defibrillator.

Cancer Services for Children

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that funding for cancer services for children will continue beyond March 2008.

(AQW 3449/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have no hesitation in confirming that funding for cancer services for children will continue beyond March 2008. Ensuring that both children and adults affected by cancer receive the best possible care remains a priority for my department and the health service.

Home Start Schemes

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the recent Budget announcements, to make a statement on the future funding of Home Start schemes for 2008-2011.

(AQW 3456/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Some funding has been identified to support Children’s Fund-type activity after March 2008. Decisions about funding for individual projects should be announced shortly.

Phosphoric Acid

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the medical research that indicates that phosphoric acid is safe to add to the water supply in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3462/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Orthophosphate treatment of drinking water, involving the addition of orthophosphoric acid, is used across the United Kingdom as a means of improving compliance with the regulatory standard for lead and thus reduces consumer exposure to lead. The addition of phosphoric acid to reduce lead solubility and corrosion, by forming a protection film on the inside of pipes, results in low phosphate concentrations being present in drinking water.

Products which are to be used in the provision of drinking water supplies must undergo an approval process. The List and the Approvals Process are administered by the England and Wales Drinking Water Inspectorate on behalf of all United Kingdom authorities. The Inspectorate takes account of expert toxiciological advice as part of this approval process. The available human data indicate no concerns relating to acute toxicity from the low levels of phosphoric acid present in drinking water. Research on chronic exposure shows no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or toxicity to the reproductive system.

Orthophosphoric acid is listed as an approved product by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for use by the Water Industry in the whole of the United Kingdom. Orthophosphoric acid also has a "BS EN" rating which gives it approval for use across Europe.

Children in Foster Care

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in relation to children in foster care, to detail (i) the average hours per week that they are taken by social workers to spend time with their parent(s); (ii) the arrangements that are put in place for weekend contact visits with their parent(s); (iii) the arrangements put in place to enable mothers to breast feed a baby that has been taken into care; and (iv) the arrangements that are in place to ensure the availability of a guardian ad litem, if required, over weekend and holiday periods.

(AQW 3463/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Contact visits are determined on a case by case basis premised on the assessed needs and risks for the child. While the number of hours can vary contact can take place on a daily basis and at weekends.

(ii) Social workers facilitate contact between parents and their children outside of normal working hours and at weekends. Visits can take place at the Foster Carer’s home, a contact centre or at a mutually agreed venue.

(iii) While Trusts would wish to promote breastfeeding as the best option for the health of the baby it is clearly difficult to maintain when the baby is in Foster Care. In some cases the mother is encouraged to express her milk so that the baby can be bottle fed.

(iv)The Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency (NIGALA) work antisocial hours including holidays and weekends once appointed to a case as required to meet the needs of families and carers. NIGALA do not however operate an out of hours rota for new appointments.

Alzheimer's Sufferers

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria used to determine the percentage of the cost of caring for Alzheimer's sufferers, that must be met by the patient or his/her family.

(AQW 3467/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Specific conditions such as Alzheimer’s are not a factor in determining how much a person is required to contribute to the cost of their care.

Where the assessed care needs can be met through a domiciliary care package delivered in the person’s own home, there is no charge for that care. Where, however, the needs are of a level that requires a residential or nursing home placement, Health and Social Care Trusts are required to make an assessment of the person’s ability to contribute towards the cost of care. The Health and Personal Social Services (Assessment of resources) Regulations (NI) 1993 set out the financial assessment of capital and income to be carried out to determine how much each service user can afford to contribute to the cost of their care.

Enler Project in Dundonald

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding that his department will make available for the Enler Project in Dundonald, during the 2008-2009 financial year.

(AQW 3471/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Provision has now been made by my Department for £1.4 million in capital funding in the 2008/09 financial year to support the Enler Project. The allocation of this funding is subject to the approval of the overall business case for the Enler scheme.

Cross-Border Medical Imaging Centre

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans his department has to progress the proposed cross-border medical imaging centre for the North West.

(AQW 3475/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has no plans at present to develop a cross-border medical imaging centre for the North West. However, I understand that the University of Ulster is developing a partnership proposal for an Institute of Advanced Medical Imaging in the North West with the primary aim of enhancing research capability.

Discharged from Care

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of young people aged between 14 and 16 years, discharged from care in (i) 2004; (ii) 2005; (iii) 2006; and (iv) 2007, broken down by (a) Health and Social Care Trust; (b) year of discharge; (c) age; and (d) length of time in care.

(AQW 3481/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of young people discharged from care is not available. Information is, however, available on the number of discharges from care for the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 in respect of the former Health and Social Services Trusts that were in operation at 31 March 2007. Information is not collected according to the age bands requested, however information is available on the number of discharges in respect of young people aged between 12 and 15, and 16 and over.

Table 1

Number of Discharges from Care by Health & Social Services Trust and Age Group during year ending 31 March 2004 – 2007.

Trust	2004		2005		2006		2007
Trust	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over
North & West Belfast	26	29	23	38	22	25	9	38
South & East Belfast	89	54	95	37	34	50	32	61
Ulster Community	5	11	10	26	9	27	9	23
Down Lisburn	31	34	26	31	23	34	16	34
Causeway	6	6	10	6	13	18	28	12
Homefirst	23	48	22	29	25	44	24	30
Armagh & Dungannon	11	13	8	5	10	12	7	18
Craigavon & Banbridge	5	18	12	17	8	20	22	16
Newry & Mourne	6	6	0	5	8	3	3	11
Foyle	9	25	6	36	14	35	3	3
Sperrin Lakeland	22	11	39	11	42	24	4	24
Northern Ireland	233	255	251	241	208	292	157	270

Source: DHSSPS LA8 return

Table 2

Number of Discharges from Care by Length of Time in Care and Age Group during year ending 31 March 2004 – 2007.

Length of time in Care	2004		2005		2006		2007
Length of time in Care	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over	12 - 15	16 & over
Under 2 weeks	120	27	151	24	87	50	58	49
2 weeks < 3 months	27	7	28	10	25	11	29	4
3 months < 6 months	15	14	17	9	23	12	19	14
6 months < 1 year	30	11	19	12	25	18	19	18
1 year < 2 years	16	16	14	18	18	32	11	24
2 years < 3 years	2	24	4	19	6	20	7	15
3 years or more	23	156	18	149	24	149	14	146
Total	233	255	251	241	208	292	157	270

Source: DHSSPS LA8 return

ICU Beds

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of ICU beds available at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, for children under the age of 13; and to confirm whether or not the beds are staffed.

(AQW 3485/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) has 8 beds funded in the Paediatric Intensive Care (PICU). These beds are fully staffed.

Whilst the age range for RBHSC is up to the 13th birthday for new patients, patients who are within the service will be seen until their transition to adult services. These patients will be treated in PICU if required. Also where beds are limited within the adult ICU provision of Northern Ireland new patients may be taken above the 13th Birthday if they are developmentally appropriate for the service.

Limavady Health Centre

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give a timescale for the start of the new build health centre at Scroggy Road, Limavady.

(AQW 3508/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is intended that the development of Limavady Health and Care Centre will be implemented through the Primary Care Community Care Infrastructure Programme (PCCI). This project has been identified by the Western HSSB and the Western HSC Trust as one of a number of schemes to be rolled out as part of the Department’s investment plans within the Executive’s Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Western Trust is currently reviewing scheme priorities across the West of the province area and until this is completed an actual commencement date cannot be confirmed.

Young People in Care

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of young people in care who are (i) under 12 years old; (ii) 12-16 years; (iii) 16-18 years; and (iv) 18-21 years, for each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 3514/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of young people in care according to the age bands requested is not collected centrally. Information is, however, available on the number of young people in care at 31 March 1998 - 2007 by alternative age groupings as shown in Table 1 overleaf.

At 31 March 2007, there were 2,356 young people in care. Of these, 1,127 (48%) were aged under 12, 765 (32%) were aged between 12 and 15, and 464 (20%) were aged 16 and over.

Table 1

Young People in Care by Age Group at 31 March 1998 – 2007.

Year	Under 12	12 - 15	16 and over	Total
2007	1,127	765	464	2,356
2006	1,224	763	449	2,436
2005	1,278	818	435	2,531
2004	1,322	775	413	2,510
2003	1,296	738	412	2,446
2002	1,284	740	429	2,453
2001	1,274	710	430	2,414
2000	1,289	727	406	2,422
1999	1,220	731	373	2,324
1998	1,240	713	401	2,354

Source: DHSSPS LA1 return

Education of Children in Care

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children in care who (i) have gone into employment; (ii) are in further education; (iii) are in higher education; and (iv) are unemployed, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3515/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of children in care who are in employment, further education, higher education and are unemployed is not collected centrally.

Information is however available on the number of former care leavers who are in employment, further education, higher education or are unemployed at their 19^th birthday and is detailed in Table 1 overleaf for the years ending 31 March 2004 and 2006, where a year refers to the period 1April to 31 March.

Table 1

Economic Activity of Former Care Leavers who reached their 19^th Birthday during the Year Ending 31 March 2004 and 2006.

Economic Activity	2006	2004
(i) Employment	53	25
(ii) Further Education	9	21
(iii) Higher Education	17	5
(iv) Unemployed	34	46

Source: DHSSPS OC3 return

Medical Negligence Claims

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the costs incurred by the Health Service, in relation to medical negligence claims, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 3517/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested has been set out in the table below.

Figures are in £000’s.

2006/07	2005/06	2004/05	2003/04	2002/03
£13,634	£14,181	£14,206	£20,291	£13,597

Education of Children in Care

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children in care who left school with 5 or less GCSE passes A* to C, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3532/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of children in care who left school is not collected centrally.

Information is collected on the qualifications of children who have been in care continuously for 12 months. The most recent information available relates to children who were looked after on 30 September 2003, and who at that time had been looked after continuously for one year or more.

There were 144 children who had been looked after continuously for 12 months or more at 30September 2003 who were eligible to sit GCSE examinations. Of these, 12 obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* - C, 32 obtained between 1 and 4 GCSE passes A* - C, 17 obtained qualifications other than GCSE passes A* - C, 76 did not sit any examinations, and 7 did not obtain any qualifications.

Information is also collected on the qualifications of children who left care aged 16 and over during the year ending 31 March 2006, the latest date for which such information is available.

During the year ending 31 March 2006 there were 181 children who left care aged 16 and over who were eligible to sit GCSE examinations. Of these, 17 obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* - C, 33 obtained between 1 and 4 GCSE passes A* - C, 44 obtained qualifications other than GCSE passes A* - C, 82 did not sit any examinations, and 5 did not obtain any qualifications.

Education of Children in Care

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children in care who left school with no qualifications, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3533/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of children in care who left school is not collected centrally.

Information is also collected on the qualifications of children who left care aged 16 and over during the year ending 31 March 2006, the latest date for which such information is available.

Education of Children in Care

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of children in care who left school with 5 or more GCSE passes A* to C, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3534/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of children in care who left school is not collected centrally.

Information is also collected on the qualifications of children who left care aged 16 and over during the year ending 31 March 2006, the latest date for which such information is available.

Arthritis Drug Vioxx

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who were prescribed the arthritis drug Vioxx, before it was taken off the market.

(AQW 3542/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information regarding patient numbers who were prescribed Vioxx is not held, however, it is estimated that approximately 400,000 people have been prescribed Vioxx in the UK.

Prescription data held by the Central Service Agency in Northern Ireland refers to prescribed items that were dispensed and for which payment was sought by community pharmacist contractors. The CSA data therefore refers to prescription numbers on an annual basis and not to individual patients. Annual prescription numbers for Vioxx in NI between 2000 and 2005 are detailed in the table below.

Table 1

Year	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005
No. of prescriptions dispensed in Primary Care for Vioxx (Rofecoxib) in NI from 2000 to 2005	50,876	78,069	98,099	107,581	92,873	179

Health and Social Care Reforms

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the names of the agencies that are to be brought under the proposed single, multi-purpose authority, as part of the new Health and Social Care Reforms.

(AQW 3568/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Under the proposals that I announced to the Assembly on 4 February none of the agencies which were set to merge with the authority suggested under the Direct Rule structures would be brought into the proposed Regional Health and Social Care Board. The consultation paper on my proposals does, however, seek further views in relation to these agencies.

However, under my proposals, most of the functions of the Central Services Agency would transfer to a common services organisation and the Department, The Regional Medical Physics Agency would become part of the Belfast Trust, and the Mental Health Commission would merge with the Regulation and Improvement Authority.

Cost Breakdown of Facilities

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3315/08, to provide a breakdown of costings for the new (i) Health and Social Care Centre; and (ii) local enhanced hospital and mental health centre, as estimated in the £190m project.

(AQW 3569/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Omagh Hospital Complex has been developed as one integrated project to achieve efficiencies both in construction and service delivery, and is currently out to tender on this basis. I am therefore unable to disclose at this time further detail on specific costings for project elements within the overall capital estimate, in order not to jeopardise the competitive tendering process now underway.

Unpaid Dental Fees

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the costs incurred by his department in taking legal action against members of the public for unpaid dental fees; and (ii) the total amount recovered as a result of cases won, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3590/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department remains firmly committed to maintaining robust and effective measures to safeguard public funds. Where patients do not pay relevant statutory health charges, such as dental costs, when they should, it is important that such monies are recovered in full.

The table below shows the number of cases referred to the Small Claims Court in relation to the recovery of unpaid statutory dental charges, the number of successful cases * , the total cost (staff costs and court fees incurred in taking legal action) and the monies recovered. The data covers the 2006/07, 2005/06 and 2004/05 financial years.

Financial Year	Cases referred to Court	Successful Cases *	Total Cost	Total Recoveries
2004/2005	71	71	£4,870.59	£5,582.69
2005/2006	68	68	£5,401.03	£6,897.38
2006/2007	84	84	£6,792.25	£7,266.08

It should be noted that patients are given a number of opportunities to repay the amounts involved, including the option of repaying by agreed monthly instalments, before a case is referred to the Small Claims Court.

In addition to the recoveries shown, the following amounts were recovered by the Counter Fraud Unit, in respect of unpaid dental charges, without the need for recourse to legal action via the Small Claims Court:

2004/05 £ 47,145 ; 2005/06 £55,168 ; 2006/07 £94,468.

* successful cases (i.e. where a County Court Judgement was awarded in favour of the Central Services Agency)

Managerial Level Employees

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of managerial level employees; and (ii) the percentage of employees that are at managerial level, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust, in each of the last 3 years.

(AQW 3597/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the managerial level of all health and social care employees is not routinely recorded on Trust information systems and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However, information on the managerial level of staff within the Administration & Clerical staff group has been provided in the tables below.

(i)

Table 1: Headcount of Administration & Clerical staff at managerial level

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	617	318	223	302	294	1754
Dec-06	633	330	236	292	308	1799
Dec-07	589	289	241	285	293	1697

Table 2: Whole-time Equivalent (WTE) of Administration & Clerical staff at managerial level

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	600.45	305.48	219.3	288.21	285.77	1699.21
Dec-06	615.53	317.45	230.74	280.7	297.56	1741.98
Dec-07	572.17	276.66	235.15	274.97	283.35	1642.3

(ii)

Table 3: Percentage of Administration & Clerical Staff that are managerial level (based on headcount)

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	16.0%	14.3%	13.2%	17.4%	17.5%	15.7%
Dec-06	16.5%	14.4%	13.4%	16.4%	18.2%	15.8%
Dec-07	15.9%	13.1%	13.5%	15.6%	18.7%	15.3%

Table 4: Percentage of Administration & Clerical Staff that are managerial level (based on whole-time equivalent)

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	17.8%	16.2%	14.5%	19.3%	20.0%	17.5%
Dec-06	18.3%	16.3%	14.7%	18.3%	20.8%	17.7%
Dec-07	17.7%	14.9%	14.6%	17.6%	21.4%	17.1%

Table 5: Admin & Clerical managerial staff as a percentage of all Health & Social Care Trust staff (based on headcount)

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	3.1%	3.0%	2.8%	3.7%	3.5%	3.2%
Dec-06	3.2%	3.0%	2.7%	3.4%	3.6%	3.2%
Dec-07	3.0%	2.7%	2.6%	3.1%	3.5%	3.0%

Table 6: Admin & Clerical managerial staff as a percentage of all Health & Social Care Trust staff (based on whole-time equivalent)

	Belfast	Northern	Western	Southern	South Eastern	All Trusts
Dec-05	3.6%	3.4%	3.0%	4.2%	4.1%	3.6%
Dec-06	3.6%	3.5%	3.0%	3.9%	4.2%	3.6%
Dec-07	3.4%	3.1%	2.9%	3.6%	4.0%	3.4%

Source: Human Resource Management System.

Table Notes:

1. WTE = whole time equivalent of staff. The whole time equivalent of staff is calculated by aggregating the total number of hours that staff in a grade are contracted to work, and dividing by the standard hours for that grade. In this way, part-time staff are converted into an equivalent number of ‘whole-time’ staff.

2. Managerial level includes those classed as manager, senior manager, senior executive and board members.

3. Base figures used for percentages of Health & Social Care Trust staff exclude home helps, bank staff and student nurses.

Delayed Discharges

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the up-to-date figures on delayed discharges for all Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 3638/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The latest up-to-date official figures on delayed discharges for all Health and Social Care Trusts are for the month ending 31^st December. The figures shown in the table below show the number of care managed patients or patients awaiting a care management assessment remaining in hospital after the date they are deemed medically fit for discharge as at the 31^st December 2007 in each Health and Social Care Trust.

Health and Social Care Trusts	Number of Delayed Discharges *
Belfast HSC Trust	37
Northern HSC Trust	47
Southern HSC Trust	4
South Eastern HSC Trust	25
Western HSC Trust	18
Total	131

Source: Departmental Return, DD1.

Notes:

Figures are presented in respect of the position at the last day of each month.

* - Information is currently provisional and subject to change.

Delayed Discharges

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what plans he has to respond to delayed discharges in Health and Social Care Trusts.

(AQW 3639/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have set stringent new targets for delayed discharge, which mean that, by March 2008, non-complex cases should be discharged within 6 hours of being declared fit and complex cases should be discharged within 72 hours of being declared fit. These targets are subject to rigorous monitoring arrangements and I can report that achievement rates for January 2008 are 96% and 75% respectively.

In tandem with improving systems within hospitals, we are also working to expand the range of flexible and responsive intermediate care services in the community. This will ensure that those who need it can be discharged safely and promptly into an appropriate service in the community.

Efficiency Savings

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how the efficiencies proposed in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust document 'Comprehensive Spending Review - Efficiency Savings Proposed by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust', will be used to enhance health services.

(AQW 3642/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Trusts must achieve 3% per annum efficiency savings and so I have asked all Trusts to give me their proposals on how CSR efficiencies should be delivered. In developing their proposals, I have specifically asked for efficiencies, not cuts, and that the implications for staff and patients are fully explained. I have not yet received fully worked up proposals from Trusts and I will not be making decisions on Trust efficiency proposals until all these implications are clearly established.

Several members of the Assembly have been strongly advocating efficiencies. It is incumbent on us to take the opportunity now to look across the new Trusts and to reshape services where they can be provided more efficiently and effectively. As monies are freed up, we will invest them into the services and priorities agreed in the CSR budget settlement for the benefit of patients and clients across Northern Ireland.

These developments include, for example, investment to combat healthcare acquired infections, more and better mental health and learning disability services, support services for children and young people - greater investment in stroke and cardiovascular services, more cancer services - including screening and vaccinations - access to new and specialist drugs, funding to prevent suicide, more renal dialysis provision and funding to provide more of the appropriate services for our ageing population.

Suicide Prevention

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how the £6m allocated to implement the suicide prevention strategy has been used.

(AQW 3651/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In 2007/08 the Department allocated £3.06m recurrent funding for suicide prevention and the breakdown of this funding was agreed between the Department and the Suicide Strategy Implementation Body (SSIB). The funding was subsequently allocated as follows:

Category	07/08 Funding
Community Support (Both local and regional spend )	£1,800,000
Pilot Schemes	£300,000
Awareness campaigns/training	£550,000
Research	£150,000
Infrastructure	£100,000
All-Island Co-operation	£90,000
Evaluation	£50,000
Misc.	£20,000
Total	£3,060,000

An additional £3.5m will be allocated in 2008/09 by the Department for the implementation of the new regional crisis response 24/7 telephone helpline.

Suicide Prevention

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the other interventions that have been considered in relation to suicide prevention.

(AQW 3652/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: During the development of the Suicide Prevention Strategy, the Taskforce commissioned a review of the evidence base relating to suicide and self harm.

The review highlighted that there is limited evidence available in relation to interventions that are effective in reducing the risk of suicide and self-harm.

In light of this lack of evidence base, a number of innovative initiatives have been undertaken as part of the implementation of the strategy. These include:

Establishment of a 24/7 regional crisis response helpline, and a self-harm mentoring pilot scheme;
Research into the effects of the Troubles on our mental health and local suicide rates;
Development of a new GP depression Awareness Training programme; Production of joint North/South public information campaigns;
Allocation of a substantial community support funding package; and
Establishment of a crisis intervention service.

To assess the effectiveness of the strategy, an evaluation framework is being developed.

Cardiovascular Service Framework

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the effectiveness of the Cardiovascular Service Framework in addressing the wide range and complex nature of diabetes.

(AQW 3674/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The cardiovascular framework addresses a wide range of the key elements of good diabetes care, including standards relating to risk factors for diabetes, accurate and timely diagnosis, education and support, annual review, regular foot care and the wide range of standards relating to the cardiovascular diseases that are more common in patients with diabetes.

The cardiovascular framework attempts to move away from an ‘illness model’ of service standards / delivery to one which promotes health and wellbeing and prevents disease. In this context, it is recognised that diabetes is but one of a number of interconnected risk factors for cardiovascular health and wellbeing.

The cardiovascular framework will link to existing strategies on diabetes such as the Report of the Northern Ireland Task Force on Diabetes (2003). Diabetes UK has participated in the development of the framework to ensure that it takes appropriate account of the effect of diabetes on cardiovascular health.

The effectiveness of the cardiovascular framework will be evaluated following its implementation.

Fire and Rescue Service Personnel Injuried

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of Fire and Rescue Service Personnel who have suffered injury in the line of duty in each of the last three years.

(AQW 3684/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Table below shows the number of all on-duty injuries sustained by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service personnel in the last 3 years:

Year	INJURIES
2005	212
2006	213
2007	177

Medical Procedures outside NI

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of people that are sent outside Northern Ireland for medical procedures, in each of the last 5 years; and (ii) the total cost incurred by his department.

(AQW 3685/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of people sent outside Northern Ireland for medical procedures, in each of the last five years, is outlined in the table below.

Financial year	Number of people sent outside Northern Ireland for medical procedures
2002/03	1,074
2003/04	1,075
2004/05	1,298
2005/06	1,343
2006/07	1,495

Source: Health and Social Services Boards

The cost incurred by the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the provision of this service, is not available prior to 2003/04. The cost relates to patients from Northern Ireland treated in hospitals in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. This information is detailed in the table below.

Financial year	Cost incurred by the DHSSPS in the provision of medical treatment for patients from Northern Ireland at hospitals in GB/ROI (£million)
2003/04	8.1
2004/05	12.2
2005/06	12.1
2006/07	12.8

Source: Health and Social Services Boards

The above figures relate to expenditure incurred by the four Health and Social Services Boards. Further expenditure may have been incurred by Trusts who have received funding from the Boards, but who have opted to send a patient to GB/ROI for treatment. Information on these costs is not captured by the Department.

Trainee Dental Nurses

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the (i) number; and (ii) location, of (a) full-time; and (b) part-time, training places for trainee dental nurses currently available.

(AQW 3695/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The DHSSPS does not commission dental nurse training. The National Certificate in Dental Nursing is offered by the Further Education sector.

Diabetes Service Framework

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration he has given to the establishment of a Diabetes Service Framework.

(AQW 3700/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has a process in place for the identification, prioritisation and selection of the next round of service frameworks.

The Boards and Trusts, working with local interest groups, have submitted a list of regional priorities for future service framework development to my Department. These proposals are currently under evaluation and a decision regarding the next round of service frameworks will be taken in spring 2008.

Inver House in Larne

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of representations he has received in relation to Inver House in Larne since May 2007; and (ii) who these representations have been from.

(AQW 3739/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below sets out the number and source of representations I have received in relation to Inver House in Larne between May 2007 and 8 February this year.

Source	Number of representations
MLAs	11
Larne Borough Council	2
Local GPs	1 ( enclosing 17 signatures)
Member of the Public	48
Church Ministers	1 (enclosing 16 signatures)
Other	1
Total	64

Child Sexual Abuse

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the referral reports by the Department of Education and Department of Employment and Learning of child sexual abuse by (i) parents; (ii) other relatives (iii) school board employees and (iv) others, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 3751/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Details of individual referral reports to Social Services are not collected centrally. Information on individual referrals would not be published due to Data Protection considerations.

Whilst the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety collects information on the numbers of children referred to Social Services, details of referrals made by the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Learning are not identified separately.

Private Finance Initiatives

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on all current and planned Public Private Partnerships/Private Finance Initiatives; and to outline (i) those projects which are delayed; (ii) the reasons for the delays; and (ii) completion dates for delivering these projects.

(AQW 3887/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are currently two new build projects being procured using the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) methodology. They are the new South West Acute Hospital north of Enniskillen, due for completion in 2011/12, and the new Enhanced Local Hospital Complex at Omagh due for completion in 2012/13. There are currently no delays in the planned delivery of these projects.

Decisions on the procurement method to be used for any future new build projects will be based on a rigorous value for money and affordability assessment for each project when the relevant Outline Business Case is considered for approval by the Department.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Calls Received Over Christmas

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of calls for help that were made by consumers to his department over the Christmas and New Year period, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 3294/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the number of telephone calls for help received over the Christmas and New Year period (24 December 2007- 4 January 2008), broken down by Parliamentary Constituency, are shown in the table below:-

Parliamentary Constituency	Total number of calls (eg - snow/ice related, flooding, tree damage, road defects, etc)
Foyle	114
East Londonderry	46
North Antrim	36
East Antrim	38
South Antrim	73
Belfast North	45
Belfast East	27
Belfast South	43
Belfast West	5
North Down	25
Strangford	91
Lagan Valley	38
South Down	83
Upper Bann	33
Newry and Armagh	44
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	92
West Tyrone	78
Mid Ulster	43

I should point out that Roads Service holds information on telephone calls by Section Office, and the breakdown by Parliamentary Constituency has been estimated as accurately as possible for the purpose of answering your question.

Park and Ride Facility

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans he has to expand the park and ride facility in Templepatrick.

(AQW 3320/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised that there are no current plans to provide additional parking in Templepatrick.

The small park and ride/park and share car park was provided at Templepatrick in 2003. Due to high levels of usage, it was extended in 2005. In 2007, a further extension was added, up to the limit of the land available.

International Airport Bus Service

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of people who used the 300 International Airport bus in (a) 2005; (b) 2006; and (c) 2007; and (ii) the average number of passengers who used the bus for each day of the week in 2007; and what assessment he has made of the percentage of passengers who used this service to commute to Belfast, rather than travel to, and from, the International Airport.

(AQW 3324/08)

Mr C Murphy: The information is not readily available in the format you requested. However, Translink has provided the following information:

Number of Passenger Journeys on International Airport 300 Service
Year	Journeys
1/1/05 – 31/12/05	268,477
1/1/06 – 31/12/06	316,580
1/1/07 – 31/12/07	384,488

Average Journeys per Day
Day	Average Number of Journeys
Monday to Friday	1,172
Saturday and Sunday	768

Translink has informed me that approximately 25 percent of passengers board or leave the bus at points other than the International Airport

Drinking Water

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not an environmental impact assessment was carried out before the addition of phosphoric acid into drinking water in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 3341/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the use of orthophosphoric acid to minimise lead levels in the water supply has been in use for some time by the water industry in Britain.

Prior to the use of orthophosphoric acid in the North, environmental impact assessments were carried out in specific locations using the read across implications of similar assessments completed across the water industry.

Flooding Prevention

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps taken by Northern Ireland Water to prevent the recurrence of flooding in the Mourne View Estate, Newcastle.

(AQW 3343/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the Mourne View Estate is low lying and prone to flooding during periods of intense rainfall, which in the past has overwhelmed the public sewer system and the local Murlough Sewage Pumping Station.

NIW has completed a Drainage Area Study for Newcastle which examined the structural condition and capacity of the sewerage system. Remedial work has now commenced and will be implemented over the next three years. The Study recommended the upgrade of Murlough Sewage Pumping Station but this work will not be completed until 2010, as other downstream remedial work needs to be implemented first.

This work should substantially reduce the risk of out-of-sewer flooding in the Mourne View area and in the interim NIW will continue to monitor closely the performance of Murlough Sewage Pumping Station and take any necessary action to prevent or reduce flooding problems.

Drain Cleansing Teams

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the last date on which drain cleansing teams were working in Valentia Place and Bryansford Gardens, Newcastle.

(AQW 3344/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service have advised that the road gullies on Valentia Place and Bryansford Gardens, Newcastle were last cleaned on 13 November 2007.

This was the second gully clean in 2007, in line with Roads Service’s gully cleaning policy to clean gullies in urban areas twice annually.

DRD Strategy for NI 2025

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale within which the first 5 year review of 'Shaping Our Future: the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025', will be completed and published.

(AQW 3377/08)

Mr C Murphy: The 5 year Review of ‘Shaping our Future: the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025’ has been referred to the Regional Development Committee for consideration. Once I have received views from the Committee, I would be bringing the Review to the Executive as a cross-cutting issue. I then hope to publish the Report. Given the steps still to be taken, I expect publication to take place in May / June.

Garden Dwellings

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not he intends to remove domestic gardens from the definition of Brownfield/previously developed sites, as currently set out in (i) the Regional Development Strategy; and (ii) Planning Policy Statement 12: Housing in Settlements, as unanimously agreed by the Assembly on 1 October 2007.

(AQW 3378/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am proposing, in the 5 year Review of the RDS, to exclude the gardens of dwellings from the definition of previously developed land. The RDS Review document has been referred to the Regional Development Committee for consideration. Once I have received views from the Committee, I would intend to bring the Review to the Executive as a cross-cutting issue. I then hope to publish the Report in May/June.

The Department of the Environment recently assumed responsibility for Planning Policy Statement 12: Housing in Settlements from my Department and will take forward any future work on this document in general conformity with the Regional Development Strategy.

Flooding of Minor Roads

Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to ensure that the clearing of minor roads that are flooded is given priority.

(AQW 3385/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has plans in place to deal with roads related flooding incidents, ensuring a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, response. While not an emergency service, Roads Service is committed to co-operating with, and assisting the blue light services and other statutory agencies as far as possible, to ensure quick and appropriate responses are made to flooding incidents.

Roads Service seeks to restore normality to minor roads that are flooded, having regard firstly, for the safety of the public and Roads Service personnel, but also the prevention of traffic disruption and the protection of homes and property. However, as you may expect, in the event of traffic disruption, resources would be targeted to busier routes carrying the greater volume of traffic.

Public Transport in West Belfast

Ms J McCann asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not he plans to introduce a public transport system within the Colin area of West Belfast.

(AQW 3386/08)

Mr C Murphy: A public transport system already exists within the Colin area of West Belfast. Translink has advised me that it operates the bus routes set out in the table below.

	METRO
Service	Route Details
10a Ladybrook via Finaghy Road North	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Finaghy Road North, Ladybrook Park & Ladybrook Cross.
10b Poleglass viaShaws Road & Suffolk Road	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Shaws Road, Suffolk Road, Stewartstown Road, Pembroke Loop Road & Belsteele Road
10c Poleglass Direct	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Stewartstown Road, Pantridge Road & Pembroke Loop Road
10d Lagmore (Mount Eagles) via Stewartstown Road	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Stewartstown Road, Dunmurry Lane, Cheery Road, Twinbrook Road, Stewartstown Road, Lagmore Dale, Lagmore Drive, Lagmore Avenue & Mount Eagles
10e Lagmore (Mount Eagle) via Glen Road & Dunmurry Lane	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Glen Road, Suffolk Road, Dunmurry Lane, Cherry Road, Twinbrook Road, Stewartstown Road, Twinbrook Roundabout, Stewartstown Road, Lagmore Dale, Lagmore Drive & Lagmore Mount Eagles
10f Lagmore View via Glen Road	Queen Street, Castle Street, Falls Road, Glen Road, Suffolk Road, Glen Road, Stewartstown Road, Pantridge Road, Pembroke Loop Road, Belsteele Road, Stewartstown Road, Lagmore Dale, Lagmore Avenue & Lagmore View
10g Falls Park via Lagmore	Late Night ServiceLagmore (Mount Eagles), Lagmore Dale, Stewartstown Road, Glengoland Roundabout, Stewartstown Road (Woodbourne), Stewartstown Road (Suffolk Road), Andersonstown Road (Slivevegallion Drive) & Kennedy Centre
10h Black’s Road via Stewartstown Road	Queen Street, Castle Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Stewartstown Road, Black’s Road & Oakhurst / St. Annes
81 Glencolin via Springfield Road	Queen Street, Upper Queen Street, Grosvenor Road, Springfield Road, Monagh Road, Monagh Link, Monagh By-pass, Glen Road & Glen Road Terminus
81a Poleglass via Grosvenor Road	Queen Street, Upper Queen Street, Grosvenor Road, Springfield Road, Monagh Road, Monagh Link, Monagh By-pass, Glen Road, Suffolk Road, Stewartstown Road, Belsteele Road, Brianswell Road & Pembrooke Loop Road
82 Glencolin via Whiterock & Turf Lodge	Queen Street, Upper Queen Street, Grosvenor Road, Falls Road, Whiterock Road, Upper Springfield Road, Monagh Road, Monagh Link, Monagh By-pass, Glen Road & Glen Road Terminus
82a Poleglass via Falls Road	Queen Street, Upper Queen Street, Grosvenor Road, Falls Road, Whiterock Road, Upper Springfield Road, Monagh Road, Monagh Link, Monagh By-pass, Glen Road, Suffolk Road, Stewartstown Road, Belsteele Road, Brianswell Road & Pembrooke Loop
	ULSTERBUS
Service	Route Details
530 Lisburn via Blacks Road	Upper Queen Street, Great Victoria Street, Lisburn Road, Blacks Road, Stewartstown Road, Belsteele Road, Stewartstown Road then on to Lisburn City Centre
531 Twinbrook via Blacks Road	Upper Queen Street, Great Victoria Street, Lisburn Road, Blacks Road, Stewartstown Road, Belsteele Road, Stewartstown Road & Twinbrook Estate
532 Lisburn via Falls Road	Queen Street, Divis Street, Falls Road, Andersonstown Road, Stewartstown Road, Belsteele Road, Stewartstown Road, then onto Lisburn City Centre
Note additional Express Services 0745 ex Twinbrook (233) via Lagmore, Poleglass, Dunmurry Lane, Motorway, Europa Buscentre 0750 ex Poleglass (235) via Glengoland, Blacks Road, Motorway, Europa Buscentre 1715 ex Queens Street (236) via Europa, Motorway, Blacks Rd, Poleglass, Lagmore 1735 ex Queens Street (236) via Europa, Motorway, Dunmurry Lane, Poleglass, Lagmore

Road Signage

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not road signage will be erected for Healy Park GAA grounds on the approach roads to Omagh, Co Tyrone.

(AQW 3396/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s policy in relation to the provision of signing to privately managed premises, including sports grounds, is contained in Roads Service Policy & Procedure Guide (RSPPG E034).

Under this policy, directional signage to sporting facilities will only be provided where there is a clear road safety reason for doing so, or the facilities are hard to find and will generate a significant volume of traffic from outside the locality. In general, signage is not permitted if the premises are located on urban distributor roads or rural A or B class roads, on the basis that such premises can be found easily by following direction signage to the adjacent town or village.

The aim of this policy is to minimise sign clutter, which has an adverse impact on the environment, while taking account of road safety and traffic management issues.

I understand that Roads Service has not received any request for the provision of signage to Healy Park. That said, as these grounds are located on the Gortin Road, a B Class urban distributor road within the Omagh town boundary, and as the grounds can be easily located by following direction signs to Gortin, it is unlikely that such a request would be approved by Roads Service.

Road Signage

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not he will introduce a new 'Children at Play' template sign, for use in residential areas, similar to those that are used in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 3410/08)

Mr C Murphy: The ‘Children at Play’ sign is not prescribed in the Traffic Signs Manual used in the South, nor is it authorised for use. Where such signs have been erected, I understand that this has been without the approval of the Department of the Environment in the South. Their view, which my Department would support, is that a sign with the wording ‘Children at Play’ could engender a false sense of security in the children, inferring that it is safe for them to be playing in streets or at the roadside.

In residential areas, Roads Service provides traffic calming schemes to reduce vehicle speeds. Self enforcing traffic calming schemes can reduce vehicle speeds to 20mph and are much more effective in making the road environment safer for all users.

For the reasons outlined above, I can confirm that I have no plans to introduce a ‘Children at Play’ sign.

Road Maintenance Work

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not the Roads Service will formally adopt Curleyhill Road, Strabane; and to confirm that it will urgently engage in surfacing and maintenance work.

(AQW 3414/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised that the Curleyhill Road, Strabane, is an adopted public road.

If the question relates to the private cul-de-sac adjoining Curleyhill Road, which has not been adopted, I would note that the responsibility for surfacing and maintenance of this section of road rests with those property owners whose property adjoins it.

I understand that Roads Service officials recently met with the owners of the properties in question, to provide an estimate of the costs required to bring the road up to adoption standard and to provide details of the sightlines required where their cul-de-sac joins the Curleyhill Road.

Roads Service officials have confirmed that they would formally adopt the cul-de-sac, if it is brought up to adoption standard by the owners of the properties adjoining it.

Bilingual Road Signs

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the organisations that have made representations to his department seeking legislative amendments to authorise the erection of bilingual road signs in Irish and English.

(AQW 3431/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Departments Roads Service has advised me that within the last 3 years it has received requests for the erection of bi-lingual road signs in Irish and English from the following organisations:

-Newry & Mourne District Council;
- Cookstown District Council;
- POBAL;
- Irish Side of the British-Irish Secretariat;
- Foras na Gaeilge;
- Forbairt Feirste; and
- La Nua

As a result of these requests, and in keeping with the spirit of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, Roads Service is currently developing policy proposals which would lead to legislative amendment and enable the authorisation of a limited range of bi-lingual road signs.

For your additional information, I can confirm that the proposed draft policy will include provision for the inclusion of Irish or Ulster-Scots in addition to English on a limited number of sign types, and that the decisions to request the erection of individual signs will rest with the relevant local council.

Bus and Rail Services

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he has given to additional bus or rail services in East Antrim.

(AQW 3435/08)

Mr C Murphy: As regards bus services, the Goldline Express Services 253 to Ballyclare and 256 to Larne have been improved and will be re-examined under the Ulsterbus Strategic Review process, being carried out by Translink, in June 2008.

Additional services have been provided by Translink between Queens University and the University of Ulster Jordanstown Campus.

Services along the main Shore Road to Carrickfergus and onwards to Kilroot and Whitehead, which are subject to peak hour traffic delays, are being monitored to identify opportunities to restore reliability.

Rail services across the north are now running at full capacity in terms of rolling stock availability. In consequence, there will not be significant change in the East Antrim area in the short to medium term. However the Assembly has recently approved funding for the purchase of 20 new train sets to replace 13 old trains within the NIR fleet and to expand service capacity across the network. The procurement programme has already commenced, and the new trains are expected to enter service in 2011/12 and 2012/13, including on the line to Larne, with new additional services being introduced from 2012/13.

Light Railway System

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not (i) he has received and considered the light railway system proposals from Belfast Express Transit; and (ii) he has held meetings with any representatives from that group.

(AQW 3436/08)

Mr C Murphy: I did receive light rail system proposals from Belfast Express Transit which had been passed previously to our consultants undertaking the feasibility studies into rapid transit for Belfast.

I have not held any meetings with representatives from that group but I am aware that the group has met with officials in the past.

Door-to-Door Transport Scheme

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of areas in which the Door-to-Door Transport scheme is operational.

(AQW 3478/08)

Mr C Murphy: Door-to-Door Transport currently operates in the following 27 urban areas:

Antrim; Armagh; Ballymena; Ballymoney; Banbridge; Bangor; Carrickfergus; Coleraine; Comber; Cookstown; Craigavon; Downpatrick; Dundonald; Dungannon; Dunmurry; Enniskillen; Holywood; Larne; Limavady; Lisburn; Lurgan; Newry; Newtownabbey; Newtownards; Omagh; Portadown; and Strabane.

Door-to-Door Transport Scheme

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend the Door-to-Door Transport scheme.

(AQW 3480/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Door-to-Door Transport scheme will be extended to cover Belfast and Derry from 1 April 2008. My Department, in conjunction with Central Procurement Directorate, is currently in the process of finalising a tender exercise to determine which transport operator(s) will provide the services in these two urban areas. I shall make a public announcement regarding the outcome of this tender shortly.

A5 Dualling Project

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the proposed timetable for a preliminary route corridor assessment for the A5 dualling project.

(AQW 3524/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that it has commissioned consultants to undertake a route corridor study for the dualling of the A5 from Derry to the border at Aughnacloy.

This study will allow the production of a preliminary options report and recommend a preferred corridor by late 2008. I anticipate that subsequent work should enable the identification of a preferred route within that corridor by mid 2009.

Beech Hill to Cloghoge A1 Road Scheme

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not (i) contractors have moved off the site of the Beech Hill to Cloghoge A1 road scheme; and (ii) this withdrawal is in relation to overdue monies not being paid to contractors by his department.

(AQW 3562/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has entered into a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract with Amey Lagan Roads Limited (the DBFO Co) to design, construct, commission, operate and maintain several strategic road improvement schemes, including the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme.

I am advised that neither the DBFO Co nor their construction sub-contractor, Lagan Ferrovial, have moved off the site of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue Dual carriageway scheme. However, a significant number of potential archaeological features have been uncovered that are impacting on the DBFO Co’s programme for earth works on this scheme.

I am further advised that my Department is not withholding any monies nor is any money due to the DBFO Co in respect of this scheme at this time.

Road Flooding

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps that the Roads Service has taken to alleviate flooding at (i) 62; (ii) 63; and (iii) 64 Bernagh Green, Newcastle.

(AQW 3635/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has recently been informed of flooding at Bernagh Green, Newcastle.

Following investigation, it is proposed to provide a footpath gully. However, as the footpath is below the level of the adjoining Castlewellan Road, it will not be possible to connect the new gully to the main road drainage system. It is proposed therefore to connect the gully to a soakaway to be constructed in the grass verge between the footpath at No 63 Bernagh Green and the Castlewellan Road.

It is anticipated that the work will be carried out within the next six weeks.

Sewer Extension

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2622/08, to detail the reasons why this work has not yet commenced; and to provide a timescale within which the work will begin.

(AQW 3657/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that work to extend the sewer to provide first time sewerage services for a development at Movilla Road, Newtownards, commenced on 4 February and will be completed during March 2008.

The commencement of this work was delayed while NIW reassessed the scope of the project to ensure it could cater for future development in the area.

Potholes

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development if she will give an undertaking to deal urgently with the issue of potholes on the Loughmacrory Road, Omagh, County Tyrone.

(AQW 3734/08)

Mr C Murphy: Roads Maintenance Standards are applied by my Department’s Road Service to the entire road network and specify inspection frequencies, prioritisation and response targets for various classes of road. In accordance with these Maintenance Standards the Loughmacrory Road is inspected every eight weeks, with the next inspection due week ending Friday 15 February 2008.

Roads Service has advised that Loughmacrory Road was last inspected on 3 December 2007 and all recorded defects were repaired in accordance with the Roads Maintenance Standard.

There are no associated exceptional factors on the Loughmacrory Road that would warrant special attention over and above the stated Maintenance Standards and all faults detected by inspection, or reported will be repaired.

Road Works Programme

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will instigate an urgent works programme to deal with the poor state of rural ('B' and 'C' class) roads in West Tyrone.

(AQW 3735/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department's Roads Service prepares annual work programmes covering the development and maintenance of the network, which reflect the availability of finances. The 2007/08 financial year’s work programme, which was agreed by each of the district councils, is presently well advanced.

In the West Tyrone constituency, Roads Service currently plans to spend in excess of £7 million in the 2007/2008 financial year on structural maintenance of the rural road network. This includes resurfacing/strengthening, surface dressing, patching and structural drainage. It represents 90% of the total resources being deployed on structural maintenance within the constituency.

Of course, it is always the case that if more funding was available, more maintenance work would be carried out and I can assure you that Roads Service will continue to make strong bids for additional structural maintenance funds. In the meantime, Roads Service will continue to make best use of the resources available to it to develop and maintain the road network.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Housing Projects

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what plans she has to develop social housing projects in the Markets area of South Belfast.

(AQW 3189/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The current Social Housing Development Programme contains proposals for 51 homes to be provided in the Markets area. Twenty six are programmed for 2007/08 year and 25 for 2010/11. Two Environmental Improvement Schemes, 2 Cyclical Maintenance Schemes and two Revenue Replacement Schemes are also planned for the area. Details of these have been placed in the Assembly Library.

Development of Twinbrook Shops

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide detail on the development of the proposed works at the Twinbrook shops, West Belfast.

(AQW 3383/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The project is at an early stage but options are currently being developed to replace the existing shops at Jasmine End, Twinbrook, incorporate social housing on the site and establish a Social Economy Project for the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership that will help sustain the group.

Mobility Dwellings

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties that are suitable for people with physical disabilities.

(AQW 3433/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The total number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties identified as "mobility dwellings" at 1 April was 5,965 representing 6.3% of the total Housing Executive housing stock.

The Housing Executive’s non-mobility stock can be made suitable for people with disabilities through major or minor adaptations. Major adaptations include extensions, through floor and stair lifts, re-arrangement of facilities within the home and change of heating. An average of 2,800 major and 5,600 minor adaptations are completed each year.

Disabled Housing Applicants

Mr A Ross asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the direction she has given to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in relation to applications for social housing from those with physical disabilities.

(AQW 3434/08)

Ms M Ritchie: All applicants for social housing are assessed on their, or a member of their household’s, ability to manage adequately in their home. Applicants are subsequently awarded points and ranked accordingly on the waiting list. Disabled applicants with additional needs undergo a more detailed assessment by a Housing Support Officer/Welfare Officer who will also consider the available housing options.

In exceptional circumstances, where all other options are exhausted, consideration may be given to the special purchase of an appropriate dwelling by a Housing Association.

Short Fall in Grants

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to explain the reasons for the short-fall in (i) disability grants; and (ii) home improvement grants, for 2007/2008.

(AQW 3447/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Housing Executive grants payment inspections were temporarily suspended in January 2008 while funding issues were clarified. They have however been reinstated. There is no shortfall in disability or home improvement grants for 2007/08.

Housing Executive Grant Applications

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the targets her department has in place for the processing of Northern Ireland Housing Executive grant applications.

(AQW 3469/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The standards of service that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive aims to achieve at each stage for Renovation, Replacement and Home Repair Assistance grants are as follows:

Receipt of a preliminary enquiry to be acknowledged within 10 working days and applicant advised of when the technical inspection may take place. There is no minimum standard for technical inspections as this varies according to the level of demand.

The schedule of grant aided works to be issued within 12 weeks of the technical inspections.

Formal grant approval to be issued within 6 months.

On request inspections will be carried out on completed work within 2 weeks and payment made in a further 4 weeks where work is deemed to be satisfactorily complete and the grant applicant has provided all relevant invoices, guarantees and certificates.

Ninety per cent of inspections for Disabled Facilities Grants to be carried out within 10 working days. 70% of Disabled Facilities Schedules of work to be issued within 20 working days. Seventy per cent of the formal grant approvals for Disabled Facilities grants to be issued within 40 working days.

Housing Executive Grant Applications

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive grant applications that have taken 12 months or more to be processed, broken down by Northern Ireland Housing Executive District.

(AQW 3470/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive does not record information on the processing of grant applications in this form.

The length of time required to process a grant application depends on the level of demand and the available grants budget.

Enler Project in Dundonald

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the funding that her department will make available for the Enler Project in Dundonald, in the financial year 2008-09.

(AQW 3472/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Now that the DSD budget for 2008/09 has been agreed I would hope to be able to make a decision on funding of this project shortly.

Warm Homes Grant Survey

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the timescales within which (i) a lone parent with a child under 16; (ii) a pregnant woman; (iii) a person aged 60 years or over; and (iv) a person in receipt of state benefits, will have to wait for a Warm Homes Grant survey to be carried out.

(AQW 3482/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Warm Homes Scheme has been very successful and it is now oversubscribed. I have asked officials to review the delivery of the scheme and develop a way forward which will address waiting times and will ensure that those people in greatest need get help first.

Warm Homes Grant Survey

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of (i) lone parents with a child under 16; (ii) pregnant women; (iii) people aged 60 years or over; and (iv) people in receipt of state benefits, currently waiting for a Warm Homes Grant survey to be carried out.

(AQW 3483/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Not all of the information asked for is available in the format requested. Information is not kept on the number of lone parents or pregnant women applying to the Warm Homes Scheme. There are 5,158 people aged over 60 waiting to be surveyed. All of the 6,071 people waiting to be surveyed are in receipt of a qualifying state benefit.

Local Community Fund

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the level of funding that has been allocated to projects in Castlederg through the Local Community Fund.

(AQW 3507/08)

Ms M Ritchie:I have placed in the Assembly Library tables detailing all funding from the Local Community Fund paid to organisations in or near the Castlederg area, totalling over £250,000 between 2003 and 2006 to the Glenderg area, and just under £60,000 to the Castledreg area since the re-launch of the fund in April 2006.

Omagh Masterplan

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development to (i) provide a list of sites in Omagh town which she has earmarked for development; and (ii) outline her plans for the release of land owned by the department where a private development interest is expressed.

(AQW 3509/08)

Ms M Ritchie:(i) My Department has currently earmarked no sites for development in Omagh Town. Consultants are currently working on the preparation of a Masterplan for Omagh Town Centre, which will provide the basis and justification for the Department’s decision making on the promotion, timing and implementation of urban regeneration initiatives in the town centre in the coming years.

(ii) Future release of land owned by the Department where a private sector interest is expressed will be guided by the content of the Masterplan.

Omagh Masterplan

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development to (i) provide a definitive timeline for the completion of the masterplanning of Omagh town; and (ii) detail the measures she has in place to ensure that 'pipeline' schemes are not lost during the masterplanning process.

(AQW 3510/08)

Ms M Ritchie:(i) It is hoped to complete the Masterplan for Omagh Town Centre in the summer of 2008. (ii) The Consultants preparing the Masterplan have been made aware of any known "pipeline" schemes, and have indeed already been in contact with the developers to ensure that up to date information is obtained.

Home Improvement Grant Applications

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive Home Improvement grant applications, where completion has been delayed due to additional works being required, broken down by District Office Area.

(AQW 3513/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive does not record this information.

Where a builder identifies additional work to a Grants Office, an inspection will take place to establish that the additional works are necessary. The Grants Office always endeavours to make the necessary inspections within a reasonable period of time. Where such additional works are necessary and approved, then additional grant money may be provided to cover the associated costs subject to the normal means testing arrangements.

In many cases the grant aided scheme would not be able to proceed without provision being made for the additional work in the grant. This is not a delaying factor, but an essential facility to enable the completion of grant works.

Technical Services Department Staff

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm whether or not the Northern Ireland Housing Executive plans to reduce the number of staff employed in their Technical Services Department in the Southern region.

(AQW 3519/08)

Ms M Ritchie: As part of its manpower planning process the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a rolling programme of efficiency reviews. Currently a review of Technical Services across the organisation is underway. It is anticipated that this will be completed by March this year. The findings will then be subject to consultation with staff and Trade Unions before the report is completed.

Housing Executive Grants

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of grant provided by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the Newtownards District, in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) disabled grants; and (ii) home improvement grants.

(AQW 3544/08)

Ms M Ritchie: In the financial years, 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 the Northern Ireland Housing Executive approved 433 grants at a value of £3.735m and completed 332 grants at an expenditure of £3.228m, in the Newtownards District Council Area.

The breakdown between Disabled Grants and Home Improvement Grants is as follows:-

Approvals

173 Disabled Facilities Grants at a value of £2.043m.
260 Home Improvement Grants at a value of £1.692m

Completions

122 Disabled Facilities Grant at an expenditure of £1.632m
210 Home Improvement Grants at an expenditure of £1.596m.

Home Inspections

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm whether or not home inspections will be carried out in relation to Northern Ireland Housing Executive grant applications, for the period January to March 2008; and to detail the reasons why a home inspection would not be carried out.

(AQW 3547/08)

Ms M Ritchie: During 2007, the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) of my Department continued to carry out a great deal of work in all areas of Northern Ireland including North Belfast.

EHS, through its Natural Heritage Grant Programme, provided core funding of £81k to the Belfast Hills Partnership which works with partners to improve management of the Belfast Hills, including Cavehill, Ligoniel and Throne Wood which are situated in North Belfast.

EHS also provided funding to Belfast City Council to enhance community access to and enjoyment of the Belfast Hills, and to develop a biodiversity strategy for the wider council area. In 2007, this support amounted to £61k for footpath restoration at Cavehill Country Park and a further £20k for a Biodiversity Officer.

EHS was also involved in the protection of the Belfast Hills through the Department of the Environment’s planning policies; and officials have attended the Public Inquiry for the Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan to defend proposed environmental designations.

Also in 2007, EHS supervised the inspection of Belfast Zoo by a contracted Zoos Inspector. This inspection was required for the renewal of the licence for Belfast Zoo under the terms of the Zoo Licensing Regulations (NI) 2003.

EHS is in the process of leasing part of the North Foreshore to Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB); the RSPB will manage the site to protect the lands designated under the Habitats Directive as a European Special Protection Area.

EHS monitors two rivers in the North Belfast area, the Milewater and the Three Mile Water. The Three Mile Water is monitored near Whiteabbey to test compliance with the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (FFD), under which it has been designated salmonid. The Milewater is not designated under the FFD; however it is monitored at two points to assess its chemical and biological quality.

EHS dealt with a number of water pollution incidents in North Belfast in 2007 and attended a number of minor incidents in the area including several calls from the Fire and Rescue Service.

A successful prosecution was heard in Belfast magistrate’s court in 2007 relating to breaches of consent under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 at a site in Belfast docks.

EHS helped to inform proposals by Northern Ireland Water for the upgrade of the sewerage system in the Whitehouse and Greencastle areas of North Belfast.

The Waste Management section of EHS received 42 reports of alleged illegal controlled waste activity in the North Belfast area in 2007. Reports are being followed up. EHS has also been active in regulating legal waste facilities in the area.

The Licensing & Authorisations Section within EHS processed a considerable number of Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) permits, waste licences/exemptions during 2007. EHS also has a range of permitted and licensed facilities which staff regularly monitor, inspect and audit.

Other Units processed a number of applications (new and renewal carriers) during 2007 and carried out producer visits/audits and site inspections to businesses throughout Northern Ireland.

EHS licensed certain sites for archaeological excavation by private sector companies. EHS monitored other archaeological sites which are statutorily protected by scheduling.

A number of requests for buildings to be listed were dealt with. Grant-aid for repairs to original building fabric was made in relation to three building. Five buildings in the area participated in European Heritage Open Days.

Housing Benefit

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what action she is taking to ensure greater uptake of housing benefit by those who are entitled to it.

(AQW 3570/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive administer Housing Benefit in Northern Ireland. They employ a range of measures to encourage Housing Benefit uptake including the following:

All new Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants are advised of the Housing Benefit scheme on their offer of accommodation. When signing up for their new homes tenants are also encouraged to make an application for Housing Benefit.

For existing Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants (not currently in receipt of Housing Benefit) advice on the availability of the scheme is provided on their quarterly rent statements. All letters regarding rent arrears carry a similar explanatory note. The subject is also covered, as a matter of standard practice, during all early tenancy counselling visits and interviews conducted by Northern Ireland Housing Executive staff regarding rent arrears.

For social housing applicants, the issue of alternative tenures is discussed when the applicant is initially visited. These discussions include the provision of advice on the Housing Benefit scheme as it applies to the private rented sector.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive also provides a range of information leaflets and posters in its local District Offices promoting the Housing Benefit scheme as well as providing similar information on its website and to local community groups through the Housing Community Network.

Redevelopment of the Village Area, South Belfast

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an analysis of the Budget allocation for her department, particularly in the context of the resources required for major projects such as the redevelopment of the Village area in South Belfast.

(AQW 3747/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The total budget for my Department for next year is approximately £530 million resource and £244 million net capital. It has not yet been allocated at a detailed level. However, I will shortly be making a statement to the Assembly in which I will set out my new Housing agenda.

Social Security Offices

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why (i) the plan to locate the Social Security Offices and the Job Centre, in the Strabane District, into a 'one stop shop' was halted last year; and (ii) the planning application to refurbish the existing Social Security Offices at Urney Road has been withdrawn.

(AQW 3961/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency remains committed to the roll-out of a Jobs and Benefits service in Strabane to ensure that clients benefit from the same enhanced work focused service which is available elsewhere in the province. Whilst a planning application was submitted for a new office on the existing site at Urney Road, Strabane, Roads Service raised a number of issues regarding the level of on-site car parking. As these issues could not be resolved, a decision was taken to withdraw the planning application. A further planning application will be submitted once a way forward has been agreed.

ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Floodlighting Parliament Buildings

Mr J Wells asked the Assembly Commission to detail (i) the cost of floodlighting Parliament Buildings; and (ii) the total number of hours per week that floodlights are on; and to confirm whether or not these floodlights are turned off after 1:00am.

(AQW 3423/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): It costs the Northern Ireland Assembly approximately £1.70 per hour to run the flood lights and amenity lights around Parliament Buildings. This is based on the premise that the lights use 17kw of electricity per hour and that it costs approximately 10 pence per kilowatt.

The floodlights are lit for approximately 70 hours per week. The floodlights are controlled by a photocell which is on a time clock. The time schedules are amended for summer and winter with the lights being on for considerably shorter time during summer. The time set for the floodlights to come on during the winter is 5:00 pm to 12 midnight and again at 5:00 am to 8:00 am and 10:00 pm until 12:00 midnight during the summer. As the lights are fitted with a photocell the lights will not come on until it is dark and similarly will turn off if it is bright before this time.

Assembly Energy Conservation

Mr J Wells asked the Assembly Commission to confirm whether or not an individual member of staff has been given operational responsibility for energy conservation in Parliament Buildings.

(AQW 3430/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission can confirm that the Keeper of the House has delegated the operational responsibility for energy conservation in Parliament Buildings to the Head of Building Services. In order to fulfil this role staff from within Building Management Branch have been on Energy Training courses arranged through the Public Sector Energy Campaign and Energy Conservation Branch.