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 16 May 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

Sexual Orientation Issues

Dr Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to comment on the absence of any references to sexual orientation issues within the draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 2924/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The draft Programme for Government makes it clear that fairness, inclusiveness and equality of opportunity will be watchwords for all of our policies and programmes aimed at a shared and better future for all.

Meeting Requests

Mr Ross asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of meeting requests received by (i) the First Minister; (ii) the deputy First Minister; and (iii) the junior Ministers, since May 2007.

(AQW 4023/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In the period between 8 May 2007 and 30 April 2008, the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Junior Ministers received 817 requests for meetings and attendance at outside events.

167 of these requests were for joint meetings with the First Minister and deputy First Minister; 13 of these requests were for individual meetings with the First Minister; 22 of these requests were for individual meetings with the deputy First Minister and 108 were for meetings with the Junior Ministers.

Children in Severe Poverty

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what constitutes 'severe poverty' in relation to children.

(AQW 4038/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Within the Executive’s recently produced Programme for Government 2008-2011, PSA 7 has a target to ‘Work towards the elimination of severe child poverty by 2012.’

The PSA target is one of a number of targets which an anti poverty strategy, once agreed by the Executive, will aim to achieve.

A range of poverty measures will be considered by the Executive in order to monitor change in levels of child poverty including:

relative income poverty;
a mixed measure, combining material deprivation and low income which provides a wider measure of people’s living standards; and

absolute poverty reflecting whether the very poorest families are seeing their incomes rise in real terms.

There is no commonly accepted single measure of severe child poverty. However, in agreeing its strategy to tackle poverty and social exclusion, as required under Section 16 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, the Executive will decide which indicators, using these statistics and others, to identify the number of children in greatest objective need.

Telephone Calls

Mr O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the actions taken by the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, after the Department for Social Development reported telephone calls from the office of a junior Minister to an advisor to the Minister for Social Development.

(AQW 4100/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have been advised that, following referral of this matter by the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Social Development, the Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service dealt with this matter by way of a private discussion with the Junior Minister.

Publication Spending

Mr Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the amount the department has spent on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last three years.

(AQW 4877/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The following table sets out the amount the department has spent on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last three years.

Description	2004/05 (£)	2005/06 (£)	2006/07 (£)
Newspapers	17,216	14,317	14,752
Magazines	15,434	28,309	30,606
Periodicals	3,822	2,021	2,959

Foreign Head of State Visits

Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it is consulted by the relevant authorities on the details of visits by foreign heads of State to Northern Ireland; and to explain if it is consulted in the clearance of politically sensitive comments made by a foreign head of State during a visit to Northern Ireland, including clearances that are handled by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 5161/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Arrangements for visits by Heads of State to Northern Ireland are normally handled by the UK Government. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is usually advised in advance of the programme for such visits. We are not, however, routinely required, nor would it be appropriate, to clear the content of all comments that a Head of State may make while undertaking such a visit. We have not corresponded with the Office of the President of the Republic, the Office of the Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland or any other relevant government authority in the Republic of Ireland in respect of any visits made by the President including her visit prior to Easter. Our officials are not normally involved in organising or evaluating the impact of visits by the President or any other visiting Heads of State.

Foreign Head of State Visits

Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they have been consulted on all visits, both official and unofficial, that the President of the Republic of Ireland has made to Northern Ireland since 8 May 2007; and to detail all correspondence it has had with the Office of the President of the Republic of Ireland, the Office of the Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, and any other relevant government authority in the Republic of Ireland, in respect of these visits.

(AQW 5162/08)

Foreign Head of State Visits

Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if Northern Ireland departments are involved in organising and evaluating the impact of visits by the President of the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland, with particular reference to the recent visit by the President of the Republic of Ireland during the visit of HM the Queen and HRH Prince Philip between Tuesday 18 March and Thursday 20 March.

(AQW 5163/08)

Foreign Head of State Visits

Mr McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it has made any representations to the President of the Republic of Ireland and the Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, following recent remarks by the President of the Republic of Ireland linking a future visit of Her Majesty the Queen to the Republic of Ireland to the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(AQW 5164/08)

Interface Projects and Funding

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of interface workers based in North Belfast who are funded by the department; and (ii) the organisations in which these workers are based.

(AQW 5965/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The number of groups which currently receive core funding in North Belfast is listed below. The groups are supported to assist with tackling interface issues including conflict resolution processes and therefore there is no differentiation made between the two activities for funding purposes.

There are sixteen posts currently funded in the following organisations:

North West Belfast Parades Forum

174 Trust

Intercomm

North Belfast Interface Network / Ashton

Linc Resource Centre

InterAction

Belfast Interface Project

Linc Resource Centre / White City Initiative

Forthspring.

The number of projects which have received Small Grants support in North Belfast for financial year 07/08 is listed below. These grants provide funding to projects which assist with tackling interface issues and conflict resolution processes.

Belfast Interface Project

Ashton Community Trust

InterAction Belfast

Greencastle CEP

Greencastle Community Festival

North Belfast Alternatives

Interface Projects and Funding

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the number of conflict resolution projects and workers based in North Belfast who are funded by the department; and (ii) the organisations in which these projects and workers are based.

(AQW 5966/08)

There are sixteen posts currently funded in the following organisations:

North West Belfast Parades Forum

174 Trust

Intercomm

North Belfast Interface Network / Ashton

Linc Resource Centre

InterAction

Belfast Interface Project

Linc Resource Centre / White City Initiative

Forthspring.

Belfast Interface Project

Ashton Community Trust

InterAction Belfast

Greencastle CEP

Greencastle Community Festival

North Belfast Alternatives

Funding for Victims of Terrorist Violence

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail (i) the amount of funding available since devolution to support victims of terrorist violence; and (ii) any plans for future funding.

(AQW 5986/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the Budget announcement earlier this year, £36 million has been allocated to programmes to support victims and survivors over the next three years. We intend to bring forward detailed proposals soon which will outline our plans for a comprehensive approach to funding in the sector. We will also be making an announcement shortly in relation to the interim funding arrangement.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 2962/08, to outline the specific measurement difficulties for each of those targets in table five in the Sustainable Development Strategy and how it plans to address these targets with measurement difficulties.

(AQW 6064/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Further to the answer provided to AQW 2962/08, details of the measurement difficulties associated with 4 of the 63 Sustainable Development Targets, the proposed means of addressing these measurement difficulties are set out in the table below.

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

	Target	Problem	Suggested Means of Redress
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, potentially wide variations in the result.	Replace with new target based on material productivity and material intensity. These indicators link resource use to economic activity.
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. Target is therefore not measurable.	Align with Programme for Government (PfG) key goal for increasing forest and woodland.
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.	Align with PfG key goals for productivity and addressing disadvantage/poverty.
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.	Align with PfG key goals for skills.

Social Inequality

Ms Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that the Executive is committed to (i) the elimination of all forms of inequality; (ii) proactively changing the existing patterns of social disadvantage by using (a) increased prosperity to tackle ongoing poverty; and (b) economic growth to tackle inequality; (iii) developing new and innovative measures that will address existing patterns of socio-economic disadvantage; and (iv) targeting resources and efforts towards those in greatest objective need.

(AQW 6362/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are happy to reaffirm the Executive’s commitment, as detailed in our Programme for Government, to the elimination of all forms of inequality, to proactively change existing patterns of social disadvantage using increased prosperity and economic growth to tackle ongoing poverty and inequality and to developing new and innovative measures that will address socio-economic disadvantage. Targeting resources and efforts towards those in greatest objective need is an integral part of that commitment.

Child Poverty Strategy 2020

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the (i) plans; and (ii) funding available, to ensure that children's play is coordinated as part of the Child Poverty Strategy for 2020.

(AQW 6417/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On 24 October 2006, the former Minister for Children and Young People, Maria Eagle MP, launched a 12-week consultation on a draft Play Policy. The aim of the policy is to establish play within a policy framework that will place high value on play as an essential element in the development of children’s lives, families, communities and society.

The play policy is set within the context of the 10-year strategy and will contribute to the delivery of many of our strategic aims, particularly those which relate to improved health and achievement outcomes. The draft consultation document was produced in co-operation with a number of key stakeholders in the field of play, including PlayBoard and NIPPA – The Early Years Organisation, now Early Years. The Commissioner for Children and Young People also played an oversight role during the development of the draft policy. The play policy, which is aimed at children aged 0-18 years will be implemented in two phases one for 0-11 years and one for 12-18 years.

An analysis of the responses to public consultation has now been published. This will be followed by the publication of the revised policy, the establishment of an implementation group and the drawing up of action plans. Junior Ministers have recently approved the policy statement and have sent it to the Committee for OFMDFM for comment.

We are acutely aware of the needs of children living in poverty and the benefits that play can bring and will ensure that this is fully considered as the action plan for play and leisure is developed.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of working days lost by their Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6435/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The table below sets out the total number of working days lost by OFMDFM due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

2006/07 Financial Year
Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
37	21	22	-	4	32	10	26	-	31	48	68
2007/08 Financial Year
Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar
56	32	33	26	38	21	27	41	34	26	13	3

Integrated Development Fund

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (i) to detail the reasons for excluding Ardoyne and New Lodge Wards from project funding for Local Implementation Action Groups (LIAG) as part of the Integrated Development Fund; and (ii) to confirm whether this decision was subject to an equality impact assessment.

(AQW 6437/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Integrated Development Fund (IDF) was launched in August 2003 on a pilot basis by the then Minister, Ian Pearson MP. For the purposes of the pilot phase, the scope of the Fund was restricted to four areas: the North West, West Belfast/Greater Shankill, South Down Fishing Villages and Portadown.

These areas were selected by the Minister on the basis of a range of socio-economic factors including: evidence of long-standing infrastructure weaknesses; the need to tackle the consequences of declining industries; the opportunity and potential to make a significant contribution to the economy here; and, the strength of their existing partnerships and taskforces and integrated development strategies.

One of the qualifying conditions for the operation of the fund was that bid proposals should be consistent with policy in relation to promoting equality and good relations and statutory obligations on equality (NI Act 1998, Section 75) and policy commitments to New Targeting Social Need as outlined in "Vision In Practice".

The IDF did not proceed beyond the pilot phase. Following its Comprehensive Spending Review considerations last year, the Executive decided that the Budget, Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland and Programme for Government 2008-11 would not contain proposals for any further investment in central funds, including the IDF.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the websites that come under the Office's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6441/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness:

The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of OFMDFM. The table includes the number of visitors since 8 May 2007 as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.

The figures for www.newfuturemazelongkesh.com are only available from September 2007.

It is not possible to provide a figure on the cost of maintaining each site as a disaggregated figure for site maintenance is not held.

Websites that come under the Office’s responsibility:

Website	Visitors	Page views
www.northernireland.gov.uk	553,858	3,627,354
www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk	142,667	564,936
www.rpani.gov.uk	28,441	535,263
www.allchildrenni.gov.uk	23,766	150,222
www.nitakeacloserlook.gov.uk	17,213	119,562
www.ocpani.gov.uk	4,361	61,538
www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk	26,859	46,164
www.newfuturemazelongkesh.com	3,390	42,461
www.researchni.gov.uk	3,065	32,546
www.hmdni.org	1,548	4,398

Loughry Police Training College

Mr McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what correspondence it has had with the Northern Ireland Office since devolution in relation to delays in the provision of a new police training college at Loughrey; and to place copies of this correspondence in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 6640/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There has been no correspondence between the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minster and the Northern Ireland Office about the provision of a new police training college at Loughry.

Funding for Children's Issues

Mr Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the role played by the Junior Ministers with responsibility for children, in acquiring funding for children's issues in the 2008-2009 Budget.

(AQW 6641/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Junior Ministers strongly made the case for significant funding for children’s services in pre-budget discussions and succeeded in securing an allocation of £26 million to DE, DHSSPS and DCAL to facilitate the continuation of projects previously funded by the Children and Young People’s Funding Package in addition to a range of mainstream programmes.

While the allocation of Departmental budgets remains at the discretion of individual Ministers, Junior Ministers also met with Ministerial colleagues to urge them to mainstream and protect funding for children and young people within their departmental budgets.

Junior Ministers held discussions with relevant Ministers on the issue of services formerly funded through the Children’s Fund and secured agreement that all 89 projects would receive funding for one more year, until March 2009.

Extended Schools

Mr Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the funding it has provided for Extended Schools during 2008-2009.

(AQW 6642/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister does not fund the Extended Schools programme. That is the responsibility of the Department of Education.

Fuel and Food Costs

Mr Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the impact of the recent rise in fuel and food costs on child poverty, and to detail any actions it is intending to take to help those families who are living in worsening situations of poverty.

(AQO 3374/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The impact of rising fuel costs on the number of children in households experiencing fuel poverty is being investigated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the results of this investigation are expected by the end of May. The analysis will take into consideration recent trends in household income from the Family Resources Survey and data from the House Condition Survey as well as the fuel price index.

In addition to this, our statisticians have prepared a theoretical analysis on the differential impact of a range of increases in household expenditure on 'necessities' between low and high income households. The findings of this analysis clearly show that increases in household expenditure on necessities such as food and fuel have an added adverse impact for lower income households in contrast with the impact for households with higher levels of income.

Price rises may impact on a household's expenditure in terms of its consumption of food, fuel and other necessities but not immediately on its level of income which is the conventional basis upon which poverty is calculated.

Tackling poverty and its causes, including poverty brought about through price increases in basic necessities requires concerted, co-ordinated action across a range of Departmental programmes which collectively can address the many cross cutting issues including employment, education, health and social development.

It is expected therefore that Departments will, in line with previous practice, continue to seek to identify those most at risk of poverty and to concentrate efforts and resources towards those in greatest objective need.

In line with its statutory obligations under Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Executive will soon receive proposals from our department for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need. The adoption proposals have recently been outlined to the departmental Committee and we await its comments

Fuel and Food Costs

Ms J McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the recommendations it will be making to the Executive to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to alleviate the impact that rising fuel prices will have on (i) families; and (ii) child poverty.

(AQO 3443/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The impact of rising fuel costs on the number of children in households experiencing fuel poverty is being investigated by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the results of this investigation is expected by the end of May. The analysis will take into consideration recent trends in household income from the Family Resources Survey and data from the House Condition Survey as well as the fuel price index.

Public Service Agreement 7

Ms Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the role it envisages the Department of Social Development playing in achieving Public Service Agreement 7, Objective 2.

(AQO 3446/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Public Service Agreement 7, Objective 2 states that it is to take forward co-ordinated strategic action to promote social inclusion for Lone parents, People with physical/sensory disability, Older people and New and established Minority Ethnic Communities.

The Promoting Social Inclusion (PSI) Initiative involves Departments working together and with partners outside Government to improve and enhance the circumstances of those at risk of social exclusion, by identifying and tackling factors that could contribute to social exclusion and which would be best dealt with in a co-ordinated way. It also involves consideration of positive initiatives to facilitate and encourage social inclusion.

The Department for Social Development is a key player in the PSI initiatives for vulnerable groups along with other departments. That department’s contribution to each of the PSI groups will vary according to the issues pertinent to lone parents, people with disabilities, older people and minority ethnic communities in the areas of housing, benefits, regeneration and the Child Support Agency.

Government Arrangements Since Devolution

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the effectiveness of its machinery of government arrangements since devolution.

(AQO 3448/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the early bedding in of processes and procedures, the machinery of government has operated successfully over the last year. The Executive has met on 25 occasions at which more than 200 papers have been considered. The Executive has introduced 14 Bills since May 2007 – 7 of which have already been enacted. It is anticipated that a further 9 Bills will be introduced before the summer recess.

Within the first nine months of devolution, this Executive, following full consultation, put in place, for the first time, a joined up 3-year Programme for Government and Budget setting out our priorities with expenditure allocations, along with a 10 year Investment Strategy setting out the framework for critical infrastructure investment. We have ensured that the Investment Strategy is shaped at a strategic level to support fully the aims and goals set out in the Programme for Government. That remains a remarkable achievement. Our approach has been widely welcomed, with the CBI suggesting it provides for "a more strategic and outcome-focused Programme with ambitious goals agreed by the entire Executive".

The priorities and commitments we have set out in that Programme for Government and Investment Strategy demonstrate very clearly how we an Executive are determined to work together to ensure that the money we spend will actually make a difference and deliver real benefits and value for all our people.

In addition to publishing an agreed Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget, a number of other key decisions have been implemented in the last twelve months, including the decision in principle to establish an Office of a Commissioner for Older People, the introduction of legislation to provide for a Commission for Victims and Survivors, legislation aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities and the holding of a hugely successful US/NI Investment Conference last week.

On occasion, matters may not have progressed as quickly as we would have hoped but this has been because they were sensitive and difficult issues where time was required for full and careful consideration.

The overall output of all Executive Ministers as we have just outlined clearly shows the achievements of the last year and the success of the machinery of government.

Good Relations Indicators

Mr McKay asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the recently released Good Relations Indicators.

(AQO 3441/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: An update of the good relations indicators was published on 30 April 2008. It is available on the OFMDFM website.

The update indicates a relative decrease in sectarianism but a worrying increase in recorded racist incidents and crimes and incidents and crimes motivated by religion. The indicators give us a very clear view of the scale of the challenge we all have to meet in building a "shared and better future" for everyone.

And that challenge is pressing. As we said in the Programme for Government, "progress has been made, but at a time when our society is being transformed, sectarianism, racism and intolerance are still too evident. They mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society.

While the drop in sectarian incidents is very welcome we should not take comfort in it. And we must not kid ourselves that we can tackle sectarianism without tackling racism or hate crime motivated by religion. These evils feed off one another and sustain each other.

We and the Executive are committed to zero tolerance to hate crime in any of its forms. And we are backing this commitment with extra resources – the budget commits an additional ₤7.5million over the next 3 years to tackle racism, sectarianism and hate crime motivated by religion.

The Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which we hope to announce shortly, will provide a robust and effective framework for the efforts by many at all levels to tackle these scourges.

Sub-Committee for Children and Young People

Miss McIlveen asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the agreed priorities of the Ministerial Sub-committee on Children and Young People.

(AQO 3384/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Ministerial Sub-Committee has agreed 6 key priorities in principle and our Ministerial colleagues have been asked to agree the final wording. The priorities as they currently stand are:

a holistic and comprehensive approach to child poverty;

a comprehensive early years strategy that focuses on the development and wellbeing of each child, including affordable access to high quality early years provision for families living in areas of disadvantage and poverty in urban and rural areas;

provision that deals with vulnerable young people particularly issues with risky behaviour, alcohol, drug abuse and suicide;

safeguarding, including support for parents, families and carers;

provision for children with a disability or mental health condition including learning disabled resettlement into the community, new or enhanced respite packages, autism review and transitions from schools, including special schools, to the most appropriate provision for the next stage; and

provision of school buses, road safety and transport issues.

The Sub-Committee has also agreed to set up a number of sub-groups of officials – one for each key priority, to include the relevant departments. These sub-groups will report back to the Ministerial Sub-Committee.

Victims' Commissioners

Mr Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm that any legislation governong the Victims Commissioners should include a definition of the term 'victim'; and a procedure for managing differences of opinion between the four commissioners.

(AQO 3369/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 includes a definition of the term victim and survivor. The Commission for Victims and Survivors Bill has been amended to ensure that the work of the Commission will not be impeded by any potential disagreement between the Commissioners.

Disability Action Proposed Relocation

Mr McCartney asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm if it supports the Disability Action proposal to develop a North West Centre of Excellence at Ebrington Centre.

(AQO 3462/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We support the Disability Action proposal to relocate and develop a Centre of Excellence on the Ebrington site as this proposal is entirely within the objectives of the Ebrington masterplan.

Maze/Long Kesh Sites

Mr Butler asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of the impact the lack of development at the former Maze/Long Kesh site will have on the transfer of other former military bases to the Executive.

(AQO 3440/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Development plans for the Maze/Long Kesh site are being progressed in line with the unanimous recommendations of the multi-Party Consultation Panel’s recommendations and the Masterplan for the site. We know that as vice chair of the later political monitoring group, you played a strong role along with colleagues from other parties in progressing plans for the potential development of the former prison and army base.

We are sure you are aware that a development of this size and importance takes time to prepare, and it is vital not only to get it right but also to ensure that best practice is followed so that the site is developed to its best potential for the whole community, and that the public interest is safeguarded.

The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) is currently assessing the Outline Business Case for the site in terms of affordability and value for money and the DFP Minister has recently stated publicly his intention to give his departmental officials unedited appraisal of the Maze/Long Kesh proposal, including the outcome of bids by private sector developers for involvement in the potential regeneration, to the Executive before the end of May 2008.

Development of preparatory work for the regeneration of the Maze/Long Kesh site has been considerable, and proposals are at an advanced stage, but similar positive development of the other former military sites has also taken place. For example action taken in relation to the sites at Malone Road and Crumlin Road in Belfast are indications of successes in this area – the proceeds of the sale of the army base at Windsor Park have been ring-fenced for use in the re-development of the Crumlin Road gaol, located in one of Belfast’s poorest wards, where currently a masterplan is under consideration. A schools campus will also be built by the North Eastern Education Board on the site of the army base at Magherafelt.

Plans for the development of the former military barracks at Ebrington in Derry/Londonderry are already underway and the Junior Ministers visited the site on 1 May 2008 to show their support for the development, where an iconic footbridge will be built linking the two sides of the city to become a central and powerfully symbolic feature of the regeneration of the city.

The development of such sites is considerable and OFMDFM’s primary aim is to have several other sites gifted by the UK Government in line with expectations raised as a result of previous Joint Declaration commitments on de-militarisation.

We are mindful that the Secretary of State indicated that lack of development of the Maze/Long Kesh site could weaken our hand in future discussions about the gifting of sites, but hope that the substantial progress in preparation for a decision at the Maze/Long Kesh site in accordance with the Masterplan and the positive development at other sites will be seen positively and that we will be successful in our continuing aim to have similar sites gifted to aid the regeneration and growth that we all expected to see as a result of the peace process.

Hate Crime

Mr A Maskey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the steps it has taken (i) to tackle hate crime; and (ii) to enhance community safety.

(AQO 3442/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive is committed to tackling intolerance, prejudice and bigotry wherever and however they occur.

As you are aware, the term "hate crime" is usually defined as crime motivated by, or aggravated by, hostility based on a victim’s membership, or presumed membership, of a racial group, religious group, a sexual orientation group or status as a person with a disability.

While criminal justice matters remain to be transferred we will work closely with the police service and criminal justice agencies to tackle all aspects of hate crime and to address community safety issues.

We are actively engaged with a wide range of partners to tackle attitudes and behaviours that foster hate crime and to reduce the levels of hate crime. People have a right to live without fear of hate crime. We support actions which are transforming the way that individuals and groups act, and we are encouraged by the groundswell of determination to tackle hate crime through the community-based projects we support.

Actions include youth projects, community bonfire initiatives, flags and emblems protocols, conflict resolution programmes and research to inform future policy development. Our support, for example, of summer diversionary actions and the maintenance of mobile phone networks for interface workers serve to reduce sectarian tensions during the summer parades. We also support groups working to help minority ethnic people and migrant workers integrate with host communities.

We will shortly bring forward detailed proposals for the ‘Programme of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration for a shared and better future’ which was detailed in the Programme for Government. At the core of these proposals will be action to tackle racism, sectarianism and intolerance. The programme will build on some of the excellent work, particularly at the local level, to address the challenges which local communities are facing. Community safety is best secured by building relationships between people – and relationship-building will be at the centre of the programme.

Our progress in tackling sectarian and racist hate crime will be monitored through a comprehensive set of good relations indicators and measured against the Baseline Report published in January 2007.

It is essential that victims of any form of hate crime have the confidence to report offences and that they will be thoroughly investigated and dealt with through due legal process. 2006-07 saw a welcome decrease of some 30% in reported crimes motivated by homophobia or prejudice against disability. We cannot however, be complacent and we are committed to a zero tolerance approach to hate crime in any of its manifestations. This is a top priority for the Executive. It must also be a top priority for all politicians, communities and policy makers.

As regards incidents of hate crime with a disability motivation, we have commissioned research from the Institute of Conflict Research to inform the evidence base for policy formulation and development of hate crimes against people with a disability. The project involves stakeholders from within the NI Administration and PSNI and organisations from within the disability sector. The research is due for completion by the end of 2008.

We will keep under review and where appropriate strengthen provisions that cover harassment and bullying of people on the grounds of disability in areas of employment, training and the receipt of facilities, goods and services.

Drumcree/Garvaghy Road

Mr Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline any work it has undertaken to help establish a dialogue process to obtain a long-term resolution to the parading dispute at Drumcree/Garvaghy Road.

(AQO 3344/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: No such work has been undertaken by our Department.

Poverty in Northern Ireland

Mr O'Dowd asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action it is taking to tackle poverty.

(AQO 3438/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are responsible for setting the strategic direction for tackling poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland, by way of the production of an overarching anti-poverty strategy and for the subsequent measuring and reporting of progress against the strategy’s goals, objectives and targets.

Meeting the goals, objectives and targets of an anti-poverty strategy is reliant upon the delivery of a range of departmental programmes and initiatives in areas such as employment, education, health and social development. In delivering these programmes and initiatives, departments, in line with previous practice, continue to direct their efforts and resources towards those in greatest objective need.

Allied to the statutory obligation set out in Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, we will soon be submitting proposals to the Executive for the adoption of a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation here based on objective need.

Joint Ministerial Committee

Mr Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail its plans for the development of the Joint Ministerial Committee.

(AQO 3364/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We recently met Paul Murphy, Secretary of State for Wales, who has been asked by Gordon Brown to lead on devolution issues, to discuss plans for the future role and organisation of the Joint Ministerial Committee. We propose to attend the next meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee which is scheduled to take place before summer 2008.

Poverty in Northern Ireland

Mrs McGill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the steps it is taking to promote joint working with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on anti poverty and social inclusion.

(AQO 3450/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The United Kingdom’s and Ireland’s National Action Plans (NAPs) on Social Inclusion, published in 2006, included ‘common text’ covering co-operation between the two Governments in the field of poverty and social exclusion. In addition, through the British Irish Council, our officials have worked with colleagues in different jurisdictions, sharing experience and best practice in the field of Social Exclusion.

The common text which appeared in the NAPs commits the two governments to consider both existing and potential new areas of co-operation in the field of poverty and social inclusion. In line with this commitment, officials in OFMDFM and the Department of Social and Family Affairs produced, in February 2007, a ‘Joint Report’ which provided examples of existing and ongoing North/South social inclusion work, in areas such as Transport, Health, Education and Research.

The Report recommended that the two governments jointly commission a series of studies to examine areas of existing and potential co-operation in more detail. The first study would focus on poverty in early years while subsequent phases would look at the working age, later years, and, finally, at cross-cutting issues, such as financial exclusion, fuel poverty and e-inclusion. We are currently considering this report.

Equal Rights and Social Need Division

Mrs O'Neill asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the work of its disability unit.

(AQO 3437/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Equality/Rights and Social Need Division within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is responsible for taking forward disability legislation and for developing cross-cutting policy on a range of Promoting Social Inclusion issues including disability.

We are working with a broad range of colleagues and partners to progress issues to improve the lives of disabled people. This includes working with colleagues in:-

DOE & DRD (who hold the policy responsibility), to bring forward Regulations to remove the exemption for operators of transport services from Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act. (Part III makes it unlawful for the providers of services to discriminate against people with a disability in the provision of goods, facilities and services).

the Office for Disability Issues towards ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;

the Department for Transport to amend the Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2007 to allow the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to be a designated body for the purposes of the Regulations to support any complainants who meet the DDA definition of disability and consider they have been discriminated against.

the Department for Work and Pensions on potential Regulations arising out of the case of Coleman v Attridge Law which is currently before the European Court of Justice.

The Promoting Social Inclusion Working Group on Disability was established to examine the barriers to participation experienced by people with disabilities in Northern Ireland which contribute to their relative poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion, and to make recommendations on how these might be removed.

Membership of the Group includes representatives from all Government Departments, a range of voluntary organisations, trade unions, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

The remit of the Working Group is to examine the barriers to employment, education, transport, housing, access to information and lifelong learning for disabled people in Northern Ireland, and to make recommendations on how these might be removed. Five Subgroups were established to take forward the work and additional organisations were co-opted to examine the issues in detail.

The Subgroups are currently finalising their individual reports and the key issues will then migrate into recommendations for Northern Ireland Departments, Public Bodies and Statutory Agencies. The final report will be presented for our consideration in 2008.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Stress-related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of working days lost by her Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6436/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): For the purpose of answering the question, the figures provided in the table below detail the number of working days lost due to illness, which were directly attributed to stress in each of the last 24 months from 1 April 2006 until 31 March 2008. These figures relate to DARD’s entire workforce including industrial and non-industrial staff and staff employed in the Department’s 2 Executive Agencies.

Apr-06	May-06	Jun-06	Jul-06	Aug-06	Sep-06	Oct-06	Nov-06	Dec-06	Jan-07	Feb-07	Mar-07
195	218	241	379	351	299	373	321	339	346	265	266
Apr-07	May-07	Jun-07	Jul-07	Aug-07	Sep-07	Oct-07	Nov-07	Dec-07	Jan-08	Feb-08	Mar-08
265	268	307	352	363	333	424	326	351	314	246	269

The total number of working days lost due to stress related absence in 2006/07 was 3593 days and 3818 in 2007/08.

Focus Farm Scheme

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of funding delivered to establish Focus Farms under the European Union Peace and Reconciliation programme measure 1.6.

(AQW 6471/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Focus Farm programme 2004-2007 was a successful attempt to boost the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural businesses through the establishment of on-farm training facilities across the North of Ireland and the encouragement of peer-led learning.

Some £2.2 million was allocated to meet those objectives, with the programme funded through the Special EU Programmes Body under measure 1.6 of the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and implemented by Rural Development Division.

Following the success of the first programme, a Focus Farm measure is among those being brought forward under Axis 1 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Rural Development Programme

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the role of the Rural Development Programme Oversight committee and to detail the process of selecting the members of this committee.

(AQW 6472/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Oversight Committee was established to monitor and evaluate progress with the initiation and establishment of the delivery mechanism for Axis 3 of the new Rural Development Programme against the agreed milestones and also to ensure that good communication was achieved with all stakeholders throughout the process. The agreed milestones to be initiated and established include identification of self-defined geographical areas of operation for the council cluster; contract with the cluster and identification of lead Council for development of regeneration strategy; one Local Action Group per cluster area; and councils formed as joint committee to deliver to end of programme. The committee also has a role in offering proposals to DARD on how the councils can be best assisted to meet the requirements of the milestones and reporting progress or current risks back to DARD and myself. I have agreed that the committee should remain in place until the Joint Committees have accepted the Terms and Conditions of their Contract to deliver Axis 3.

This Oversight Committee is set up in the same vein as the Rural Childcare Strategy Working Group in that it is not on a statutory basis and only expenses are reimbursed. Originally 10 nominations together with the relevant background briefing on experience and interests were put forward by DARD. My selection of the current 4 members was made in order to get as a wide representation as possible of rural affairs on the Committee.

Biomass Energy

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her Department's assessment of the number of jobs created over the last 5 years from energy generation from biomass; and to detail the potential for job creation in this area over the next (i) 5 years; and (ii) 10 years.

(AQW 6483/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DARD does not assess the number of jobs created in connection with energy generation from biomass. Currently, the Department does not gather or store information relating to job creation related to energy generation from biomass at farm level.

However, given that this emerging technology may become more commercially viable, DARD recognises that the development of the renewables sector may have the potential to create job opportunities.

Agricultural Waste Energy

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her Department's assessment of the number of jobs created over the last 5 years from energy generation from agricultural waste; and to detail the potential for job creation in this area over the next (i) 5 years; and (ii) 10 years.

(AQW 6484/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DARD does not assess the number of jobs created in connection with energy generation from agricultural waste. Currently, the Department does not gather or store information relating to job creation related to energy generation from agricultural waste, at farm level.

However, given that this emerging technology may become more commercially viable, DARD recognises that the development of the renewables sector may have the potential to create job opportunities.

Single Farm Payment Scheme

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of single farm payments that are still outstanding, broken down by County and postcode.

(AQW 6537/08)

Ms M Gildernew: At 30 April 2008, a total of 1,074 applications submitted under the 2007 Single Farm Payment Scheme were not finalised. A breakdown of these claims by county (Table 1) and by postcode (Table 2) is attached.

A payment may not be due in all cases due to ineligibility or the application of penalties under scheme rules.

Animal Carcuses

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the risk of cattle related diseases spreading in the vicinity of animal carcass disposal plants.

(AQW 6587/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Plants which dispose of animal carcases are inspected and approved by DARD to ensure that their operations minimise the risks to human or animal health. These inspections include site biosecurity and standard operating procedures at the plant.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the websites that come under her Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6604/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The following table provides details in respect of the websites that are the responsibility of DARD. It includes the number of visitors and page views for the 5 relevant sites since devolution up to 30 April 2008. Information on page views has been included as the number of visitors to sites is not regarded as an accurate measure.

It is not possible to provide an overall figure for the cost of maintaining these sites as a disaggregated figure for site maintenance is not held.

Website	Visitors	Page Views
www.dardni.gov.uk	194,306	1,569,674
www.ruralni.gov.uk	305,708	1,023,663
www.cafre.ac.uk	88,596	704,610
www.forestserviceni.gov.uk	88,294	451,015
www.riversagencyni.gov.uk	23,919	177,567

Fishing Boats Fuel Consumption

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the current cost of a litre of fuel used by local fishing vessels; (ii) the average number of litres of fuel used per week by fishing boats over 10 metres in length; (iii) the number of litres of fuel which will be saved through the implementation of efficiency schemes she has proposed; and (iv) to give a timescale within which these measures will be delivered.

(AQW 6625/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i) The current cost of a litre of fuel used by local fishing vessels.

The average UK price (excluding taxes) of a litre of diesel is estimated at 50 ppl for April 2008. This compares to 43 ppl for January 2008.

The average number of litres of fuel used per week by fishing boats over 10 metres in length.

The Sea Fish Industry Authority (SFIA) carries out Economic Surveys of the Fishing Fleet by sea area and fishing gear employed. The table below gives estimated annual fuel consumption and consumption per day, for sampled, single rig and twin rig nephrops vessels fishing in the Irish Sea.

	Average length (metres)	Annual Fuel and Oil consumption (litres)	Average days fished per vessel (days)	Estimated Fuel and Oil consumed per day fished (litres)
IS Single rig Nephrops trawler	17.2	60,674	161	377
IS Twin rig Nephropstrawler	18.6	111,236	178	625

Source: from 2005 economic Survey of the UK Fishing Fleet, Sea fish Industry Authority January 2008. Based on average 2005 fuel price 26.7 ppl.

The number of litres of fuel which will be saved through the implementation of efficiency schemes she has proposed.
To give a timescale within which these measures will be delivered.

As I said in my statement to the Assembly on 28 April, there is no single solution that that can be applied to all vessels in the fleet. The SFIA has carried out and continues to carry out significant research on fuel saving measures barriers to their uptake. The measures suitable for individual vessels will vary widely according to factors such as, vessel size, design and fishery. I want to see every opportunity explored to take advantage of that work to ensure that the fleet’s fuel bill is reduced. We can assist the industry financially now through the current Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance funding and later in the year through the European Fisheries Fund. However, it is for the industry to decide what measures it wants to adopt and to make proposals to the Department.

Fish Stock in Irish Sea

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the scientific evidence in support of her assessment that it will take time to rebuild the haddock and herring sector of the fishing industry.

(AQW 6627/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Recent fisheries independent information indicated a prolonged period of above average haddock recruitment and a strong herring year-class recruiting into the fishery. These are based on survey results only and are indications of increasing stocks. However, due to the lack of an analytical catch at age based assessment, the status of the haddock and herring stocks in the Irish Sea are uncertain.

In the absence of an absolute estimate in fishing mortality for the haddock and herring stocks in the Irish Sea, coupled with indications of increasing stock sizes, the ICES scientific advice has been not to increase fishing effort. This advice is precautionary due to the uncertainty in stock status. The haddock Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is further influenced by the cod recovery measures in the Irish Sea.

The EU harvest control rules dictate a maximum annual change in TAC of 15% (for stocks not under a recovery plan). An increase in stock size and a resulting increase in TAC will thus be a step-wise process that will have a lagged response in terms of the expansion of the fishing sector targeting those fisheries.

Fish Stock in Irish Sea

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a comprehensive account of the work that has been completed in the last three years in monitoring the success of the annual closure of the Irish Sea cod fishery.

(AQW 6629/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In 2006, a new 5-year joint project was established between AFBI and CEFAS, with the aim of monitoring cod recovery in the Irish Sea, using a new technique, which relies on capture of recently spawned cod eggs. Estimates of spawning cod numbers are calculated from egg survey counts and the average egg yield of mature cod.

Due to the limitations of conventional stock assessment techniques, this new study is required to accurately monitor stock status under circumstances where abundance is particularly low, as with cod in the Irish Sea.

While the technique is still being developed and the final results must await the refinement and international quality assurance of the methodology, preliminary results from the 2006 egg surveys indicate that cod abundance in the Irish Sea is currently low and comparable to that indicated by conventional assessments.

Fish Stock in Irish Sea

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how much money her Department has allocated to assess the effectiveness of the annual closure of the Irish Sea cod fishery, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 6630/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Prior to 2005/06, monitoring of cod stock status in the Irish Sea was costed within the overall marine fish stock assessment activities carried out by AFBI and it is not possible to separate the cost for each species.

From 2006, a specific new 5-year study of cod recovery in the Irish Sea is being carried out jointly by AFBI and The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and comprises intensive fishery independent surveys of cod status throughout the Irish Sea, including the cod closure area.

Since the project started, DARD has allocated the following funding to it:

2005/06 £100,345

2006/07 £133,098

2007/08 £133,841

Icelandic and Faroese Fisheries

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the work that has been completed by her Department in the studies of the (i) Icelandic; and (ii) Faroese fisheries model, and the cost of these studies.

(AQW 6631/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department has carried out no studies of the Icelandic and Faroese fisheries models. It has, however, provided £43,100 financial support for a project, undertaken by the Anglo North Irish Fish Producers Organisation, to research alternative fisheries management science. The proposal included research by an Icelandic consultant and a fact-finding visit to the Faroe Islands by local fishermen and government scientists. The Department has not yet received the final evaluation report for the project.

Publicity and Advertising Costs

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of money spent by her Department on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

(AQW 6653/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The following table details the amount spent on publicity and advertising by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the 2007/2008 financial year.

	Total amount spent on publicity & Advertising
1 April 2007 – 31 March 2008	£359,749

Animal Welfare Legislation

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to report on the progress made in relation to the production of an outcome paper arising from the 2006 consultation on animal welfare.

(AQW 6658/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As animal welfare legislation in the North is now more than 30 years old, there is clearly a need to review it to ensure that it provides sufficient protection to all animals.

My officials are currently finalising a paper which will advise me of the comments received during the 2006 consultation exercise on animal welfare as well as developments in Britain.

I am also due to meet a number of animal welfare groups over the next few weeks. At these meetings, I will discuss both their concerns on current legislation, and importantly what lessons can be learned since new animal welfare legislation came into force in Britain. This will be very helpful in my deliberations and will help ensure that any legislative proposals introduced here will provide the necessary protection for animals.

I also believe that for the draft All Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy to work it is important that animal health and welfare legislation on the island of Ireland is broadly similar. I have therefore asked that the report on the outcome of the 2006 consultation should take cognisance of proposals for new animal welfare legislation currently being considered in the South.

Movement of Circuses

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail, for each of the last 10 years, the number of animals imported into Northern Ireland for the use of circuses, including details of (i) their species; (ii) their country of origin; and (iii) the circuses to which they were attached.

(AQW 6660/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department does not hold the full remit of information requested as, prior to the introduction of the Circus Regulation in January 2007, the movement of circuses throughout the EU was not recorded on the EU wide Traces system. The Traces system retains movement records for a three month period, no movement of circuses to here has been recorded in that time. Officials are in discussion with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the South on how such movements should be notified on the island of Ireland and thus this answer does not reflect those which transit to the South and go on to tour the island.

Animal Welfare Legislation

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the discussions she has had with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on animal welfare issues.

(AQW 6662/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I believe that it is important that animal welfare legislation on the island of Ireland is broadly similar as this is a crucial component of the Draft All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. I raised the need to share proposals for new animal welfare legislation with Mary Coughlan TD when we met under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council in November 2007.

I raised the issue again at the North South Ministerial Council Sectoral meeting in Enniskillen on 30 April. It was also discussed briefly at a subsequent bi-laterial meeting with Minister Coughlan, when it was agreed that officials would continue to liaise on the South’s proposals for new Diseases of Animals/ Welfare of Animals primary legislation.

Funds surrendered in the EU Agri- Environment budget

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the EU funding surrendered by her Department in each of the last 2 financial years.

(AQW 6666/08)

Ms M Gildernew: In the 2007/08 financial year £414,000 was surrendered in the EU Agri- Environment budget (ESA and Countryside management Schemes, EU Element). This was due to lower than expected claims in the 2007-08 year.

Business Class Flights

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of times she has flown business class in her capacity as Minister since assuming office in May 2007; and (ii) the cost incurred by her Department for this travel, and to confirm if flying business class is standard practice or whether she is given the option of flying business class.

(AQW 6775/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have flown business class on one occasion since assuming office in May 2007. On this occasion there were no seats available on the British Midlands flight in the economy section so in order to catch the later flight to Washington there was no option but to take the Business class seat. The cost for this was £310 (including tax) and I can confirm that flying business class is not standard practice, nor do my officials provide the option of flying business class when other seating options are available.

Water Levels in Clea Lakes

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (i) the position on the handover of rights for the sluice gates at Clay Loughs, Shrigley, Killyleagh between the private company and the Rivers Agency; (ii) to explain the delay; (iii) provide a completion date; and (iv) when the Rivers Agency will begin controlling the levels of the lake.

(AQW 6965/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Rivers Agency has recently received a verbal report from the current controllers of the water levels in Clea Lakes that the proposal to transfer water rights and control to the Agency may be withdrawn for commercial reasons. The Agency will seek formal confirmation of the position being taken by the current controllers.

Rivers Agency has no powers to force the transfer.

Farm Nutrition Management Scheme

Mr Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to extend the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme beyond 31 December 2008 to enable farmers to complete the works.

(AQO 3424/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The decision to extend the scheme is not within my gift. It is an issue of EU State Aid approval and the EU rules are very restrictive because the issue is linked to compliance with the Nitrates Directive.

My Department had already secured a two year extension of the scheme from November 2006 and that was very difficult to negotiate. In order to secure the existing extension to December 2008, the Department had to give a written undertaking to the European Commission that it did not intend to seek any further extension of the scheme.

EU State Aid Rules do not allow the current scheme to continue beyond 31 December 2008.

I have raised the matter with Commissioner Fischer Boel who reminded me about these constraints. Nonetheless, I will do my utmost to enable all approved work to be completed with grant support, and I will be making a formal submission to the Commissioner about this.

Organic and Free Range Products

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the new measures she plans to introduce to regulate the marketing of organic and free range products to ensure they are accurately labelled.

(AQO 3372/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Detailed standards for producing organic food and for controlling those who produce it are set out in EU law which is the basis for the Organic Products Regulations 2004 (as amended) and the Compendium of UK Organic Standards. Amongst other provisions, these Regulations give trading standards officers powers to enforce the labelling requirements. Standards are regularly updated and a comprehensive revision will be introduced at the beginning of 2009.

The UK-wide Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) advises the four Agriculture Departments on organic standards and on the approval of organic certification bodies. We have two members from the North of Ireland on that group.

Organic standards are enforced by a number of private sector certification bodies who carry out inspections on the farmers, growers, processors and importers that they licence - including, increasingly, unannounced inspections. Certification bodies are in turn subject to annual inspection. Also, DARD carries out a small selection of re-inspections on behalf of ACOS to ensure standards.

The new Eggs and Chicks Regulations have introduced improved controls on the labelling of eggs, including the method of production, and enhanced record keeping requirements. My Department’s Egg Marketing Inspectorate has responsibility for inspection and enforcement of the Regulations. They also have legal authority in relation to labelling arrangements in retail and catering establishments where eggs can be tested to indicate the method of production.

There is already in place legislation in relation to food safety, food labelling and trading standards. The EU will shortly introduce new poultrymeat marketing regulations. We will, of course, implement this legislation locally.

Childcare in Rural Areas

Mrs McGill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the level of childcare provision in rural areas; and the action she is taking to improve accessibility to high-quality childcare in rural areas.

(AQO 3404/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Mr Speaker, with your permission I will group questions 6, and7 together

In July 2007 I established a rural childcare stakeholder group, to research and discuss the difficulties associated with childcare in all rural areas, including West Tyrone, and suggest potential solutions to identified problems.

The group’s final report outlines the specific challenges facing rural areas, such as transport / access to existing facilities, affordability of childcare and current providers ability to access further training courses.

The report details the current level of rural childcare provision in rural areas, suggesting that with the exception of childminders there is not an acute lack of rural childcare provision. Childcare providers such as crèches, playgroups and afterschool clubs are operational in rural areas, however the report highlights many of the difficulties, such as accessibility and affordability, rural families face in being able to utilise the services.

The most significant recommendation in the report is that we do not need to develop a separate Rural Childcare Strategy but instead should , work in partnership with others, to establish a rural childcare funding programme with the aim of addressing rural specific need and circumstance.

Other recommendations for my department include a need to develop and resource rural evidence gathering, to enable future trends and comparisons to be made on rural circumstances, develop a Rural White Paper and ensure adequate and monitored rural proofing of government policies. These issues will be addressed in the work which we will be doing to develop proposals for a Rural White Paper and the Rural Champion role as set out in the Programme for Government and agreed recently by the Executive.

It is my intention to implement the report’s key recommendation for DARD and establish a rural childcare programme as part of my department’s anti-poverty / social inclusion work. We will be work with the group to identify what might be in this programme and how it fits with the work that other Departments do in this area.

I should also point out that funding opportunities for children and young people, including rural childcare, are already an important part of DARD’s new rural development programme. It is expected that at least 5%, amounting to approximately £5million, of the total axis 3 funding, will be devoted to projects focussed on addressing the needs of children and young people with awards decided by the relevant Local Action Groups.

Finally, rural childcare is not just an issue for my department and because the report raised a number of issues involving other departments; for example planning and diversification (DOE), rural broadband (DETI), school transport and extended schools (DE, DRD), I shared the report with other departments via the Ministerial Sub-committee on Children and Young People in March.

The reaction from my ministerial colleagues to the report has been very positive. The views received so far have welcomed the report and endorsed the need for joined up working to address the particular challenges that face rural areas. By adopting this joined-up approach we will be able to compliment each others actions, avoid duplication of effort and deliver real benefits to rural childcare providers and parents.

Rural Post Offices

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to offset the proposed closure of many rural post offices.

(AQO 3419/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Although Post Offices are not a devolved matter, I share the concerns expressed by many MLAs, and by my Executive colleagues, about the impact the proposed closure of post offices will have on communities. My particular concern is of course the potential impact on rural communities.

Since the recent announcement on the proposed closures I have met with Postwatch NI, the consumer watchdog, who has been monitoring this process. My officials have also met with rural stakeholders who have been collating the concerns of rural communities.

I had met with Post Office Ltd last year to present my concerns, and I met them again just last week. At that meeting I raised issues such as the dismay at the short consultation period; the impact of which will be that those "hard to reach" or vulnerable members of society, who are most likely to be affected by these changes, will not have had an opportunity to voice their concerns. I also raised issues surrounding the level of engagement with local communities, the level of research carried out to ascertain the social impact on the more vulnerable sections of society and the sustainability of the proposed outreach services. I will also be looking closely at the outcome of the planned six month review of the changes and they have impacted on rural communities.

Potato Industry

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any special promotions she is undertaking in relation to the potato industry given that the United Nations has designated 2008 as the international year of the potato.

(AQO 3430/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I fully support the "International Year of the Potato" programme, which is aimed at focusing global attention on the key role of the potato, and agriculture in general, in fighting hunger and poverty, contributing to a sustainable development and safeguarding the natural environment. This autumn, DARD plans to host a special Potato event to celebrate the International Year of the Potato. The event will demonstrate the contribution that DARD initiatives and services make to the potato industry and the benefits that positive partnerships between DARD and our local potato industry bring to Agriculture in the North.

In addition, there are a number of ongoing initiatives being undertaken in partnership with the potato industry. The "Chip Initiative" has an overall aim of maximising the use of locally grown potato varieties in the fresh chip market and the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) provides assistance to the potato sector through a variety of programmes. These include: training courses for growers, such as "the Potato Challenge"; benchmarking for potato businesses; and the Knowledge and Technology Transfer programme, which encourages growers here to adopt innovative practices. These programmes are promoted through training events and open days. AFBI also, supports the potato sector through breeding and independent evaluation of new varieties, and monitoring of diseases and pests.

DARD continues to engage with industry representatives and is happy to assist in whatever way possible to promote the industry.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she has sought derogation from the European Union in relation to the burial of farm animals if flocks or herds are required to be put down due to Bluetongue disease.

(AQO 3392/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I must explain that the management of Bluetongue disease is very different from diseases such as Foot and Mouth, which require slaughter and disposal of carcases. Mass culling will not be introduced for Bluetongue.

If we discovered an imported animal with Bluetongue we may cull it, and any associated high risk animals. This is consistent with the action we took in the North Antrim case, where animals imported from Holland were subsequently discovered to have Bluetongue infection.

However, once we confirm that disease is circulating between animals and the midge vector population we will no longer cull animals as a method of disease control. In England in 2007, only 5 animals were culled before that position was reached.

As there will not be any mass culling of animals for Bluetongue disease the derogation from the burial ban, which has been adopted here through the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003, will not be required.

Agri-Environment Programme

Mr Molloy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide details on the new agri-environment programme in the Rural Development Plan; and to confirm when this programme will commence.

(AQO 3417/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am pleased to confirm that considerable progress has been made with the development of the new agri-environment programme.

This significant programme is important for the environment in terms of delivering for biodiversity, water quality, landscape and heritage. It will be delivered through the new and improved Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) and the Organic Farming Scheme.

Legislation for both schemes has been passed through the ARD Committee. My Department is working hard to finalise the details of the schemes and the respective application processes and delivery mechanisms.

I am delighted to tell you that I will be hosting an event in June, at which I will be celebrating 20 years of agri-environment schemes - making a difference to our countryside. Agri-environment Schemes are the way forward for integrating farming with responsible management of the countryside.

At this event I will announce the opening dates and provide more details about the new schemes. Following this event, the schemes will be widely promoted and interested farmers and landowners will be able to find out more about when and how to apply.

Forestry Strategy

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to give an assurance that the acreage of trees currently being planted is on course to meet long-term plans for forestation over the next 25 years.

(AQO 3354/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Forestry Strategy sets out a long term aim of doubling the area of forest, from 6% to 12%, by 2050. This will be achieved primarily through afforestation of privately owned agricultural land supported by funds made available under the Rural Development Plan.

The Forestry Strategy recognised that landowners commitment to farming means that forests are likely to expand slowly at first. However, as the impact of Common Agricultural Policy reform grows and the benefits of woodland become more apparent, we expect to see the demand for growing trees to increase.

Targets for creating new woodland were published in the Programme for Government. They take account of a slow initial expansion of woodland and aim to create an additional 550 ha of woodland each year over the next three years. Subsequently, our targets will need to increase to achieve our long term aim.

Fallen Stock Carcuses

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if her Department has placed a ban on fallen animals being delivered to the kennels of local harriers and hunts.

(AQO 3394/08)

Ms M Gildernew: No. Carcases of eligible fallen stock may continue to be delivered to recognised kennels and packs of hounds to be used for feeding to dogs. Such premises must be authorised under the Animal By-Products Regulations (NI) 2003, and are subject to regular inspections by my Department to ensure that any risks to public and animal health are minimised.

Tourism in Forest Parks

Mr McFarland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consultation she has had with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the development of eco-tourist attractions in forest parks.

(AQO 3385/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Although I have not met the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment about this issue, my Forest Service officials have met the Norths Tourist Board and other Agencies, to discuss tourism issues and specifically, the Mournes Signature Projects.

The Signature Projects play a central role in meeting the targets for future growth in tourism and the strategic priorities identified for the Mournes Project recognize that forest parks can play a key role in attracting more visitors. Forest Service officials were involved in the development of the Mourne Signature Project Action Plan 2008-2013, which identifies a range of activities, including those which can be catered for in forest parks.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the heightened risk of Bluetongue disease facing the farming industry in the summer.

(AQO 3381/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are two ways by which Bluetongue could be introduced here. The first is from imported animals that have been infected with Bluetongue prior to importation. The second is by windborne spread of infected midges.

The biggest immediate threat to our herds and flocks is from imported infected cattle and sheep.

However, the risk of the spread of Bluetongue increases with the warmer weather and increased midge activity, as midges are the vectors that spread the disease.

I have been successful in lobbying the European Commission to have Bluetongue movement controls strengthened. All of the controls available to us have now been put in place. These include a derogation, which we have secured, to allow us to prevent the import of animals over 90 days old, unless they meet very strict conditions.

As a result I believe that the threat of bluetongue incursion via imported infected animals has been reduced. But farmers need to act responsibly and not bring in animals that may have been exposed to the disease.

Balmoral Show

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her Department has taken to promote the Balmoral Show, as a showcase for the farming industry, on an international stage.

(AQO 3388/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Whilst responsibility for promotion of the Balmoral Show primarily rests with the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), the Department is taking a range of steps to promote Balmoral Show 2008. These include promotion of the Department’s role with co-ordinating the Government Departments’ exhibition - which extends to some 1000 square meters and involves eight departments, with staging a large exhibit within this exhibition and with hosting the Department’s Breakfast event.

Pre-event publicity for the Department’s exhibit has involved the issue of three Press Releases, which were provided to a range of publications targeting the agri-food sector in addition to the wider media. The Department has also placed an advertisement within the programme for Balmoral Show 2008.

During the Balmoral Show 2008 I will be hosting the Department’s Breakfast event, which will be attended by a large number of agri-food industry and rural community stakeholders both from the North and South of Ireland. Post-event publicity will be provided through a Press Release and my participation in several media interviews.

For the second year in a row, my Department is providing financial assistance under the Regional Food Programme for the Food Pavilion. This will provide an opportunity to showcase the importance of the food industry to the local economy.

In addition, my tours of the Bamoral Showgrounds will provide a wide range of photocall and other opportunities for promotion which will be used for post-event publicity.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Departmental Land Sold

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the land sold by his department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6245/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): No land has been sold in the North Down constituency by my core Department since 2002.

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure for his assessment of the effectiveness of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund.

(AQW 6598/08)

Mr E Poots: An interim evaluation of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund was undertaken by external consultants in 2007. Results found that the Fund was, in general, meeting its agreed targets. A number of targets were found to be either not measurable, or were difficult to meet, and these will be revised for the 2008/09 funding year.

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how the Irish Language Broadcast Fund has contributed to the creative industries sector.

(AQW 6599/08)

Mr E Poots: While the targets for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund are not specifically linked to Creative Industries targets, an interim evaluation has indicated that the Fund has contributed in a number of ways by: increasing the volume of productions by the independent sector; job creation in the sector; improvements to the skills base locally through training and development; and driving up the levels of investment by the independent production sector in Northern Ireland.

Irish Language

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the arrangements that are in place to facilitate people who wish to deal with Departments in the Irish language.

(AQW 6600/08)

Mr E Poots: In 2005 the Secretary of State agreed Guidance to help public servants meet their obligations under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. This includes details on how to facilitate people who wish to deal with Departments in the Irish Language through written correspondence, face-to-face interviews and meetings, and telephone calls. The guidance is available at http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/index/languages/charter_guidance_2.htm).

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the representations that have been made by his Department to the Department of Culture, Media and Sports, in relation to the extension of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund; and to report on the progress made.

(AQW 6601/08)

Mr E Poots: My officials have written to the lead responsible official in the Department of Culture, Media and Sport outlining the Department’s position and following the outcome of their discussions I will decide how to intervene most effectively.

Support for Irish Language and GAA Organisations

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his plans to establish a liaison group to identify current and potential sources of public sector support for the Irish language and GAA organisations, following the establishment of such a group to support the Loyal Orders.

(AQW 6649/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure already has well established mechanisms for liaising with language and sporting organisations. There are therefore no plans to establish a liaison group specifically to identify sources of public sector support for Irish Language and GAA organisations.

Re-Imaging Communities Programme

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the organisations and programmes funded through the Re-imaging communities programme to date; and (ii) the amount of funding granted in each case.

(AQW 6650/08)

Mr E Poots: The organisations and programmes funded through Re-Imaging Communities from 2006/07 to 2008/09 are as follows:

2006/07

Name	Project Title	Grant £
Derry City Council	Art & Re-Imaging Feasibility Study	18,300
Greater Shankill Community Council	Proposed Community Garden at Blackmountain Grove	30,890
Mosside Development Group	Mosside Image Project	59,005
Craigavon Borough Council	Re-imaging Craigavon Communities	43,588
Belfast City Council	Arts Based Feasibility Study	22,978
Newry & Mourne District Council	Days at the North Street Flats	49,820
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	Now and Then	11,975
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	Hope	13,620
Broughshane and District Community Association Ltd	Banner Project	9,077
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	Streetscapes	18,100
Broughshane and District Community Association Ltd	Butterfly Garden Project	22,690
Greater Village Regeneration Trust	Reflect, Roden Street Community Garden	14,200
Monkstown Youth for Christ	Monkstown Mural Project	6,280
Lisburn City Council	Needs Analysis, Study & 3 yr Action Plan	14,580
Harryville Partnership Initiative	The Braidwater Spinning Mill Project	15,000
Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership	'Creativity in regenerating Crevagh'	5,900
Armagh City & District Council	Armaghhart	12,780
Ballyhornan and District Community Association	Kate's Green Environmental Improvement Project	15,000
Ards Borough Council	Portavogie Mural Redefinition	11,840
Dunclug Partnership	To engage a facilitator / artist to establish a suitable scheme for the area	5,500
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council	Re-imaging Feasibility Study	10,931
Moyle District Council	Small Grants Programme	9,180
Lincoln Courts Youth and Community Association	Community Garden Project	14,650
An Nasc	An Leithor	5,000
Crumlin Together	Creation of Shared Space in Crumlin	9,500
Inter Estate Partnership Antrim	Re-Imaging of Ballycraigy Housing Estate	9,910
Darkley & District Community Association	Re-Imaging Darkley	9,800
Amber Community Development Agency	Roden Street Playground Regeneration	6,063

2007/08

Name	Project Title	Grant
Glentoran Recreation Company Limited	The Oval Childrens Mural Project	27,600
Ballyduff Community House	Bright Sparks	25,840
Riverview Residents Association	Riverview Park Regeneration	49,900
An Nasc	An Ceiliuradh/ Celebration	50,000
Tudor Renewal Area Residents' Association	Crumlin Road Gable Ends	54,315
Clooney Estate Residents Association	Flocking Through Our Streets	44,500
Shankill Womens Centre	Outside Play Area	49,999
Manor Street/Cliftonville Community Group	Re-imaging Lower Cliftonville	50,000
Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership	Eastway Roundabout, Creggan	46,500
Creggan Enterprises Limited (Derry City Council)	Eastway Wall Art Project	48,400
Cathedral Youth Club (Derry City Council)	Pathway of Life	44,850
CAW 2000 (Derry City Council)	Our Space	33,335
Magherafelt District Council	Mural on Swatragh Wall	18,266
Belfast City Council	Lower Ormeau Residents' Action Group - Reflective Space	16,000
Belfast City Council	Lower Shankill Road - Muck Hills Project	11,000
Belfast City Council	Short Strand - Bryson Street Peace Wall Project	17,000
Belfast City Council	Glenbryn Mural Project	4,000
Belfast City Council	Village Focus Group - Lamp Project	40,500
Belfast City Council	Project Management of City Wide Re-imaging Initiatives	37,000
Ards Borough Council	Dicksonia Drive	12,890
Ards Borough Council	Glenburn Road / Ilex Drive	12,700
Ards Borough Council	East End - Queen Square	11,900
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council	Coalisland Town Centre	22,550
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council	Clogher Valley Sculpture	37,900
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council	Renaming Ballygawley Road Estate	13,000
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council	O'Neill Park, Lisnahull	7,864
Armagh City & District Council	Armagh Rural Villages: Under the Juniper Tree	42,150
Armagh City & District Council	Dalton Entrance Project 'Remembering Play'	15,250
Armagh City & District Council	Renewal of Community Mural at Orangefield Estate: Our Space	11,150
Upper Springfield Development Company Ltd	Base Alley Mural Project	8,950
Belfast City Council	An Droichead - Ormeau Road Bridge Project	6,000
Belfast City Council	Benview Community Centre - Re-imaging Ballysillan	22,500
Belfast City Council	Donegal Pass Community Centre - Poppy Project	4,700
Belfast City Council	Inner East Belfast - Mural Redefination Project	28,325
Belfast City Council	Inverary Community Centre - Open Space Project	11,000
Larne Borough Council	Feasibility Study for Larne Borough	11,700
Kells and Connor Improvement Association	Public Art Sculpture at Station Road	15,000
Bovalley Community Association	The White House	7,447
Roe Valley Commuity Education Forum	Roe Valley Past and Present	7,710
Newtownabbey Borough Council	Re-imaging Communities Feasibility Study	11,500
North Down Local Strategy Partnership	Re-imaging Kilcooley	10,639
St. Luke's Family Centre	Cara House Community Smile Project	12,901
Hillhall Regeneration Group	Hillhall Community Garden	14,493
Long Tower Youth and Community Centre	Brandywell Sporting Legends	11,000
Arellian Nursery School	Raising positive relations towards multi-cultural diversity in the school and the local community	4,570
Bellaghy Community Group	Bellaghy Wall Mural	8,390
East Belfast Community, Historical and Cultural Association	P.I.T.T. (Paintings Illustrating the Transition)	5,267
An Munia Tober	Childrens Art project	7,010
Scrabo Residents Association	Mural Re-definition and creation of Garden of Reflection	12,482
Cloughey and District Community Association	Looking To The Future	3,950
Chinese Welfare Association	Exploring Cultures	5,550
Rathcoole Residents Association	Altered Images; 'Rathcoole past and present'	8,910
West Bank Initiative	Feasibility Consultation Workshops	6,623

2008/09

Name	Project Title	Grant
Markets Development Association	A Celebration of Life in the Markets	14,381
Monkstown Boxing and Community Sports Facility and Holy Trinity Boxing Club	Citizenship Through Sport Project	18,600
Ardoyne Association	Changing Ardoyne	30,520
Belfast City Council	Re-imaging of Lower Shankill	56,475
Belfast City Council	Conway Mill & The Emerald City	15,000
Craigavon Borough Council	Community Based Shared Future Projects	50,000
Craigavon Borough Council	Re-imaging in Brownlow, Portadown & Lurgan	95,250
Banbridge District Council	Creative Community Consultation	8,900
R.E.A.C.H.	R.E.A.C.H. Imaging Subway	3,859
Randalstown Cultural Awareness Association	Neillsbrook Reimaging Project	14,850

Publicity and Advertising

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of money spent by his Department on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

(AQW 6654/08)

Mr E Poots: The information requested is set out below.

	2007/08
DCAL	£114,522.14
PRONI	£17,841.18
OSNI	£29,571.89

Museums Council

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps the Museums Council is taking to arrange exhibitions with local councils.

(AQW 6926/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Museums Council provides assistance to local councils regarding exhibitions at their museums.

This has included advice and funding to local museums in the preparation and touring of exhibitions. The Council has also facilitated both local and national touring exhibitions which have visited local museums. They have also identified areas for the development of further touring exhibitions, the streamlining of loans arrangements between museums and in developing the knowledge base on museums collections.

EDUCATION

Community Relations Core Funding Scheme

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 4509/08, to detail the amount of funding each of the 26 voluntary organisations receive through the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme.

(AQW 5036/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Tá sonraí thíos faoin mhaoiniú a gheobhaidh gach eagraíocht deonach tríd an Scéim Chaidrimh Phobail do Bhunmhaoiniú i 2008-09:

The funding each voluntary organisation will receive through the Community Relations Core Funding Scheme in 2008-09 is detailed below:

Belfast YMCA	£46,405
Bytes Project (The)	£25,560
Childrens Project	£70,942
Community Relations in Schools	£135,914
Co-operation Ireland	£33,857
Corrymeela	£52,648
Creggan Education & Research Services	£36,454
Forthspring Inter-Community Group	£23,300
Harmony Community Trust	£59,209
Kilcranny House	£18,924
National Trust	£33,042
Nerve Centre (The)	£11,612
Childrens Enterprise	£26,321
Childrens Holidays Scheme	£52,505
Council for Integrated Education	£39,673
NIPPA - Early Years Organisation	£64,273
NUS/USI (National Union of Students)	£26,879
Panarts	£37,238
Public Achievement	£32,114
REACT	£27,487
School of Education (University of Ulster)	£28,558
Spirit Of Enniskillen Trust	£117,221
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum	£46,570
Verbal Arts Centre (NI) Ltd.	£74,796
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust	£57,371
Youth Link	£69,702
GRAND TOTAL	£1,248,575

Selection of New Committee Members

Mr McCallister asked the Minister of Education, in relation to the five chairmen and committees that she set up earlier this month, to detail (i) how these persons were selected; (ii) if the posts were advertised; (iii) how committee staff will be paid; (iv) under what legislation these committees are being established; and (v) if the bodies to be represented by these committees were consulted.

(AQW 5173/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níor roghnaigh mé cúigear cathaoirleach mar a thugann an cheist sin le tuiscint. Roghnaigh mé an banchathaoirleach agus an leaschathaoirleach fireann den ghrúpa lárnach agus an cúigear cathaoirleach de na grúpaí áitiúla ina bhfuil 2 bhan agus 3 fear, de bharr an méid atá déanta acu dár bpobal agus do chúrsaí oideachais.

I have not selected 5 chairmen as the question implies. I have selected the female chairperson and male vice-chair of the central group and the five chairpersons of the local groups consisting of 2 women and 3 men on the basis of their contribution to our community and to education. As these appointments are not public appointments but persons selected to carry out a time-bounded task, there was

no requirement to advertise the posts. Support for the groups will be provided by Department of Education staff and staff from education sector bodies. These roles were not established under any specific legislation, but the process will recognise the statutory duties of the education and library boards in relation to school planning as set out in Article 6 of the Education Order 1986 and the role of the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools under Article 142 of the Education Reform Order 1989, as well as the particular issues around ownership of schools. The agenda for area-based planning was established by the Independent Strategic Review of Education. Stakeholder organisations were advised before I made my announcement on 4 March 2007 and I have written to them to seek nominees to participate on the central and local groups.

Mobile Classrooms

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the schools that have more than 30% of classrooms provided by mobile classrooms; and of these schools, to further detail (i) the schools that are scheduled for replacement with permanent buildings; and (ii) the schools that have not yet been approved for a permanent building.[R]

(AQW 5519/08)

Ms C Ruane: An exercise is currently underway to complete asset management surveys of all schools. A total of 981 schools have been surveyed to date and the remainder will be complete in the coming months. Of this total 150 schools have at least 30% of their accommodation in temporary classrooms.

Leithdháileadh maoiniú caipitil le foirgnimh bhuana a chur in áit cóiríochta i 15 de na scoileanna ar an liosta thíos:

Capital funds have been allocated to replace accommodation with permanent buildings in 15 of the schools listed below:

Colaiste Feirste, Belfast

Dean Maguirc College, Omagh

Holy Trinity College, Cookstown

Coranny Primary School, Roslea

Cornagague Primary School, Roslea

Victoria Primary School, Ballyhalbert

St Joseph’s Primary School, Carryduff

Dromore Central Primary School, Dromore

Dromintee Primary School, Newry

St Joseph’s Primary School, Madden

St Joseph’s Primary School, Newry

Carrick Primary School, Warrenpoiint

St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone

St Teresa’s Primary School, Lurgan

Edendork Primary School, Dungannon

Mobile classrooms can prove useful for schools, eg where a school is expanding or needs to change capacity in the short term or where a decant is required pending work on a replacement building. Schools with mobiles do not necessarily require a new permanent building. The circumstances of each school need to be examined on their merits.

Special Needs Education Expenditure

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the total amount spent on special needs education in each of the five Education and Library Boards in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5675/08)

Ms C Ruane: Léiríonn an tábla thíos an méid maoinithe, a thuairiscigh na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne (BOLí) ina dtuarascálacha ar chaiteachas faibhrithe don Roinn Oideachais, a leithdháileadh ar oideachas riachtanas speisialta i dTuaisceart na hÉireann i ngach bliain de na cúig bliana seo caite.

The table below shows how much funding has been reported by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) in their accrued expenditure reports to the Department of Education as having been allocated to special needs education in the North of Ireland in each of the last five years. The response provided is rounded to the nearest million.

	BELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB	WELB	TOTAL
	£	£	£	£	£	£
2002/2003	21m	18m	27m	19m	18m	103m
2003/2004	26m	21m	32m	22m	23m	124m
2004/2005	28m	22m	31m	25m	27m	133m
2005/2006	27m	27m	35m	26m	27m	142m
2006/2007	*	*	*	*	*	*

Figures for 2006/2007 are not yet available. I will provide these figures as soon as they are received from the ELBs.

Over the same five year period additional funding of approximately £21m has been allocated by the Department of Education to support statemented pupils in the voluntary grammar and grant-maintained integrated sectors.

Recycling in Schools

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures in place to encourage schools to recycle waste materials.

(AQW 5742/08)

Ms C Ruane: A school waste recycling scheme was established in 2004/05 in partnership between the Education & Library Boards (ELBs), DOE Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and the local District Councils.

The scheme includes for the recycling of

Office paper
Cardboard
Cans
Plastic bottles

Local Councils have their own Environmental Officers who during school visits encourage and advise pupils how to use the recycling facilities to the greatest advantage. Belfast City Council provides free bins for school recycling.

The ELBs also work in partnership with the charity Bryson House Recycling to promote the recycling message. The BELB has a contract in place specifically for the collection of recyclable waste, and all schools are encouraged to make use of this.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which is now a statutory element of the revised curriculum, identifies waste management and recycling schemes managed by pupils as a good practice indicator as part of ESD Quality Assurance checklist.

Cuireann Oifigigh Fuinnimh & Thimpeallachta comhairle agus tacaíocht bhreise ar fáil nuair a iarrtar orthu amhlaidh a dhéanamh.

Further advice and support is provided by Board Energy & Environment Officers when requested.

Schools Building Programme

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education to detail the guidelines she has issued on the use of (i) insulation standards; and (ii) microgeneration technologies, in (a) new; and (b) refurbished school buildings, under the new Schools Building Programme.

(AQW 5887/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department has not issued guidance specifically on insulation standards or microgeneration technologies in relation to new build or refurbished schools. The education authorities are aware that all new and refurbished school buildings must conform to the current Building Regulations (NI) 2006 which determine construction standards. The Department has also advised school authorities who have capital schemes in planning of the requirements relating to Achieving Sustainability in Construction Procurement – Sustainability Action Plan which covers sustainable development in construction projects.

Breithnítear moltaí d’úsáid teicneolaíochtaí micrighiniúna ar bhonn luach ar airgead nuair a chuimsítear i ndearaí scoile iad.

Proposals for use of microgeneration technologies are considered on a value for money basis when included in school designs.

Millisle Primary School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which the (i) external works; and (ii) replacement of windows, will take place at Millisle Primary school.

(AQW 6066/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé de rún ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt go gcríochnófar na hoibreacha seachtracha agus go gcuirfear isteach na fuinneoga úra ag Bunscoil Millisle le linn na bliana airgeadais reatha.

The South Eastern Education and Library board intend that the external works and the replacement of windows at Millisle Primary school will be completed in the current financial year.

Sure Start Programme

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the funding awarded to each Sure Start programme.

(AQW 6068/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sonraí maidir le gach Surestart le linn na dtrí bliana airgeadais seo caite le fáil sa tábla thíos:

Details of funding for each Surestart over the last 3 financial years are contained in the table below;

Project	2005-2006	2006-2007	2007-2008
Clogher Valley	£288,962	£297,631	£444,613
Orana	£476,021	£490,302	£622,682
Close to Home	£300,937	£309,965	£487,929
South Armagh	£318,949	£328,517	£535,880
Blossom	£338,094	£348,237	£489,704
Keady/Callanbridge	£0	£0	£100,000
Splash	£0	£0	£538,887
Little Hands	£291,017	£297,631	£521,742
Shantallow	£344,558	£432,825	£490,387
Dungiven	£299,615	£487,097	£452,158
Strabane	£387,485	£443,028	£653,312
Last, Omagh	£297,697	£582,609	£498,617
Cherish Irvinestown	£292,552	£475,109	£614,490
West Bank, Derry	£0	£473,193	£441,159
East Bank, Derry	£0	£57,886	£341,298
West Tyrone	£0	£57,886	£327,509
Ballymena South	£193,320	£57,886	£643,834
Coleraine	£320,693	£459,948	£527,305
Dalriada	£193,899	£577,078	£476,913
Gold	£228,090	£419,602	£521,182
Horizon	£0	£433,526	£439,750
Newtownabbey	£222,990	£125,000	£554,796
SMILE	£301,208	£379,472	£423,982
Glenbrook	£109,153	£349,254	£395,168
Shankill	£410,097	£490,651	£522,540
Clan Mor	£382,242	£461,651	£438,926
Downpatrick	£446,355	£588,972	£522,689
LAP	£244,679	£338,144	£457,789
Colin Neighbourhood	£519,221	£554,435	£573,307
East Belfast	£387,876	£552,900	£580,302
South Belfast	£532,541	£577,502	£605,608
Outer West	£0	£85,000	£170,229
Upper Springfield	£0	£250,397	£255,118
Beechmount	£0	£0	£119,636

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail any land sold by her department in the North Down constituency since 2002.

(AQW 6120/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó 2002, díoladh cúig mhaoin i dtoghcheantar Thuaisceart an Dúin; ba le Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt an t-iomlán acu lá den saol. Seo a leanas na sonraí:

Since 2002, there have been five properties sold in the North Down constituency; all formerly owned by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board. The details are as follows:

2001/02 Premises at 1A Dufferin Avenue, Bangor

2002/03 Land at Whinney Hill, Holywood

2003/04 Former premises of Clifton Special School, Bangor, reverted to Health Trust

2006/07 Land in front of Bloomfield Road PS transferred to DRD to provide a lay-by.

Land at Castle Campus leased to North Down & Ards Institute

Interactive Whiteboards

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the cost of providing interactive whiteboards to schools; and (ii) the cost as a percentage of the department's budget.

(AQW 6129/08)

Ms C Ruane: There is no budget specifically for the provision of interactive whiteboards in schools.

Schools can decide how to use their budgets and therefore the purchase of interactive whiteboards or other items of equipment is a matter for school authorities. While many schools that have had new builds have chosen to install interactive whiteboards from their allocations for furniture and equipment, decisions on how they spend their allocation is solely a matter for the individual school authorities.

Ní féidir a fhionnadh, mar sin de, cá mhéad atá á chaitheamh ag scoileanna ar sholáthar clár bán idirghníomhach agus cad é an ceatadán é seo de bhuiséad na Roinne.

It is not possible therefore to determine how much is being spent by schools on the provision of interactive whiteboards and the percentage this is of the Department’s budget.

Voltage Power Lines

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail those schools located within 60 metres of high voltage power lines.

(AQW 6130/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá líon iomlán de 24 suíomh scoile (Foirgneamh Scoile agus Teorainn) níos lú ná 60 méadar ó líne tarchurtha. Seo a leanas liosta de na scoileanna :-

A total of 24 school sites (School Building and Boundary) are less than 60 metres from a transmission line. The list of schools are as follows :-

Education Board	School Name	Town Area
Belfast	Elmgrove Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	Orangefield Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	St Aidan's Christian Brothers Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	St John the Baptist Boys'&Girls' Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	Holy Child Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	St Teresa's Primary School	BELFAST
Belfast	Holy Child Nursery School	BELFAST
Belfast	Matt Talbot Nursery School	BELFAST
Western	Craigbrack Primary School	DERRY
Western	Recarson Primary School	OMAGH
North Eastern	Ballycarry Primary School	CARRICKFERGUS
North Eastern	Castleroe Primary School	COLERAINE
North Eastern	Camphill Primary School	BALLYMENA
North Eastern	Anahorish Primary School	ANTRIM
North Eastern	St Macnissi's Primary School	NEWTOWNABBEY
North Eastern	Kilcoan Primary School	LARNE
North Eastern	Carrickfergus College	CARRICKFERGUS
North Eastern	Ballee Community High School	BALLYMENA
North Eastern	North Coast Integrated College	COLERAINE
South Eastern	Belvoir Park Primary School	BELFAST
South Eastern	Lead Hill Primary School	BELFAST
South Eastern	Ballymacash Primary School	LISBURN
South Eastern	St Ita's Primary School	BELFAST
Southern	Gaelscoil Uí Neill	COALISLAND

Irish Medium Schools

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to confirm that all documents sent from her department to Irish Medium schools are written in Irish only.

(AQW 6140/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé mar pholasaí agam go gcuirfí gach ciorclán agus eolas chuig scoileanna i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge.

My policy is that all circulars and information being sent to schools should be sent out in English and Irish.

Education Welfare Officers

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of education welfare officers currently working in Belfast, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and (ii) where they are based.

(AQW 6176/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní ar bhonn na dtoghcheantar parlaiminte a eagraítear Oifigigh Leasa Oideachais. Cuirtear daltaí chuig an tSeirbhís Leasa Oideachais bunaithe ar a seoladh baile agus tá cuid de limistéar Thuaisceart Bhéal Feirste clúdaithe ag baill foirne ó limistéar Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirthuaiscirt.

Education Welfare Officers are not organised on the basis of parliamentary constituencies. Pupils are referred to the Education Welfare Service based on their home address and part of the North Belfast area is covered by staff from North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) area.

The Boards have provided the following information about staff allocations based on post code areas:

	BASED IN	POSTS BASED IN DIVISION	POSTCODE AREAS OF SCHOOLS SUPPORTED
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD(BELB)	North Division (C/o Cliftonville Primary School), 93 Cliftonville Road, BELFAST BT14 6JQ	Senior Education Welfare Officers and 7 Education Welfare Officers	BT4, BT12, BT13, BT14, BT15, BT36
BELB	West Division (C/o Whiterock Library), 10 Whiterock Road, BELFAST BT12	Senior Education Welfare Officers and 7 Education Welfare Oficers	BT11, BT12, BT13, BT36, BT1
BELB	South & East Division (Ulidia Resource Centre), Somerset Street, BELFAST BT7	Senior Education Welfare Officers and 7 Education Welfare Officers	BT4, BT5, BT6, BT7, BT9, BT10, BT11, BT12
North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) NEELB NEELB	Blythefield Primary School, Education Welfare Project Team Blythefield Primary School, Education Welfare Project Team Loughview Regional Offices, 2-6 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QFThe total number of Education Welfare Officers working in the North Belfast constituency is 14.	Project Co-ordinator and 4 Education Welfare Officer’s Looked After Children team staffed by 2 Education Welfare Officers. 4 Education Welfare Officers	4 schools in BT37

Children and Young People's Funding Package

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail, by individual project, the total funding that was available through the Children and Young People's Fund and the Children's Fund for each of 2006/2007 and 2007/2008; and the ongoing funding that has been allocated for each project during 2008/2009.[R]

(AQW 6181/08)

Ms C Ruane: The funding available for each of the individual projects under the six themed areas of the Children and Young People’s Funding Package was as follows:-

	£m
	2006/07	2007/08
Extended Schools
Front Line activity in schools	10.050	9.930
School based Counselling support	0.715	1.800
Creative Learning Centres	0.740	0.500
Centralised Services	1.000	0.950
Extended Early Years provision
Expansion of Sure Start	1.750	3.000
Programme for 2 year olds	0.750	1.900
Sure Start Day Care	0.650	0.865
Increase enrolment of Traveller children	0.100	0.000
Pre-School Education Expansion Programme	0.442	0.507
Looked-after children / vulnerable young adults
Supporting and equipping foster carers	1.040	1.040
Supporting staff in residential care settings	0.122	0.300
Refreshing computer equipment in children’s homes	0.113	0.000
Supporting young people not ready for independence	0.532	0.750
Empowering children and young people in care	0.660	0.660
Youth outreach
Youth Outreach Initiative	0.750	1.025
Peer Educator Youth Workers	0.036	0.000
Child Protection
Telephone helpline support	0.130	0.170
Support to the Sports Council	0.091	0.065
Support to the Youth sector	0.235	0.235
Rapid response child protection teams	1.057	1.050
Child contact centres	0.000	0.500
Inter-agency/school – Social services collaboration	0.336	0.570
Children with special needs and disabilities
English as an additional language	0.100	0.075
Multi-disciplinary support teams	4.000	4.000
Transition into adulthood	0.900	0.900
Mental health/learning disability services – Crisis Response Teams	0.500	1.000
Support in the community for children from Muckamore Abbey Hospital	0.300	0.600
Life Skills Training	0.100	0.100

As the Children and Young People’s Funding Package ended in March 2008 each Department involved will have decided, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) process, whether they would provide mainstream or base-line funding for areas previously funded by the Package. If included, this funding will have been allocated and will be monitored in keeping with current finance and audit recommendations.

Tugadh maoiniú, ar fiú £5.8m é, d'eagraíochtaí indibhidiúla ón Chiste do Pháistí sa bhliain airgeadais 2006/07 agus tugadh £5.75m sa bhliain airgeadais 2007/08. Tá acmhainní, ar fiú £5.72m iad, ar fáil d’eagraíochtaí don bhliain airgeadais 2008/09.

The funding allocated to individual organisations under the Children’s Fund in the 2006/07 financial year totalled £5.8m and in 2007/08 totalled £5.75m. The resources available to organisations for the 2008/09 financial year total £5.72m.

Youth Workers

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of youth workers funded by her department, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6184/08)

Ms C Ruane: I láthair na huaire, tugann an Roinn Oideachais maoiniú do na cúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne agus Tionscadal Bytes a fhostaíonn oibrithe óige trasna Thuaisceart na hÉireann.

The Department of Education currently provides funding to the five Education and Library Boards and the Bytes Project which employ youth workers across the north of Ireland.

The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards and the Director of Bytes provided the following information on the number of youth workers deployed in the North of Ireland, in each Parliamentary constituency:

ParliamentaryConstituency	Full-time youth worker posts ₍₁₎	Part-time youth worker posts	Total youth worker posts
Belfast East	16	66	82
Belfast North	18	65	83
Belfast South	12	46	58
Belfast West	39	145	184
East Antrim	4	106	110
East Derry	3	95	98
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	4.5	85	89.5
Foyle	13	104	117
Lagan Valley	8.4	36	44.4
Mid Ulster	5.6	89	94.6
Newry & Armagh	9.1	53	62.1
North Antrim	4	125	129
North Down	7	34	41
South Antrim	6	86	92
South Down	9.8	76	85.8
Strangford	7	71	78
Upper Bann	12.6	81	93.6
West Tyrone	4	64	68
Total	183	1,427	1,610

⁽¹⁾In some cases where a youth worker works in more than one constituency a pro rata estimate of their work, in each constituency, has been made.

School Uniforms

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the action she is taking to ensure that assistance is given for primary school uniform costs, similar to that which is available for secondary schools.

(AQW 6213/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní ceanglas reachtúil é éide scoile a chaitheamh; ina áit sin, is ceist í atá faoi rogha na scoileanna aonair. Ba chóir do Bhoird Ghobharnóirí an costas a chur san áireamh nuair atá siad ag dearadh a n-éide agus ag leagan síos chód cóirithe.

The wearing of school uniforms is not a statutory requirement; rather it is a matter for the discretion of individual schools. Boards of Governors should take cost considerations into account when designing their uniform and drawing up a dress code.

I have no plans at present to extend to primary schools the uniform grants currently available for pupils in secondary and special schools. Extension of the Clothing Allowances Scheme to primary schools would be expensive in relative terms and I could not justify diverting resources to this area at the present time.

Afterschool Clubs

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education to confirm that her department has responsibility for school age childcare which includes school breakfast clubs and after school clubs.

(AQW 6223/08)

Ms C Ruane: Upon transfer of Early Years policy responsibilities to DE in 2006, policy responsibility for home based childcare and private daycare of children aged 0-12 transferred to DE in accordance with the relevant sections of the Children (NI) Order 1995.

Tá an Roinn Oideachais freagrach fosta as soláthar breisithe scoile a chuireann scoileanna deontaschúnta ar fáil agus as soláthar eile ó ógeagraíochtaí reachtúla agus deonacha atá cláraithe leis na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlainne.

The Department of Education also has responsibility for extended school provision provided by grant-aided schools and other provision by statutory and voluntary youth organisations registered with the Education and Library Boards.

Violence in Schools

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of instances of violence against staff within schools in 2007 in the (i) primary sector; and (ii) secondary sector.

(AQW 6237/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not collect the information requested.

However, statistics on the reasons for suspension and expulsion are gathered each school year from Education and Library Boards. The table below provides the number of suspensions and expulsions for physical attacks on staff by pupils in the 2006/07 school year.

Statistics in relation to suspensions relate to the number of occasions where pupils were suspended and not the number of pupils suspended.

	Number of occasions where pupils were suspended for physical attacks on staff	Number of pupils expelled for physical attacks on staff
Primary (Key stage 1 & 2)	70	0
Secondary (Key stage 3 & 4)	196	5

Ní bhaileofar staitisticí comhchosúla do 2007/08 go deireadh na scoilbhliana reatha.

Similar statistics for 2007/08 will not be collected until the end of the current school year.

Numeracy and Literacy Skills

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the discussions she has had with the Minister for Employment and Learning in relation to numeracy and literacy skills, to ensure a joined up approach to the problem.

(AQW 6253/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá bunús maith leis na dúshláin atá os ár gcoinne i dtaca le litearthacht agus uimhearthacht de – agus na hiarmhairtí do dhaoine óga i dtéarmaí eisiaimh shóisialta agus deacrachtaí teacht ar bhreisoideachas agus ardoideachas agus ar phoist a bhfuil pá maith ag dul leo má fhágann siad an scoil gan muinín agus gan inniúlacht i léamh, i scríobh agus in úsáid matamaitice

The challenges we face in relation to literacy and numeracy are well documented – and the consequences for young people in terms of social exclusion and difficulties in accessing further and higher education and well paid jobs when they leave school lacking confidence and competence in reading, writing and using mathematics.

My officials are in regular and ongoing contact with their counterparts in the Department for Employment and Learning to discuss areas of common interest, including literacy and numeracy and essential skills. In addition the Department for Employment and Learning has observer status on the Literacy and Numeracy Taskforce, established in February 2007, to assist my Department not only in developing the Revised Literacy and Numeracy Strategy but also in monitoring its implementation. I have also corresponded with the Minister for Employment and Learning on literacy and numeracy/essential skills and this dialogue will continue.

Victoria School, Ballyhalbert

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why Victoria School, Ballyhalbert, did not have desks for 4 days after it reopened on 7 April 2008.

(AQW 6254/08)

Ms C Ruane: The SEELB has advised that construction of the new building for Victoria P.S. progressed well and was completed ahead of schedule at the beginning of April. As a result of completing ahead of schedule the supplier of the new furniture was three days late in delivering the furniture for the new school building.

De réir mar a thuigim ní raibh aon fhadhbanna móra ag an scoil, nó bhí siad in ann úsáid a bhaint as an troscán a bhí ann sna trí lá gur tháinig an troscán nua.

I understand that this did not cause the school any undue problems as they were able to use the existing furniture for the three days until the new furniture arrived.

School Principal Appointments

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans to change the current system for the appointment of school principals to require one nomination rather than the present three nominations.

(AQW 6255/08)

Ms C Ruane: The process to which you refer is currently carried out by the Teacher Appointments Committees for controlled schools. I propose to change this process as part of the Review of Public Administration. My intention is that Boards of Governors of controlled schools will be responsible for the selection process. In each case, the Board of Governors will advise the Education and Skills Authority (ESA) of the successful candidate. The ESA will give effect to the decision by issuing the contract of employment. These procedures will be set out in schemes of employment prepared for each school.

Faoi réir chomhaontú an Choiste Fheidhmiúcháin, tá sé mar aidhm agam reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach a dhíreoidh air sin roimh shos an tsamhraidh.

Subject to Executive agreement, I propose to introduce legislation to this effect before the summer recess.

Irish Language Officer

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why his department has advertised for the post of staff officer - Irish Language, with the salary range £22,621 - £30,520, to be in position from September 2008.

(AQW 6256/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have asked my department to appoint a Staff Officer (Irish Language) to provide support in relation to correspondence in Irish and meetings/ visits where Irish is spoken.

Léiríonn an tuarastal a fógraíodh tuarastal an ghráid Oifigeach Foirne.

The advertised salary reflects that of the Staff Officer grade.

Irish Language Officer

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the source of funding for an Irish language Staff Officer.

(AQW 6297/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó bhuiséad riaracháin na Roinne a mhaoineofar post an Oifigigh Foirne (Gaeilge).

The Staff Officer (Irish Language) post will be funded from the Department’s administrative budget.

Education Targets

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education how she will address the latest figures that show that young male protestants are not meeting educational achievement targets and are well below the average in both rural and urban areas.

(AQW 6298/08)

Ms C Ruane: The overall aim of my Department is to establish an education system which supports the highest standards of achievement for all. Ensuring that every young person can be supported to fulfil her or his potential, regardless of their background or the area in which they live, is therefore at the core of our work.

At present, far too many pupils are leaving schools with inadequate literacy and numeracy skills, leaving them ill-prepared for working life and at risk of social exclusion. I am determined to change this through an ambitious programme of change and reform that will ensure that all young people have equal opportunity to succeed. As well as my proposals to reform post-primary education, we are also taking action to ensure that every school is a good school and to raise achievement in literacy and numeracy.

Beimid ag déanamh comhairliúcháin roimh i bhfad ar straitéis athbhreithnithe litearthachta agus uimhríochta a mbeidh sé mar phríomhfhócas aici dul i ngleic le gnóthachtáil íseal oideachais áit ar bith a dtarlaíonn sí.

We will shortly be consulting on a revised literacy and numeracy strategy that has a very specific focus on tackling underachievement wherever it occurs.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why, under the consultation process for the closure of Donaghadee High School, the Commissioners of the South Eastern Education and Library Board sought legal advice.

(AQW 6323/08)

Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that legal advice was sought to ensure that consultation procedures are correct and that the rights of staff, parents and pupils are not impinged.

Déantar athbhreithniú ar bhonn bliantúil ar riachtanais na bpáistí a bhfuil ráitis i dtaobh riachtanais speisialta oideachais acu. Tríd an phróiseas athbhreithnithe bhliantúil sin, tá oifigigh an Bhoird ag obair le tuismitheoirí agus roinnt scoileanna sa cheantar chun socrúcháin oideachais chuí a aimsiú do pháistí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais orthu.

The needs of statemented children are reviewed annually. Through this annual review process, Board officers are working with parents and several schools in the area on identifying appropriate placements for children with special educational needs.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why Donaghadee High School has not had a permanent Principal appointed for the last 3 years.

(AQW 6324/08)

Ms C Ruane: The recruitment of a Principal to Donaghadee High School is a matter for the employing authority, which in this case is the South Eastern and Education Library Board (SEELB). I have been advised by the Board that the Principal resigned on 28 February 2007 and the Vice Principal has been Acting Principal since 1 March 2007.

The SEELB has been considering the future of Donaghadee High School within the context of its strategic review of education in the North East Ards area. A development proposal to transform the school to controlled integrated status was produced with a closing date for comments of 28 April 2008. The SEELB is also consulting on the potential closure of Donaghadee High School and published a development proposal on 29 April 2008.

Dá bharr sin, agus ar mholadh BOLOD, níor thosaigh Bord na nGobharnóirí an próiseas a bhaineann le Príomhoide buan a earcú.

For this reason, and on the recommendation of the SEELB, the Board of Governors has not begun the process of recruiting a permanent Principal.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the impact that the closure of Donaghadee High School will have on the children with special needs who will have to travel to Dundonald High School.

(AQW 6325/08)

Castle Gardens Primary School

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost that would be incurred by her department in demolishing the former Castle Gardens Primary School Building in Newtownards.

(AQW 6351/08)

Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board has responsibility for the former Castle Gardens Primary School site, and has estimated that the demolition and clearance of the site to ground level would cost in the region of £75,000.

Chuir an Bord in iúl fosta go bhfuil an réadmhaoin á breithniú faoi láthair mar shuíomh féideartha d’athshuíomh Leabharlann Bhaile Nua na hArda agus táthar ag súil, má tá an tionscadal seo le dul ar aghaidh, go gcuimseofaí scartáil agus réiteach láithreáin sa phríomhchonradh don tionscadal sin.

The Board has also advised that the property is currently being considered as a potential site for the relocation of Newtownards Library and it is hoped that if this project were to advance, that demolition and site clearance would be incorporated into the main contract for that project.

School Board Of Governors

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Education to confirm if there is a legal or administrative requirement for Boards of Governors of schools to provide minutes of their meetings to the relevant Education and Library Board; and to detail how soon after the meeting the minutes should be sent to the Board.

(AQW 6366/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under an administrative requirement contained in their Scheme of Management , schools, other than Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated, are required to send a copy of the minutes of their Board of Governor meetings to the Chief Executive of the relevant Education & Library Board within 14 days following the particular meeting.

Caithfidh Scoileanna Imeasctha Faoi Chothabháil cóipeanna dá gcuid miontuairiscí a thabhairt isteach don Roinn Oideachais.

Grant Maintained Integrated schools, however, are required to submit copies of their minutes to the Department of Education.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education if the Commissioners took into consideration (i) merging Donaghadee High school with Donaghadee Primary school; and (ii) the amount of new housing that is to be built under B Map, before recommending closure of Donaghadee High school.

(AQW 6384/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am assured by the South Eastern Education and Library Board that all relevant information pertinent to this particular area was considered during the review of provision in the North East Ards area. This included the potential for additional pupils from future housing development.

A potential merger of Donaghadee High School with Donaghadee Primary School was not considered by the Board because of the potential to raise child protection issues due to the age range of pupils involved.

Faoi réir thoradh an phróiseis chomhairliúcháin ar Mholadh Forbartha chun Ardscoil Dhomhnach Daoi (Donaghadee High School) a dhruidim, thug an Bord comhairle don Roinn go n-oibreoidh sé go dlúth leis an scoil agus le tuismitheoirí chun a chinntiú go mbeidh socrúcháin chuí oideachais eile ann do dhaltaí, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta acu, sa chás go bhfuil sé indéanta agus fad is go gcloítear le polasaí oscailte clárúcháin.

Subject to the outcome of a consultation on a Development Proposal to close the Donaghadee High School, the Board has advised the Department that it will work closely with the school and parents to ensure appropriate alternative placements for pupils, including those with special needs, where possible and in line with open enrolment policy.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education if pupils will be allowed to go to the school of their choice if Donaghadee High school closes.

(AQW 6385/08)

Grammar School Entrance Exams

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Grammar schools in North Down parliamentary constituency that have indicated they will set their own entrance exams.

(AQW 6386/08)

Ms C Ruane: De réir tuairiscí sna meáin, léirigh trí scoil ghramadaí i dtoghcheantar Thuaisceart an Dúin go leagfaidh siad amach a gcuid scrúduithe iontrála féin - Bangor Grammar School, Glenlola Collegiate School agus Sullivan Upper School.

According to press reports, three grammar schools in the North Down parliamentary constituency have indicated that they will set their own entrance examinations – Bangor Grammar School, Glenlola Collegiate School and Sullivan Upper School.

Transferred Redundancies in Schools

Mr McClarty asked the Minister of Education to outline her Department's position on the procedures relating to transfer redundancy between controlled and maintained schools.

(AQW 6426/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an fhreagracht ar na húdaráis fostaíochta maidir le proiséas na n-iomarcaíochtaí aistrithe agus é á chur i bhfeidhm acu. Tá mo Roinnse ag tacú fós le hiarrachtaí údarás fostaíochta le cinntiú go ndéantar múinteoirí a ath-imscar nuair is féidir in ionad iomarcaíocht éigeantach a thabhairt dóibh.

The process for transferred redundancies is the responsibility of, and is operated by, the employing authorities. My Department is supportive of employing authorities’ efforts to ensure that teachers are redeployed where possible rather than face compulsory redundancy.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the websites that come under the Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6443/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní féidir figiúr a chur ar an chostas a bhaineann le gach suíomh a chothabháíl mar nach gcoinnítear figiúr imdhealaithe maidir le cothabháil suímh.

It is not possible to provide a figure on the cost of maintaining each site as a disaggregated figure for site maintenance is not held.

Websites that come under the Department of Education’s responsibility are:

Website	Number of Visitors since 8 May 2007	Number of Page Views since 8 May 2007
www.deni.gov.uk	369,278	1,949,891
www.etini.gov.uk	38,926	162,736

School Curriculum

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail the steps her Department has taken to introduce new material into the common curriculum to educate children in primary and post-primary schools on the health implications of obesity.

(AQW 6459/08)

Ms C Ruane: The revised curriculum, which is being phased in from September 2007, aims to better prepare young people for all aspects of life, including their personal health and well-being. It has a new area of Personal Development & Mutual Understanding (PDMU) at primary and Learning for Life and Work (LLW) at post-primary.

Through PDMU/LLW, pupils will explore all aspects of their personal health and well-being, including the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity, the consequences of poor dietary choices and ways of achieving a healthy diet. Teachers are being provided with training and guidance materials to support the introduction of PDMU/LLW.

In addition, Physical Education remains compulsory for all pupils from Years 1 to 12, where pupils will develop an understanding of the benefits of physical activity for their health. Encouraging young people to take part in physical activity from an early age is a key part of our drive to tackle rising levels of childhood obesity.

Sin an fáth ar thug mé isteach an Clár um Spóirt Curaclaim an scoilbhliain seo agus an aidhm ann forbairt a dhéanamh ar scileanna fisiciúla liteartha na ndaltaí is óige, á spreagadh le bheith páirteach i ngníomhaíochtaí fisiciúla le linn a saoil.

That is why I have this school year introduced in our primary schools the Curriculum Sports Programme, the aim of which is to develop the physical literacy skills of our youngest pupils, encouraging participation in physical activity throughout their lives.

Suspension of Children from School

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 3 years, (i) the number of children suspended from (a) grammar schools; and (b) secondary schools; (ii) the length of the suspensions; and (iii) the support services available to reintegrate suspended pupils.

(AQW 6461/08)

Ms C Ruane: Statistics on pupil suspensions are gathered at the end of each school year from Education and Library Boards.

(i) The table below provides the number of pupils in (Key Stages 3 and 4) suspended from grammar schools and secondary schools in the 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 school years.

	Number of pupils suspended from grammar schools	Number of pupils suspended from secondary schools
2004/05	603	4,373
2005/06	669	4,532
2006/07	583	4,062

(ii) The following table shows the number of occasions pupils were suspended in grammar and secondary schools in 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006/07 by length of suspension.

Length of suspension	2004/05		2005/06		2006/07
	Grammar	Secondary	Grammar	Secondary	Grammar	Secondary
1 day	206	1,473	253	1,595	247	1,640
2 days	162	1,499	208	1,582	184	1,540
3 days	160	2,007	181	2,175	173	1,895
4 days	27	296	25	267	32	259
5 days	155	1,446	110	1,517	83	1,180
6-10 days	26	190	32	183	16	126
11-15 days	7	73	11	62	4	40
16 days and over	10	113	5	102	11	86

Note:

Pupils may be suspended more than once, this does not equate to a pupil count
Figures relate to pupils in key stage 3 and 4.

(iii) Schools are expected to provide suitable work for completion at home by pupils who have been suspended, to ensure continuity of education so the pupil can re-integrate without difficulty.

Nuair atá tréimse leanúnach fionraí thar 15 lá i bhfeidhm, ba chóir don Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne ábhartha cuidiú le soláthar oideachais trí theagasc baile nó trí shocrú éigin eile. Féadann an Bord fosta cruinniú a bheith acu leis an scoil agus le tuismitheoirí dalta leis na roghanna do shocruithe níos fadtéarmaí a mheas, agus athfhreastal ar an scoil san áireamh.

Where a continuous period of suspension exceeding 15 days is in place, the relevant Education and Library Board is expected to assist with education provision through home tuition or some other arrangement. The Board may also meet with the school and the parents of a pupil to consider the options for longer term arrangements including re-integration.

Interactive Whiteboards

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of interactive whiteboards installed in schools.

(AQW 6466/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní choinníonn an Roinn taifead ar líon na gclár bán idirghníomhach a chuirtear isteach i scoileanna nó ar líon na scoileanna a bhfuil cláir bhána mar sin acu.

The Department does not hold details of the numbers of interactive whiteboards installed in schools or the number of schools with such whiteboards.

Schools have autonomy to decide how to use their budgets and therefore the purchase of interactive whiteboards or other items of equipment is a matter for school authorities. While many schools that have had new builds have chosen to install interactive whiteboards from their furniture and equipment budget, decisions on how they spend their allocation is again solely a matter for the schools.

Interactive Whiteboards

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools with interactive whiteboards, broken down by constituency.

(AQW 6467/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní choinníonn an Roinn taifead ar líon na gclár bán idirghníomhach a chuirtear isteach i scoileanna nó ar líon na scoileanna a bhfuil cláir bhána mar sin acu.

The Department does not hold details of the numbers of interactive whiteboards installed in schools or the number of schools with such whiteboards.

Implementation of The Inclusion Agenda

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the actions (i) she has taken; and (ii) she is planning to take, to progress the implementation of the inclusion agenda, as outlined in the Bamford Report.

(AQW 6488/08)

Ms C Ruane: I dtaca le cuimsiú oideachais tá sé mar pholasaí ag an Roinn Oideachais ó bhí 1996 ann páistí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais (RSO) acu a chur san áireamh i ranganna príomhshrutha.

In terms of educational inclusion DE’s policy since 1996 has been to include children with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream settings. This presumption to inclusion was strengthened in 2005 by SEN and disability legislation, which introduced the provision that SEN children shall be educated in ordinary schools unless this is incompatible with the wishes of the parent or the provision of efficient education for other children.

The following is an overview of some of the measures and initiatives being taken forward by DE to address many of the issues that are relevant to the education-related Bamford recommendations around children with mental health or learning difficulties. Full details of all the measures will be included in the Government’s response to the Bamford Review which is being co-ordinated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

1. Increased Funding and Resource Planning for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

In 2005/06 around £170m was expended in the North of Ireland for provision for SEN children and an additional £53m was allocated to meet the needs of pupils with SEN over the years 2005/06 to 2007/08.

From 2006 the School Census has included a new category of SEN to record Mental Health Issues (MHI). It is hoped that this new category will improve resource planning for pupils with MHI and other learning difficulties.

2. Special educational Needs and Disability (NI) Order 2005 (SENDO)

DE introduced SENDO in 2005 in order to strengthen the rights of SEN pupils to be educated in mainstream schools and to make it unlawful for schools to treat disabled pupils less favourably than other pupils. SENDO also introduced the Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service (DARS) and an Advice and Information Service.

3. DE Guidance

In order to help schools and ELBs to support SEN pupils, to increase the awareness of specific areas of need and to provide information for parents, DE has made available a range of guidance materials to all schools, ELBs and relevant voluntary sector groups. This includes guidance on Promoting Collaborative Working between health and education professionals and materials on autism, dyslexia, sensory impairment and acquired brain injury.

4. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

To ensure that the children and young people under the care of CAMHS receive the most appropriate support from both health and education services, DE and SEELB are planning, in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a new purpose-built Regional Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Centre, including a Learning Resource Centre which will deliver a new flexible education model, on the Forster Green site to bring together the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and the Child and Family Centre.

5. SEN Review

The DE SEN and Inclusion review has highlighted the vital importance of an effective working partnership with the health sector. To this end, DE is working closely with health colleagues to strengthen and develop links, from a strategic level through to delivery, to gain a shared commitment and ensure that planning, assessment and delivery of therapies is timely and realistic.

6. Anti-bullying

DE funds a regional anti-bullying helpline operated by ChildLine and is working with the local Anti-bullying Forum to promote good practice in tackling bullying in schools. The Forum published new guidance on cyber bullying in November 2007 and a website providing advice and good practice information was launched in March 2008.

7. Promoting Pupils’ Emotional Health and Wellbeing

From September 2007 independent counselling support is available in all post-primary schools, which wish it, for a half day per week.

In addition, work has begun on a pupils emotional health and well being programme in post primary schools. It will focus on positive prevention by building coping skills in children and young people and complements the personal development strand of the curriculum. With funding acquired in Budget 2007 appropriate interventions will be extended to primary and special schools

8. Revised Curriculum

The revised curriculum, which is being phased in from September 2007, includes the new areas of Personal Development & Mutual Understanding at primary level and Learning for Life and Work at post-primary level. These address issues such as promoting good mental and emotional health and the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. Schools are receiving training and guidance materials to support their teaching in these areas.

9. Health and Well-being

DE is working towards a Healthy Schools Policy and has appointed a Healthy Schools Co-ordinator to take this work forward

Kindle Integrated Primary School

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail why only a fifteen working day response period was decided upon when seeking views of the parents of children who attend Kindle Integrated Primary School on the proposal by the SEELB to permanently close the school with effect from 31 August 2008.

(AQW 6511/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuir Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oirdheiscirt in iúl domh gurbh ó 4 Aibreán go 25 Aibreán a bhí an tréimhse i gcomhair comhairliúcháin fhoirmiúil scríofa do DP 206, Kindle IPS agus gur gnách amuigh is istigh ar thrí seachtainí oibre a cheadú don phróiseas seo.

I am advised by the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that the formal written consultation period for DP 206, Kindle IPS, was from 4 April to 25 April and that it is usual to allow about three working weeks for this process.

In addition several consultation meetings were held and these were as follows:

Board of Governors 8 November 2007

Staff 29 January and 23 April 2008

Parents 29 February and 23 April 2008 (Army Families Officer in attendance)

Army 5 February 2008

Also, a deputation from the school was received by the SEELB Commissioners on 4 February 2008.

Parents may, of course, make their views known to the Department during the 2-month consultation period following publication of a development proposal but this is a statutory process and the Department does not have any facility to extend this.

Letters of consultation were issued to the Board of Governors, staff and parents of pupils at Kindle IPS, other schools which might be affected by the proposal and Section 75 consultees as set out below.

Schools Consulted;

Kindle Integrated Primary School – Board of Governors, teachers and parents

Cumran PS

Downpatrick PS

Convent of Mercy PS

St Patrick’s PS Legamaddy

St Colmcille’s PS

St Joseph’s PS, Ballykinlar

St Joseph’s PS, Killough

St Patrick’s Boys PS

Down Academy

Down High School

De La Salle HS

St Mary’s HS

St Patrick’s Grammar School

Section 75 Consultees:

Churches

Baptist Union of Ireland

Church of Ireland

Congregational Union of Ireland

Elim Pentecostal

Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster

Methodist Church in Ireland

Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Catholic Church

Political Parties

Alliance Party

Democratic Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition

Progressive Unionist Party

Sinn Fein

Social Democratic Labour Party

Ulster Democratic Party

Ulster Unionist Assembly Party

Ulster Unionist Party

United Kingdom Unionist Party

Unions

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA)

UNISON

National Association of School Teachers & Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)

Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)

National Association of Head Teachers

Association of Teachers & Lecturers

Ulster Teachers Union (UTU)

Race

Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM)

Age – Children

Children’s Law Centre

NSPCC

Save the Children

Barnardos

Child Care Northern Ireland

NIPPA
Putting Children First

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE)

Northern Ireland Governing Bodies Association

National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers & Consultants

Association of Psychologists

Library Association

National Association of Social Workers in Education

Disability

Disability Action

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults)

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (NI)

Royal National Institute for the Blind (NI)

Marital Status and Dependants

Parents Advice Centre

Government and Public Sector Bodies

Equality Commission

The Community Relations Council

Department of Education

Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC)

Down District Council

Army

Kindle Integrated Primary School

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to extend the response period in relation to the proposal to close Kindle Integrated Primary School.

(AQW 6512/08)

In addition several consultation meetings were held and these were as follows:

Board of Governors 8 November 2007

Staff 29 January and 23 April 2008

Parents 29 February and 23 April 2008 (Army Families Officer in attendance)

Army 5 February 2008

Also, a deputation from the school was received by the SEELB Commissioners on 4 February 2008.

Schools Consulted;

Kindle Integrated Primary School – Board of Governors, teachers and parents

Cumran PS

Downpatrick PS

Convent of Mercy PS

St Patrick’s PS Legamaddy

St Colmcille’s PS

St Joseph’s PS, Ballykinlar

St Joseph’s PS, Killough

St Patrick’s Boys PS

Down Academy

Down High School

De La Salle HS

St Mary’s HS

St Patrick’s Grammar School

Section 75 Consultees:

Churches

Baptist Union of Ireland

Church of Ireland

Congregational Union of Ireland

Elim Pentecostal

Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster

Methodist Church in Ireland

Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Catholic Church

Political Parties

Alliance Party

Democratic Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition

Progressive Unionist Party

Sinn Fein

Social Democratic Labour Party

Ulster Democratic Party

Ulster Unionist Assembly Party

Ulster Unionist Party

United Kingdom Unionist Party

Unions

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA)

UNISON

National Association of School Teachers & Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)

Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)

National Association of Head Teachers

Association of Teachers & Lecturers

Ulster Teachers Union (UTU)

Race

Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM)

Age – Children

Children’s Law Centre

NSPCC

Save the Children

Barnardos

Child Care Northern Ireland

NIPPA
Putting Children First

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE)

Northern Ireland Governing Bodies Association

National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers & Consultants

Association of Psychologists

Library Association

National Association of Social Workers in Education

Disability

Disability Action

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults)

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (NI)

Royal National Institute for the Blind (NI)

Marital Status and Dependants

Parents Advice Centre

Government and Public Sector Bodies

Equality Commission

The Community Relations Council

Department of Education

Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC)

Down District Council

Army

Kindle Integrated Primary School

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to list the names of the individuals and organisations that were contacted directly and offered the opportunity to respond to the proposal by the SEELB to close Kindle Integrated Primary School.

(AQW 6513/08)

In addition several consultation meetings were held and these were as follows:

Board of Governors 8 November 2007

Staff 29 January and 23 April 2008

Parents 29 February and 23 April 2008 (Army Families Officer in attendance)

Army 5 February 2008

Also, a deputation from the school was received by the SEELB Commissioners on 4 February 2008.

Schools Consulted;

Kindle Integrated Primary School – Board of Governors, teachers and parents

Cumran PS

Downpatrick PS

Convent of Mercy PS

St Patrick’s PS Legamaddy

St Colmcille’s PS

St Joseph’s PS, Ballykinlar

St Joseph’s PS, Killough

St Patrick’s Boys PS

Down Academy

Down High School

De La Salle HS

St Mary’s HS

St Patrick’s Grammar School

Section 75 Consultees:

Churches

Baptist Union of Ireland

Church of Ireland

Congregational Union of Ireland

Elim Pentecostal

Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster

Methodist Church in Ireland

Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Catholic Church

Political Parties

Alliance Party

Democratic Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Unionist Party

Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition

Progressive Unionist Party

Sinn Fein

Social Democratic Labour Party

Ulster Democratic Party

Ulster Unionist Assembly Party

Ulster Unionist Party

United Kingdom Unionist Party

Unions

Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA)

UNISON

National Association of School Teachers & Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT)

Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO)

National Association of Head Teachers

Association of Teachers & Lecturers

Ulster Teachers Union (UTU)

Race

Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM)

Age – Children

Children’s Law Centre

NSPCC

Save the Children

Barnardos

Child Care Northern Ireland

NIPPA
Putting Children First

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People

Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE)

Northern Ireland Governing Bodies Association

National Association of Educational Inspectors, Advisers & Consultants

Association of Psychologists

Library Association

National Association of Social Workers in Education

Disability

Disability Action

MENCAP (Royal Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults)

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (NI)

Royal National Institute for the Blind (NI)

Marital Status and Dependants

Parents Advice Centre

Government and Public Sector Bodies

Equality Commission

The Community Relations Council

Department of Education

Council for Catholic Maintained Schools

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC)

Down District Council

Army

Secondary School Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of secondary school age children being educated in 2007-2008 in each of the five Education Board areas in (i) the Integrated sector; (ii) Irish medium schools; (iii) controlled schools; (iv) maintained schools; (v) special needs schools; and (vi) any other schools.

(AQW 6514/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary aged pupils by management type and Education and Library Board 2007/08

Management type	BELB	WELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB	TOTAL
	ELB
Controlled	5,597	6,126	14,747	10,462	11,064	47,996
Catholic maintained¹	8,205	10,246	6,078	4,469	11,765	40,763
Other maintained²	506	0	0	0	0	506
Controlled integrated	0	0	336	1,532	436	2,304
Grant Maintained Integrated	1,599	1,865	2,174	2,213	1,092	8,943
Voluntary - Other managed	8,142	1,346	5,050	4,089	1,308	19,935
Voluntary - Catholic managed	6,236	7,129	3,889	2,869	7,372	27,495
Special ³	586	414	589	659	218	2,466
Independent ³	0	17	64	258	112	451
Hospital ³	51	142	0	0	0	193

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹Includes 27 pupils in an Irish medium unit in a WELB post-primary school and 99 pupils in an Irish medium unit in an SELB post-primary school.

²The other maintained sector consists of one Irish medium school.

³ Taken as children age 11 and over at 1 July 2007.

Primary School Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary school age children being educated in 2007-2008 in each of the five Education Board areas in (i) the Integrated sector; (ii) Irish medium schools; (iii) controlled schools; (iv) maintained schools; (v) special needs schools; and (vi) other schools.

(AQW 6515/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Primary¹ aged pupils by management type and Education and Library Board 2007/08

	ELB
Management type	BELB	WELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB	TOTAL
Controlled	9,007	8,327	22,609	20,132	13,637	73,712
Controlled - Irish medium	71	0	0	0	0	71
Voluntary	1,281	0	141	612	41	2,075
Catholic maintained	11,489	18,641	11,160	9,924	21,319	72,533
Catholic maintained -Irish medium	0	133	0	0	0	133
Other maintained	0	0	102	0	273	375
Other maintained - Irish medium	973	337	129	181	215	1,835
Controlled integrated	226	34	593	1,251	105	2,209
Grant Maintained Integrated	597	988	1,174	1,074	1,135	4,968
Special²	624	310	408	488	175	2,005
Independent²	0	44	18	140	111	313
Hospital²	29	21	0	0	0	50

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ Primary includes year 1 to 7 classes only.

²Primary age children includes all children aged 4 to 10 on the 1^st July 2007.

Secondary School Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of secondary school age children in the maintained sector in each of the five Education Boards in 2007-2008 that are educated in (i) Grammar schools; (ii) junior high schools; (iii) senior high schools; (iv) comprehensive schools; (v) six form centres; and (vi) other secondary schools.

(AQW 6516/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary aged pupils by management type and Education Board – including junior and senior highs, special, independent and hospital schools 2007/08

		ELB
Management type	School type	BELB	WELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB
Controlled	Secondary	3,735	3,667	10,160	7,035	5,868
Controlled	Grammar	1,862	2,459	4,587	3,427	1,312
Catholic maintained	Secondary	8,205	10,246	6,078	4,469	11,282
Other maintained	Secondary	506	0	0	0	0
Controlled integrated	Secondary	0	0	336	1,532	436
Grant Maintained Integrated	Secondary	1,599	1,865	2,174	2,213	1,092
Voluntary - Other managed	Grammar	8,142	1,346	5,050	4,089	1,308
Voluntary - Catholic managed	Grammar	6,236	7,129	3,889	2,869	6,802
Junior Highs	Secondary	0	0	0	0	2,504
Senior Highs	Secondary	0	0	0	0	661
Senior Highs	Grammar	0	0	0	0	1,772
Independent	N/A	0	17	64	258	112
Hospital	N/A	51	142	0	0	0
Special	N/A	586	414	589	659	218

Source: NI school census 2007/08

Note ¹: Figures for Controlled secondary exclude figures for junior highs in the SELB areas.

²: Figures for Voluntary Catholic managed grammar and Controlled secondary and grammar exclude figures for senior highs in the SELB area.

³: Post primary school aged children in independent, hospital and special schools includes all children aged 11 to 19 on the 1^st July 2007.

Secondary School Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of secondary school age children in the controlled sector in each of the five Education Boards in 2007-2008 that are educated in (i) Grammar schools; (ii) junior high schools; (iii) senior high schools; (iv) sixth form centres; (v) comprehensive schools; and (vi) other secondary schools.

(AQW 6517/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary aged pupils by management type and Education Board – including junior and senior highs, special, independent and hospital schools 2007/08

		ELB
Management type	School type	BELB	WELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB
Controlled	Secondary	3,735	3,667	10,160	7,035	5,868
Controlled	Grammar	1,862	2,459	4,587	3,427	1,312
Catholic maintained	Secondary	8,205	10,246	6,078	4,469	11,282
Other maintained	Secondary	506	0	0	0	0
Controlled integrated	Secondary	0	0	336	1,532	436
Grant Maintained Integrated	Secondary	1,599	1,865	2,174	2,213	1,092
Voluntary - Other managed	Grammar	8,142	1,346	5,050	4,089	1,308
Voluntary - Catholic managed	Grammar	6,236	7,129	3,889	2,869	6,802
Junior Highs	Secondary	0	0	0	0	2,504
Senior Highs	Secondary	0	0	0	0	661
Senior Highs	Grammar	0	0	0	0	1,772
Independent	N/A	0	17	64	258	112
Hospital	N/A	51	142	0	0	0
Special	N/A	586	414	589	659	218

Source: NI school census 2007/08

Note ¹: Figures for Controlled secondary exclude figures for junior highs in the SELB areas.

²: Figures for Voluntary Catholic managed grammar and Controlled secondary and grammar exclude figures for senior highs in the SELB area.

³: Post primary school aged children in independent, hospital and special schools includes all children aged 11 to 19 on the 1^st July 2007.

Secondary School Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of secondary school age children in the controlled sector in the North Down parliamentary constituency in 2007-2008 that are educated in (i) Grammar schools; (ii) comprehensive schools; (iii) sixth form colleges; and (iv) other secondary schools.

(AQW 6518/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary pupils attending schools in the North Down parliamentary constituency by management type 2007/08

	Management type
School type	Controlled	Catholic maintained	Controlled integrated	Voluntary - Other managed	Independent¹
Secondary	1,502	545	423	0	0
Grammar	1,073	0	0	1,955	0
Special¹	67	0	0	0	0
Other²	0	0	0	0	169

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ Post primary school aged children in special and independent schools includes all children aged 11 to 19 on the 1^st July 2007.

² The Other category consists of Independent schools only, there are no hospital schools in the North Down constituency.

³ There are no sixth form colleges in the North Down constituency.

Complaints in Schools

Mr Irwin asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans to introduce a formal procedure for dealing with parental complaints, inclusive of an appeals process, across all Education Boards.

(AQW 6540/08)

Ms C Ruane: The development of parental complaints procedures is a matter for each individual school. The Department has no active role in dealing with general parental complaints received by schools. Some employing authorities have developed guidance and model procedures for schools to adopt.

The Department has exhorted that all employing authorities should have consistent guidance and model procedures to address parental complaints. The employing authorities have agreed to examine the current guidance and model procedures with the intention of developing a single guidance document, incorporating a model procedure.

Tá molta ag an Roinn fosta gur cheart go mbeadh an próiseas achomhairc leagtha síos go soiléir sa cháipéisíocht agus go gcuirfeadh sé comhairle ar fáil do thuismitheoirí maidir leis na roghanna atá acu chun breis achomhairc a dhéanamh taobh amuigh den chóras oideachais.

The Department has also suggested that such documentation should clearly outline the appeals process and provide advice to parents on avenues for further appeal outside the education system.

Kindle Primary School

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education, in the event that Kindle Primary School were to close, to detail the action she will take to ensure that children attending the school will be placed in alternative schools that will offer the safety and potential that they currently have.

(AQW 6586/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dheimhnigh Bord Oideachais an Oir-Dheiscirt más amhlaidh go ndruideann Bunscoil Imeasctha Kindle go mbeadh go leor spáis ann sna scoileanna is cóngaraí di glacadh le daltaí ó Kindle.

The South-Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that, should Kindle Integrated Primary School close, the nearest alternative schools would have sufficient capacity to take pupils from Kindle.

Special Education Needs Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 5 years, to detail the number of primary school children with special education needs in the North Down Borough Council area, broken down by electoral ward.

(AQW 6592/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Primary¹ school pupils in the North Down district council area with special education needs by ward – 2003/04 – 2007/08

WARD NAME	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
BALLYCROCHAN	56	52	34	46	72
BALLYHOLME	49	47	57	62	63
BALLYMACONELL	187	180	176	172	161
BANGOR CASTLE	88	83	74	71	54
BLOOMFIELD (NORTH DOWN)	94	108	95	114	101
BRYANSBURN	47	76	79	67	74
CLANDEBOYE	121	120	107	87	75
CONLIG	9	*	6	8	11
CRAIGAVAD	21	34	30	30	35
CRAWFORDSBURN	48	33	42	46	36
GROOMSPORT	6	8	9	9	0
HARBOUR (NORTH DOWN)	5	*	6	6	7
HOLYWOOD DEMESNE	76	112	108	107	123
LOUGHVIEW	74	64	56	64	32
RATHGAEL	62	64	60	62	44
SPRING HILL	48	65	58	69	79

Source: NI school census

¹Primary includes nursery classes, reception classes and years 1 – 7.

* relates to less than 5 cases.

Spending on Publicity and Advertising

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money spent by her Department on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

(AQW 6655/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ba é £46,586.58 an mhéid a chaith an Roinn Oideachais ar phoiblíocht agus ar fhógraíocht i 2007-08:

The amount spent by the Department of Education on publicity and advertising during 2007-08 was £46,586.58:

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to outline if it is intended that 'core' courses at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism will be conducted on the basis of seven day weeks, or if it is intended that those on the course will return home at weekends.

(AQW 6691/08)

Ms C Ruane: It is planned that children will attend the Centre for assessment either for the 2 day educational assessment or for the 5 week learning support assessment. If attending for the 2 day assessment, a child/young person will normally be accompanied by their parents/guardians and if appropriate other family members who will all stay on site in the family accommodation provided during the assessment. If a child/ young person attends for the 5 week learning support assessment their attendance will depend on their individual circumstances. For the learning support service, attendance will normally be for 5 week days at a time with the child/young person returning home for the weekends. If, however, during the initial assessment of the child/young person’s needs it is deemed appropriate that his/her circumstances are such that they would benefit from staying for 7 days a week then this can be arranged. Similarly, if a child lives locally and wishes to return home in the evenings then this can also be arranged.

Bunófar gach cinneadh ar an tréiimhse a chaithfidh páiste/duine óg san Ionad ar mheasúnú ar a riachtanas aonair.

Each decision regarding a child/young person’s stay at the Centre will be based on an assessment of his/her individual need.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to outline projected costs for employing staff at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism, taking into account posts already filled and posts recently advertised, and including pension and national insurance costs.

(AQW 6692/08)

Ms C Ruane: The costs for employing staff at the Middletown Centre for Autism for the financial year 2008-2009 are estimated to be approximately £595,000.

Cuimsíonn na costais seo costais an fhostóra agus costais pinsean agus cumhdaíonn siad an fhoireann atá fostaithe ag an Ionad cheana féin, na poist a fógraíodh ar na mallaibh agus poist bhreise atá le hearcú sa bhliain airgeadais seo.

These costs include the employer costs and pension costs and cover, the staff already employed by the Centre, the posts recently advertised and further posts due to be recruited this financial year.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education (i) to clarify if she has made arrangements for medical services, including emergency and consultant paediatric services, at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism; and (ii) if so, to outline the basis upon which these services are contracted and with whom they are contracted.

(AQW 6693/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following referral to the Centre, every child/young person will be individually assessed prior to attending the Centre for their educational assessment. This will include a risk assessment, which will consider their possible medical needs whilst in residence at the Centre. If it were the opinion of the full range of professionals involved, that a child could not attend the Centre due to his or her complex medical needs, then a placement in the Centre would not be offered. Alternative arrangements would be considered via the Outreach Service provided by the Centre. As is the case within the school sector, children’s medication needs will be provided for in line with guidance available from the Department of Education

I have been advised by the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer that members of the Management Team have met with the Southern Health and Social Services Board to clarify what medical support services will be required once the Centre is fully operational. He has also advised that the Centre is considering the need to employ staff with medical expertise, as appropriate. In common with other educational provision in the South Armagh area, the Centre will use Accident & Emergency services provided by Craigavon Area Hospital where this is necessary. The Centre also plans to consult with the Health Service Executive in the South to ascertain the nature of the medical services they can provide.

The Centre is planning to establish a contract with local General Practitioners to provide GP services when necessary.

There is still some detailed work to be carried out with regards to the planning of services, including that around the residential attendance of children. Now that the Management Team at the Centre is in place they are at a crucial stage in the development of all services. They will be liaising with the relevant authorities to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place before children can attend the Centre.

Ba mhaith liom a chur in iúl nach gnách le húdaráis i suíomhanna oideachais sa Tuaisceart conradh a bheith acu le seirbhísí míochaine ná le péidiatraithe comhairleacha ina gceantar, cé go moltar do thuismitheoirí pháistí teagmháil a dhéanamh le DGí áitiúla i gceantar na scoile lena bpáiste a chlarú má tá siad i gcúram fadtéarmach cónaithe i scoil.

Minor Works Capital Scheme

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether 100% capital works funding for voluntary youth clubs will be available to applications received before 1 May 2008.

(AQW 6694/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department recently increased the funding for voluntary organisations for Minor Works Capital projects from 85% of up to £100,000 to 100% funding of up to £150,000. I issued a press release on 22 April 2008 announcing these changes.

There are currently 63 projects being progressed under the previous Youth Service Minor Works Capital Scheme and these will be paid at 85% of up to £100,000. The existing applications from voluntary youth clubs have received approval and a letter of offer for funding at 85% of up to £100,000. These clubs have accepted this offer. There will be no retrospective funding for voluntary youth clubs that have received and accepted their letter of offer from the Department based on the 85% application as this was part of the criteria required for the scheme.

The existing Minor Works Capital Scheme closed on 1 May 2008 and no further applications will be accepted after that date. The Department will be developing a new Minor Works Scheme with revised criteria, application and assessment procedures.

Aon uair amháin a chríochnófar seo, seolfar an scéim nua agus ansin beidh clubanna deonacha óige in ann iarratas a chur isteach ar mhaoiniú suas go 100% de £150,000 i gcomhair mionoibreacha caipitil.

Once this has been completed the new scheme will be launched and voluntary youth clubs will then be able to apply for funding of up to 100% of £150,000 for capital minor works.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the projected estimate of staff costs including salary, pension and national insurance in relation to the employment of staff at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism for each of 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013.

(AQW 6706/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is mar seo a leanas a mheastar na costais foirne réamh-mheasta d’Ionad Uathachais an Bhaile Láir, ina n-áirítear costais tuarastal, pinsean agus árachais náisiúnta:

Cuimsíonn na figiúirí seo ardú 2.5% i gcomhair ardaithe pá gach bliain ó 2009/10 ar aghaidh.

The projected staff costs including salary, pension and national insurance costs for the Middletown Centre for Autism are estimated as follows: These figures include a 2.5% uplift for pay increase each year from 2009/10 onwards.

Year	Salary costs £
2009/10	1,832,662
2010/11	2,437,274
2011/12	2,498,206
2012/13	2,560,662

Balmoral High School

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 471/07, what plans she has for the future for (i) Balmoral High School; (ii) playing facilities associated with this school; and (iii) working in partnership with local district councils to develop the playing facilities for community use.

(AQW 6739/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní dhearnadh aon chinneadh go fóill ar úsáid áiseanna amach anseo nuair a dhruidfear Ardscoil Balmoral i Mí Lúnasa 2008. Tá an Roinn agus Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne Bhéal Feirste (BOLBF) ag iarraidh teacht ar úsáid eile agus breithneofar úsáid áiseanna mar chuid den phróiseas seo. Críochnaíodh dréachtpháipéar roghanna agus tá sé ag an Roinn faoi láthair i gcomhair athbhreithnithe.

No decision has yet been taken on the future use of facilities when Balmoral High School closes in August 2008. The Department and the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) are seeking an alternative use and the use of playing

facilities will also be considered as part of this process. A draft options paper has been completed and is currently with the Department for review.

Children with English as an Additional Language

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of children in (i) the North Down constituency; and (ii) Northern Ireland, that have been taught English as an additional language.

(AQW 6760/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Children with English as an additional language at grant aided schools,

2003/04 – 2007/08

	North Down	Northern Ireland
2003/04	72	1,514
2004/05	92	2,056
2005/06	87	2,681
2006/07	96	3,911
2007/08	145	5,665

Source: NI school census.

Note:

A child with English as an additional language (EAL) is defined as one for whom English is not their first language and who has significant difficulty with the English language and requires assistance.
Figures for EAL children in special schools were not collected until 2006/07.

Post Primary Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2007-08 academic year, the number of children in the maintained sector educated in (i) grammar schools; (ii) comprehensive schools; (iii) sixth form centres; and (iv) other secondary schools, in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 6761/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary pupils attending schools in the North Down parliamentary constituency by management type 2007/08

	Management type
School type	Controlled	Catholic maintained	Controlled integrated	Voluntary - Other managed	Independent¹
Secondary	1,502	545	423	0	0
Grammar	1,073	0	0	1,955	0
Special¹	67	0	0	0	0
Other²	0	0	0	0	169

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ Post primary school aged children in special and independent schools includes all children aged 11 to 19 on the 1^st July 2007.

² The Other category consists of Independent schools only; there are no hospital schools in the North Down constituency.

³ There are no Irish medium post primary schools in the North Down constituency.

⁴ There are no sixth form colleges in the North Down constituency.

Post Primary Pupil Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2007-08 academic year, the number of secondary school children in the North Down constituency that are educated in (i) controlled schools; (ii) maintained schools; (iii) integrated schools; (iv) Irish-medium schools; (v) special needs schools; and (vi) other schools.

(AQW 6762/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Post primary pupils attending schools in the North Down parliamentary constituency by management type 2007/08

	Management type
School type	Controlled	Catholic maintained	Controlled integrated	Voluntary - Other managed	Independent¹
Secondary	1,502	545	423	0	0
Grammar	1,073	0	0	1,955	0
Special¹	67	0	0	0	0
Other²	0	0	0	0	169

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ Post primary school aged children in special and independent schools includes all children aged 11 to 19 on the 1^st July 2007.

² The Other category consists of Independent schools only; there are no hospital schools in the North Down constituency.

³ There are no Irish medium post primary schools in the North Down constituency.

⁴ There are no sixth form colleges in the North Down constituency.

Primary School Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2007-08 academic year, the number of primary school children in the North Down constituency that are educated in (i) controlled schools; (ii) maintained schools; (iii) integrated schools; (iv) Irish-medium schools; (v) special needs schools; and (vi) other schools.

(AQW 6763/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Primary^{1, 2} school children in North Down by management type, 2007/08

Management type	Number of children
Controlled	4,554
Voluntary	321
Catholic maintained	815
Other maintained	0
Controlled integrated	790
Grant Maintained Integrated	0
Special³	44
Independent³	140
Hospital³	0

Source: NI school census 2007/08

¹ Primary includes year 1 to 7 classes only.

² There are no Irish Medium primary schools in the North Down constituency.

³Primary age children includes all children aged 4 to 10 on the 1^st July 2007.

Absence Figures

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education how many days sick leave, on average, were taken by staff in her Department over each of the last five years.

(AQW 6910/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an t-eolas a iarradh sa tábla thíos.

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Year	Average number of days lost per staff year due to sickness absence
2003/04	11.7
2004/05	12.8
2005/06	12.9
2006/07	12.2
2007/08	11.9 (Estimate)

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Young People in Northern Ireland

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how he will address the latest figures that show that young male protestants are not meeting educational achievement targets and are well below the average in both rural and urban areas.

(AQW 6492/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The issue of underachievement of any young person in Northern Ireland, regardless of background or geographical location, is a matter of concern to the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in that it has obviously significant implications not only for the young people themselves, but also for the supply of skills to meet the needs of the local economy. I understand that the figures to which you refer relate to school leavers and that you have already received a response from the Minister for Education in relation to these.

I am committed to ensuring that every effort is made within DEL’s remit to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to maximize their potential, and have in place a range of measures to take forward this objective. In this respect, I would refer you to the detailed material that DEL is in the process of providing to the question that you raised in the DEL evidence session to the OFMdFM Committee Inquiry into Child Poverty on 2 April 2008.

In particular, DEL’s main engagement with young people is via the Careers Service, which has, as a priority area, the engagement of those 16-18 year olds who are not in education, training, or employment. Also, the Training for Success provision targets 16-24 years olds and allows them to enter training at an appropriate level and progress to a stage where they can maximise their potential through the development of personal and employability skills and the achievement of qualifications and employment. Further Education Colleges play a key role in collaboration with schools, for example through the Vocational Enhancement Programme, and also in terms of addressing Essential Skills needs. In September 2008 a pilot for new learner support arrangements between Further Education colleges and third party organisations will commence, targeted at those aged 19-65, not in work, who do not hold a qualification at level 2 or above, or who have many barriers to learning. For unemployed jobseekers within the age group of 18 to 24 years, New Deal is mandatory. After the initial ‘Gateway’ period (during which a New Deal Personal Adviser provides advice, guidance and assistance with jobsearch), jobseekers who have not found work, enter one of four options offering work experience, training or subsidised employment.

Furthermore, specifically in relation to young male Protestants, you will wish to be aware that my Department has responsibility for 8 of the 62 actions in the Renewing Communities Action Plan. DEL actions deal with improving life prospects by raising educational achievement, vocational attainment and employability, and growing civic and community leadership and active citizenship. An evaluation of the Renewing Communities Actions will be available later this year and will provide an independent assessment of the effectiveness of these actions and recommendations on how appropriate aspects of the initiative can be continued within mainstream FE adult community education provision. It will also help to inform future FE policy development tailored to meet the needs of working class Protestant communities.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of working days lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6501/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The table on the following page sets out the number of working days lost in the Department due to stress related illnesses in the 24 months from 1^st April 2006 to 31^st March 2008.

MONTH	NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS LOST
APRIL 2006	399
MAY 2006	370
JUNE 2006	315
JULY 2006	271
AUGUST 2006	325
SEPTEMBER 2006	320
OCTOBER 2006	410
NOVEMBER 2006	441
DECEMBER 2006	335
JANUARY 2007	285
FEBRUARY 2007	291
MARCH 2007	377
APRIL 2007	337
MAY 2007	429
JUNE 2007	511
JULY 2007	400
AUGUST 2007	385
SEPTEMBER 2007	306
OCTOBER 2007	380
NOVEMBER 2007	445
DECEMBER 2007	414
JANUARY 2008	471
FEBRUARY 2008	474
MARCH 2008	495

Deparmental Legal Costs

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the amount of money his Department has spent on (i) legal costs due to challenges in court; and (ii) compensation settlements, since May 2007.

(AQW 6581/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The amount this Department has spent on (i) legal costs due to challenges in court; and (ii) compensation settlements, since May 2007 is as follows:

Legal Costs £16,395.53

Compensation Settlements £5,250

Total Amount £21,645.53

Legal Costs	£16,395.53
Compensation Settlements	£5,250
Total Amount	£21,645.53

Publicity and Advertising

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the amount of money spent by his Department on publicity and advertising in 2007-08.

(AQW 6656/08)

Sir Reg Empey: During the financial year of 2007-8, the Department for Employment and Learning spent £369,000.00 on three major advertising campaigns.

£150,000.00 was spent on launching the department’s new Training for Success initiative which replaced JobSkills.

£142,000.00 was spent on the Essential Skills advertising campaign.

£77,000.00 was spent on Investors in People advertising campaign.

With regards to publicity the department spent £10k on an external PR company to provide PR support to the Essential Skills advertising campaign.

During 2007/8, the Department monitored, evaluated and reviewed the outcomes of all advertising and publicity activity against departmental objectives and targets, with a view to maximising return on investment and ensuring value for money.

All Ireland Employment

Mr McCartney asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland in relation to the enhancement of all-Ireland employment opportunities.

(AQW 6688/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I met Minister Martin on 4 September 2007 and, during a very useful dialogue, we discussed a wide range of employment and skills related matters of interest to both jurisdictions. Those discussions included the idea of an all-Island Skills conference and I’m delighted to say that planning is underway for such an event later this year. Although not specifically covered on the day, both governments are fully aware that a long and productive tradition of collaboration exists between the Employment and Training Services in NI and RoI. This is soundly based on information sharing and, where appropriate, practical harmonisation of systems and services including the exchange of job vacancies, annual events to promote the exchange of ideas on cross-border employment service issues and regular joint meetings between the Boards of DEL and FÁS, the Training and Employment Authority in RoI. Joint activity of this nature helps, in a very practical way to strengthen the links between our services and enhances the skills development and job opportunities for our respective jobseeker clients.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6754/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of the Department for Employment and Learning. The table includes the number of visitors since devolution as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.

The table also lists the maintenance cost associated with each site. Some Department for Employment and Learning sites are hosted and maintained within the NICS Delivery & Innovation Division or with Fujitsu under the Department’s PFI contract.

Websites that come under DEL’s responsibility:

Website	Visitors	Page Views	Maintenance
www.delni.gov.uk	480,233	2,337,775	£3,208
www.jobcentreonline.com	5,072,529	65,000,297	£64,168
www.employersonlineni.com	30,246	142,191	£10,481
www.careersserviceni.com	336,157	1,221,054	£33,298
www.trainingforsuccess.co.uk	14,728	107,336	£600
www.industrialcourt.gov.uk	Less than 100	unobtainable	Nil
www.employmenttribunalsni.co.uk	3,377	564,626	£12,377
www.customeraid.delni.gov.uk	231	1,303	£6,156
https://redundancyni.gov.uk	3,650	22,896	£13, 606

Media Monitoring Expenditures

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how much he has spent on media monitoring since devolution.

(AQW 6757/08)

Sir Reg Empey: There has been a total of £18,165.80 spent on media monitoring by the Department for Employment and Learning since devolution up to 30 April 2008.

Liaison Work with DEL

Mr Burnside asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the additional costs, including costs associated with employee deployment, incurred by his Department, in relation to liaison work between his Department and the Department of Education.

(AQW 6788/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Liaison between my Department and other Departments, including the Department of Education, is integral to the successful achievement of those Programme for Government priorities for which we have responsibility. For this reason, it is impossible to isolate any ‘additional’ costs associated with joined-up working. There is a high level of interaction between the two Departments, particularly on the key issues of skills development, 14-19 curriculum development, and careers education and guidance. Without significant research and analysis, it would be very difficult to isolate any additional costs associated with this level of liaison work.

Further Education In Strabane

Mrs McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his plans to redress the imbalance in further education provision in the Strabane District Council area, in the short to medium term.

(AQW 6790/08)

Sir Reg Empey: It is the responsibility of individual Further Education colleges in Northern Ireland to determine the provision to be offered at each of their campuses. I have been advised by North West Regional College that, wherever possible, provision at its Strabane campus is linked to the level of demand. My Department is also engaging with the college on proposals for new premises at Strabane, which will help the College to improve further its facilities at this site.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Equality Impact Assessment

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how much his department has spent on equality impact assessments and consultations over the last three years.

(AQW 6171/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The amount of money spent on equality impact assessments and consultations by my Department over the last three years is detailed in the table below.

	(£)
2005/06	33,515
2006/07	35,147
2007/08	70,754

St Patrick's Trail

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm if the St Patrick/Christian Heritage signature project of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board includes post-reformation Christian heritage, including Presbyterianism.

(AQW 6367/08)

Mr N Dodds: The St. Patrick’s Trail embraces all three phases of Christianity in Northern Ireland; early Christian, Medieval and post-reformation.

This includes sites related to St. Patrick and the early Christian Saints including St. Gall and St. Columbanus in Bangor, the medieval abbeys at Greyabbey and Inch, and post-reformation churches such as St. Patrick’s in Newry.

Also included on the Trail is Craigavon Museum, which includes tracts and hymnals from John and Charles Wesley, the Philip Wilson Library, a collection of Quaker books and letters and a Methodist Book Collection.

NITB has worked with Craigavon Borough Council in the development of their individual Christian Heritage Trail and is currently working with Church representatives and local tourism operators in Bangor to develop interpretation at Bangor Abbey, St. Columbanus Church and First Presbyterian Church to enhance the visitor experience on the Trail further.

Single Electricity Market

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions he has had with Northern Ireland power plants in relation to the single energy market.

(AQW 6447/08)

Mr N Dodds: I have not had any meetings with Northern Ireland power plant operators in relation to the Single Electricity Market (SEM) that was established on 1 November 2207. I have met with representatives from the Viridian Group on 26July 2007 and again on 4 March 2008 when Northern Ireland energy issues, including the Single Electricity Market were discussed.

Single Electricity Market

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the single energy market regulators.

(AQW 6448/08)

Mr N Dodds: The two Regulatory Authorities, the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation and the Commission for Energy Regulation in the Irish Republic are jointly responsible for regulating the Single Electricity Market ("SEM") in a coordinated manner.

They do this through a SEM Committee that was established with a statutory duty to protect the interests of consumers and have regard to the need to avoid unfair discrimination between consumers in Northern Ireland and consumers in Ireland. The Committee has three members from each Regulatory Authority plus an independent member and deputy independent member. The Committee makes decisions on the basis of one vote for each Regulator and one vote for the independent member. The Regulatory Authorities are also under a statutory duty to publish their joint working arrangements for the SEM.

These measures help ensure transparent regulation and clear decision making that is in the best interest of the SEM and consumers.

Single Electricity Market

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the single energy market.

(AQW 6449/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Single Electricity Market ("SEM") only began trading on 1 November 2007 and it is too soon to make a full assessment of the new market. However, I did recently ask the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation to provide me with their view of progress on the SEM over the early months of operation.

The indications are that the SEM is operating in line with the two Regulatory Authorities’ expectations and is meeting the overall objectives for the market. In particular, the financial and dispatch systems are operating correctly. The Authorities’ joint SEM Committee has taken an active role to ensure market transparency and is currently considering its response to concerns from some market participants on how the bidding rules are being applied. NIAUR advise that the type of issues that are being dealt with by the Committee are to be expected in the early days of a new market.

Wind Turbines

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how many megawatt hours of electricity are currently generated by wind energy.

(AQW 6457/08)

Mr N Dodds: In the year ended 31 March 2008, there was 441Gigawatt hours (441,000MWh) of renewables generation in Northern Ireland of which 97% were from wind. This represents around 5% electricity consumption.

Renewable Energy Targets

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how many megawatt hours of electricity will need to be generated by wind energy in order to achieve the Executive's 2012 and 2025 renewable energy targets.

(AQW 6463/08)

Mr N Dodds: On current estimates for total electricity consumption in 2012/13, 1,196Gigawatt hours of electricity generated from renewable sources in Northern Ireland will be required to meet our 12% target. The target does, however, include a sub-target that 15% of that renewable element should be from non-wind sources: wind generation would therefore be expected to contribute some 1,016,940 megawatt-hours.

There is no formal 2025 renewable energy target although the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy has identified a 40% renewable electricity contribution beyond 2025 as one of a number of steps contributing to the target for a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. This is a challenging step that is subject to the technological and economic feasibility issues considered in the Grid Study that was published earlier this year. That Study envisages 4.8 Terrawatt-hours (4.8million MWh) of renewables in 2020 as being technologically feasible representing 42% of consumption in Northern Ireland with wind accounting for over 85% of renewables capacity. This level of renewables will be considered further in light of grid infrastructure requirements and their costs as well as the potential implications of the forthcoming new EC Renewables Directive which will set targets for total energy consumption in 2020.

Action Renewables and Job Growth

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm if (i) any research has been carried out by his department into the potential for job creation opportunities from renewables; and (ii) his department will publish any research undertaken; and to detail the conclusions reached from any research undertaken.

(AQW 6481/08)

Mr N Dodds: In April 2005, Action Renewables, an organisation funded by my Department, carried out a high level background study into the job creation opportunities from renewables in Northern Ireland to inform policy development. In addition, since September 2007, Invest NI has been working on a Study commissioned by Intertrade Ireland and Forfas to review the Environmental Goods & Services (EGS) Sector and identify opportunities for local companies. The aims of the study are:

To estimate broadly the size of the EGS sector on the island of Ireland
To examine the market drivers, the strengths and weaknesses of each sub-sector
To identify the promising areas in the EGS sector where opportunities are likely to occur

While jobs are not specified as a measure of growth it would be expected that job creation would be part of the overall sector development.

There are no plans to distribute the work undertaken by Action Renewables, as this was used to inform internal policy development and is now several years old. The report did indicate that there is good potential for job creation in Northern Ireland arising from the development of a renewable energy industry and co-existing manufacturing capacity, for example, wind turbine manufacture, turbine component manufacture and production of biomass products. It is expected that the review of the EGS sector will be completed by May/June 08, and a decision to publish will be taken in due course by the steering committee.

Renewable Energy Targets

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his Department's assessment of the number of jobs created over the last 5 years from energy generation from (i) wind power; (ii) solar power; and (iii) wave and tidal power; and to detail the potential for job creation in each of these areas over the next (a) 5 years; and (b) 10 years.

(AQW 6482/08)

Mr N Dodds: The key measure of progress in renewables development is the amount of installed electricity generation capacity from renewable sources and how it contributes to our 2012 target that 12% of electricity consumption should be from indigenous renewable energy sources. No specific data is held on the jobs created by that development although it should be noted that renewables generation, particularly wind, in Northern Ireland has increased by 60% since the introduction of the NI Renewables Obligation in 2005. The number of windfarms established since then has increased by 5 to 16.

A high level background study carried out by Action Renewables in 2005 to inform policy development, indicated that there is good potential for job creation in Northern Ireland from the development of a renewable energy industry and co-existing manufacturing capacity for example wind turbine manufacture or the production of biomass products. In the short to medium term, up to 5 years, potential job creation will be dominated by on shore wind energy generation, while over the longer term potential job creation may be spread across a wider range of emerging technologies, for example marine energy, biomass and waste technologies.

Invest NI continues to work with a significant number of clients who are active within the renewable energy sector in order to grow their businesses and expand operations into foreign markets. This includes companies involved in wind energy, biomass, biodiesel, energy from waste, tidal power, solar energy, heat pumps and energy from reconstituted coal. In addition, Invest NI has very close working relationships with the local universities with regard to encouraging new technology developments in the renewables area.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr Ford asked the the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to confirm (i) if he is aware of the World Wildlife Fund Scotland report 'A smart, successful, sustainable Scotland'; and (ii) if he will conduct similar research into the potential for job creation in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 6485/08)

Mr N Dodds: I am aware of the May 2003 report, commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund, "A Smart, Successful, Sustainable Scotland – The Potential for Green Enterprise and Green Jobs."

There are no plans at present to commission similar research. However, my department has recently commissioned analysis to assess the opportunities and challenges faced by businesses in responding to the carbon emission targets contained in the Sustainable Development Strategy. The research is underway and a final report is due in Autumn 2008.

The DETI Research Agenda (2008 – 2011) is also being developed. As part of that exercise, consideration will be given to research proposals which are closely aligned with the three DETI priorities identified in the Programme for Government, namely, productivity growth, increasing employment and tourism.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of working days lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6502/08)

Mr N Dodds: Working days lost by DETI due to stress-related absences in each of the last 24 months (May 2006 – April 2008)

MAY 06	JUN 06	JUL 06	AUG 06	SEP 06	OCT 06	NOV 06	DEC 06	JAN 07	FEB 07	MAR 07	APR 07
45	35(44)	35(22)	55(44)	93(42)	165(4)	106	48(9)	42(22)	24(17)	47(5)	48(19)
MAY 07	JUN 07	JUL 07	AUG 07	SEP 07	OCT 07	NOV 07	DEC 07	JAN 08	FEB 08	MAR 08	APR 08
20(7)	11	52	66	44(9)	56(13)	68	54	48(29)	37(27)	41(14)	29

Note: Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland figures shown in brackets

Visitors to Northern Ireland

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the percentage change in the number of visitors to Northern Ireland, broken down by purpose of visit, for each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 6529/08)

Mr N Dodds: The percentage change in the number of visitors to Northern Ireland, broken down by purpose of visit, for each of the last 10 years is as follows:

% Change on Previous Year	Visiting Friends and Relatives:	Holiday/Leisure/Recreation:	Business:	Other:	Total:
2007*	+4%	+26%	-6%	+9%	+6%
2006	-5%	+12%	+5%	-14%	0%
2005	+12%	-8%	-8%	-23%	0%
2004	+1%	+14%	+2%	+12%	+5%
2003	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2002	+6%	+4%	+3%	-5%	+7%
2001	+4.0	-10%	+8%	-19%	+2%
2000	+9%	0	-7%	-4%	0%
1999	+11%	+10%	+15%	+11%	+12%
1998	+7%	+5%	+4%	+5%	+4%

Please note a change in survey methodology occurred in 2005. 2003 and 2004 figures have been revised for comparison purposes. Due to this and other methodological changes 2003 – 2007 figures are not directly comparable with data pre 2003.

*Final year figures are not yet available for 2007 and therefore the 2007 estimates are provisional.

Domestic Tourism

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage change, in the number of domestic tourists visiting within Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 6530/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number and percentage change in the number of domestic tourists visiting within Northern Ireland in the last 10 years is as follows:

Year:	Total Domestic Trips (millions):	% Change on Previous Year:
2007	1.15	-15%
2006	1.35	-3%
2005	1.39	+23%
2004	1.13	-10%
2003	1.25	-10%
2002	1.39	+6%
2001	1.31	-10%
2000	1.45	-16%
1999	1.73	+302%
1998	0.43	-23%

A change in the methodology of the United Kingdom Tourism Survey, which measures domestic tourism, occurred in 2005. Domestic data from 2005 onwards are not directly comparable with previous years’ data.

Visitors to Northern Ireland

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage change, in the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland for each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 6532/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number and percentage change in the number of tourists visiting Northern Ireland in the last 10 years is as follows:

Year:	Number of Tourists:	% Change on Previous Year:
2007*	2,090,000	+6%
2006	1,979,000	0%
2005	1,972,000	0%
2004	1,985,000	+5%
2003	1,896,000	+17%
2002	1,615,000	+7%
2001	1,511,000	+2%
2000	1,480,000	-
1999	1,655,000	+12%
1998	1,477,000	+4%

A change in survey methodology occurred in 2005. Figures for 2000 – 2004 have been revised for comparison purposes. Data pre-2000 cannot be revised and is therefore not directly comparable.

*Final year figures are not yet available for 2007 and therefore the 2007 estimates are provisional.

Visitors to Northern Ireland

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the (i) number; and (ii) percentage change, in the number of international tourists visiting Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

(AQW 6533/08)

Mr N Dodds: The number; and percentage change in the number of international tourists visiting Northern Ireland in the last 10 years is as follows:

Year:	Number of International Tourists:	% Change on Previous Year:
2007*	500,000	+19%
2006	421,000	+7%
2005	392,000	+21%
2004	325,000	+11%
2003	294,000	+17%
2002	251,000	-3%
2001	258,000	-24%
2000	341,000	+27%
1999	269,000	-4%
1998	279,000	+3%

* Final year figures are not yet available for 2007 and therefore the 2007 estimates are provisional.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6548/08)

Mr N Dodds: Information concerning the websites that come under my department’s responsibility, including the cost of maintaining them and number of visitors to these sites, since devolution, is detailed in the table below.

Owner	Website	Description	Cost	Number of Visits
DETI	www.detini.gov.uk	Central DETI website	£ 11,900	2.8 million (approx)
Invest NI	www.investni.com	Central Invest NI website	£ 46,396	1,092,719
Invest NI	www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk	Website aimed at giving practical advice to NI Businesses	£ 56,000	781,803
Invest NI	www.sabp.co.uk	Information on the Start A Business Programme run by Invest NI	£ 30 801	80,327
General Consumer Council	www.consumercouncil.org.uk	Central Consumer Council Website	£ 3,783	193,926
General Consumer Council	www.consumerline.org	A resource for consumer advice in NI	£ 1,410	256,637
Health and Safety Executive NI	www.hseni.gov.uk	Central HSENI website	Notional cost	101,871
Health and Safety Executive NI	www.workingforhealthni.gov.uk	Working for Health website run by HSENI	£ 8,025	3,594
NI Tourist Board	www.nitb.com	A tourism industry website delivering tourism news and business intelligence.	£ 237,000	1.5 million (approx)
NI Tourist Board	www.discovernorthernireland.com	A consumer website, which delivers tourism information and provides consumers with the opportunity to make accommodation reservations.
NI Tourist Board	www.tidinet.com	A tourism industry extranet for accommodation providers to maintain data and to manage online reservations.
NI Tourist Board	www.tiditic.com	A website which provides local authorities with a system to administer accommodation reservations.
NI Tourist Board	www.tididata.com	Delivers a web services interface for the provision of data exchange between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and its industry partners which includes Tourism Ireland.
NI Tourist Board	medialibrary.nitb.net/public	A photographic library permitting industry and stakeholders with the opportunity to review and select Northern Ireland imagery.
Geological Survey for NI	www.bgs.ac.uk/gsni/	Central GSNI website	Site is hosted and maintained by the British Geological Survey at no cost to DETI	22,221

Pump Water Storage System at Camlough

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, in light of his Department's commitment to increase the amount of energy obtained from renewable sources, to confirm if he will re-examine the Pump Water Storage system at Camlough.

(AQW 6573/08)

Mr N Dodds: The lands at Camlough, South Armagh, were vested in the early 1970’s to facilitate the intended development by the former Electricity Board for Northern Ireland of a pump storage electricity generation project. Compensation was paid to various land owners at the time, based on the assessed open market value of the lands.

The pump storage system at Camlough did not proceed primarily because of the political/security situation in South Armagh during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) was given a formal consent by the Regulator on 29 September 1997 to dispose of the vested lands in accordance with a formal disposal strategy, and the majority of it has been sold. In addition, NIE has sold off the major plant items that were to be employed in the facility.

New Hospitals in Omagh and Enniskillen

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, given the advanced stage in the development plans for the new hospitals in Omagh and Enniskillen, to detail the work that has been carried out by his Department with construction and engineering companies in (i) the South West; and (ii) the West, to prepare these companies for the opportunities that will arise in the building of these new hospitals.

(AQW 6579/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI provides information on an ongoing basis to client companies regarding opportunities arising from Olympics 2012, the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland and the National Development Plan. In addition we are encouraging clients to exploit opportunities arising from the sustainability agenda, by supporting their research and development activities.

Invest NI support is directed at encouraging clients to strive for continuous improvement, including improving areas such as supply chain management, strategic management, marketing activities and process improvement.

The aim of our work with such clients is to improve the overall competitiveness of their offering with particular reference to the ability to compete in markets external to Northern Ireland.

Invest NI are liaising with a number of the final bidders in relation to these specific contracts with a view to facilitating a supply chain initiative in September 2008.

Employee Jobs By Industry

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the specific industry sectors that have declined in the last 2 years in the East Antrim constituency.

(AQW 6624/08)

Mr N Dodds: Estimates of the number of employee jobs below Northern Ireland level are only available from the Census of Employment on a biennial basis and the most up-to-date figures relate to September 2005.

Estimates of the number of employee jobs by industry section at September 2003 and September 2005 and the change over this period for East Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area can be found in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Number of employee jobs¹ by industry section in East Antrim Parliamentary Constituency Area at September 2003 and September 2005, change and percentage change

Industry Section Description	Section (SIC 2003)	September 2003	September 2005	Change 2003-2005	% Change 2003-2005
Agriculture¹, Hunting & Forestry	A	*	*	*	*
Fishing	B	*	*	*	*
Mining & Quarrying	C	*	*	*	*
Manufacturing	D	3,646	4,010	364	10.0%
Electricity, Gas & Water Supply	E	290	239	-51	-17.6%
Construction	F	643	661	18	2.8%
Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repairs	G	3,117	3,178	61	2.0%
Hotels & Restaurants	H	1,533	1,510	-23	-1.5%
Transport, Storage & Communication	I	1,386	1,257	-129	-9.3%
Financial Intermediation	J	380	441	61	16.1%
Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities	K	803	872	69	8.6%
Public Administration & Defence	L	1,066	984	-82	-7.7%
Education	M	3,968	4,277	309	7.8%
Health & Social Work	N	2,292	2,368	76	3.3%
Other Services	O	1,155	1,154	-1	-0.1%
Services	G-O	15,700	16,041	341	2.2%
Total¹	A-O	20,437	21,131	694	3.4%

* Not shown due to either no employees or confidentiality constraints

¹ Figures exclude agriculture but include animal husbandry service activities and hunting, trapping and game propagation.

Industry in East Antrim

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the specific industry sectors that are identified as having (i) growth potential; and (ii) new introduction potential, for the East Antrim constituency.

(AQW 6626/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI works with those Northern Ireland businesses in the manufacturing and tradeable services industry sectors that demonstrate the greatest potential for growth through increasing exports and improving productivity by becoming more internationally competitive.

With regards to the East Antrim Parliamentary Constituency, Invest NI is working with a significant number of clients operating in the advanced manufacturing, specialist engineering, life sciences and ICT sectors. In the period 1^st April 2002 to 31^st March 2007, Invest NI provided nearly £41m of assistance to them to undertake growth projects. This assistance leveraged gross investment of over £142m.

In addition to enhancing the competitiveness of existing businesses, Invest NI also seeks to attract value-added foreign direct investment (FDI) in higher productivity sectors to Northern Ireland. The East Antrim constituency, in common with the rest of Northern Ireland, has a number of key selling points that makes the region attractive to inward investors, particularly, though not exclusively, those operating in the ICT, Business Services and Financial Services Sectors. These key selling points include a highly educated workforce, competitive operating costs, advanced telecoms infrastructure, excellent university / business linkages and a pro-business environment. The attractiveness of the East Antrim constituency is demonstrated by the fact that the region secured 7 FDI projects between 1^st April 2002 and 31^st March 2007 that promoted nearly 470 new jobs and over £62m of investment.

Invest NI works with Northern Ireland’s public and private research bases to support the commercialisation of intellectual property. Specifically in relation to the East Antrim constituency, the agency has supported large investments in R&D by the University of Ulster and FG Wilson that have the potential to deliver exciting new products, developments and opportunities in the advanced engineering and ICT sectors.

Sustainable Competitiveness Programme

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5366/08, to detail the work he will undertake to assist local councils with applications for funding through the new European Regional Development Fund Competitiveness Programme.

(AQW 6675/08)

Mr N Dodds: DETI officials have met with Chief Executives and Economic Development Officials across all of the 26 District Councils and have invited them to submit individual project application forms for the Local Economic Development measure of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Competitiveness Programme. Additionally, DETI has organised a series of workshops covering all Council areas to be attended by funders with a potential input to make. These workshops will enable Councils to discuss project ideas and find best fit before submitting applications.

First stage assessment documentation for local economic development proposals was issued to the 26 District Councils on 28^th April 2008. This stage is intended to give applicants the opportunity to test ideas with the Department before engaging on a full application. Upon receipt, a preliminary assessment will be undertaken and guidance offered to the applicant on how to proceed.

Lough Neagh Partnership

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to further develop Lough Neagh as a tourist attraction over the next five years.

(AQW 6676/08)

Mr N Dodds: The draft Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Corporate Plan 2008-2011 identifies a number of tourism product portfolios. There will be an opportunity for bodies, including the Lough Neagh Partnership, to bid for delivery of elements from within these product portfolios to address the provision of unique Northern Ireland product to sell within the marketplace.

Lough Neagh currently features in marketing activity undertaken by the NITB and Tourism Ireland (TIL) which is driven through websites, publications and targeted campaigns to promote tourism growth to Northern Ireland.

Partnership is clearly the best way forward for successful tourism development and delivery. Within this context the Lough Neagh Partnership has played a leading role in the Lough’s development. DETI and its agencies will continue to work with relevant partners to ensure continued progress in the development of Lough Neagh.

I understand that under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2001-2006 the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has provided £3.2m towards the implementation of a Lough Neagh Strategy managed by the Lough Neagh Partnership. The new programme will provide further opportunities for developments around Lough Neagh.

In addition, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure has worked in partnership with local authorities and others to develop the Lough’s water-based leisure potential, including grant aiding a number of projects around its shoreline, for example refurbishing the Maid of Antrim and the Blackwater and Lough Neagh Canoe Trails.

Tourist Board Promotion

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans to increase the number of tourists from (a) the rest of the United Kingdom; (b) the Republic of Ireland; (c) the European Union; and (d) the rest of the world, to tourist attractions at Lough Neagh.

(AQW 6677/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has responsibility for marketing Northern Ireland in the Irish Republic. It employs websites, publications, targeted campaigns and its Tourism Information Centre and office in Dublin to promote tourism growth in Northern Ireland as a whole. Lough Neagh and its attractions are included in these marketing formats. Information on Lough Neagh is also available from partner organisations and their websites such as the Regional Tourism Partnerships and the Lough Neagh Partnership and the Countryside Access and Activities Network.

NITB campaigns in the Irish Republic are planned for the summer and autumn.

Tourism Ireland (TIL) features information on Lough Neagh and its hinterland in its suite of publications, and websites, which are made available for potential visitors in GB and all major markets overseas.

The area features in a number of sections of TIL’s 36 international websites as a centre for watersports, coarse and game fishing, birdwatching, equestrian activities, golf, cycling and for more general leisure pursuits such as walking, boating and cruising, and for accommodation, restaurants and things to do and see.

The TIL Coarse Angling guide, produced in cooperation with the NITB, shows the fishery at Portglenone on its cover. It is published in four language versions for overseas distribution. Lough Neagh also features in TIL’s Walking and Cycling Guides.

Lough Neagh features in TIL’s Food Guide which was launched by
Paul Rankin at the BBC Good Food Show last November at the NEC in Birmingham. Famous Lough Neagh eels are among the highlights included in the guide.

Lough Neagh, Ardboe and St Colman’s Monastery feature in Tourism Ireland’s new Car Touring guide which was published in April for distribution in Great Britain and other markets.

Long Term Unemployment Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of long-term unemployed (i) in total; and (ii) as a proportion of all unemployed people, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6734/08)

Mr N Dodds: The numbers of long-term unemployed claimants (i) in total and (ii) expressed as a proportion of all claimants in each of the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Constituencies at April 2008 are provided in the table below.

Parliamentary Constituency	Long-Term Claimant Count Unemployed	Proportion of all Claimant Count Unemployed
Belfast East	120	13.7
Belfast North	355	18.7
Belfast South	255	20.6
Belfast West	690	24.3
East Antrim	155	13.6
East Londonderry	195	13.4
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	205	18.3
Foyle	530	19.1
Lagan Valley	105	12.4
Mid Ulster	85	10.8
Newry & Armagh	210	15.7
North Antrim	195	14.9
North Down	135	16.0
South Antrim	155	16.4
South Down	155	12.7
Strangford	155	16.9
Upper Bann	130	9.6
West Tyrone	310	18.7
Northern Ireland	4,150	16.8

All figures are rounded to the nearest 5 and therefore do not sum to Northern Ireland total.

Growth in Industry Sectors

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the specific industry sectors that are identified as having (i) growth potential; and (ii) new introduction potential, for the North Down parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6820/08)

(i) Invest NI is working with a significant number of clients operating in the advanced manufacturing, specialist engineering, business services and ICT sectors. In the North Down Constituency, in the period 1^st April 2002 to 31^st March 2007, it provided over £12 million of financial assistance to them to undertake growth projects. This assistance leveraged planned investment of nearly £47million.

(ii) Invest NI also seeks to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in higher productivity sectors to Northern Ireland. The constituency has a number of selling points that makes its attractive to inward investors, particularly, though not exclusively, those operating in the ICT, Business Services and Financial Services Sectors. These include a highly educated workforce, competitive operating costs, advanced telecoms infrastructure, and a pro-business environment. The attractiveness of the constituency is demonstrated by the fact that 5 FDI projects located there between 1^st April 2002 and 31^st March 2007, promoting 614 new jobs and leveraging planned investment of £12 million.

Industry Sector Employment

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the specific industry sectors that have declined in the last five years in the North Down parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6821/08)

Estimates of the number of employee jobs by industry section at September 2003 and September 2005 and the change over this period for North Down Parliamentary Constituency Area can be found in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Number of employee jobs¹ by industry section in North Down Parliamentary Constituency Area at September 2003 and September 2005, change and percentage change

Industry Section Description	Section (SIC 2003)	September 2003	September 2005	Change 2003-2005	% Change 2003-2005
Agriculture¹, Hunting & Forestry	A	*	*	*	*
Fishing	B	*	*	*	*
Mining & Quarrying	C	*	*	*	*
Manufacturing	D	1,995	1,637	-358	-17.9%
Electricity, Gas & Water Supply	E	*	*	*	*
Construction	F	862	894	32	3.7%
Wholesale & Retail Trade; Repairs	G	5,065	5,421	356	7.0%
Hotels & Restaurants	H	2,321	2,401	80	3.4%
Transport, Storage & Communication	I	543	495	-48	-8.8%
Financial Intermediation	J	447	418	-29	-6.5%
Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities	K	1,626	1,995	369	22.7%
Public Administration & Defence	L	2,374	2,346	-28	-1.2%
Education	M	2,299	2,607	308	13.4%
Health & Social Work	N	3,404	3,578	174	5.1%
Other Services	O	1,517	1,542	25	1.6%
Services	G-O	19,596	20,803	1,207	6.2%
Total¹	A-O	22,575	23,386	811	3.6%

* Not shown due to either no employees or confidentiality constraints

¹ Figures exclude agriculture but include animal husbandry service activities and hunting, trapping and game propagation.

Bio-Science and Pharmaceutical Sectors

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6333/08, to detail the reasons why the Foyle constituency is not designated as an area for potential investment in the (i) bio-science; and (ii) pharmaceutical industries.

(AQW 6837/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Life Sciences sector which includes the Bio-Science and Pharmaceutical sectors has been identified and targeted as a priority sector by Invest NI in line with the Regional Innovation Strategy. From a strategic perspective Invest NI is actively engaging with and supporting Life Sciences proposals from across all of Northern Ireland and has not therefore designated any individual constituencies as specialist areas. The Northern Ireland region is well placed to benefit from further strategic investment in this sector as it includes a number of companies operating on a global basis, two leading universities undertaking cutting edge research and has a highly skilled workforce.

I would like to assure you that Invest NI continues to actively work with existing and potential investors in the Bio-science and Pharmaceutical sectors to develop projects which have clear growth potential in international markets. Indeed, there has been significant recent investment in the Life Sciences sector. Invest NI has offered £41 million over the last four years in support of Life Sciences projects, stimulating total investment of £205 million. This Invest NI support includes £5.3m assistance towards a £18m investment in a new 120,000 sq ft factory by Perfecseal, one of the leading global suppliers of sterile packaging materials to the healthcare industry. Perfecseal which, is based in the Foyle constituency, currently employs approximately 265 staff and this includes more than 50 new jobs created to date as a result of this investment. There are also a number of significant Life Sciences projects under appraisal that will further contribute to the development of this sector in Northern Ireland.

Invest NI has also supported companies, universities and the R &D office of the DHSSPS, to attend major exhibitions in the US and Europe and has also appointed a specialist Life Sciences Consultant to generate inward investment from North America, focused on high potential start-ups. Invest NI will again be taking 12 Northern Ireland Life Sciences companies and research centres to exhibit at the International Bio exhibition being held in San Diego in June 2008. This is the largest global exhibition and conference for the bio-science and pharmaceutical sectors.

Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the amount of funding available to businesses through the Small Firms Loan Guarantee scheme in each of the last five years; (ii) the amount of funding drawn down by businesses from the scheme in each of the last five years; and (iii) the steps he is taking to promote take-up of the scheme.

(AQW 6846/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) scheme is a UK-wide initiative administered by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), which underwrites loans made by banks and other lenders to businesses under the conditions of the Scheme.

There is no set amount of funding available to businesses through the SFLG scheme but BERR places an annual ceiling on the maximum level of lending possible, applied in the form of a lending limit allocated to each lender.

The amount drawn down by Northern Ireland businesses in the period 2003/04 to 2007/08 is as follows:

Year	Amount £’000
2007/08	Not yet available
2006/07	3,374
2005/06	1,285
2004/05	4,032
2003/04	3,704

Invest NI continues to actively promote the SFLGS as a potential source of commercial funding. Start-up businesses that might avail of the scheme are made aware of it when they approach Invest NI for support and, as part of its routine negotiation process, Invest NI encourages its existing clients to look at all types of appropriate funding, including banking products and sources of private equity.

Expert Orientated Small Firms

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the assistance and support provided by Invest NI to export-oriented small firms; and (ii) the level of assistance that has been provided to such firms in the past five years, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6847/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI focuses on working with those manufacturing and tradable service businesses that demonstrate the greatest export potential and the prospect of improving productivity by becoming more internationally competitive. To qualify for Invest NI assistance or support, a business must demonstrate that currently, or over the following three years, they will:

Have total sales of over £100,000 per annum;
Have sales outside of NI greater than 25 per cent of turnover, or greater than £250,000 per annum; and,
Be capable of and willing to work with Invest NI.

For locally-owned businesses in the tradable services sector additional qualifying criteria are:

Have the potential to sustain salaries above the Northern Ireland Private Sector median; and / or,
A minimum gross profit margin of 20 per cent shown to be achievable.

A qualifying business will have access to all aspects of Invest NI’s extensive Business Development Solutions portfolio consisting of professional advice, assistance (financial and non-financial) and support for businesses across the following 6 key areas:

Strategy Development;
People Development;
Research and Development;
Exporting;
Energy Management; and
E-Business.

A copy of the Invest NI Business Development Solutions brochure can be obtained from the Publications Section on Invest N’s website at http://www.investni.com/bds_brochure_march_06.pdf.

The level of assistance that has been provided to small firms in the five year period ended 31^st March 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency, is provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1

INVEST NI ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO INDIGENOUS COMPANIES WITH LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES (SMALL & MICRO) BY PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA (2002/03 – 2006/07)

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA	2002/03		2003/04		2004/05
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)
BELFAST EAST	0.75	2.64	1.59	3.99	0.87	2.97
BELFAST NORTH	1.09	4.66	1.05	2.89	0.97	2.56
BELFAST SOUTH	1.00	3.21	4.12	14.55	2.74	8.50
BELFAST WEST	0.76	1.80	0.86	4.67	0.71	3.03
EAST ANTRIM	0.67	2.25	1.64	4.12	2.02	7.25
EAST LONDONDERRY	0.46	1.98	0.50	1.29	0.88	3.06
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	1.26	7.77	1.55	8.22	1.79	5.73
FOYLE	1.43	6.48	1.75	6.22	1.76	5.00
LAGAN VALLEY	0.52	2.60	0.71	2.79	1.81	8.14
MID ULSTER	1.67	7.30	1.83	6.90	2.48	9.87
NEWRY AND ARMAGH	1.04	6.68	1.26	5.32	1.61	6.66
NORTH ANTRIM	0.70	5.26	1.35	8.19	1.32	4.69
NORTH DOWN	0.23	0.58	2.79	9.77	0.66	2.64
SOUTH ANTRIM	0.59	1.82	1.31	3.17	1.29	5.28
SOUTH DOWN	0.64	4.33	0.63	2.72	0.97	4.78
STRANGFORD	0.61	3.61	0.92	3.51	0.76	4.59
UPPER BANN	0.79	3.62	1.77	7.12	1.40	3.93
WEST TYRONE	0.82	3.82	3.44	20.01	0.89	3.25
TOTAL	15.03	70.41	29.08	115.45	24.92	91.93

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA	2005/06		2006/07		TOTAL
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)	Assistance Offered (£m)	Planned Investment (£m)
BELFAST EAST	1.85	7.68	1.01	5.19	6.06	22.46
BELFAST NORTH	1.06	5.00	0.76	5.52	4.92	20.62
BELFAST SOUTH	1.93	7.35	0.88	4.32	10.67	37.93
BELFAST WEST	0.62	1.99	0.32	1.07	3.27	12.55
EAST ANTRIM	0.53	2.50	1.13	6.54	5.99	22.66
EAST LONDONDERRY	0.52	3.27	0.84	4.48	3.20	14.08
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	1.03	3.86	2.03	14.59	7.67	40.17
FOYLE	1.18	4.52	1.16	6.21	7.28	28.42
LAGAN VALLEY	0.82	3.46	1.99	11.95	5.86	28.93
MID ULSTER	1.41	5.94	1.49	6.90	8.88	36.91
NEWRY AND ARMAGH	0.88	5.38	1.12	5.07	5.91	29.10
NORTH ANTRIM	0.37	2.79	2.63	11.15	6.36	32.09
NORTH DOWN	0.62	3.01	0.33	1.73	4.63	17.73
SOUTH ANTRIM	1.01	6.64	0.61	3.33	4.80	20.25
SOUTH DOWN	0.79	3.21	0.74	3.65	3.77	18.68
STRANGFORD	0.90	3.75	0.57	1.60	3.76	17.06
UPPER BANN	0.42	1.55	1.31	16.76	5.69	32.98
WEST TYRONE	0.98	4.15	0.87	7.21	7.00	38.43
TOTAL	16.91	76.02	19.79	117.26	105.72	471.07

NOTES:

Table totals may not add due to rounding.
Planned Investment includes Assistance Offered.

Energy Costs

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the steps he is taking to ensure that high energy costs, in comparison to neighbouring countries, are not an obstacle to competitiveness.

(AQO 3357/08)

Mr N Dodds: Due to the recent steep rises in global wholesale oil and gas prices, energy costs in Northern Ireland, as elsewhere, have been increasing. This is unwelcome news for business and domestic consumers alike. My Department, along with the Utility Regulator, will continue to facilitate market arrangements such as the Single Electricity Market that bring downward pressure on energy prices and so reduce barriers to competitiveness.

Eco-Tourist Activities

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of people employed in eco-tourist activities.

(AQO 3393/08)

Mr N Dodds: Information on the total number of people employed in eco-tourism is not available.

Green Tourism, of which eco-tourism is an important part, is one of the fastest growing niche markets in global tourism. Northern Ireland is already tapping into this market, which draws visitors to destinations which offer genuine and authentic experiences.

Examples of the pro-active approach being taken to Green Tourism in Northern Ireland include the roles of the Causeway Coast & Glens and Mourne Heritage Trusts in terms of conservation and environmental management; and Fermanagh’s participation in the Greenbox cross-border initiative, a genuine eco-tourism destination with a set of standards based on sound environmental practices, highlighting all that this cross-border region and its people has to offer.

The success of Green Box in developing Green Tourism was recognised in its nomination for the ‘Destination’ Category in the World Tourism and Travel Council ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ Awards in May 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal, where it finished as runner up in the category won by no less prestigious an attraction than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Renewable Energy

Mr Lunn asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans to increase the amount of electricity that is generated from renewable sources.

(AQO 3439/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation (NIRO) is our main mechanism for encouraging renewable electricity generation. Renewables generation, particularly wind, in Northern Ireland has increased by some 60% since the introduction of the NIRO in 2005 and currently represents 5% of total consumption. This equates to 441 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity generated during the year to 31 March 2008.

Current proposals for reform of the NIRO – so-called "banding" proposals – would give relatively more support to emerging technologies such as tidal power and would further encourage renewables generation from non-wind sources. A consultation on amending legislation will issue within the next few months.

In terms of emerging technologies, DETI has appointed consultants to assess the potential for the sustainable development of the bioenergy sector in Northern Ireland. I have also recently agreed a work programme which will lead to the development of an offshore wind and marine renewable energy strategic action plan.

Northern Ireland’s current renewable energy target is that, by 2012, 12% of total electricity consumption will be met from indigenous renewable energy sources.

New Jobs in West Belfast and Shankill Areas

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs that have been created in West Belfast and the greater Shankill since 8 May 2007.

(AQO 3406/08)

Mr N Dodds: In answering this question I refer only to the job promotion activities of Invest NI.

Since May 2007, Invest NI has continued to work closely with its client-base within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce to identify and support development projects that promote export-led growth and improve business productivity.

Provisional results show that in the period from 8th May 2007 to 30th April 2008, Invest NI offered £1.4m in support of business development projects that will lever £7.2 million in investment commitments. Whilst not all projects are directly employment related, those that are promoted 147 new jobs. An additional 189 jobs are also expected to be created by local start-ups supported under the Start a Business Programme.

There is increasing evidence that tradeable services investment, which currently forms the majority of inward investment successes, is increasingly being attracted to city centre locations. Such locations offer access to a large and skilled labour pool, are within a reasonable travel to work area and are supported by the necessary infrastructure such as good transportation linkages and access to a range of economic and leisure amenities.

Recent inward-investment projects of this type, by companies such as Bank of Ireland, 3ParData, Firstsource Solutions and Citibank, although largely city centre-based, are in close proximity to the West Belfast and Greater Shankill areas and clearly offer employment opportunities to those living in all parts of the city and beyond.

Sports and Tourism

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the current, and potential, impact of sporting events on tourism.

(AQO 3349/08)

Mr N Dodds: Sporting events have the potential to attract visiting participants and spectators, thereby generating increased visitor revenue to the economy. They can also generate positive PR through word of mouth and through print, radio and television advertising. The annual Milk Cup tournament which takes place in July and August is an example of how the best of Northern Ireland can be put on show to visitors from five continents.

Maximising the tourism potential of sporting events in Northern Ireland involves co-operation by a range of partners. In particular, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has been developing, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland, a new 10-year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation in Northern Ireland. The contribution of sport generally, including sports matches and tournaments, to tourism has emerged as an important issue in the development of the Strategy. A final Strategy will be launched shortly.

Pre-Enterprise Initiatives

Mrs Long asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail his plans to support pre-enterprise initiatives.

(AQO 3431/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI supports a range of pre-enterprise initiatives targeted at young people, women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Within the Higher Education sector, the agency provides funding to the Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship. As a partnership between the two universities, Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship has embedded entrepreneurship across the Science, Engineering and Technology and non-Science, Engineering and Technology faculties.

Invest NI also sponsors the annual Global Entrepreneurship Week. This event is designed to inspire young people to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.

The agency offers a wide range of programmes to encourage the development of seed and early-stage companies, particularly in the technology-based sector. The Energy Research and Knowledge Transfer Group, facilitated by Invest NI, supports pre-enterprise activity by bringing together representatives from companies and individual entrepreneurs to discuss new opportunities for energy related products and services. The Group has direct links to local universities, further education colleges and Invest NI business support and research and development programmes.

Invest NI's Technical Advisory Unit offers support to pre-enterprise through the Business Innovation Link programme. This can provide individuals with financial support of up to £5,000 and advice towards product ideas that are patentable and have market potential.

Renewable Energy

Mr Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of electricity being generated from renewable sources.

(AQO 3469/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation is our main mechanism for encouraging renewable electricity generation. Renewables generation, particularly wind, in Northern Ireland has increased by some 60% since the introduction of the NIRO in 2005 and currently represents 5% of total consumption. This equates to 441 Gigawatt hours of electricity generated during the year to 31 March 2008.

Current proposals for reform of the Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation, so-called "banding" proposals, would give relatively more support to emerging technologies such as tidal power and would further encourage renewables generation from non-wind sources. A consultation on amending legislation will issue within the next few months.

Northern Ireland’s current renewable energy target is that, by 2012, 12% of total electricity consumption will be met from indigenous renewable energy sources.

Regional Tourism Partnerships

Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the support that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board is providing to the regional tourism partnerships.

(AQO 3421/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has discussed core service level agreements with all four of the Regional Tourism Partnerships. These will cover services required by NITB in support of key priorities and objectives and funding for 2008 to 2009. Arrangements for subsequent years will be the subject of further discussion.

In addition, a fund of £2 million per annum is being established to support the key areas of product development proposed in NITB’s draft Corporate Plan covering the period 2008 to 2011. RTPs will be able to bid for additional funds from this source.

Local SME's Incentives

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give a commitment that local entrepreneurs will receive the same economic incentives to grow their businesses that will be afforded to potential foreign investors who attend the forthcoming Economic Investment conference.

(AQO 3466/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland economy will improve and prosper by increasing the number and quality of businesses with sufficient scale to compete globally. Invest NI can contribute to the achievement of this goal by encouraging its clients, most of which are locally-owned Small and Medium Enterprises, to realise their full potential.

To this end, Invest NI will work with manufacturing and tradeable service businesses in Northern Ireland with the potential to improve productivity and become more internationally competitive. The agency is strongly committed to work with its locally-owned clients to encourage the achievement of challenging targets in relation to export growth, business expenditure in Research and Development, and increased and higher salary levels.

Between 2002 and 2007, Invest NI offered £631m of assistance to stimulate over £2.6 billion of business- related investment in the Northern Ireland economy. Almost 54% of this assistance related to its locally-owned clients.

Preliminary results for 2007/08 indicate that the agency has secured a further £692 million of investment commitments, 54% of which again is in support of locally-owned businesses. The vast majority of the agency's offers, almost 1,500 in total, were for less than £10,000 and most of these were to locally-owned SMEs. Within this, Invest NI’s Regional Office Network saw a 52% increase in the number of offers approved compared to 2006/07.

This high level of activity signals the increasing ambition of Invest NI's locally-owned SME clients to achieve the scale necessary to compete effectively in global markets.

Corporation Tax Review

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what contingency plans he has to promote indigenous business growth, given that the Varney Review has not allowed for lower corporation tax in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 3429/08)

Mr N Dodds: I was disappointed that Sir David Varney was not persuaded on the merits of a lower rate of corporation tax, although his conclusion on this matter was not unexpected.

The second Varney review has identified removing the barriers to business growth as a key way to improve the local economy. As with many of the recommendations, we are already working to achieve this. In particular, my Department has, and will continue to target investment to increase innovation and exports, and improve energy and telecoms infrastructure.

Furthermore, between 2002 and 2007, Invest NI offered £631m of assistance to stimulate over £2.6 billion of business-related investment in the Northern Ireland economy. Almost 54% of the assistance was directed toward locally owned businesses.

DETI remains committed to promoting enterprise locally and attracting Foreign Direct Investment, which will provide further business opportunities for the local private sector in the future.

NI and ROI Economy

Ms Lo asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of how the economy compares to that of the Republic of Ireland.

(AQO 3434/08)

Mr N Dodds: Comparisons with the Irish Republic are not particularly valid, as it has access to a broader range of economic levers, including control over fiscal policy.

It is well known that the Irish Republic has been one of the strongest performing EU economies for a number of years. However, it is starting to feel the impact of the global economic slowdown. For example, the Economic and Social Research Institute expects growth in the Irish Republic to slow to 1.8% in 2008. This is the lowest rate since the early 1990s, and is lower than the growth forecast for Northern Ireland in 2008 (estimated by Oxford Economics to be 2.4%).

Furthermore, the unemployment rate in the Irish Republic has been increasing over recent months and is now higher than that in Northern Ireland (Irish Republic – 5.0% for December 2007 to February 2008; Northern Ireland – 4.2% for the same period

Tourism

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the action his Department and tourist agencies are taking to market the tourist potential of the Northern Ireland soccer team.

(AQO 3347/08)

Mr N Dodds: Tourism Ireland has used international home and away soccer fixtures as opportunities to showcase Northern Ireland and to generate media interest in key European markets.

For example, Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, generated positive media coverage by facilitating visits to Northern Ireland by Swedish and Danish journalists who attended the Euro 2008 qualifying matches. These matches were used as part of broader itineraries which showcased Northern Ireland’s varied tourism product.

ENVIRONMENT

Planning Applications

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the impact of planning circular PC 03/07 on applications for apartments and other high density developments.

(AQW 6078/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): Planning Service has confirmed that permission for the use of the ground floor of 9-11 Church Street, Ballymena as an office has not been granted. I can also confirm that my Department is currently investigating two properties in Church Street, Ballymena for unauthorised changes of use and will progress appropriate action if required.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the anticipated running costs for an Environmental Protection Agency.

(AQW 6301/08)

Mrs A Foster: If an independent Environmental Protection Agency were to be established, additional costs would arise from running and servicing a Board and from running the Agency as a separate legal entity. At today’s prices, it is estimated that it would cost an additional £350,000 per annum for a new Board and supporting staff and an additional £250,000 per annum for additional administrative and scientific staff in core DOE. Additional costs are likely to arise from diseconomies of scale and the need to buy in services which are currently provided by the Department.

In addition to these extra recurring costs it is estimated that the non-recurring costs of setting up the Agency could amount to £2.5m.

Driving License Applications

Mr McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of people who have been waiting for at least (i) three months; (ii) four months; (iii) five months; and (iv) six or more months, to have their driving licences renewed or sent back to them from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

(AQW 6456/08)

Mrs A Foster: As at 1 May 2008 no ordinary driving licence applications were waiting more than 3 months and DVA was meeting its target of dispatching 94% of all licences within 10 working days.

For those applications where a medical condition had been declared there were 854 outstanding for more than 3 months. The 854 cannot be broken down into the categories requested without disproportionate costs.

Medical applications require referral to the DVA’s medical advisers and usually further referral to the applicants GP and /or consultant for further information.

Some cases will require more than one referral for medical information. DVA has no control over the response times from GPs and consultants.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of working days lost by her Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6503/08)

Mrs A Foster: From 1 May 2006 to 30 April 2007 3,876 working days were lost by the Department due to stress-related illnesses.

From 1 May 2007 to 30 April 2008 4,794 working days were lost by the Department due to stress-related illnesses.

New Councils

Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the new powers she is proposing to give the 11 new councils.

(AQW 6525/08)

Mrs A Foster: The new powers were set out in my Statement to the Assembly on 31 March 2008.

Redundancies and Pension Rights

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm if her department carried out any research into (i) the number of potential job losses; and (ii) the cost to the Exchequer in redundancies and pension rights, in relation to her decision to adopt model 11(b).

(AQW 6571/08)

Mrs A Foster: As I indicated in my Statement to the Assembly on 31 March the reform package that will be implemented is fundamentally different from that announced by the previous administration. In this context my officials are working closely with colleagues in DFP, with the Departments transferring functions and with local government to develop a robust cost / benefit model for the programme, taking account of the analysis of service delivery options.

Reduction of Councils

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the proposed savings which will be made as a result of adopting model 11(b) for the reform of local government.

(AQW 6572/08)

Mrs A Foster: As I indicated to the Assembly on 31 March, when I set out the future shape of local government, I expect the savings from the reduction in the number of Councils to be at least in the order of £15 million a year.

Scottish Marine Bill

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to give her assessment of the Scottish Marine Bill that will extend warranty on the United Nations Law of the Sea Monitoring System to 200 miles.

(AQW 6580/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Scottish Government announced its intention in June 2007 to introduce a Scottish Marine Bill and established the Sustainable Seas Task Force to take that work forward. The work of the Task Force is still ongoing and proposals for legislation have not yet emerged.

Illegal Dumping

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of cases of illegal dumping identified in each of the 26 local government districts in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6593/08)

Mrs A Foster: The details set out below relate to the number of incidents (4,004 in total) of alleged illegal waste activities reported to EHS. One site/activity may account for more than one incident.

	YEAR	YEAR	YEAR
COUNCIL	2005	2006	2007
Antrim	60	65	66
Ards	92	99	60
Armagh	74	65	49
Ballymena	32	64	56
Ballymoney	18	8	14
Banbridge	42	41	24
Belfast	58	67	83
Carrickfergus	10	26	12
Castlereagh	24	31	19
Coleraine	29	33	33
Cookstown	44	45	34
Craigavon	83	106	73
Derry City	34	43	33
Down	75	98	87
Dungannon	76	93	116
Fermanagh	51	91	64
Larne	24	31	25
Limavady	46	36	33
Lisburn	96	68	90
Magherafelt	30	39	46
Moyle	19	26	13
Newry and Mourne	90	72	79
Newtownabbey	50	51	55
North Down	34	16	12
Omagh	57	58	37
Strabane	80	39	52
Totals	1328	1411	1265

Emergency Planning Grant

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of emergency planning funding given to each local council in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6596/08)

Mrs A Foster: Article 29(10) of the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 provides for the payment of Emergency Planning Grant by my Department to district councils. The grant, which was introduced in 2006/2007 is payable to Belfast City Council and each of four employer councils, designated under the Local Government (Employment of Group Environmental Health Staff) Order (Northern Ireland) 1994. The Local Government Emergency Management Group determines the distribution of the grant available and payments are made quarterly, in arrears.

Details of the grant allocation and payments for 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 are set out in the table below.

Environmental Health Groups	Constituent Councils	2006/2007Grant allocation£	2006/2007Grant Payment£	2007/2008Grant allocation£	2007/2008Grant Payment£
Belfast	Belfast	37,700	37,700	60,000	60,000
Northern		99,400	99,400	143,750	0
	Antrim
	Ballymena
	Ballymoney
	Carrickfergus
	Coleraine
	Cookstown
	Larne
	Magherafelt
	Moyle
	Newtownabbey
Southern		64,300	64,300	98,750	74,962
	Armagh
	Banbridge
	Craigavon
	Dungannon and South Tyrone
	Newry and Mourne
Eastern		64,300	64,300	98,750	98,750
	Ards
	Castlereagh
	Down
	Lisburn
	North Down
Western		64,300	64,300	98,750	67,043
	Derry
	Fermanagh
	Limavady
	Omagh
	Strabane
Totals		330,000	330,000	500,000	300,755

The balance of grant payable for 2007 / 2008 has been accrued and will be paid as soon as claims have been substantiated. My Department is working closely with the Northern Group so that their outstanding claims may be presented in such a way that will satisfy auditors.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the websites that come under her Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6605/08)

Mrs A Foster: The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. The table includes the number of visits since devolution as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.

It is not possible to provide a figure on the cost of maintaining each site as a disaggregated figure for site maintenance is not held.

Websites that come under the Department’s responsibility:

Website	Visits	Page views
www.coastalmarineni.com	1,086	17,395
www.doeni.gov.uk	242,215	847,736
www.boundarycommission.org.uk	11,417	34,701
www.regni.info	30,173	92,181
www.roadsafetyni.gov.uk	154,214	411,698
www.roadsafetyni.gov.uk/education	37,542	156,320
www.ehsni.gov.uk	468,011	3,319,416
www.wakeuptowaste.org	20,117	94,250
www.kidsagainstwaste.org	4,362	25,553
www.peatlandsni.gov.uk	64,206	219,450
www.dvani.gov.uk	119,915	137,902
www.dvlni.gov.uk	1,893,180	527,348
www.planningni.gov.uk	992,525	3,517,019
www.dvtani.gov.uk	Not available	Not available

Reform of Planning System

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to explain why the Departmental press release of 29 November 2007 announcing Planning System Reform included material contributed and directly attributed to the Construction Employees Federation.

(AQW 6618/08)

Mrs A Foster: I publicly announced my intention to take forward a comprehensive medium to long-term programme of reform for the planning system at the "Exploring the Future of Planning in Northern Ireland" conference held at the Culloden Hotel, Belfast on 29^th November 2007. The press release to which you refer was issued on the day of the conference in order to highlight my announcement.

The conference was organised by BMF Business Services, a private conference firm, and was attended by a range of key stakeholders in the planning system here. The conference was sponsored by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and supported by Planning Service. I used the opening address at the conference to announce the reform programme and John Armstrong, Managing Director of the CEF, was also one of a number of guest speakers at the event.

There is no Departmental policy regarding the inclusion of quotes from non-governmental third parties in Departmental press releases. It is, nevertheless, a standard and widely accepted practice to include quotes from non-governmental third parties in Departmental press releases, providing that the quote is relevant. The quote provided by the CEF was clearly relevant in this instance as it referred directly to my announcement. Taking this into account and given the fact that the announcement was made at a conference which the CEF also sponsored and spoke at, it is clear that their contribution to the press release was entirely appropriate and acceptable.

Planning Applications

Mr Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the total number of planning applications applied for single dwellings in the countryside in each of 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006; and (ii) for these planning applications, the number that were for replacement dwellings.

(AQW 6620/08)

Mrs A Foster: You will recall I wrote to all Members in December 2007 advising of the new arrangements for the preparation and publication of planning statistics. The statistics for 2006/07 are available and those for the years 2002/03 and 2005/06 will be published in October 2008.

At present, I am able to provide figures for the 2006/07 financial year only. In 2006/07, Planning Service received 2,342 planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside of which 1,312 were for replacement dwellings.

Seaweed in Ards Peninsula

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the conditions in which Ards Council is permitted to remove seaweed on the eastern side of the Ards peninsula.

(AQW 6643/08)

Mrs A Foster: Environment and Heritage Service issued a notice to Ards Borough Council on 2 April 2008 in accordance with Article 39(3) of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 assenting the removal of seaweed at the five locations on the eastern side of the Ards Peninsula. The condition that was applied to the removal of seaweed from the five locations was as follows –

Rotting seaweed may be removed from the soft, sandy areas above high water mark between 1 April 2008 and 30 September 2008, using a JCB and tractor, both fitted with agri-grip tyres, and this material may be placed below the high water mark.

Driver Vehicle Testing Agency

Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of registered driving instructors in operation.

(AQW 6659/08)

Mrs A Foster: At the end of March 2008, there were 933 registered driving instructors listed on the ADI (Approved Driving Instructors) register maintained by the Driver & Vehicle Agency.

Driver Vehicle Testing Agency

Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the safeguards afforded to registered driving instructors.

(AQW 6661/08)

Mrs A Foster: Registered driving instructors, commonly known as Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), have the endorsement of the Department of the Environment as they undergo a three part test to assess not only their driving ability but their ability to instruct and rigorous character checks. They are issued with a certificate which they can show to prospective customers. In addition the Driver & Vehicle Agency offers instructors a facility to include their names on its website and advises customers enquiring about ADIs that they are listed on the register.

Driving Instructor Identification

Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment if she has any plans to make identification of registered driving instructors easier for prospective customers.

(AQW 6663/08)

Mrs A Foster: New powers in the Road Traffic (NI) Order 2007 provide for the mandatory display of Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) certificates, in the vehicle in which they are instructing. These provisions will become law in the autumn. It is hoped that this will make it easier for pupils and their parents to assure themselves of the legitimacy of the instructor they have chosen and for the enforcement agencies to detect illegal instruction.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) continues to encourage ADIs to allow the Agency to post their name and contact details on its website although a majority of ADIs choose not to.

Driver Vehicle Testing Agency

Mr Spratt asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of illegal driving instructors identified by her Department in the last two years.

(AQW 6664/08)

Mrs A Foster: Reports of illegal instruction generally come from Driving Instructors and Driving Examiners and there have been about 20 reported cases in the last two years. However, it is difficult to substantiate these reports and separate those instructing illegally from those teaching friends and family. The illegality occurs if someone accepts payment for instruction and, despite the efforts of the Agency to gather evidence, it has proved difficult to obtain this from learner drivers. In one recent case, where there was substantial evidence, PSNI secured a conviction for illegal driving instruction.

EU Funding

Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the EU funding surrendered by her Department in each of the last 2 financial years.

(AQW 6668/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department administers environmental projects under the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme 2000-2006.

In addition, my Department, along with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Republic of Ireland, jointly administers environmental projects under Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland Cross-Border INTERREG IIIA Programme.

In 2006-07, Environment and Heritage Service (EHS), on behalf of the DOE, surrendered £257k reflecting a reduction in the level of anticipated grant claims expected from the two EU programmes that it manages.

In 2007-08, EHS, on behalf of the DOE, surrendered £179k.

Seaweed in Ards Peninsula

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action (i) her department; and (ii) the Environment and Heritage Service, will take to address the problem of flies congregating on rotting seaweed on the Irish Sea side of the Ards Peninsula.

(AQW 6715/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department has no responsibility regarding flies congregating on rotting seaweed on the Ards Peninsula.

Media Monitoring

Mr Savage asked the Minister of the Environment how much she has spent on media monitoring since devolution.

(AQW 6717/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department has spent £9532.06 on media monitoring for the period 1 May 2007 to 31 March 2008.

Grouse Population

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the (i) figures; and (ii) information, used to determine that the red grouse population has reduced by 60% in the last 30 years, as stated in the Northern Ireland Species Plan.

(AQW 6719/08)

Mrs A Foster: The most up to date published figures are provided in two major atlases of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland and were used to determine that the red grouse population has reduced by 60% in the last 30 years.

Information is published in The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland by Sharrock et al., 1976 which indicates that there were 421 breeding pairs of red grouse in Ireland.

The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991 by Gibbons et al., 1993 indicates that the population had declined to 141 breeding pairs of red grouse in Ireland.

These two population estimates indicate "a decline of over 60% (in Ireland) in the last 30 years" as stated in the species action plan.

Grouse Population

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the discussions she has had with shooting organisations to determine the figures for grouse population.

(AQW 6720/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Northern Ireland red grouse population was estimated in 2004 mainly using recognised field survey methodology.

Additional data were gathered by collating all available records of red grouse sightings provided by CEDaR (Centre for Environmental Data and Recording) and NIBA (Northern Ireland Birdwatchers Association). Other records were obtained from a variety of sources including a number of private individuals. The authors of the 2004 report discussed grouse populations with a number of field sportsmen and consulted with Mr Roger Pollen, Director of BASC (The British Association for Shooting and Conservation) in Northern Ireland.

Planning Service Recruitment

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6089/08, to detail the action she has taken to increase staffing levels to expedite the processing of planning applications.

(AQW 6721/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Planning Service is making efforts to recruit and appoint staff to fill its vacancies. A new competition to recruit additional permanent PTO planners will be launched shortly. As an interim measure the Agency has appointed casual PTOs to fill vacancies temporarily. It is also continuing with a series of internal staff promotions to ensure knowledge and experience at all levels.

AQW 6089/08 specifically referred to sick absence levels in the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office. I am pleased to advise that those vacancies have now largely been filled.

Planning Applications

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications that have been with her Department's road section at Rathkelter House, Downpatrick, for up to (i) 6 months; (ii) 12 months; (iii) 18 months; and (iv) 24 months.

(AQW 6722/08)

Mrs A Foster: I regret accurate figures for this sort of information are not kept in the Planning Service’s current electronic data recovery and storage system – 20/20. The figures could only be determined by a manual exercise in the Divisional Planning Office and this could not be done in the time available and would incur disproportionate costs.

Land Fill Sites

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the actions that her Department will take to protect the human rights of communities who have had multiple applications for land fill sites in their areas.

(AQW 6773/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials in Planning Service are required to determine planning applications on their individual planning merits. They have regard to all material planning considerations in the process of arriving at a decision. The rights of communities could be considered to be a material consideration.

The Department’s decisions on planning applications are taken with regard to the relevant development plan and published planning policies, both of which are assessed for human rights compliance.

The protection of human rights is therefore embodied in the decision making process for planning applications. This applies in all circumstances.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of the Environment to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in her Department that were absent due to stress for more than (i) 5 days; (ii) 10 days; (iii) 15 days; (iv) 20 days; (v) 25 days; (vi) 30 days; (vii) 35 days; and (viii) 40 days, broken down by grade.

(AQW 6822/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department’s Human Resource Management System (HRMS) is unable to supply the level of detail requested. The following is the number of staff absent due to stress in each of the last 5 years irrespective of the number of days absent or their grade.

Period No of staff

22 May 2003 - 21 May 2004
111

22 May 2004 - 21 May 2005
71

22 May 2005 - 21 May 2006
69

22 May 2006 - 21 May 2007
93

22 May 2007 - 21 May 2008
84

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the websites that come under the Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6442/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of DFP. The table includes the number of visitors since devolution as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visits to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement. It is not possible to provide a figure on the cost of maintaining each site as a figure for site maintenance is not held centrally and would attract a disproportionate cost to obtain.

Websites that come under DFP’s responsibility:

Website	Visitors	Page views
www.dfpni.gov.uk	187,642	1,022,156
www.workplace2010ni.org	2,514	8,182
www.cpdni.gov.uk	61,331	359,436
www.interchange.org.uk	15,858	7,439
www.civilservicepensions-ni.gov.uk	162,289	459,040
www.lpsni.gov.uk	210,353	1,035,889
www.lrni.gov.uk	96,262	12,002,873***
www.nisra.gov.uk	195,863	836,219
www.equality.nisra.gov.uk *	192,206	36,609
www.csu.nisra.gov.uk **	6,524	13,942
www.ninis.gov.uk *	77,413	886,478
www.nicensus2001.gov.uk *	16,872	20,450
www.nica.nisra.gov.uk *	6,268	31,331
www.groni.gov.uk *	317,300*	1,197,996
www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk	10,181	74,958
www.nicsrecruitment.gov.uk	321,945	1,284,224
www.pay.nics.gov.uk	4,236	18,350
www.aasdni.gov.uk	23,936	80,484
www.onlineni.net	134,950	903,630
Handbook.nics.gov.uk	507	847
Spring.dfpni.gov.uk	3,223	4,796
www.dfpni.gov.uk/europeanfunding	8,396	34,432

*These figures relate to the period 8 May 2007 to end of 2 February 2008. Since this date these websites have been undergoing redevelopment.

**These figures relate to the period 3 February 2008 to 2 May 2008. Web Hosting, Delivery and Innovation Division, has advised that statistics are not available for this site prior to 3 February this year.

***This figure is for hits only, as web hosting for www.lrni.gov.uk is provided by BT and is calculated differently.

Civil Service Commuter Statistics

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of civil servants who commute (i) on a daily basis; and (ii) at least once a week, from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast.

(AQW 6521/08)

Mr P Robinson: The information requested is not available.

Absences

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the average number of days sick leave that were taken by staff in each Department.

(AQW 6602/08)

Mr P Robinson: The details requested are set out in the attached table.

These details are published annually and are available on website http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/pub-res-sick-absence. Copies are also placed in the Library.

Average number of days sick absence in last 5 years

	DSD	DEL	DFP	DE	DOE	DHSSPS	DARD	OFMDFM	DCAL	DETI	DRD	Overall
2002/2003	19.1	18.7	13.6	12.5	14.5	13.2	13.4	12.2	13.8	12.7	10.7	15.4
2003/2004	19.7	17.7	14.3	11.7	13.4	12.3	12.4	12.6	15.1	11.8	12.0	15.5
2004/2005	19.4	14.7	13.7	12.8	12.0	9.5	11.5	8.6	11.0	9.9	10.2	14.2
2005/2006	18.3	14.0	13.0	12.9	11.1	10.7	11.1	8.6	10.3	10.7	8.2	13.4
2006/2007	18.7	14.5	12.4	12.2	11.5	11.4	11.1	10.7	10.5	10.0	9.2	13.7

Peace III Programme

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what plans it has to address the issues raised in the Border Protestant Community and the EU Peace Programmes Report, published by the Special European Union Programmes Body, which has indicated residual discrimination and sectarianism against protestants in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 6611/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Special EU Programmes Body, in its role as Managing Authority for the PEACE III Programme, has made the Report available to all six local authorities of the Border Region of the Republic. Each local authority is currently developing a peace and reconciliation action plan under Theme 1.1 of PEACE III, Building Positive Relations at the Local Level. SEUPB’s expectation is that these plans will address issues raised in the Report. The Report’s recommendations will also be addressed through the PEACE III theme Acknowledging and Dealing with the Past and through general Programme implementation.

The Report recommended that provision be made in PEACE III for single identity funding. PEACE III will fund single identity activities where these can build community capacity for cross community engagement.

SEUPB will continue its work to ensure a fair allocation of programme funds. As before, SEUPB will promote the Programme throughout the eligible area and will encourage applications from all communities in all areas. EU PEACE funding will continue to be allocated objectively on the basis of the quality of the applications received. Applications will be assessed openly and transparently using the agreed selection criteria which reflect the programme’s distinctive aims.

Equal Pay

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans his Department has to address equal pay issues in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

(AQW 6907/08)

Mr P Robinson: Equal Pay issues are not new to the public sector. I am aware that the devolved administration has inherited a number of potentially significant and serious issues that need to be resolved. This may involve a considerable number of civil servants. While there may be serious financial implications for the Executive I am not prepared to follow the trend of those who have preceded me and leave the equal pay issue unresolved. This is a test of the extent the Executive stands over its Programme for Government and its commitment to the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. The Executive are agreed that this issue must be tackled. I have instructed my officials to address this issue as a matter of urgency. The first step is to establish the size and scope of potential equal pay issues and what options might exist for resolving them. In parallel, I have asked officials to commence discussions with Trade Union Side on this matter.

Renewable Energy

Mr Burnside asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of public buildings with alternative energy supplies.

(AQO 3400/08)

Mr P Robinson: Within the DFP managed office estate, two buildings are currently equipped with alternative energy supplies. Solar panels, ground water cooling and photo-voltaic panels are installed at Clare House and a combined heat and power (CHP) plant is in operation in Stormont House.

In addition 22% of the energy consumed in the estate was purchased from renewable sources (green electricity) during the 2005/06 financial year.

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost to the Health Service for treating sexually transmitted diseases.

(AQW 6407/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): During 2007/08 the specialty of Genito-Urinary medicine incurred direct costs of approximately £3.661m. In addition to the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases this service also provides related services such as precautionary testing and family planning. Minor sexually transmitted diseases will also have been treated by GP’s.

Family Planning Clinics

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if there are family planning clinics in all hospitals.

(AQW 6414/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Health Service family planning clinics are provided in the following hospitals:

Craigavon Area Hospital
Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry
Erne Hospital, Enniskillen;
Ulster Hospital Dundonald
Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast,
Belfast City Hospital
Royal Maternity Hospital Belfast
Bangor Community Hospital
Newtownards Community Hospital
IUD clinic at Braid Valley Hospital, Ballymena

Family planning clinics are also provided through a number of health and social care centres across the Province. In addition to these clinics, family planning advice is available through other hospital specialties and through GP services.

Belfast Health Action Zone

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funds secured by the Health Action Zone for each Local Implementation Action Group since their inception.

(AQW 6438/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Belfast Health Action Zone (HAZ) is a strategic partnership of public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations working together to tackle inequalities in health and broader social exclusion. Developing integrated services for children and young people has been a key workstream of the Health Action Zone since its inception in 1999.

In 2004 Belfast Education and Library Board, on behalf of the HAZ, submitted to the Integrated Development Fund a funding application for a total of £5m to be spent over 3 years. In 2006 the decision with regard to the funding application to IDF was still outstanding. Nevertheless in the absence of a funding decision the Integrated Services for Children and Young People Project Board decided to proceed with the establishment of Local Implementation Action Groups (LIAGs) to cover the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Partnership Board areas.

In April 2007 IDF funding of £5m was released to BELB which is acting as the accountable HAZ partner for IDF funds.

LIAGs in Greater Shankill and West Belfast have prepared draft proposals for the use of IDF funding which have been submitted to the ISCYP Project Board for negotiation and approval. Indicative budgets of £2m have been set for each LIAG with £1m retained for common programmes and core costs. It is expected that implementation will commence at locality level towards the end of June 2008.

Stoma and Incontinence Appliances

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the arrangements for the dispensing of incontinence products in each Health and Social Care Trust area.

(AQW 6445/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Stoma and incontinence appliances can be dispensed by pharmacy contractors, dispensing doctors and dispensing appliance contractors throughout Northern Ireland. These arrangements have been in place in Northern Ireland for a number of years.

Inpatients in hospital are supplied with any such products they may require during their stay; however, on discharge they are generally given a maximum of 3 days supply. This is to cover their needs until they have been in contact with their GP or district nurse to obtain a prescription

Afterschool Groups

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give an assurance that full day care will be provided at Carryduff and Lisbane Playboard centres during the summer months.

(AQW 6450/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Policy responsibility for Childcare transferred from my Department to the Department of Education in November 2006. Since November 2006, DHSSPS involvement for the support of afterschool provision with regard to Children and Young Peoples Package monies has been solely to act as a funding mechanism for centrally earmarked resources. Even though this funding arrangement and DHSSPS remit ended on 31 March 2008, I have extended funding to afterschool groups until 30 June 2008, using my own resources, to enable them to continue until the end of the school year.

From 30 June 2008 onwards, when these monies come to an end, it will be for each Department to decide what happens to schemes whose activities fall within their policy remits

Physiotherapists Employed In Health And Social Care

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of physiotherapists employed by the Health Service.

(AQW 6451/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: As at 31^st March 2008, there were 974 (814.9 whole-time equivalent) physiotherapists employed in Health & Social Care.

Source: Human Resource Management System.

South Eastern Trust Plans

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has recommended the closure of the Ards Minor Injuries Unit.

(AQW 6452/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have yet to consider SE Trust Plans in detail.

Operation Cancellations

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 4 years, the number of operations that have been cancelled.

(AQW 6453/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of operations that have been cancelled is not collected centrally.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average waiting time for women to receive results of smear tests.

(AQW 6454/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 is outlined in the table below.

Hospital Laboratory	Average waiting time¹ in days
Altnagelvin	10
Antrim	10
Belfast Link	24
Craigavon Area	21

Source: Cervical Screening Programme

1 – Waiting time, as given above, is measured, in calendar days, from the date on which the hospital laboratory receives the smear test and the date on which the report leaves the laboratory.

Cervical Cancer Figures

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

(AQW 6455/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of new cases of cervical cancer each year is held by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. The most recent information available relates to 2005. The table below details the number of new cases of cervical cancer (ICD-10 C53) for 2001-2005.

Table: Incidence of cervical cancer in Northern Ireland 2001-2005

Year of diagnosis	No of new cases
2001	71
2002	82
2003	76
2004	73
2005	87

This information has been provided by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and is the most up to date currently available.

Northern Ireland Fire And Rescue Service

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the steps he has taken to ensure that the money spent by the Fire and Rescue Service to refurbish its headquarters (i) represents good value for money, and (ii) is durable.

(AQW 6464/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The day to day operational activity of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), including capital and revenue expenditure, is a matter for the Chief Fire Officer and the NIFRS Board. However, NIFRS and its Board are constrained by a range of procedures set out in accountability guidelines covering the control of public sector finance.

These controls include:

The preparation of an Economic Appraisal above a prescribed limit (currently exceeding £5,000) for proposed expenditure, in accordance with delegated limits.
A requirement to have NIFRS Board / DHSSPS / DFP approval as appropriate, depending on the amount to be spent.
European Union thresholds applicable at time of Tendering.
Tenders invited by Public Advertisement.

Refurbishment at Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters included refurbishment of Breathing Apparatus workshops (including the removal of asbestos); upgrading of power supply on NIE advice; replacement flooring; enhanced external security; relocation of an office and associated redecoration work. These works were carried out in accordance with the controls described.

Hospitals Capital Expenditure

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 3 years, the level of capital investment in each hospital.

(AQW 6465/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The attached table details capital expenditure in each hospital for specific capital investment projects and the total amount of capital allocated in health and social services in each of the 3 years.

General Capital allocations to all Trust are also shown on the table. This is allocated to Trusts to enable them to address urgent minor works, repairs and replacement of equipment in both hospitals and primary and community based services, but cannot be disaggregated. While a detailed breakdown of General Capital figures is not available it is understood that a substantial percentage of General Capital is used for hospitals.

Hospital	2005/06 (£000’s)	2006/07 (£000’s)	2007/08 (£000’s)
Hospital	2005/06 (£000’s)	2006/07 (£000’s)	2007/08 (£000’s)
Altnagelvin	5,784	29,007	20,338
Antrim	2,104	1,221	3,224
Belfast City	9,888	9,603	2,868
Craigavon Area	4,059	2,860	9,529
Causeway	534	1,091	0
Daisy Hill	179	37	500
Downshire/Downe	2,000	9,063	22,886
Erne	0	550	1,151
Holywell	25	0	0
Lagan Valley	841	200	274
Mater	1,657	987	980
Mid-Ulster	0	150	406
Musgrave Park	4,658	1,029	62
New Enhanced Local Hospital Complex, Omagh	300	15,330	1,497
Royal Victoria	24,081	20,923	16,199
New Acute SW Hospital at Enniskillen	1,785	13,786	7,695
Tyrone & Fermanagh	O	0	721
Tyrone County	429	500	561
Ulster	13,972	21,146	21,320
Whiteabbey	0	150	0
Total capital spend in hospitals	72,296	127,633	110,211
General Capital	28,506	34,402	28,366
Total capital budget allocations	157,204	216,299	186,606

Mental Health and Learning Disability Funding for Children

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how much of the funding, allocated to implement the Bamford Review in the final budget for 2008-11, will be ring-fenced for children and young people with a learning disability or mental health difficulty.

(AQW 6490/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A proportion of the £44m additional funding secured for mental health and learning disability services over the next three years will benefit children, but no specific amount has been earmarked for that purpose. Boards will make their decisions on funding on the basis of need in their areas.

Internet Content

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the necessity of stricter regulation of the internet to prevent access to sites promoting suicide and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

(AQW 6493/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have previously highlighted my concerns in relation to the dangers of harmful internet content to vulnerable people, particularly in relation to suicide and self harm. I have raised this issue with my Ministerial colleagues in England, Scotland and Wales, and I have insured that this matter has been tabled at North/South Ministerial Council and British/Irish Council meetings.

The recent Byron Report into harmful material on the internet and in video games has provided a further opportunity to consider this issue at UK-wide level. The Government has accepted Dr Byron’s recommendations, and my Department will work with Whitehall and the devolved administrations to ensure her recommendations are implemented. This includes consideration of where the law around harmful material could usefully be clarified and appropriate enforcement responses put in place.

This is a very challenging area for which there is no quick fix. However, I remain convinced that a robust framework, including better regulation, is necessary to tackle the dangers harmful internet content, and I intend to continue to keep a major focus on this issue.

Forster Green Development

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide (i) an update on plans to provide residential care for children and young people in hospital; and (ii) a timescale within which he will open these beds.

(AQW 6496/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are no plans to use hospital for residential care. Hospital beds are provided to deliver acute care. Where a child or young person requires residential care, this will be provided in an appropriate setting within the community.

In relation to the proposed development at Forster Green, the Belfast Trust hopes to appoint a contractor for the building of a new young people’s in-patient facility and a replacement child in-patient facility on the Forster Green site in May 2008. Work will commence on site in early summer 2008, providing full planning permission is received. The building will be developed in two phases with the young people’s unit being built in the 1^st phase and the children’s unit in the 2^nd phase. The estimated date of opening will be December 2009 for Phase 1 and early 2010 for Phase 2.

Attempted Suicide Aftercare

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, by parliamentary constituency, the assistance available for suicide related problems.

(AQW 6504/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to answer your Ordinary Written AQ 6504/08 by 14 May 2008. I will answer as soon as possible.

Attempted Suicide Hospital Admissions

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail to number of attempted suicides in 2005, 2006 and 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6506/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of admissions to Health and Social Care Hospitals in Northern Ireland with a diagnosis of attempted suicide in 2005, 2006 and 2007:

Parliamentary Constituency	2005	2006	2007
N/A	43	47	90
Belfast East	307	252	257
Belfast North	321	326	541
Belfast South	337	287	305
Belfast West	388	434	460
East Antrim	145	143	166
East Londonderry	138	123	114
Fermanagh And South Tyrone	217	230	120
Foyle	403	297	334
Lagan Valley	112	123	143
Mid Ulster	196	188	140
Newry And Armagh	261	210	174
North Antrim	218	175	177
North Down	254	129	163
South Antrim	219	193	237
South Down	259	223	257
Strangford	252	158	177
Upper Bann	381	318	138
West Tyrone	184	228	203
Total	4635	4084	4196

Source: Hospital Inpatient System

Deaths and discharges are used as an approximation of admissions. These figures should not be used to denote individuals as a person may be admitted to hospital more than once in a year or across a number of years.

Mental Health Patient Complaints

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5187/08, to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of complaints, in relation to the treatment of mental health patients, against each Health and Social Care Trust that have not progressed to consideration by the relevant Health and Social Services Board or the Commissioner for Complaints.

(AQW 6519/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information in the form requested is not available.

Mental Health Patient Complaints

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of mental health patients that have been assigned a new consultant psychiatrist after making a complaint against another.

(AQW 6520/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This information is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Children's Fund Projects

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 4275/08, to detail the projects that were previously supported by the children's fund which have now been granted funding for a further year, including details of the services for which the funding has been provided.

(AQW 6523/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: All Children’s Fund projects that wished a further year’s funding until March 2009 have been offered it. A full list of the projects, providing the detail that you require, is contained in the attached Annex.

ANNEX

CHILDREN'S FUND PROJECTS

Organisation	Project Title	Service Type	2008-9 Allocation
Adoption U.K	Adoptive Parents Support Modules	Aims to develop and enhance the parenting skills of adoptive and foster parents of "hurt" children.	£40,061
Armagh Travellers Support Group	Children & Families Project	Provides facilities and access to family support services for traveller children & their parents.	£38,674
Barnardo's	Family Group Conference Scheme	Protects children and young people at risk by harnessing the strengths within the extended family/community to support, care for and protect the child	£261,709
Barnardo's	Parents and Children Together (PACT)	Supports young mothers recently out of care and their children, and young mothers whose children have been taken into care.	£68,973
Barnardo's	Young Parents Advice Information Bureau	Information and advice service for young parents and those who have a role in supporting them.	£35,983
Barnardo's	Carrick Child & Parent Project	Supports families through specialist parenting education programmes and structured childcare.	£57,635
Barnardo's	Parent Support Project	Assists parents/carers to cope effectively with children who are displaying behavioural and/or emotional difficulties.	£48,608
Craigavon Travellers Support Committee	Early Years Initiative	Promotes and encourages play as a developmental process for traveller children in the Craigavon area.	£79,995
Gasyard Development Trust	Gasyard Family Centre	A community-led initiative which supports a range of parenting and child health activity.	£58,412
Home-Start, Ards Peninsula & Comber	Supporting Young Families	Family support through home visiting.	£43,805
Home-Start, Armagh & Dungannon	Home-Start Outreach	Family support through home visiting.	£22,589
Home-Start, Down District	Home-Start Down Project	Family support through home visiting.	£85,159
Home-Start, Newry & Mourne	Kilkeel Scheme	Family support through home visiting.	£36,080
Larne Community Care Centre	Childcare Development Worker	Provides respite care for 4-12 year olds and supports young people aged 8-15 years experiencing difficulties.	£34,232
Lenadoon Community Forum	Fresh Start	Works with vulnerable children and young people 'at risk', and supports families in need.	£83,220
Mid-Ulster Child Contact Centre	Child Contact Centre	Provides child contact services.	£20,973
NI Cancer Fund for Children	Family Dynamics Project	Provides practical assistance and support to all children and young people in NI living with cancer and related illnesses, and to their families.	£44,550
NSPCC	Chance for Change	Provides a 12 week group work programme to parents, teachers and primary school children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.	£136,657
North West Community Support Partnership	Waterside Family Resource Centre	Provides a range of family support services for children aged 0-12 years and their parents who live in the most deprived areas of the Waterside.	£332,621
Parent's Advice Centre	Positive Parenting in Area of Social Need	Supports children and young people in need by working with parents in communities identified as needing intensive parenting support.	£58,733
Springwell Centre	Family Support	Support for vulnerable, troubled young people aged 11-18 years and their parents.	£17,731
Westville Family Resource Centre	Lifestart, Enniskillen	Provides a home-based child development programme for families with children from birth to age 5 years.	£20,473
YMCA, Lisburn	Small Talk single parent programme	Provides a structured training and education package for vulnerable parents of 'at risk' young people.	£14,633
YMCA, North Down - Bangor	Parents and Kids Together (PAKT)	A family based project that encourages parents to spend quality time with their children, promotes the family unit & improves community relations.	£38,029
ACET - Agencies in Consortium for Education & Training	ACET - Transitions	Transitional planning arrangements for young people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.	£35,496
Artability	After Schools Project for Children with Disabilities	Addresses the needs of young people who have a learning or physical disability.	£61,359
Arthritis Care Northern Ireland	Positive Futures for Children & Young People with Arthritis	A structured support programme of participatory workshops and events to provide support to young people with arthritis.	£28,968
Barnardo's	Home from Home Project	Provides practical support to families of children with a disability aged 0-18 years through development of outreach services tailored to individual need.	£169,880
Barnardo's	Young Carers Scheme	A support service to children and young people who undertake the role of carers to parents and/or siblings with disabilities or long-term illness.	£121,812
Camowen Partnership Ltd.	Smart Kids After School Project	Provides after schools provision to accommodate moderate to profoundly disabled children.	£71,347
Stars	Early Years Initiative	Provides a structured learning environment, through play, for children aged 2-4 years who may have autistic spectrum disorders or development delays.	£61,098
PAPA	Support for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder	Support for children with autistic Spectrum Disorder	£69,050
Upper Springfield Development Trust	Action on Disability Project	The project supports children with disabilities and special needs, including children from the traveller community and other ethnic backgrounds.	£61,549
Contact a Family	Information Officer	Provides information about a range of organisations and services to parents and families of children with disabilities.	£41,793
NI Deaf Youth Association	Mentor Service	Provides a mentoring programme for deaf children and young people.	£47,792
NI Music Therapy Trust	ARIOSO	Provides a music therapy service Severe Learning Disability Schools.	£147,867
Aware Defeat Depression	Mood Matters	Promotes knowledge and understanding of the significance of mental health and depression in young people.	£23,908
Barnardo's	Pyramid Plus (Northern Area)	Works in partnership with children, parents, school and statutory and voluntary agencies, to raise self esteem and resilience of primary school children with emotional and social needs.	£121,433
Contact Youth Counselling Services	Youth Counselling Service in the Northern Board Area	Counselling service for young people who suffer mild mental health problems or who experience stress or difficulty.	£59,397
Mencap	Shout Out	A forum for young people with learning disabilities to discuss important issues relating to them, and to help them overcome barriers which prevent their integration into their communities.	£43,072
Nexus Institute	Outreach Trauma Counsellor	Provides therapeutic interventions for victims of sexual abuse.	£70,453
Nexus Institute	Personal & Social Education Programme	Provides education and information on sexual health issues to young people, and raises awareness of sexual abuse.	£31,405
Threshold	Applied Psychotherapy for Children & Young People	Provides psychotherapy to psychologically and emotionally distressed children and young people.	£47,952
VOYPIC	Shaping the Changes	This project surveys the views of young people who have been in care, enables them to come together and share their experiences of the care system and have their views heard on improvements to the system.	£61,784
Wave Trauma	Wave Youth	Provides a range of support and personal development programmes to children, young people and adults who have been directly bereaved or traumatised as a result of the Troubles.	£134,613
Ballymena Women's Aid	Domestic Violence Interagency & Community Development Worker	Provides temporary refuge to women and children suffering emotional, physical or sexual abuse within the home.	£37,671
Barnardo's	Domestic Violence Outreach Scheme	Provides a range of safety orientated individual and groupwork services to woman, children and young people who experience/have experienced domestic violence.	£38,505
Coleraine (Causeway) Women's Aid	Domestic Violence & Children - A Prevention and Intervention Project	Provides temporary refuge for women and their children who have suffered mental, physical or sexual abuse within the home.	£71,087
Cookstown & Dungannon Women's Aid	Children's Project	Supports children and young people suffering from physical and emotional abuse in the home.	£42,688
North Down & Ards Women's Centre	Children & Domestic Violence	Provides childcare services.	£12,810
Fermanagh Women's Aid	Refuge and community based aftercare children's services	Community-based preventative programme.	£50,500
Ballymurphy Women's Centre	Yahoo Project	Provides young people with information about healthy living and sexual well-being.	£44,969
Belfast Door/Challenge for Youth	Talk of the Town	Targets young people present on the streets of Belfast city centre. It targets those abusing drugs, alcohol and solvents as well as those with sexual exploitative behaviours.	£91,752
Brook Belfast	Clinic Service Provision	Provides clinical sessions which enhance young peoples self awareness and self esteem to ensure they develop confidence to make informed decisions about their sexual lives.	£31,094
Family Planning Association	Sexual Health Programme for Young Homeless	Partnership project with the Simon Community implementing a personal development programme and sexual health programme for homeless young people.	£31,042
Include Youth	Building For The Future (New Leaf)	Support to young people with a history of sexually inappropriate behaviour.	£53,186
Barnardo's	Newry Adolescent Partnership	Strengthens links with the community and promotes the interests of excluded young people.	£41,394
Corrymeela Community	Children & Youth in Need	Provides respite residential care for disadvantaged children aged 0-16 years.	£42,498
Extern West	Sperrin Janus Project	Supports young people who live at home or in residential care, and who are assessed by social services as being at high risk of being admitted into care or custody.	£141,703
Harmony Community Trust	Glebe House Respite Project	Therapeutic interventions for young people.	£71,765
NIACRO	Child Diversion Project	Support services to children identified through education, police, child care and community systems as being at risk of school exclusion, offending or removal to care.	£252,469
NIACRO	Mentoring Scheme	Works with young offenders and is designed to lower the risk of them re-offending.	£149,939
NIACRO	Preventing risk of developing an offending career	Support services to children of prisoners and offending parents, so as to reduce the risk of the children becoming involved in the criminal system.	£102,220
Ocean Youth Trust Northern Ireland	Development Through Sail Training	Provides a developmental programme through sail training for young people who have problems associated with drugs, alcohol and anti-social behaviour.	£36,719
Ulster Quaker Service Committee	Quaker Cottage Teen Programme.	Targets 13-15 year olds exhibiting a variety of anti social behaviours and who have been referred by social workers and primary care workers.	£45,657
Arts Providers Partnership	Teen Age	Provides artistic services to young people in residential acre through a mixture of projects including arts, music and information technology.	£28,290
Belfast Travellers Support Group (An Munia Tober)	Gayla Expression	Works with traveller children to develop their creative and artistic talents.	£44,358
Down Community Arts	Art For All	Art programme aimed at improving the quality of life of vulnerable children and young people by encouraging their confidence and self esteem.	£109,560
An Tearmann	Project Co-Ordinator	Provides early years services, parenting courses and adult education to members of the Traveller community.	£41,262
Artillery Steering Group	New Lodge Area Project	Provides support for the social and educational needs of young adults.	£54,517
Belfast Community Circus School	Circus in the City	Works with young people excluded from mainstream schools.	£31,086
Bridge Community Association	Woodstock Area Project	Alternative education project for young people, and provision of youth facilities.	£48,347
Council for Homeless NI	The Whole Shebang NI Homelessness Project	Provides training and development classes for young homeless people.	£38,322
Derry Travellers Support Group	Traveller Childcare Project	Provides a family-centred programme of activities.	£18,679
Derry Women's Centre	Moving Up Mothers (MUM)	Supports young mothers, through access to additional education and integration opportunities and on-site childcare facilities.	£48,590
Drumgor Detached Youth	Tackling real issues & assessing learning	Provides support to young people at risk with a focus on future goals and ambitions.	£35,627
Falls Women's Centre	Special Needs Children's Project	Provides care for children with special needs in a day care setting.	£35,844
Link Family and Community Centre, The	Link Youth Project	Programme to enhance life skills, relationship building, training for employment, reconciliation, mutual understanding and respect for others.	£22,046
Marrowbone Community Association	Marrowbone Youth Club	Aims to increase the capacity of young people to make choices and change their lives in a positive manner through awareness programmes, leadership roles, and becoming mentors to other children.	£35,164
Newry & Mourne Travellers Partnership	Travellers Partnership	Summer scheme for traveller children aged 4 to 16 years old, with young travellers being trained and participating as volunteers.	£23,283
NIPPA	Toybox	Supports early years development and educational opportunities for Traveller children.	£197,955
Old Warren Community Association	Putting the Children First	Supports the educational development of children, including child safety and child protection issues.	£34,836
Taughmonagh Community Forum	Vision Five	Supports children and young people to attain educationally.	£38,311
Tiny Tots	Pre-school Playgroup	Pre-school playgroup services.	£15,372
Triangle Housing Association	Triangle Supported Employment Service	Provides support to young people within mainstream education who have special education needs.	£69,163
Upper Andersonstown Community Forum	Tullymore Children & Young Peoples Project	Provides an expansion of day care services for children so that parents can attend training courses.	£61,682
Vine Centre	Vine Family Playgroup	Provides after-schools services.	£19,410
Youth Action Northern Ireland	Moving on - an opportunity for young mothers	Support to teenage mothers with low academic qualifications and limited experience of the work place to gain training, qualifications and employment.	£84,912

Flattened Head Syndrome

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average cost incurred by his department to send children with flattened head syndrome for treatment in England.

(AQW 6527/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Records show that in the last five years, no child has been sent to England, or elsewhere outside Northern Ireland, for treatment for this condition.

Flattened Head Syndrome

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm if children with flattened head syndrome have to travel to England for treatment.

(AQW 6528/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Records show that in the last five years, no child has been sent to England, or elsewhere outside Northern Ireland, for treatment for this condition.

Local Commissioning Groups

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration he has given to the inclusion of dentists on Local Commissioning groups within the Health and Social Care Reform.

(AQW 6542/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The inclusion of dentists in the composition of local commissioning groups will be considered as part of the response to the public consultation which closes on 12 May 2008.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6547/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has responsibility for a number of websites which are maintained by Departmental staff who also undertake a range of other work. It is not possible to identify the specific costs related to website maintenance. A list of these websites and the numbers of visitors to each of these sites is set out in the table.

DHSSPS Websites and Visitors

Website	No. of Visitors
DHSSPS Internet	1/5/07 - 1/5/08 – 499,849
Clinical Resources and Efficiency Support Team	1/11/07 – 1/5/08 – 34,648
Bamford Review	1/11/07 – 1/5/08 – 8,425
Care Tribunal	1/11/07 – 1/5/08 - 117
Occupational Health Service	1/11/07 – 1/5/08 – 1,549
European Centre for Connected Health(Site live from 21/2/08)	21/2/08 – 1/5/08 - 759
Board for Mental Health and Learning Disability (NI)(Site live from 4/2/08)	4/2/08 – 1/5/08 - 30
Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths in NI	1/8/07 – 1/5/08 – 1,657
Investing for Health (currently offline)	No statistics available
Regional Multiprofessional Audit Group (currently offline)	No statistics available
NI Civil Service Sports Association	1/5/07 – 1/5/08 – 13,304

Work from Home

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of staff in his Department, since devolution, who have been able to work from home.

(AQW 6549/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Since devolution 170 members of staff have carried out some of their duties from home for a period agreed by their line management. Homeworking arrangements may be full days or part days.

Discretionary Student Incentive Scheme

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of students from Northern Ireland who are studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and also currently receiving the discretionary student incentive scheme in (a) England; (b) Scotland; (c) Wales; and (d) the Republic of Ireland; and (ii) the qualification criteria for this discretionary student incentive scheme.

(AQW 6557/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: No students from Northern Ireland studying for a Degree in Social Work in England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland are currently receiving the discretionary student incentive scheme.

The criteria for eligibility for the Discretionary Student Incentive scheme is as follows, the applicant must be:

domiciled in Northern Ireland;
undertaking a NISCC approved programme of study in Northern Ireland leading to the Degree in Social work;
currently registered with NISCC on the relevant part of the Register; and
who are not employed as Regional Social Work Degree Trainees.

Fraud

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to uncover the extent of the frauds affecting (i) Health Boards and (ii) Health and Social Care Trusts, represented by Brangham, Bagnall and Bagnall in compensation claims.

(AQW 6558/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A forensic investigation commissioned by the Department determined the quantum of loss as £278k and as a result of civil proceedings this amount has been agreed to be recovered in full.

Public Procurement Procedures

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to review the public procurement procedures to be used when engaging legal services to act on behalf of (i) Health Boards; and (ii) Health and Social Care Trusts, being sued in compensation claims.

(AQW 6559/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A process to establish new contract arrangements for the provision of legal services to Health Boards and Health and Social Care Trusts has been initiated by the HPSS through the Legal Services Forum, a group comprising of representatives from both Boards and Trusts, under the chairmanship of John Compton, Chief Executive, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

As part of this process, I shall ensure that robust public procurement procedures are followed.

Transfer of Legal Files

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to explain the procedures that were followed by (i) Health Boards; and (ii) Health and Social Care Trusts, which allowed legal files relating to compensation claims to be transferred from the legal firm Brangham, Bagnall and Bagnall to the legal firm Brangham and Bagnall, without going out to tender.

(AQW 6560/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There were no legal files transferred from the legal firm Brangam, Bagnall and Bagnall to the legal firm Brangam and Bagnall.

Dementia Services

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 3776/08, to detail his plans to fund the increased need in dementia services, in each of the Health and Social Care Trust areas.

(AQW 6566/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Under the recent Comprehensive Spending Review, I negotiated an additional £1.85 million to fund dementia respite places and £2.5 million to be spent on Mental Health advocacy and support services, of which a proportion will be allocated for dementia sufferers and their carers over the next 3 years

Visually Impaired

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the provisions in place in relation to the appointment procedures and making appointment cards legible for those with 'registered' visual impairment.

(AQW 6568/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: If a patient is known to be visually impaired, staff across the five Health and Social Care Trusts will communicate with the patient in a way that best meets their individual needs or preferences. This can include a telephone call to the patient, making out appointment cards in large print and the provision of information in alternative formats.

Furthermore, as part of the new disability duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Trusts have developed Disability Action Plans. The implementation of these plans will include working with disabled people to continue to ensure effective communication.

Dementia Services

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how he intends to take forward the 'increased awareness training for GPs', in the area of pre-senile dementia (under 65 year-olds) in the current Health and Social Care Trust areas; and (ii) the provision he intends to make for this initiative in relation to funding.

(AQW 6569/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There is a need for increasing awareness of dementia, including early onset dementia, across all sectors of the health and social care system. Awareness training will be a key component of the strategy for improving dementia services which is currently being prepared by my Department.

This may involve integrating dementia awareness training into existing professional training programmes, or by targeting specific groups, such as GPs, with tailored one-off programmes. The costs of funding these initiatives will become clearer as the dementia services strategy is developed.

Dentist Records

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of practicing dentists within the Foyle parliamentary constituency, and to provide a breakdown of the number of these dentists who accept Health Service patients and private treatments.

(AQW 6570/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Central Services Agency holds a record of dentists who provide full or partial Health Service treatment to patients. Information on dentists exclusively providing private treatment is not available.

At 1^st May 2008, Central Services Agency figures show that there were 43 dentists¹ registered to provide Health Service dental treatment in the Foyle parliamentary constituency². No information is available in respect of how many of these are currently accepting new Health Service patients but 38 had new registrations recorded during the period between April 2007 and March 2008.

Notes:

1. Figures include Principal dentists only - excludes assistants and Vocational Dental Practitioners.

2. Statistics are at 1st May 2008 and are based on the location of the dental surgery where the dentist is employed.

Malnutrition Statistics

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) children; and (ii) adults, suffering from malnutrition in each of 2005, 2006 and 2007.

(AQW 6576/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of children and adults suffering from malnutrition is not available.

Eating Disorder Assistance

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans for the development of an All-Ireland centre for children and adolescents who have eating disorders.

(AQW 6584/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are no current plans to develop an All-Ireland centre for the treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders.

Departmental Legal Costs

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money his Department has spent on (i) legal costs due to challenges in court; and (ii) compensation settlements, since May 2007.

(AQW 6585/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has spent:

£273,570 on legal costs due to challenges in court since May 2007, and
£50,000 on compensation settlements since May 2007.

Service Framework Development

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the conditions he proposes should have new service frameworks established.

(AQW 6589/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Boards and Trusts, working with local interest groups, submitted a list of regional priorities for future service framework development to my Department. Following evaluation of these proposals, I have agreed that work should commence on the development of a Service Framework for Children’s Health and Wellbeing and a Service Framework for Older People’s Health and Wellbeing.

It is anticipated that additional areas for service framework development will be taken forward from 2009/10. These will be drawn from the remaining priorities identified and evaluated by the Department. These include musculoskeletal conditions, physical disability and sensory impairment, sexual health and diabetes.

Service Framework Development

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for his assessment of the requirement for a service framework for diabetes.

(AQW 6590/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have agreed that work should commence on the development of a Service Framework for Children’s Health and Wellbeing and a Service Framework for Older People’s Health and Wellbeing.

In drawing up these priorities I have taken into account that the cardiovascular framework addresses a wide range of the key elements of good diabetes care and the work currently underway to implement the CREST Taskforce Report.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Ms Purvis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons why Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, who meet the criteria for treatment with biological drugs (Cytokine Inhibitors), face a 2 year delay before treatment starts.

(AQW 6621/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Despite significant additional investment in biological drugs for severe inflammatory arthritis in recent years, there continue to be unacceptably lengthy waiting times to start treatment. Since these expensive specialist drugs were introduced a few years ago there has been a high growth in demand and many competing pressures for limited health service funding.

In the last two years, over 540 patients have been started on biologic therapy for the treatment of arthritic conditions.

I am fully committed to improving access to biologic drugs for severe arthritis. In the budget, I secured additional funding amounting to £39 million for specialist drugs and the infrastructure for their delivery. A significant part of that allocation will ensure that the waiting time for biological treatments for arthritis is reduced to 21 weeks by March 2011.

Emergency Ambulances in Dungannon

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the reliability of the emergency ambulances presently operating in Dungannon in responding to all emergency situations.

(AQW 6680/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has assured me that all of their fleet of emergency ambulances are regularly serviced, have a current MOT certificate where required by law and are roadworthy. This includes those ambulances based at Dungannon and any other ambulances that may respond to calls from the Dungannon area.

Emergency Ambulances in Dungannon

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to replace emergency ambulances in Dungannon which are over seven years old, or have travelled in excess of 100,000 miles.

(AQW 6681/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is responsible for determining when its A&E ambulances should be replaced. Some £14.5 million capital funding will be made available during the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) period to 2011 to modernise NIAS’s fleet, estate, equipment and IT infrastructure and NIAS has indicated that some £10.4m of this will be allocated to its fleet replacement programme.

Child Protection

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, following the agreement at a previous North-South Ministerial Council meeting that an all-Ireland approach to vetting and exchange of information would be headed up jointly by his Department and the Office of the Minister for Children, to provide a timescale within which this will take effect.

(AQW 6687/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It has been agreed that the Chief Social Services Officer and the Director General in the Office of the Minister for Children will lead a cross border group of officials to take forward development of a work programme to deliver the child protection issues agreed at the North South Ministerial Council meeting on 7 February 2008.

Officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety met with colleagues from the Office of the Minister for Children on 17 April 2008 and agreed the infrastructure to progress work on cross border child protection issues. Work is underway to draft terms of reference to facilitate establishment of sub groups to progress the work.

An initial progress report will be provided to the next meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 28 May 2008 with a more substantive progress report being provided for the North South Ministerial Council meeting in October 2008.

Healthcare in Prisons and Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) to detail the services his Department has been contracted to provide at (a) HM Prisons; and (b) the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism; (ii) to outline how much he has budgeted for each service; and (iii) to clarify the source of funding for these services.

(AQW 6689/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i)(a) The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for the provision of a range of healthcare services at HMP Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre including;

General practice sessions & on-call support;
Nursing care for mental health and physical needs;
Dentistry, optical treatment; and
Psychiatry sessions.

In addition, secondary care specialists can provide consultations within prison healthcare units, or prisoners, with appropriate security measures, may also attend hospitals in the community for treatment.

(i)(b) None

(ii)(a) The budget for prison healthcare services in 2008/09 is £6,238,640.

(ii)(b) N/A

(iii)(a) The budget for prison healthcare services transferred permanently, into the DHSSPS baseline, from the NI Prison Service on 1 April 2008. DHSSPS have invested £225k in additional mental health services from funds ring fenced for prison healthcare in 2006/07. There has been no detrimental effect on existing health and social care services.

(iii)(b) N/A

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any contact he has had with the Minister for Education or his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland in relation to the provision of emergency and consultant services at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism.

(AQW 6690/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have corresponded with the Minister for Education on general health issues relating to the Middletown Centre for Autism.

Free Personal Care

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the consideration he has given to excluding family homes from financial assessment for personal care costs.

(AQW 6695/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I informed the house in May 2007 that I had commissioned a report on the cost of free personal care and a number of possible alternatives amendments to the current charging regime for residential and nursing home care. Among those alternative amendments was the exclusion of the family home from the financial assessment. I am currently considering the findings of the report. Within the context of my Department’s budget settlement, I am working hard to ensure the best possible deal for all the people of Northern Ireland. I hope to be able to provide greater clarification regarding these proposals over the coming weeks.

Free Personal Care

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the consideration he has given to (i) introducing a personal expenses allowance for people in receipt of personal care; and (ii) raising thresholds before requiring contributions to personal care costs.

(AQW 6696/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Residents in care homes already benefit from a weekly personal expenses allowance. Where personal care is provided as part of a domiciliary care package in a person’s own home, there is no charge. I therefore see no reason to introduce a personal expenses allowance for people in their own home when there is no drain on their resources as a result of charging.

In May 2007 I informed the Assembly I had commissioned a report on the cost of free personal care and a number of possible alternatives, including increasing thresholds before requiring contributions to personal care costs. I am currently considering that analysis. Within the context of my Department’s budget settlement, I am working hard to ensure the best possible deal for all the people of Northern Ireland. I hope to be able to provide greater clarification regarding these proposals over the coming weeks.

At Home Nursing Care

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the nursing care provision available to people in their own homes following discharge from hospital.

(AQW 6697/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The provision of nursing care to people in their own homes following discharge from hospital is based on a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the individual, their family and carers. Assessment is carried out in partnership between relevant health and social care professionals within an integrated framework to secure the most appropriate response to individual needs.

Health and Social Care Trusts provide a range of nursing packages which range from routine visits by community nurses to intensive supervision packages for people with highly complex needs. HSC Boards and Trusts may also work in partnership with voluntary sector organisations to secure the delivery of appropriate care provision.

Waterside Hospital

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans for future services at Waterside Hospital.

(AQW 6698/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Waterside Hospital is a 95-bed facility providing continuing care, intermediate care, rehabilitation and in-patient mental health services for older people in the Londonderry, Strabane and Limavady areas.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is committed to improving the quality of services to this group of patients and has now secured additional resources to provide an ortho-rehabilitation service. This will lead to a significant enhanced rehabilitation service for those individuals over age 65 following trauma or orthopaedic surgery.

Regulation of Pharmacies

Mr McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on proposals for the regulation of Pharmacy; and to detail any future plans he has in relation to the regulation of Pharmacy.

(AQW 6699/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I recently met representatives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and am now in receipt of their proposals for the future regulation of pharmacy in Northern Ireland.

Having received an update on the formation of the proposed General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), from the Chairman of the Pharmacy Regulation and Leadership Oversight Group, I have decided it would be premature to make any decisions before the GphC has been formed and has established its protocols to deal with devolved matters.

My department will continue to work with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and the other relevant bodies to ensure that patients and the public are fully protected at all times.

Health Service Dental Practices

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail all dental practices in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; and (iii) Portadown, that currently accept Health Service patients.

(AQW 6701/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: No information is available in respect of which practices are currently accepting new Health Service patients. However, those that recorded new patients registered to a Health Service dentist within that practice, at any time during the period between April 2007 and March 2008, are shown in the tables below.

i) Dental practices in Banbridge¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
26-32 RATHFRILAND STREET	BANBRIDGE	BT32 3LA
4 NEWRY ROAD	BANBRIDGE	BT32 3HF
11A CHURCH STREET	BANBRIDGE	BT32 4AA
9A CHURCH STREET	BANBRIDGE	BT32 4AS
3A JINGLERS COURT	BANBRIDGE	BT32 3YJ
16 NEWRY RD	BANBRIDGE	BT32 3HN
35 RATHFRILAND STREET	BANBRIDGE	BT32 3LA

Source: Central Services Agency

ii) Dental practices in Lurgan¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
5 ROBERT STREET	LURGAN	BT66 8BE
52 WILLIAM STREET	LURGAN	BT66 6JB
21 CHURCH PLACE	LURGAN	BT66 6EY
20 CHURCH PLACE	LURGAN	BT66 6EY
42 NORTH STREET	LURGAN	BT67 9AH
47 HIGH STREET	LURGAN	BT66 8AH

Source: Central Services Agency

iii) Dental practices in Portadown¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
83A BRIDGE STREET	PORTADOWN	BT63 5AA
47 CARLETON STREET	PORTADOWN	BT62 3EP
45 THOMAS STREET	PORTADOWN	BT62 3AF
1 CONNAUGHT PARK	PORTADOWN	BT62 3DF
45 WILLIAM STREET	PORTADOWN	BT62 3NX
74 GILFORD RD	PORTADOWN	BT63 5EG

Source: Central Services Agency

Note:

¹The above dental practices have been selected based on the town name appearing in the practice addresses held on the CSA database.

Diabetes

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of whole time equivalent diabetes and endocrinology consultants in each of the Trust areas; and (ii) the ratio of diabetes and endocrinology consultants to the general population, broken down by Trust area.[R]

(AQW 6707/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the Tables below.

(i) Consultants in diabetes and endocrinology (whole-time equivalent)

HSC Trust	Whole-time equivalent
Belfast	7.7
Northern	4.0
Southern	4.0
South Eastern	5.0
Western	1.9
All Trusts	22.6

Source: Health & Social Care Trusts

(ii) Ratio of consultants in diabetes and endocrinology (whole-time equivalent to the general population.

HSC Trust	Diabetes & Endocrinology consultants (WTE) per 100,000 population
Belfast	2.31
Northern	0.90
Southern	1.49
South Eastern	1.19
Western	1.02
All Trusts	1.38

Source: Mid-year estimate of population 2006, General Register Office

There are a high proportion of consultants within diabetes and endocrinology at the Belfast Trust due to the regional centre for this specialty being located at the Royal Victoria Hospital

Diabetes

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any plans to increase the number of health professionals allied to medicine working in Diabetes in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.[R]

(AQW 6708/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The recruitment of staff is a matter for individual Health and Social Care Trusts taking into account factors such as service needs and available resources.

However the Western Trust has a strategy to develop a Trust-wide service for Diabetes. There is a Diabetic Steering group and Allied Health Professionals are inputting into this overall strategy. As Reform and Modernisation continues with the whole of the HSC, any gaps in AHP input will be identified and additionality in AHP services will be sought.

Physiotherapy Services

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the action he has taken to provide sufficient physiotherapy services within the North West region, given the regional imbalances that exist within this sector.

(AQW 6712/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: To support service modernisation, Western Board have commissioned a range of physiotherapy services including, critical care, diabetes, inpatient paediatric, cancer, lymphodema, intermediate care, respiratory, conditions management and integrated clinical and treatment teams (ICATS)

Waiting times for all Physiotherapy services in Western Board have achieved the Departmental PFA 26 week target set for March 2008. They are currently engaged with other Boards and Trusts and the Department in a programme of work to bring about further reduction to 13 weeks by the end of March 2009.

This will include the development of regional access criteria, care pathways, discharge protocols and standardisation of information across Northern Ireland. The outcome of this work will help to inform service gaps, resource deficits and equity issues.

Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to identify who is accountable for implementation of (i) the no smoking policy; and (ii) enforcing the no smoking 'Red Zone', at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

(AQW 6725/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Overall responsibility for implementing the policy on smoking at the Royal Victoria Hospital lies with the Chief Executive of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust supported by the Medical Director. Day-to-day support is provided by Executive and Non-Executive Directors, Senior Managers and Ward/Departmental Managers. In addition, all staff have a responsibility to promote the policy.

The Trust’s policy does not permit smoking at entrances/exits and "Red Zones" were introduced in order to guide the public as to where entrances begin and end. However, legislative controls on smoking as set out in the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and underpinning regulations, apply only to premises that are enclosed or substantially enclosed.

Regulation 2 of the Smoke-free (Premises, Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 defines "enclosed" and "substantially enclosed". A copy of the regulations was placed in the Assembly Library.

Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will undertake to commence a public inquiry into cleanliness levels at the Royal Victoria Hospital between general hygiene audits.

(AQW 6728/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have no plans to commission a public inquiry into cleanliness levels at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Nursing/Residential Home Residents

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the procedures for Nursing/Residential Home residents to sell their home and assets to pay for them living there permanently.

(AQW 6746/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: HSC Trusts required by Articles 36 and 99 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 to assess a person’s ability to pay for their residential and nursing home care. The Health and Personal Social Services (Assessment of Resources) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1993 set out how a financial assessment of capital and income should be carried out to determine how much a person can afford to pay towards the cost of that care.

Where a resident has more than £22,250 of capital, including in some cases the value of the resident’s former home, they are liable for the full cost of their care. However, there is no requirement to sell the home should the resident choose to meet their assessed contribution from other means. Residents can retain up to £13,500 of capital before having to make a contribution to the cost of their care from capital. In those circumstances, however, residents are expected to contribute from their income.

Nursing/Residential Home Residents

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money a Nursing/Residential Home resident would be allowed to have in savings before having to pay to live there permanently.

(AQW 6747/08)

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many babies were born in ambulances travelling to maternity hospitals in each Health and Social Services Board area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6867/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service does not record information about births occurring in its vehicles on the way to hospital.

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many babies were born in ambulances travelling to the Ulster Hospital from the Downpatrick area since 1999.

(AQW 6868/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service does not record information about births occurring in its vehicles on the way to hospital.

Royal Victoria Hospital

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many complaints have been received over the last three months in relation to the level of cleanliness of the toilet area on floor one, and the restaurant area on floor two, of the Royal Victoria hospital.

(AQW 6914/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: During the period January to March 2008 there was one formal written complaint regarding the level one toilet area and no formal written complaints regarding the restaurant on level two in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

During the month of April there was one formal written complaint with regard to the level one toilet area and no formal written complaints relating to the restaurant.

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give reasons for the delay in an ambulance attending the emergency request to 77 Portaferry Road, Cloughy, on 24 December 2007.

(AQW 6964/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has advised me that an emergency call was received for this address at 23.36hrs on 25 December 2007. The nearest ambulance resource, at Newtownards Ambulance Station, was allocated the call at 23.37hrs and arrived on scene at 0007hrs on 26 December. {This response was outside the standard set for this type of emergency}

The response time for any emergency ambulance response is dependent on unexpected peaks in demand, the time of day as well as traffic and weather conditions. I sincerely apologise that despite recent substantial improvement in ambulance service performance the response on this occasion was less than we have come to expect of the service.

The ambulance service is in the midst of a programme of modernisation and reform which will see additional investment of some £23.5m over the next three years. This additional funding will enable NIAS to introduce a number of new ways of working and new technology which will secure the current progress in performance and I believe significant further improvement, including in the more rural areas such as the Ards Peninsula.

Review of Support Provision for Carers

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the terms of reference he has agreed with the Minister of Social Development in relation to their joint review of carers provision.

(AQW 7006/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have agreed in principle to a joint review of support provisions for carers with the Minister for Social Development. We are currently discussing terms of reference for the review and hope to agree these in the next few weeks.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Foyle Connect Project

Ms Anderson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the rationale behind his decision to withdraw funding from the Foyle Connect project.

(AQW 6202/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): The decision was taken in order to safeguard public funds. Audits had shown that Foyle Connect exercised inadequate or ineffective controls in relation to record keeping and financial management and had not taken steps to address these issues.

Rail Accidents

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will provide an assurance that all the recommendations contained in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report in relation to the accident at crossing XL202 will be implemented.

(AQW 6415/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can confirm that my Department, as the Safety Authority for railways, has received the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report into the accident at crossing XL202. I have asked officials to work closely with Northern Ireland Railways and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to ensure that all recommendations included in the report are fully considered and implemented if appropriate. None of the recommendations relates to matters that were directly causal or contributory to the accident.

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which his Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6432/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department does not have mechanisms in place to monitor the extent to which the Department’s correspondence and distribution of publications is carried out electronically.

In line with NICS targets, my Department has moved from a position of using hard copy as standard to one whereby online publication is used whenever possible and practical. Doing so promotes savings in environmental and economic terms.

It is not practical to totally extinguish hard-copy publishing as not every intended recipient of the published information will have access to the necessary technology. My Department therefore, continues to offer the option of information in hard copy and other formats as required.

Airport Carparking

Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the steps he has taken to ensure that car parking charges at (i) short stay; and (ii) long stay car parks, at (a) Belfast International Airport; (b) George Best Belfast City Airport; and (c) City of Derry/Londonderry Airport, are fair and reasonable, and do not constitute over-charging.

(AQW 6498/08)

Mr C Murphy: I would refer the Member to the reply I gave Mr Weir, the Member for North Down on 19 January 2008.

Public Road Maintenance

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the reasons for the delays to repairs to Francis Street, Newtownards, which were reported four months ago; and (ii) the timescale for the Department's Charter Response for such repairs.

(AQW 6505/08)

Mr C Murphy: I should explain that Roads Service’s Maintenance Standards for the recording of defects comprise 3 main elements:

inspections: public roads are inspected at set frequencies, which depend on the road environment and the volume of vehicle or pedestrian traffic on the road or footway;

defect classification: each pothole or surface defect with an abrupt level difference greater than 20mm is classified into one of four defect categories C1 to C4

response times: each defect has a target response time within which it should be repaired. The response time depends on the severity of the defect, the volume of traffic and road environment eg: Urban or Rural.

This approach satisfies my Department's obligation under Article 8 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, to maintain the public road network in reasonable condition, as well as recognising our finite resources.

In the case of Frances Street, Newtownards, Roads Service staff are aware of an area of a localised depression in the carriageway around a manhole cover. This is not, however, considered to be hazardous and in need of urgent repair.

Under the current Roads Service Maintenance Standards for Safety, the normal response to this type of defect is to repair it during the next available programme of works, although its condition will be reviewed at each new inspection. In this regard I am unable to give you a precise timescale for the repair at present.

Speed Limits

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development, given the proven dangers of excessive speed, if he intends to reduce speed limits in housing estates and other built up areas to 20 mph.

(AQW 6553/08)

Mr C Murphy: While my Department’s Roads Service encourages and supports 20mph zones in situations where there is a risk to vulnerable road users, I have no plans to generally reduce speed limits in housing estates and other built up areas to 20 mph. However, a 20mph speed limit can be introduced in areas on a targeted basis.

The guidelines for the design of road layouts in residential developments are contained in ‘Creating Places’, a guide produced jointly by the Planning Service and Roads Service. Creating Places requires that traffic calming measures are designed into the layout of residential roads to reduce vehicle speeds. If a traffic-calming scheme is being implemented in a residential area, then where possible, it will be as a 20mph zone.

A review of my Department’s Speed Management policy has been carried out by Roads Service, in conjunction with PSNI and the Department of the Environment’s Road Safety Branch. The draft outcome of the review is currently with the Regional Development Committee for scrutiny and their comments are expected shortly. The draft policy describes how speed limits are to be set on roads right across the North, including those in residential areas.

Traffic Flow

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the latest available average daily traffic flows in (i) High Street; (ii) Railway Street; (iii) Bridge Street; and (iv) Cherryvalley Line, Comber.

(AQW 6595/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised that some 270 traffic census sites are strategically located throughout the North, on both the major and minor road network. Traffic flows are monitored at each of these sites for at least one week in every quarter of the year and an annual average is then calculated. The information is then published in the Traffic and Travel Information Report.

Unfortunately there are no permanent traffic census sites on any of the routes listed above. Average daily traffic flows are not, therefore, available for these roads.

Roads Service did, however, carry out an assessment of traffic flows in Railway Street between 30 July and 5 August 2007 and in Cherryvalley Line between 27 August and 2 September 2007. The 5 day average flows during these periods were 4,300 and 9,200 vehicles, respectively. These assessments were carried out in response to requests received for traffic schemes at these locations.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the websites that come under his Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6606/08)

Mr C Murphy: The table below details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of my Department. It includes the number of visitors since devolution as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visitors (or "hits") to sites are not an accurate form of measurement.

Comprehensive figures on the costs of maintaining each site are not available as the responsibility is a percentage of individual staff time with variations in grades and amount of time allocated to the role.

The cost for external hosting and associated technical support for the period was £20,831.

Websites that come under the responsibility of DRD:

Website	Visitors	Page views
http://www.drdni.gov.uk/index.htm	111,087	23,512,914
http://www.roadsni.gov.uk/	149,942	799,461
http://www.trafficwatchni.com/	250,000*	700,000*
http://roadimprovements.roadsni.gov.uk	31,676	137,740
http://www.travelwiseni.co.uk	18,489	111,805
http://www.ni-transportguide.info	16,400	2,670,915
http://www.waterreformni.gov.uk	3,913**	13,572**
DRD Intranet site	1,241	135,176

*These figures cover the period August 2007 to May 2008

**These figures cover 08 May 2007 to 18 September 2007 (site moved to become part of DRD Internet – www.drdni.gov.uk on 18 September 2007)

Parking in Belfast

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for resident parking permits in the Millisle area.

(AQW 6613/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to residents parking permits in general, I recently launched the informal consultation process for the introduction of residents’ parking schemes in five areas of inner Belfast. Until the outcome of this consultation and the resolution of problems associated with implementation and operation have been dealt with, it is considered unwise to introduce any further schemes

However, in relation to AQW 6615/08, the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2015 (BMTP) sets out my Department’s parking policy across the Belfast Metropolitan Area during the Plan period. For the North Down area, the Plan proposes that on-street parking controls are introduced in the urban centre of Bangor, along with more effective enforcement.

My Departments Roads Service has advised that it intends to commence initial parking surveys within residential areas in the centre of Bangor later this year. The areas surveyed will then be prioritised and considered, along with others, for possible inclusion in future residents’ parking schemes.

It is not possible at this stage to identify how long it will be before scheme design will start in the North Down area.

In relation to AQW 6613/08, AQW6614/08 and AQW 6616/08, there are presently no plans to introduce residents’ parking schemes in Millisle, Donaghadee and Holywood. However, if there is a specific area, at any of these locations, that you wish to be considered for a residents’ parking scheme, officials from my Department’s Roads Service would be happy to carry out preliminary surveys, to establish the need and priority of such a request.

Parking in Belfast

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for resident parking permits in the Donaghadee area.

(AQW 6614/08)

It is not possible at this stage to identify how long it will be before scheme design will start in the North Down area.

Parking in Belfast

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for resident parking permits in the Bangor area.

(AQW 6615/08)

It is not possible at this stage to identify how long it will be before scheme design will start in the North Down area.

Parking in Belfast

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for resident parking permits in the Holywood area.

(AQW 6616/08)

It is not possible at this stage to identify how long it will be before scheme design will start in the North Down area.

Equality Legislation

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 5193/08, to detail his obligations under equality legislation, in relation to illegal signage on lamp standards.

(AQW 6623/08)

Mr C Murphy: The obligation placed upon my Department’s Roads Service by equality legislation, is as specified in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This places a statutory obligation on Public Authorities to carry out their functions with due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and good relations in respect of religious belief, political opinion, gender, race, disability, age, marital status, dependents and sexual orientation. To implement this obligation, my Department has put in place an Equality Scheme, which has been approved by the Equality Commission.

Tarmacing of Roads

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide the timescale under planning rules for the completion of tarmacing of roads after houses have been built.

(AQW 6644/08)

Mr C Murphy: As local roads are a matter for the Department for Regional Development, your question has been passed to me, as the Minister responsible, for answer.

With regard to AQW 6644, where my Department’s Roads Service has determined the streets in a housing development for adoption under The Private Streets (Northern Ireland) Order 1980, all street works are required to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Department within one year from the date on which buildings are first occupied, or such longer period as the Department thinks reasonable.

In relation to AQW 6645/08; (i) there is no specific provision under The Private Streets (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 as to when the first tarmac course needs to be put down in a housing estate; and (ii) current legislation does not specifically require tarmacing (ie surfacing) of streets in housing estates before houses are occupied.

However, Roads Service normally recommends, as a condition of Planning Approval, that no dwellings should be occupied until that part of the service road providing access to the properties occupied, has been constructed to base course, and that the final wearing course should be applied on the completion of each phase of the development.

Tarmacing of Roads

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) when the first tarmac course needs to be put down in a housing estate; and (ii) if planning law dictates that tarmacing of housing estates needs to take place before houses are occupied.

(AQW 6645/08)

Mr C Murphy: As local roads are a matter for the Department for Regional Development, your question has been passed to me, as the Minister responsible, for answer.

Randalstown Road and Water Plans

Mr Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any work being carried out by the Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Randalstown and the surrounding areas in May 2008.

(AQW 6665/08)

Mr C Murphy: With regard to AQW 6665/08, my Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has no work planned in the Randalstown and surrounding area in May 2008. Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has advised that it will be commencing construction work on a new trunk watermain on New Street, Randalstown during May. A new pumping main and trunk watermain will also be laid through private lands between Randalstown and Milltown, Antrim between May and October 2008.

With regard to AQW 6667/08, Roads Service officials have advised that they plan to resurface the Crumlin Road between the Largy Road and Ballynadrentragh Road junctions during May 2008. NIW has no work planned for Crumlin and the surrounding areas during May.

With regard to AQW 6669/08, Roads Service officials advise that during May work will continue on the M2 Improvements scheme between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.

Following the demolition of the Hightown Bridge in early March, construction of the replacement structure will progress at this location. This will involve the construction of new bridge abutments on both the northern and southern sides of the motorway and a new bridge pier in the central reserve.

The other main elements of this scheme that will be undertaken during May include top soiling in the motorway verge between Sandyknowes and Greencastle and the erection of fencing and safety barrier along Derry Road.

Routine maintenance work on the M2 motorway will involve grass cutting, weed control treatments, emergency telephone and communications cabinet cleaning, routine maintenance of structures and localised resurfacing on the A8(M) on the approach to Sandyknowes junction.

NIW has no work planned for Mallusk and the surrounding areas during May.

Crumlin Road and Water Plans

Mr Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any work being carried out by the Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Crumlin and the surrounding areas in May 2008.

(AQW 6667/08)

With regard to AQW 6669/08, Roads Service officials advise that during May work will continue on the M2 Improvements scheme between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.

NIW has no work planned for Mallusk and the surrounding areas during May.

Mallusk Road and Water Plans

Mr Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any work being carried out by the Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Mallusk and the surrounding areas in May 2008.

(AQW 6669/08)

With regard to AQW 6669/08, Roads Service officials advise that during May work will continue on the M2 Improvements scheme between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions.

NIW has no work planned for Mallusk and the surrounding areas during May.

Parking Tickets

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of parking tickets that have been issued following (i) failure to purchase a pay and display ticket; and (ii) the expiry of a pay and display ticket in car parks in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6670/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service assumed responsibility for on-street parking enforcement following the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) at the end of October 2006. The numbers of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) that have been issued since then for ‘parked in a pay and display car-park without clearly displaying a valid pay and display ticket’ and ‘parked after the expiry of time paid for in a pay and display car-park’ are as follows:-

	End-October ’06 / 31 March ‘07	1 April ’07 / 31 March ‘08
Parked in P&D car-park without clearly displaying a valid P&D ticket.	5,119	20,306
Parked after the expiry of time paid for in a pay and display car-park.	2,610	8,968

I do not have figures for PCN’s issued prior to my Department taking responsibility for on-street parking enforcement.

Disabled Parking

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to increase the number of Road Service car parking spaces which are reserved for holders of a disabled persons 'blue badge'.

(AQW 6671/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has no specific plans to increase the number of parking spaces allocated as disabled parking bays. Officials are, however, happy to consider all requests for such spaces.

The current policy on the provision of Disabled Parking Bays, first introduced in May 2002 is described in a public information leaflet entitled, "Disabled Parking Bays – Information for Applicants" which is available from Roads Service local offices and via the Roads Service website (www.roadsni.gov.uk/disabled_parking_leaflet.pdf).

EU Funding

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the EU funding surrendered by his Department in each of the last 2 financial years.

(AQW 6674/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Department for Regional Development has not surrendered any EU funding in the last two years.

Traffic Calming Measures

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the traffic calming measures that have been put in place in (i) Banbridge; (ii) Lurgan; and (iii) Portadown, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6700/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service collates the details of traffic calming measures by Council area. Schemes implemented in Banbridge District Council and Craigavon Borough Council areas in each of the last three financial years are provided in the tables below.

Banbridge
Year	Location	Features
2005/06	Hillsborough Road, Dromore	Gateway features, central hatching, right-turn lanes and road markings
	Gallows Street (upper) and Jubilee Road, Dromore	Gateway features, kerb build-outs and road markings
	Meeting Street, Dromore	New signs, anti-skid surfacing and sheltered parking
	Huntly Road, Banbridge	Central hatching, traffic islands, right-turning lanes and mini-roundabout
	Peggy’s Loanin, Banbridge	Central hatching and right-turn lanes
	Newry Road, Banbridge	Sheltered parking, central hatching and pedestrian islands
2006/07	Moneyslane village	Gateway features and road markings
	Scarva Street, Banbridge	Kerb build-outs, sheltered parking and road markings
	Lawrencetown Village, Banbridge	Gateway features, road markings and short length of footpath
2007/08	Fort Street, Banbridge	Gateway, central hatching, traffic islands, mini-roundabout and speed ramps
	Hilltown Road, Rathfriland	Gateway and traffic island
	Castleview, Gilford	Speed ramps

Craigavon
Year	Location	Features
2005/06	Ashgrove Road, Portadown	Traffic islands, central hatching and gateway feature
	Sloan Street, Lurgan	Traffic islands, right-turn lanes and central hatching
	Hill Street, Lurgan	Road markings and sheltered parking
	Gilford Road, Portadown	Junction improvements and right-turn markings
	Churchill / Woodside Estate, Portadown	Speed ramps
	Scotch Street, Portadown	Gateway features, central hatching, right-turn lanes and road markings
	Lake Street, Lurgan	Gateway feature, central hatching, pedestrian islands and mini-roundabouts
2006/07	Drumnacanvey Village, Portadown	Gateway features and road markings
	Meadowbrook Estate, Craigavon	Speed ramps and tables
	Waringstown	Gateway features, build-outs and sheltered parking
2007/08	Kernan Road, Portadown	Gateway and central hatching
	Gibsons Hill, Lurgan	Gateways and central hatching
	Mourne Road, Lurgan	Speed ramps

Road Works Projects

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the steps he is taking to coordinate different road works projects undertaken by different utilities to ensure that disruption to traffic and damage to the road surface is minimised.

(AQW 6702/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 provides a legislative framework for street works activities by undertakers (including public utilities), and for works for roads purposes, to the extent that these must be co-ordinated with street works.

Utility providers are required to register their intention to carry out street works with my Department’s Roads Service for the purpose of co-ordinating street works and related matters in accordance with a Code of Practice prepared by the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) and the Department.

Co-ordination of street works is facilitated through a computerised register, the Northern Ireland Streetworks Register And Notification System (NISRANS), which provides an effective basis for conveying information to all concerned about proposed work. In addition, Roads Service officials, at various levels, are in daily contact with utility providers to agree traffic management plans and to adjust utility project plans.

However, Roads Service considers that the current regulatory regime could be improved to help maintain the flow of traffic on the road network and is currently in the process of introducing additional legislation similar to that being introduced in England and Wales. The new legislation (The Street Works (Amendment) (NI) Order 2007) will include powers for Roads Service to charge and issue permits to utilities for the carrying out of street works, to direct the dates and routes by which works are to be undertaken, as well as powers to impose an embargo on further works for up to 5 years following substantial road or street works.

Vandalism to Railway and Bus Stations

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of vandalism to (i) railway stations; and (ii) bus shelters, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6703/08)

Mr C Murphy: Train Stations:

Northern Ireland Railways have supplied me with the following figures of vandalism costs to railway stations over the last five years.

2003/04 £22,569

2004/05 £16,000

2005/06 £18,852

2006/07 £18,394

2007/08 £3,130

NIR are not aware of any particular trend in reduction of acts of vandalism to explain the decrease in 2007/08. They think it may be linked to some of their local managers delaying rectification work to avoid nugatory expenditure, due to the implementation of an extensive programme of works at railway stations to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Bus Shelters:

In January 2001 Roads Service and the majority of district councils entered into a 15-year contract with Adshel (the bus shelter provider) for the provision of approximately 1500 bus shelters throughout the council areas involved. The provision and maintenance of these shelters are funded by Adshel through advertising revenue and at no cost to the Department. The contract covers the vast majority of bus shelters in the North and the Department has no knowledge of the costs incurred by Adshel in carrying out their contractual commitments.

In addition to the above contract, Adshel installed a small number of bus shelters for Translink. This was funded through the Rural Transport Fund and under the terms of the contract Translink paid for any related vandalism costs. Translink have supplied the information on these vandalism costs as set out below. Information for 2003/04 to 2004/05 is not yet available as Translink require further time to interrogate their previous accounting system. This information will be provided as soon as available.

2003/04	N/A
2004/05	N/A
2005/06	£1,622
2006/07	£165
2007/08	£2,200

Traffic Congestion in Waringstown

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will carry out an assessment of traffic congestion at the junction of Mill Hill in Waringstown, with a view to putting measures in place to end the frequent rush hour gridlock at this junction.

(AQW 6704/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that, in common with similar locations, traffic using the Mill Hill junction in Waringstown experiences a degree of delay at peak times.

I understand that you have also written directly to Roads Service officials on this issue and that they have agreed to conduct a further review of the traffic conditions at this junction and will advise you of the outcome when this is completed.

Hydrogen Technology for Buses

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to introduce buses fuelled by hydrogen technology rather than fossil fuels.

(AQW 6709/08)

Mr C Murphy: There are no plans, at present, to introduce buses fuelled by hydrogen technology.

Rail Services

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the progress in the development of the Derry/Londonderry - Coleraine railway line; (ii) whether a dedicated project team has been appointed; and (iii) the resources available to the project team.

(AQW 6710/08)

Mr C Murphy: The first step in the development of the Coleraine to Derry Track relay project has been taken. Translink have produced a draft Project Initiation Document (PID) and the final document is expected to be presented to the Department for approval in early June.

The PID will contain a proposed structure for the project management team.

The PID will request £980k of funding to enable the feasibility study and economic appraisal stages of the project to be taken forward by the project team. The Business Case will then be put to the Department for consideration.

Rail Services

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the progress in considering European Union funding opportunities in relation to cross border rail links in the North West; and (ii) the discussions that have taken place with the Republic of Ireland on a North West cross border rail link.

(AQW 6711/08)

Mr C Murphy: My immediate priority is to improve rail services in the North, and the Programme for Government sets out plans to commit over £137 million for capital investment in the railway network in the years 2008/09 to 2010/11.

There are at present no plans to extend the railway network and therefore no applications have been made for European Funding for a cross border rail link in the North West. I have, however, agreed to a study that will consider long-term social, physical and economic redevelopment of the railway throughout the north-west. Later this month, I intend to bring that to the attention of the North/South Ministerial Council and to suggest that, when available, the study’s findings are shared with the Council.

Water and Roads Service

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the procedures in place to ensure co-ordination between the Water Service and Roads Service when work is required to upgrade or replace facilities which require work on roads.

(AQW 6731/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 ("the Order") provides a legislative framework for street works activities by undertakers (public and private utilities including Northern Ireland Water), as well as for works for road purposes, to the extent that these must be co-ordinated with street works.

Under Articles 16, 19 and 20 of the Order, my Department issued the first edition of the Code of Practice for the co-ordination of street works and works for road purposes and related matters on 18 March 2002; the 2^nd edition was introduced on 31 January 2005. This document, prepared by the Northern Ireland Road Authority and Utilities Committee (NIRAUC) and the Department, provides practical guidance on a wide range of responsibilities for my Department’s Roads Service and undertakers in relation to street or road works.

Utility providers are required to register their intention to carry out street works with Roads Service for the purpose of co-ordinating street works and related matters in accordance with the Code of Practice. Co-ordination of street works is facilitated through a computerised register, the Northern Ireland Streetworks Register And Notification System (NISRANS), which provides an effective basis for conveying information to all concerned about proposed work. In addition, Roads Service officials, at various levels, are in daily contact with utility providers to agree traffic management plans and to adjust utility project plans. Roads Service aims to achieve co-ordination with the utility undertakers and balance the potentially conflicting interests of road users and utility customers.

Notwithstanding the above, Roads Service considers that the current regulatory regime could be further improved to help maintain the flow of traffic on the network. It is in the process of bringing in additional legislation similar to that being introduced in England and Wales.

The new legislation (The Street Works (Amendment) (NI) Order 2007) will include powers for Roads Service to charge and issue permits to utilities for the carrying out of street works, to direct the dates and routes by which works are to be undertaken and to impose an embargo on further works for up to 5 years following substantial road or street works.

Water and Roads Service

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the procedures in place between the Roads and Water Services and private companies to co-ordinate work required on roads.

(AQW 6732/08)

Disabled Parking

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of residential disabled car parking spaces, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6735/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain records of disabled parking bays with a defined category for "residential spaces". They are simply categorised as being either "on-street" or "off-street" and, unfortunately, these records are not maintained by constituency or district council area. However, I can advise that there are 1,789 (figure to end of April) on-street disabled parking spaces across the North.

I should point out that, while Roads Service provides disabled parking bays in town and city centres and in residential areas, these bays cannot be reserved by individuals, but may be used by any Blue Badge holder.

Disability Targets

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the targets his Department has set in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in his Department over the next 5 years.

(AQW 6748/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Department for Regional Development does not have specific targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. The Department nevertheless seeks to ensure that people with a disability suffer no detriment in recruitment and advancement and that reasonable adjustments are made across its full range of employment practices.

Free Travel Over 60s

Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the discussions he has had with his counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales in relation to reciprocal free travel entitlements for people over the age of 60.

(AQW 6753/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have had no such discussions. Any arrangement for the reciprocal recognition of concessionary passes would raise financial as well as operational and technical issues. As part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process I bid for resources to make changes to the North's concessionary fares scheme, some of which would have had the effect of bringing aspects of the scheme here more closely into line with provision in Britain. The Executive decided to make resources available to extend free travel to those over 60 travelling within the North.

Road Safety Issues

Mr Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his Department's plans to up-grade the Drumagarner Road, Kilrea, between the Lismoyle Road and Hervey Hill Road junction, to address road safety issues.

(AQW 6772/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Road Service has advised that a traffic calming scheme was carried out in Drumagarner village in 2004 and in early 2008 a footway was constructed between the edge of the settlement at Drumagarner and the pedestrian entrance to the GAA pitch. Both of these schemes were carried out in the interests of road safety. Roads Service has no plans to carry out further improvements at this time.

However, I can advise that Roads Service will carry out an Initial Assessment at this location, to consider the need for a minor improvement scheme. Upon completion of this assessment, my officials will contact you with the results.

Business Class Flights

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of times he has flown business class in his capacity as Minister since assuming office in May 2007; and (ii) the cost incurred by his Department for this travel, and to confirm if flying business class is standard practice or whether he is given the option of flying business class.

(AQW 6776/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have flown business class on one occasion in my official capacity since assuming ministerial office in May 2007. The cost of that return flight was £466.10.

Flying business class is not standard practice in the Department and on the three other occasions that I have flown on official business, I travelled economy class.

SmartPass Fares

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to extend the provision of half-fare entitlement to concessionary Smartpass holders, to include return as well as single fares.

(AQW 6782/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have asked that officials consider the potential options for removing restrictions relating to the purchase of half fares if that can be done without compromising the security of the scheme.

Rail Services

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers have used the Bangor to Belfast train service in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 6873/08)

Mr C Murphy: The number of rail passengers using the Bangor to Belfast train service in each of the last 5 years was:

	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
Bangor Line	1,544,386	1,517,315	1,860,752	1,956,801	2,064,232

Rock Excavation

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures will be taken to ensure that homes in the vicinity of the A1 at Cloughogue will be protected from damage from rock blasting activities, and in the event of such damage, what action will be taken to compensate those affected.

(AQW 6913/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have advised that, in general, rock excavation by blasting requires adherence with particular safety measures to ensure that the operation is undertaken so as to avoid damage, including damage to residential properties in the vicinity.

The rock blasting activities to which you refer, are being undertaken as part of the Design Build Finance and Operate Contract for the construction of the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway. Under the terms of the contract, the DBFO Company is required to adhere to all the rules, guidelines and safety procedures contained in BS5607:1998. This is the relevant British Standard, which, among other things, sets target impact levels to avoid damage to nearby property. Furthermore the DBFO Company is also required to comply with the requirements of Relevant Authorities, in this instance the Environmental Health Department of Newry and Mourne District Council, which were reflected in the Environmental Statement for the scheme, published in November 2004. These are more demanding than the British Standard.

In light of these contractual requirements, Roads Service has assured me that appropriate measures are being taken to ensure that homes in the vicinity of the A1 at Cloghogue are protected from damage.

In the unlikely event of damage being caused to residential properties by the rock blasting operation, under the term of the Contract, it will be a matter for the Contractor, to deal with any claim which may arise.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which her Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6433/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The Department for Social Development website contains an extensive range of publications and downloads of internal and external publications which can be counted. However, there is no mechanism in place to compare the distribution of the full range of electronic publications and correspondence against hard copies.

Conor Rise and Conor House

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the improvement schemes that have been implemented in the (a) Conor Rise; and (b) Conor Close areas of West Belfast, since its development; and (ii) the future improvement schemes that are planned, including the scheduled dates.

(AQW 6524/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This information is not readily available from the date of initial construction. However, the following table details the improvement works which have been carried out since 1998/99.

Date	Improvement Work	Location
1998-1999	External Cyclical Maintenance & Repainting Scheme	Conor Rise, Conor House
2002–2003	External Maintenance Works to Canopies. Cladding, etc	Conor Rise, Shaws Road
2002–2003	External Cyclical Maintenance & Repainting Scheme	Conor Rise, Shaws Road
2003–2004	Installation of Mechanical Ventilation Systems	Conor House, Shaws Road
2005–2006	Cosy Homes Scheme (Phase 2) Replacement of existing heating systems with new Gas Heating Systems	Conor Rise
2007–2008	External Cyclical Maintenance & Internal/External Repainting Scheme	Conor House
2007–2008	Up-grading works including work under the Disability Discrimination Act, Security (CCTV) and external grounds works	Conor House, Conor Rise
Each year	Annual Heating Systems Servicing and remedial works	All properties

Since Conor Close is a new part of the development it has not required any improvement works as yet. Ark Housing is currently finalizing its 10 year cyclical and planned maintenance works programme for its entire stock and Connor Close will be included in that exercise

NI Housing Executive

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the reasons for job cuts in the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; and (ii) her plans to introduce pay increases for current and remaining staff.

(AQW 6551/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive, like all Government Departments and agencies, is required to deliver a 5% efficiency saving per year over the next three years in relation to its administrative costs. For the past two years however the Housing Executive has been working on a Modernising Programme which will deliver economies through amalgamating "back office" functions into larger centres, whilst maintaining the level of service at district level.

Pay within the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is governed by the National Joint Council for Local Government Services on the basis of its National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service. Any pay increases are agreed at national level by the National Joint Council, subject to the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Departmental Legal Costs

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of money her Department has spent on (i) legal costs due to challenges in court; and (ii) compensation settlements, since May 2007.

(AQW 6582/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The precise information that you have requested is not separately identifiable from my Department’s records.

However, I can advise that between May 2007 and April 2008, the Department has incurred £706,101 in respect to total legal costs, covering a wide range of issues from Appeals Tribunals, Employment Tribunals, Enforcement of Judgements, vesting order issues, Public Liability cases and various property related matters.

In the same period, my Department made compensation payments amounting to £418,731, which is primarily for Social Security Agency customers arising from issues around benefit payments and is administered by the Agency and not the Court Service. In addition an amount of £109,752 was paid in respect to Personal Injury compensation cases.

Departmental Websites

Mr Savage asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the websites that come under her Department's responsibility and to detail the (i) cost of maintaining them; and (ii) number of visitors to these sites, since devolution.

(AQW 6607/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table details the number of websites that come under the responsibility of DSD. The table includes the number of visitors since devolution as well as the number of page views. Information on page views has been included because visitors to sites are no longer seen as an accurate form of measurement.

It is not possible to provide a figure on the cost of maintaining each site as a disaggregated figure for site maintenance is not held.

Websites that come under the Department’s responsibility:

Website	Visitors	Page views
www.dsdni.gov.uk	547,050	2,459,718
www.stopbenefitfraudni.gov.uk	10,588	71,611

Connswater Housing

Ms Purvis asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the financial assistance that has been made available for the provision of triple glazing in the Connswater Mews/Grove area of Belfast, which is situated at the lowest point of the flight path into George Best Belfast City Airport.

(AQW 6622/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Connswater Housing owns 31 single glazed dwellings in this area. Under normal circumstances the windows would not be due for replacement with double glazing until 2014. Connswater Housing will, however, be undertaking a condition survey of all its stock . The survey will start with these particular dwellings and the Association has indicated that it may be possible to bring the window replacements forward. Such works are funded by the Association itself so no funding has to be made available by my Department for this purpose.

Housing Executive Land in East Antrim

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the East Antrim constituency; and (ii) her plans for this land.

(AQW 6628/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is as follows:

District	Location	Site Area (HA)	Programmed for transfer to Housing Association	Transfer to Surplus Land Schedule	Retain for future use
N'abbey 1	Shore Road	0.89		√
N'abbey 1	Old Irish Highway, Rathcoole	0.33			√
N'abbey 1	Derrycoole Way, Rathcoole	0.59			√
N'abbey 1	Derrycoole Pk, Rathcoole	0.48			√
N'abbey 1	High St, Bawnmore Ph 1	0.05	√
N'abbey 1	Bawnmore Place Site 1	0.33			√
N'abbey 1	Old Mill Drive	0.11			√
N'abbey 1	Glanroy Crescent	0.40			√
N'abbey 2	Ballyduff Road	1.15		√
N'abbey 2	Ards Drive	0.83			√
Carrick	Dunluskin Site (1)	5.45		√
Carrick	Dunluskin Site (2)	18.00		√
Carrick	Oakwood Road	3.63		√
Carrick	Glenfield Estate Site 1	1.45		√
Carrick	Irish Quarter West	0.14			√
Carrick	McKeens Avenue	0.35	√
Carrick	Windmill Avenue	0.29	√
Carrick	Eden Orlits	1.00	√
Carrick	Prince Andrew Way	2.70		√
Carrick	Lower Woodburn	1.70		√
Carrick	Islandmagee Rd, W'head	0.71		√
Carrick	30 Davys Street	0.02			√
Larne	Blackcave North (2)	4.01		√
Larne	Blackcave North (1)	6.23		√
Larne	Ashvale Pk, Islandmagee	0.55			√
Larne	Glenvale Road, Glynn	0.11		√
Larne	Seacliff Rd/Channel View	2.39		√
Larne	Blackcave Park	0.60		√
Larne	Kintyre Road, Antiville	2.14		√
Larne	Linn Road Flats	0.28		√
Larne	Newpark	0.08			√
Larne	West Street Site 2	0.02			√

Renewing Communities Fund

Mr Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of funding awarded through the Renewing Communities Fund in each year since it was launched.

(AQW 6633/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The amounts allocated through the Renewing Communities Fund for my Department for the years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 are detailed in the tables which have been placed in the library along with a separate table showing other Departments allocations. These were projected spends for the financial years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. Full details of actual spends are the responsibility of each relevant sponsoring Department.

Disabled Facilities Grant

Mr McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development if she intends to regulate the policy on the 'disabled facilities grant' to put people with a disability on a par with children.

(AQW 6729/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Since the Disabled Facilities Grant means test for adaptations for children was abolished, my Department has been working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to identify potential ways of simplifying the process and to ensure that all people with disabilities are able to get any necessary adaptations carried out in their homes.

Disability Targets

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the targets her Department has set in relation to the employment of people with disabilities in her Department over the next 5 years.

(AQW 6749/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Department for Social Development does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.

Renewable Energy

Mr Molloy asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on funded schemes supporting renewable energy for private use.

(AQW 6805/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has overall responsibility for renewable energy. Money from the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund was used by my department to install 2,567 solar panels in social and private housing from 2006 to 2008. This year, I am co-funding a £550,000 pilot project with Northern Ireland Electricity to test a number of renewable energy technologies, mostly in hard-to-treat homes in rural areas. This will help to identify whether such technologies are a viable, cost-effective alternative to oil or gas heating in the longer term.

Modernisation Fund

Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Social Development to outline (i) the decision making process for allocations from the Modernisation Fund; and (ii) the measures in place to ensure fair distribution of allocations throughout the region.

(AQW 6845/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Modernisation Fund Capital Programme has a three stage assessment process.

An independent desk based assessment against programme objectives produces a priority listing.

Review, consideration and confirmation of the recommended prioritisation by an advisory panel chaired by a senior official from my Department’s Voluntary and Community Unit and including representatives from the DSD Development Offices, Disability Advisory Services DEL and Groundwork Northern Ireland a voluntary and community sector organisation with experience of capital project development.

Projects confirmed by the advisory panel are subject to economic appraisal which if positive will result in the issue of a contract for funding.

The Modernisation Fund Capital Programme does not allocate funding on a geographical basis. Decisions are made on the basis of the application’s merit against the programme criteria and overall policy objectives.

The professional approach followed during the programme design and assessment processes and the oversight role of the Advisory Panel will ensure a fair distribution of funding under this Programme which when it closed to application on 19 October 2007 had received 475 applications with a total value of £195 million.

National Carers' Strategy

Mr McNarry asked the Minister for Social Development whether the review into support provision for carers was started, as indicated by the Minister, on Thursday 6 May.

(AQW 7005/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The purpose of the review is to examine the support for carers in an holistic way following on from the review of the National Carers' Strategy, the findings of which are due to be published in early June. Work has commenced on establishing the terms of reference for the review.

ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Yellow Pages

Mr Wells asked the Assembly Commission to detail the plans it has to review ordering future supplies of the Yellow Pages for offices in Parliament Buildings.

(AQW 6531/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Yellow Pages is a commercial directory which is delivered to Parliament Buildings every year. The number of copies delivered in previous years was in the region of 180, this number allowed for a copy for each of the following;

All Members offices;
Main party offices;
Committee Chairpersons office;
OFMDFM offices;
Ministerial Offices;
Directors;
Speakers Office and Special Advisor;
2 for the library;
Entrance Doors (North, South, East, West and Annexe C);
The Control Room;
The Library;
The pay phone;
8 Spare

For the incoming year, in an attempt to minimize the order, Building Management Branch will establish the number of copies of Yellow Pages required by making contact with the main Party offices, Members and staff via email. It is anticipated that the number of copies required will not exceed 40. As all building users can access the internet there is the facility to search the directories on line and staff will be encouraged to avail of this.

Any old copies of the yellow pages are taken away at the time of distribution to be recycled.

New Search Facility

Mr Wells asked the Assembly Commission to outline the reasons why the recently constructed search facility was not designed to reflect the architectural style of Parliament Buildings; and to advise if there are any plans for further work on the structure.

(AQW 6538/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): In order to fulfil one of the recommendations of the review of security, the Assembly Commission agreed to introduce a facility for searching visitors to Parliament Buildings externally.

Planning permission was sought for a temporary facility to be located at the Glen East entrance to Parliament Buildings. The temporary nature of the facility is to allow for a replacement search arrangement as part of the proposed new build project.

Advice from the Planning Service and from the Environment and Heritage Service was that the building should be treated as a temporary facility and should not try to compete with Parliament Buildings in any way. With the possible exception of a rain canopy at the entrance, the Commission has no plans for further work on the structure.

Period	No of staff
22 May 2003 - 21 May 2004	111
22 May 2004 - 21 May 2005	71
22 May 2005 - 21 May 2006	69
22 May 2006 - 21 May 2007	93
22 May 2007 - 21 May 2008	84