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 23 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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Good Relations District Council Plans

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the criteria currently used to determine programme spend for the delivery of the Good Relations District Council plans.

(AQW 6348/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): District Councils submit annual good relations action plans to OFMDFM. The criteria for funding contained within the action plans are that each participating council endorses an explicit policy statement to develop a local community relations programme and that the programme would command cross-political support within council. The programme aims are:

increasing cross-community relationships and co-operation;
promoting greater mutual understanding; and
increasing appreciation of cultural diversity.

It is also a requirement that plans are based on good relations issues as identified through the good relations audits and/or research outcomes undertaken by each District Council.

It is important that those identified local needs and local actions are prioritised accordingly to reflect the issues within the respective district council area. As the programmes have developed in line with government policy on good relations, the programmes should therefore incorporate both internal and outward-facing actions designed to mainstream good relations within all Councils’ procedures and practices.

Traditionally, the overall funding allocated against this work was approximately ₤2m per annum. However, we have additional funding of almost ₤7.5m over the next 3 years from 2008/2011 provided to address the divisions within our society; total investment will therefore be approximately ₤29m, to meet the PSA target of a shared and better future for all.

A key element of these investment proposals includes a significant increase over the period to promote inclusion and integration at local level and there are therefore potentially significant increases in funding available for Councils’ good relations programmes.

We are currently identifying what additional work is needed. We will review the criteria to ensure that identified needs are addressed and to bring the criteria into line with an agreed new strategy.

Poverty in Northern Ireland

Mr Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the action it is taking to identify the causes of poverty.

(AQW 6418/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In seeking to identify the causes of poverty here, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has and will continue to contribute to a range of government research and survey programmes, relevant to poverty and the identification of risk factors associated with poverty, including:

• an analysis of the Continuous Household Survey which has covered information on the characteristics of households falling into the bottom 30% of the income distribution;
• part-funding of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation research 'Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Northern Ireland', which was published in November 2006; and
• part-funding of other relevant surveys such as the Family Resources Survey and the Expenditure and Food Survey through OFMDFM’s Equality and Social Need Steering Group.

The risk factors identified to date are similar to those identified in UK research studies and include factors related to poor education, unemployment, wage levels, health and disability and household type.

Sustainable Development Forum

Mr Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the role of a Sustainable Development Forum.

(AQW 6422/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The appropriate means of encouraging civic participation and communication is presently being explored and one strand of this work is the potential role of a Sustainable Development Forum. Consideration is being given to existing relationships between our Department and other organisations to ensure delivery of sustainability objectives is achieved on a best value for money basis.

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether mechanisms are in place to monitor the extent to which their Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

(AQW 6434/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The department encourages branches to publish documents online as part of its policy on electronic publishing. However, we do not have mechanisms in place to monitor the extent to which the Department's (i) internal; and (ii) external, (a) correspondence; and (b) distribution of publications, is carried out electronically.

Civic Forum

Mr Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which it expects to make an announcement on whether to reconstitute the Civic Forum.

(AQW 6636/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The three-year term of office of the original Civic Forum membership has expired and, as the social and economic environment here has changed considerably since the Civic Forum first met in October 2000, a review has been commissioned to examine the effectiveness and appropriateness of its structure, operation and membership, and to make recommendations on the most appropriate mechanism and arrangements for engaging with, and obtaining the views of, civic society on social, economic and cultural matters.

The review is now under way and it is expected to report to us later this year.

Fair Employment Laws

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister when legislation will be introduced to ensure that current fair employment laws extend to all employers.

(AQW 6890/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Review of the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations is an ongoing commitment. Review of these Regulations and fair employment legislation generally will be considered as part of the ongoing review of equality legislation.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has a statutory role in reviewing equality legislation, and is currently considering fair employment employer duties and monitoring and reviews. We understand that the Commission will be writing formally to the Department soon about these issues

Fair Employment Laws

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to re-affirm its commitment to fair employment law and its enforcement.

(AQW 6892/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion and makes provision for monitoring the religious composition of the workforce here. We are firmly committed to promoting equality of opportunity between persons of different religious beliefs. Enforcement of the Order is the responsibility of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural 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, are carried out electronically.

(AQW 6750/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): All DARD business areas are aware of the need to monitor and reduce paper usage and to implement electronic methods of delivery wherever possible.

The extent to which the Department monitors internal and external correspondence and the mechanisms used to do so varies between individual business areas.

The general approach taken by the Department is to provide an electronic response to any requests received by e-mail (unless the requestor states otherwise). The same approach applies to publications where individuals/organisations will receive documents electronically if they have provided an e-mail address. Publications are also accessible to the wider public via the Department's internet web-site.

The Department monitors stationery usage (including paper) as part of its Waste Management Action Plan which is aimed at promoting the reduction/recycling of all office stationery.

Sub Regional Community Networks

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, to confirm if she will undertake to review (i) the role; and (ii) the number of, sub regional networks funded by her Department, in light of the Review of Public Administration.

(AQW 6764/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Regional Sub Networks (RSN’s) are voluntary member organisations who in turn are members of the Rural Community Network (RCN). They receive funding from my Department to provide a service which we purchase under contract – DARD is not the sole funder. It is not therefore within my Departments remit to review their role or number. That is a matter for the RCN and the RSN’s and I am aware that they have commenced this work The Rural Community Network in partnership with the Sub-regional Rural Support Network’s is implementing a project entitled ‘Managing Positive Change’. The project which is being funded through the Department for Social Development’s Modernisation Fund (from April 2007 to March 2009), challenges the Networking Infrastructure to critically explore modernisation and to act on the findings and recommendations made by the Taskforce for Voluntary and Community organisations. A Project Group has been established to take forward this work and the Review of Public Administration will be taken into account. The Department is represented on this Project Group and I am kept advised on progress.

Sub Regional Community Networks

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail, for each of the last 5 financial years, the amount of funding provided to each of the 12 sub regional community networks.

(AQW 6765/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Funding to the 12 sub regional community networks in the last 5 financial years, from DARD, is as outlined in the table below. Please note that the figures for the 07/08 financial year are not yet complete as the final claims for that period are currently being processed.

	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
NORTH ANTRIM	£56,175.00	£51,400.00	£52,182.25	£54,508.08	£42,932.06
ROSA	£60,869.25	£60,695.00	£61,877.25	£63,007.19	£36,830.03
COSTA	£40,000.00	£42,000.00	£41,785.25	£46,479.43	£38,274.37
FERMANAGH	£53,437.13	£56,459.05	£57,257.25	£61,872.75	£43,629.76
CWSAN	£51,157.00	£52,000.00	£51,454.37	£57,554.21	£42,509.33
EAST DOWN	£66,701.25	£65,000.00	£66,182.25	£73,145.78	£53,498.30
OAKLEAF	£53,567.08	£68,000.00	£68,734.25	£67,482.36	£42,532.49
SARN	£41,415.05	£39,091.95	£46,529.27	£47,795.16	£38,956.99
OMAGH	£49,492.82	£51,085.79	£44,756.44	£57,754.22	£47,597.66
ROMAL	£49,008.26	£49,450.00	£49,699.30	£54,766.91	£39,432.62
TADA	£50,000.00	£54,374.00	£54,471.95	£57,661.18	£37,216.44
STRABANE	£48,195.00	£50,000.00	£50,752.50	£56,994.01	£42,654.54
	£620,017.84	£639,555.79	£645,682.33	£699,021.28	£506,064.59

Sub Regional Community Networks

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her plans to fund the 12 sub regional networks.

(AQW 6766/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The current contracts of funding to the 12 Regional Sub Networks (RSN’s) expire on 30^th June 2008. My Department are currently awaiting requests to extend these contracts until 31^st March 2009. If these requests are approved, any funding beyond March 2009 will be considered in the context of a Community Development Framework which my Department intends to have in place early next year.

Renewing Communities Pilot Scheme

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide (i) an update on the progress made in carrying out a review on the Renewing Communities Pilot Scheme; and (ii) a timescale within which it will be published.

(AQW 6767/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I can confirm that officials from my Department met with staff from the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate on 1 May 2008 to discuss and agree on ‘Terms of Reference’ for the evaluation of the Renewing Communities Pilot Scheme. Following that meeting, tender documentation was issued to a number of select consultants on 9 May with a closing date for receipt of tenders by 30 May 2008. The evaluation will assess in more detail the positive outcomes for the local rural communities and the wider rural population, and the final report is expected by Friday, 22 August 2008.

National Fallen Stock Scheme

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for her assessment of the financial impact that the National Fallen Stock Scheme has had on farmers; and to detail her plans to introduce a scheme where individual farmers do not have to opt in.

(AQW 6785/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The National Fallen Stock Company (NFSCo) is owned by the English, Scottish, Welsh and the Norths Agriculture Departments. It was set up in response to the EU By-Products Regulation prohibiting the on-farm burial of fallen farm animals. To ease the transition Government committed a total of £20 million to the National Fallen Stock Scheme (NFSS), to offset part of the cost of disposal to farmers spread over the first four years of the Scheme. DARD’s contribution is £3.2 million.

To date over 11,200 farmers from here have chosen to join the Scheme and to benefit from the subsidy, however, other legal options for disposal include independent collection and approved kennels.

Government funding is due to finish in November 2008. My officials are currently considering the options and will brief me in the coming weeks.

Colony Collapse Disorder

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any plans she has to contribute to the £8 million funding identified by Defra for research into Colony Collapse Disorder over the next five years.

(AQW 6808/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Defra has not identified any additional budget for research into bee health issues. While a request for funding of some £8m was received by Defra from the British Beekeepers’ Association for research into a variety of bee diseases, no funds have been made available at this time.

There is no evidence to suggest that Colony Collapse Disorder has reached Britain, or the island of Ireland.

Farm on Ballyroney Road, Katesbridge

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5982/08, to detail the reasons why departmental staff did not visit the farm between December 2007 and April 2008.

(AQW 6836/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The only outstanding piece of work on this farm was a Tuberculosis Test for TB which had been allocated as normal to the Herd Keeper’s Private Veterinary Practitioner. As there were no other tasks or tests due, there was no other reason for DARD staff to visit.

Lindsay Hall Facility at Loughry College

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the plans for education provision at the Lindsay Hall facility, Loughry College.

(AQW 6851/08)

Ms M Gildernew: A review of CAFRE’s Loughry Campus in 2006 recommended the consolidation of facilities within the Loughry site to reduce operational costs. This was confirmed by an economic appraisal with the preferred option being for CAFRE to withdraw from Lindesay Hall and to consolidate teaching and learning facilities in the Food Technology Centre (FTC) and student accommodation within the existing Shannon Hall.

Capital works have been completed to relocate the library and teaching facilities to the FTC, and work to refurbish Shannon Hall is currently underway.

As the College will not require Lindesay Hall after the current academic year it will be available for other purposes. Already it is used as the Headquarters for DARD’s Countryside Management Branch and by DARD’s Veterinary Service as the Local Epizootic Disease Control Centre for the North. The training rooms within the building are also used by both internal and external groups for training course delivery.

I am also using the facility on a part-time basis as my Private Office.

No decisions have been taken regarding other future uses for the building.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services her department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6863/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has awarded a total of 36 contracts for consultancy services during the period 2004-08 which did not have to go out to public tender, the yearly breakdown of which is as follows:-

Year	Total Number of Consultancy Contracts (Not awarded by Public tender)
04/05	20
05/06	6
06/07	4
07/08	6

Please see attached tables (Appendices 1 – 4), which detail who each contract was awarded to, together with description of contract and value.

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2004/05

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Export Development Programme	Mentoring & training for small businesses to develop capacity for developing export business.	Brilliant Red Consulting	£6,467.87
Max E-Commerce Programme(Self Implementation Programme)	Developing the capacity of companies to use e-commerce.	Carrickfergus Consultants	£39,992
Publicity	Campaign for Leader+ Programme in the Londonderry area.	Issue Ireland	£3,703.75
Economic Appraisal Preparation	Carrying out appraisals for a number of projects to speed up the application process.	MTR Consulting	£2,450
Business Analysis	Provision of advice and support to businesses requiring assistance, identifying needs and sign posting for grants.	Northwest Marketing	£59,192.30

1 of 4

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2004/05 (continued)

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Rural Women Support	Specialist training and support for rural businesses owned by women.	Northwest Marketing	£25,940
Economic Appraisal – Fermanagh Trust	Carrying out economic appraisals for several projects for the Rural Development Council.	Peter Quinn Consultancy Services	£2,550
Micro Business Development Programme (Self Implementation)	Providing specialist training and advice to micro businesses.	Pricewaterhouse Coopers	£18,199.15
ICT Contract	ICT training and mentoring to identify needs to businesses leading to capital grants for ICT equipment.	Western Connect	£25,298
Review of DARD support arrangements for the seed and ware potato sector.	To undertake an assessment of the value and relevance of the support mechanisms, incl. the internal dept. arrangements for those supports.	Peter Quinn	£16,850

2 of 4

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2004/05 (continued)

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Analysis of Public Policy Intervention (PT II)	To provide specialist advice on public policy intervention for the Food Strategy Group.	Prospectus International Ltd.	£10,000
Aphis Online	Enhancement to extend life of an e-permit to 7 days.	AMT – SYBEX	£1,725
Aphis Online	Disease test notification and post mortem information	AMT – SYBEX	£4,727
Aphis Online	Develop and deliver a training database.	AMT – SYBEX	£8,335
Aphis Online	To put ‘number of animals’ information in herdlist header.	AMT – SYBEX	£885
Aphis Online	To sort herdlist by date of birth if required.	AMT – SYBEX	£885

3 of 4

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2004/05 (continued)

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Roll out of Britannia Asset Register	Provision of ‘Read Only’ access to the Fixed Assets Register for selected operational areas.	Real Asset Management PLC	£1,800
Nitrates Directive	Economic Appraisal.	BDO Hayward	£36,763
AFBI Options Exercise	To identify possible financial systems options for AFBI.	Pricewaterhouse Coopers	£4,500
Practice Procedures - LMC	Advice on developing procedures.	Wilson Gillespie & Co.	£9,730

4 of 4

APPENDIX 2

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2005/06

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Integrated Impact Assessment For Rivers Agency	To conduct an integrated impact appraisal of policy proposals for charging developers for provision of drainage infrastructure prior to a public consultation on the charging proposals.	Deloitte MCS Ltd	£9,562
Transfer of functions from CPG to Vet. Service	Facilitation of workshop.	Core Context Consulting	£3,600
Business Planning	Balanced Scorecard facilitation	Larry Sheeran	£500
Updating Britannia with new database on system	Consultancy in support of the amendment of the Training Database into a live environment for use in respect of tangible IT assets.	Real Asset Management PLC	£950

1 of 2

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2005/06 (continued)

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
AFBI Financial System Implementation	Reconfiguration of DAISY financial system to provide AFBI with an accounting and transaction processing service provided by DARD.	Pricewaterhouse Coopers	£31,500
AFBI Options Exercise	Further work in relation to financial systems options and a clear recommendation for the future provision of a financial system.	Pricewaterhouse Coopers	£2,700

2 of 2

APPENDIX 3

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2006/07

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
DARD Information Strategy	To develop an Information Strategy for the Department.	Gartner	£15,000
Expert Advice Re – EU Protected Food Names Scheme	Provision of advice leading to applications for Protected Food Names Scheme. Increased knowledge of scheme for DARD staff members.	Michael Lough – Rural Innovation	£1,157.78
N.I. review of National Fallen Stock Scheme	Independent review a requirement from DFP when they approved the Economic Appraisal to justify DARD’s contribution to the scheme	Bob Bansback	£6,000
Review of Hormone Sampling Chain	To secure assurance that DARD procedures in relation to anomalous findings of nortestosterone in cattle are satisfactory	Dr Patrick Wall	£11,000

1 of 1

APPENDIX 4

DARD Consultancy Contracts (Not Awarded By Means Of Tender) – 2007/08

SUBJECT OF CONSULTANCY	DESCRIPTION	NAME OF CONSULTANT	VALUE
Badger Post Mortem Protocol	(as per subject of consultancy)	Dr Leigh Corner	£731.03
Suitability of Working Conditions	Assessment of report	Heather Ng	£412.00
Study of tasks carried out by Meat Inspectors – (currently ongoing and not yet paid)	Ergonomic Assessment	Dr Sam Murphy	£1,000
Organic Education Materials	Adaptation to NI curriculum	Soil Association	£18,000
Master planning exercise/ business case	For the development of the site of a former military base at Forkhill.	RPS Planning and Environment	£38,800
Integration solution to link two IT systems at CAFRE. (Virtual Environment system and Student Information Management system	Integration is necessary to maintain an accurate database of student information at all times.	Blackboard Company	£21,400

1 of 1

New Tax on Conacre Land

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the impact of the new tax on conacre land on farming families.[R]

(AQW 6943/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As you will be aware, this issue arises from a ruling on Inheritance Tax liability by the Special Commissioners and relates to a specific case where a farm with significant development potential was let entirely in conacre for a number of years by the widow of a retired farmer. Therefore, it appears at this stage to be an issue for farms let in conacre rather than active farm businesses. Moreover, it appears to relate only to conacre land with development potential rather than all conacre land. Consequently, the potential impact would seem to apply only in very specific circumstances.

It is possible that this ruling may be appealed and it is currently being studied by accountants, lawyers and the tax authorities as to its potential wider implications. When this process is completed, I will consider carefully the possible impact on the agricultural industry, including whether I should make representations for possible legislative change.

Naturally, I would be extremely concerned at any decision which might threaten the viability of active family farm businesses which characterise our agricultural industry and lie at the heart of rural communities.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans are in place to provide bluetongue vaccinations in the event of a serious outbreak.[R]

(AQW 6944/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As you have since been made aware, I have announced that I intend to ensure that almost two million doses of vaccine are available for use should there be an outbreak of bluetongue here.

Under EU legislation, vaccination against bluetongue is not allowed except in a Bluetongue Protection Zone (PZ). We do not have the disease and are not in a PZ. Pre-emptive vaccination is therefore not an option.

However, I consider that it is now prudent to order vaccine as part of our contingency planning so that a supply is available in the event of an outbreak. DARD has therefore bid for funding for vaccine in the June monitoring round.

Officials are now considering the best approach to ordering vaccine taking into account the various issues, including timing of supply and the shelf life of the vaccine. They are also considering the issues around efficient distribution and administration of vaccine; and the audit of the vaccine programme.

Organic Food Production

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what support is available for farmers who wish to switch to organic food production.

(AQW 6945/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 I will offer a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production.

The new Scheme will provide increased levels of support for the organic livestock sector, with additional support for organic cereal and horticulture production. DARD will pay the following amounts to farmers to cover the first five years of conversion to organic production:

Horticulture (including top fruit) - £670

Arable - £570

Other Improved Land - £470

These payments are on a ‘per hectare’ basis, and will be apportioned over the five years.

I will also offer an ongoing post-conversion payment of £30 per hectare per year for certified organic land under the Organic Option in the new Countryside Management Scheme.

Supply Chain Development advisers provide advice and skills development to individual producers and groups of producers on market led activities, and CAFRE (Greenmount Campus) continues to provide education, advice and ongoing support in relation to organic farming. It also develops and tests new technologies appropriate to the local organic sector.

In addition a number of Schemes are open, or planned to open, to assist conventional or organic producers under NIRDP 2007-13. In December 2007 I launched the Agricultural and Forestry Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme providing up to 40% financial assistance towards capital costs for producers and processors involved or wishing to become involved in processing and marketing. In addition, the Agricultural and Forestry Marketing and Development Grant Scheme and the Supply Chain Development Programme, both due to be launched in 2008, will provide financial assistance to farmers and processors to enhance their marketing capability.

DARD has also offered funding under the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme towards the set up of an organic guide and web facility for producers and consumers.

In addition, DARD, through funding for the Organic Action Plan Group, sponsored organic study visits for local producers to England in August 2006 and March 2008, and to the South in October 2007. DARD also funded items including a consumer information leaflet, educational material for schools, an organic market study and an Organic Supply Chain Conference.

Tesco Meat Range and Prices

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what correspondence she has had with Tesco supermarket chain, following the publication of their annual account figures showing a £2.8 billion profit, with a view to (i) encouraging them to create a scheme, similar to the Finest range of Aberdeen Angus, with a focus on pig products; and (ii) encouraging Tesco to increase prices paid to producers of pig products for their meat.

(AQW 6950/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have engaged with Tesco on a number of occasions since taking office. I met representatives in London last June and visited a local store in connection with the Aberdeen Angus Quality Breed (AAQB) scheme you mention. At the beginning of September 2007 I contacted every supermarket in the North, including Tesco, expressing my concern about returns at producer level given the rising cost of feed prices and am aware that there has been a subsequent rise in some retail prices. In October I also had the opportunity to put the case for improved producer returns to the Tesco CEO at the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association dinner. As part of my continuing programme of endorsing local produce and promoting increased prices to producers, I will shortly be meeting other supermarket representatives. You will, of course, be aware that price determination is a matter between the parties concerned and cannot be dictated by Government.

Concerning the AAQB scheme, this has two important aspects. Firstly a supply chain relationship has been developed between the producer group, the processor and the retailer. Secondly, Aberdeen Angus beef is a differentiated meat product which was already known in the market place and had consumer values attached to it, making it easier for the group to develop and build on that success. There was also a nucleus of suitable cattle available. The AAQB group has continued to work on this initiative and maintains a high level of drive and enthusiasm which contributes to its success.

My officials and I are very willing to facilitate and support the development of any group of producers who wish to explore a marketing initiative for pigmeat products similar to that of the AAQB scheme. This could be in higher value or niche pigmeat products such as organic, free range, outdoor or traditional breed and for which a dedicated supply base would be required. Alternatively, it could be through different processing techniques where there are consumer tastes or values so that the product can be easily differentiated. I will be pleased to hear what suggestions the pig sector can bring forward.

Tuberculosis Outbreaks

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many outbreaks of tuberculosis there have been in each of the last three years.

(AQW 7008/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The following are the number of herds in each calendar year that had at least one TB reactor during that year.

2005. 2436
2006. 1998
2007. 1633

Single Farm Payment Applications

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the current level of interest charged by her Department on payments or refunds from livestock owners and land owners as a result of errors, including departmental errors, made in Single Farm Payment applications or other schemes administered by her Department.

(AQW 7023/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Interest charged on recovery of undue subsidy and grant payments is at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate plus 1%. The overall rate (LIBOR plus 1%) is presently 6.8275%.

Interest Paid to Livestock Owners

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the level of interest paid by her Department on money due to livestock owners and land owners, as a result of delays in her Department's offices.

(AQW 7024/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Interest may be paid by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in individual cases where premium due under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) is paid after the deadline specified in European Council Regulation and the delay is due to the Department and not to the circumstances of the case. Where award of interest is appropriate because of such delayed payment, the rate used to calculate interest is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) + 1%. The rate currently used is 6.8275%.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Arts Council Funding

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure on publicly funded arts and culture in each of the last three years, broken down by council area.

(AQW 6634/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots):

ARTS

Funding in support of the arts in Northern Ireland is disbursed through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Exchequer funding awarded by the Arts Council in each of the last 3 years broken down by council area is shown in the table below:

Council Area	2007/08 (£)	2006/07 (£)	2005/06 (£)
Antrim	19,990	130,182
Ards	42,406	13,190	20,182
Armagh	193,775	137,805	106,100
Ballymena	9,943	5,800	1,700
Banbridge	6,550	3,020	21,040
Belfast	21,440,851	6,578,963	10,073,756
Carrickfergus	7,218	1,700	2,000
Coleraine	94,640	94,050	164,370
Cookstown	15,000		28,000
Craigavon	41,188	84,676	108,100
Derry	4,394,100	1,637,358	1,559,211
Down	72,610	67,335	69,355
Dungannon	91,414	11,681	6,200
Fermanagh	5,880	15,000	53,055
Larne	20,300	300	250
Limavady	20,157.35		681
Lisburn	316,739	256,740	254,362
Magherafelt	10,000	5,300
Moyle	5,500	24,180
Newry and Mourne	50,900	131,170	95,923
Newtownabbey	37,340	7,080	10,299
North Down	163,201	45,200	121,896
Omagh	2,500		5,570
Strabane			6,477
Other	253,450	179,200	177,000*

* Grants awarded to organisations which are not specific to 1 particular council area or grants awarded to organisations/individual artists outside Northern Ireland.

MUSEUMS

Funding in support of Museums is disbursed through the Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC), National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI) and W5. Funding awarded by these bodies is broken down by council area in the tables below:

NIMC

Council Area	2007/08 (£)	2006/07 (£)	2005/06 (£)
Ards	111, 215		16, 395
Armagh		900	6, 820
Ballymena	14, 059	3, 450	13, 752
Ballymoney	9, 509		2, 312
Belfast	15, 717		12, 713
Carrickfergus	13, 674	6, 155	9, 625
Coleraine	28, 823	35, 107	20, 404
Craigavon		438
Derry	8, 240	448	14, 260
Down	11, 061	1, 500	9, 105
Dungannon
Fermanagh	17, 212	1, 750	19, 325
Larne	20, 988	1, 838	2, 538
Limavady	8, 228		1, 250
Lisburn	13, 417	9, 987	11, 288
Moyle	4, 667		2, 966
Newtownabbey	4, 738	1, 500	1, 500
North Down	6, 500
Strabane	6, 646	6, 646	17, 088

NMNI

Council Area	2007/08 (£)	2006/07 (£)	2005/06 (£)
Armagh	186, 000	188, 000	229, 000
Belfast	3, 512, 000	4, 102, 000	5, 111, 000
North Down	7, 228,000	6, 863,000	6, 776,000
Omagh	1, 955,000	2, 012,000	2, 016,000

W5

Council Area	2007/08 (£)	2006/07 (£)	2005/06 (£)
Belfast	1,197,737	1,150,000	450,000

CLDPB

With the exception of funding to the Gaeltacht Quarter: £9,400 for 2005/06; £7,800 for 2006/07; £89,954 for 2007/08; which is specifically targeted at West Belfast, other funding for cultural and linguistic diversity is not available by council area.

Libraries

DCAL funds the five Education and Library Boards for the delivery of the public library service. The funding allocated for the last three years was provided in AQO2854/08.

DCAL also allocated funding the Linen Hall Library, Belfast and the Cardinal O’Fiaich Library and Archive, Armagh as per the table below:

	2007/08 (£)	2006/07 (£)	2005/06 (£)
Linen Hall Library (Belfast) – recurrent grant	290, 000	285, 000	313, 000
Linen Hall Library (Belfast) – capital grant	27, 000	15, 000
Cardinal O’Fiaich Library & Archive (Armagh) – recurrent grant	26, 000	26, 000	26, 000

EU Funding

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the EU funding surrendered by his Department in each of the last 2 financial years.

(AQW 6672/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure administered the EU Peace II Programme, Measure 1.2a, which related to water based tourism projects. A total of 62 projects were successful in receiving EU funding of 4.8 million pounds. The projects were all water recreation and angling related projects across N. Ireland. The last two financial years (2006-2008) IWIF Branch has allocated £1,872,817.00 to 37 projects. No EU funding was surrendered in the last two years.

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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, are carried out electronically.

(AQW 6751/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure does not currently have any mechanisms in place to electronically monitor the amount of internal and external correspondence or publications distributed by staff. However, all staff are aware of the DCAL Waste Management Action Plan and, in line with this, printing should not be carried out unless it is completely necessary and no other alternative is available.

Private Finance Initiative Library

Mr Craig asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the usage figures in relation to the new Private Finance Initiative library in Lisburn; (ii) how these figures compare with past provision of libraries in the Lisburn area; and to give his assessment of the benefits in replicating this in other areas.

(AQW 6779/08)

Mr E Poots:

(i) The usage figures in relation to the new Private Finance Initiative library in Lisburn are shown in the table below.

Year	Issues	Active Borrowers	Visitors
2007/08	219,779	12,542	249,236
2006/07	243,099	11,745	277,628

Note: 2006/07 was the first full year of operation

(ii) The new Lisburn Library which opened on 30 November 2005 replaced two libraries in Lisburn, Railway Street and Laurelhill. In their last full year of operation the usage figures of these libraries were shown in the table below.

Library	Year	Issues	Active Borrowers/Users	Visitors
Railway St	2004/05	111,231	5,031	85,384
Laurelhill	2004/05	45,634	1,895	23,348
	TOTAL	156,865	6,926	108,732

Note: The Library at Poleglass closed on 25 January 2005.

(iii) I am convinced that providing modern, state of the art library facilities across Northern Ireland is an important investment in our future; culturally, economically and socially. Lisburn Library is a great success and I am keen that we continue the programme of modernisation across Northern Ireland; replicating best practice and tailoring services to local need.

I have secured £31.6m in the next three years and £107m for the following 7 years for investment in the modernisation of public libraries.

2012 Olympic Games

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the mechanisms his Department has put in place to ensure maximum (i) sporting; (ii) cultural; and (iii) financial, benefit is achieved from the Elite Facilities Programme for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

(AQW 6786/08)

Mr E Poots: The aim of the Elite Facilities Capital Programme is to address Northern Ireland’s sporting infrastructure deficit as identified by Sport Northern Ireland on behalf of my Department.

The proposed facilities will help to ensure that Northern Ireland can host major sporting events. Such events increase tourism and project a positive image of Northern Ireland to a broad international audience and contribute to the economy.

One of my Department’s PSA targets is "to attract 10 or more sports from other countries, to Northern Ireland in 2012 for Pre Games Training Camps (PGTCs)". This objective has been included within the existing 2012 Strategy. There will be opportunities to use the proposed Elite Facilities to host other countries/nations for pre-games training camps and to promote aspects of Northern Ireland’s culture through specific events organised at the pre-games training camp venues and/or as part of a wider programme for visiting athletes and their support personnel.

On the 3^rd March 2008 I announced that 27 sporting venues in Northern Ireland will appear in the pre-Games Training Camp Guide for the London 2012 Games. A further announcement will be made soon about which facilities in Northern Ireland will be included in the Pre Games Training Camp Guide for the Paralympic Games in 2012.

The 2012 Guide for pre-games training camps will be launched at the Beijing Games in the Summer of 2008.

Horse Sport Ireland

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm if his Department recognises 'Horse Sport Ireland' as a governing sporting body in relation to the application process for the Elite Facilities Scheme.

(AQW 6787/08)

Mr E Poots: Horse Sport Ireland became the recognised governing body for Equestrian Sport in Ireland in January 2008 and since then Sport Northern Ireland have had discussions with them about the development of High Performance Plans, Budgets and Key Performance Indicators in the context of the Elite Facilities Programme

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services his department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6864/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure awarded the following consultancy contracts which did not have to go out to public tender in each of the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08:

Name of Consultant/Firm	Subject of Consultancy	Contract Value (£)
Roger Ulrich	Guest Speaker at Interdepartmental Steering Group	1,362
Central Procurement Directorate	Cashel Trout Farm Project	As required – need based drawdown contract with CPD
Dept of Finance & Personnel	EU Verification – Article 4 & 10 checks on EU Projects	As required – need based drawdown contract with DFP
Hugh Boyd Antiques	Valuation of prints and accommodation	750
Sam Butler Editorial	Production of PRONI Archive Policy	500

Name of Consultant/Firm	Subject of Consultancy	Contract Value (£)
Richard Buchanan Consulting	Executive Team Meeting	280
Charis Consulting Services	Child Protection Workshop	408
Central Procurement Directorate	Project Advisor for Capital Projects	As required – need based drawdown contract with CPD
Jane Preston/ATEC	Flora and Fauna Survey on Upper Lough Macnean	1000
Dr CJ Kitching	Archival Expert Advisor on PRONI New Accommodation Project	10,000

Name of Consultant/Firm	Subject of Consultancy	Contract Value (£)
Central Procurement Directorate	Service Level Agreement between CPD and DCAL	69,000
Celine McKenna	Big Lottery Fund Independent Advisor	1,144
Adventure Activities Associates	Safety at Outdoor Activity Centres regulations	20,000
Countryside Recreation NI	Safety at Outdoor Activity Centres regulations	203
Judith A Annett	Safety at Outdoor Activity Centres regulations	200
BDO Stoy Hayward	Rally Ireland/NI Events Company Arbitration	10,000
Departmental Solicitors Office	Provision of Title Deeds for land under convenant and charge	As required – need based drawdown contract
Rally Ireland Management Ltd	Business Case for 2007 World Rally Championship	30,000
Central Procurement Directorate	Procurement relating to Multi Sports Stadium Project	13,520
Imelda McAuley	Irish Language Legislation	28,350
Prof Gorter	Advice on Ulster Scots Academy Proposals	1,229
European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages	Review of Ulster Scots Academy Business Plan	817
Dr Roger Dixon	Archiving in Resource Centre	150
Terrier Services	PRONI Security Review	1,200

Name of Consultant/Firm	Subject of Consultancy	Contract Value (£)
CILIP	Interview Panel for Recruitment of Chief Executive (Designate) of NI Library Authority	530
Bernard McCloskey QC	Legal Advice to Minister iro membership of NI Library Authority	850
Julia Bracewell	OCPANI Assessor – Sport NI Board appointments	274
Joan Ruddock	OCPANI Assessor – Sport NI Chair/Vice-Chair appointments	2,927
Orla Moore	OCPANI Assessor – NI Events Company board appointments	437
Central Procurement Directorate	Professional Fees 2007-08	As required – need based drawdown contract with CPD
John Caldwell	Consultancy assignment for NI Events Company	245,000 (joint contract with KPMG)
KPMG	NI Events Company "What Happened" review and forensic audit	245,000 (joint contract with John Caldwell)
CIPFA	Review of Governance in DCAL Arms Length Bodies	50,000
Department of Education	Internal Audit	67,227
David Gibson	Corporate Governance of Ulster Scots Agency	4,060
Mazars	Follow up review – Foras na Gaeilge	2,133
Donal O’Riagain	Review of Ulster Scots Road Map	5,000

Rebuilt Library in Bangor

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the rebuilt library in Bangor will be opened.

(AQW 6869/08)

Mr E Poots: The extensively refurbished and extended Bangor Library is scheduled to open to the public in October 2008.

Arts Council Funding

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding the Arts Council has provided to the Ulster Scots orchestra in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007.

(AQW 6870/08)

Mr E Poots: The Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra received Lottery funding from the Arts Council as follows:

2005/06 £12,556

2006/07 £16,179

2007/08 £ 38

The period of the award ran from June 2003 to October 2007.

Arts Council Funding

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if the reduction in funding to the Ulster Scots orchestra from the Arts Council has been in proportion to reductions in other funding sectors within the Arts Council's remit.

(AQW 6871/08)

Mr E Poots: The Arts Council makes funding decisions on the basis of individual applications scored against published criteria. Applications are not determined by sector. The Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra’s 2007 application was turned down by the Arts Council as it did not meet their funding criteria.

New Library in Newtownards

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update the provision of a new library building in Newtownards; and to indicate when work will commence on the project.

(AQW 7035/08)

Mr E Poots: The South Eastern Education and Library Board is responsible for developing an Economic Appraisal to support the case for a new Library facility to serve the Newtownards area.

The need to improve and modernise Library facilities in Newtownards is clear. However, the Board must submit a fully developed Appraisal which identifies a suitable alternative proposal. A number of fundamental issues remain outstanding before a significant investment can be approved.

I am keen to see progress with this project and Departmental officials will ask the Board to consider how it might expedite the process.

Funding for School Sports Finals

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding has been provided towards schools finals in (i) football; (ii) hockey; (iii) Gaelic sports; and (iv) rugby, over the last five years.

(AQW 7175/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has not provided funding towards schools finals in football, hockey, Gaelic sport or rugby over the last five financial years.

Maze Stadium

Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what date the accounting officer will sign off the Department's outline business case for the Maze Stadium project.

(AQW 7184/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure Accounting Officer provided an assessment on the Outline Business Case on the Multi Sports Stadium project to the Department of Finance and Personnel on 14th May 2008. It is the Minister’s intention to release the Accounting Officer’s assessment to the CAL Committee at a future meeting.

Ulster Canal

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his contact with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland in relation to the regeneration of the Ulster Canal.

(AQO 3538/08)

Mr E Poots: In October 2007, following an North South Ministerial Council Plenary in July at which the two governments had agreed to proceed with the restoration of the Clones to Upper Lough Erne stretch of the Ulster Canal, Minister O Cuiv, Minister of Community Gaeltacht, and Rural Affairs and I agreed a framework for Waterways Ireland to take forward the restoration

Castle Gardens School

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the timescale for the demolition of Castle Gardens School, Newtownards, in order to build a new library at this site; and what concerns he has at the health and safety risks that currently exist at this site, and its use as a place for antisocial behaviour.

(AQO 3518/08)

Mr E Poots: The site of the former Castle Gardens Primary School is being considered as the possible location for a new Library in Newtownards.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board has erected fencing around the perimeter to secure the property while an Economic Appraisal is being developed.

The Board is reviewing the condition of the fencing and has been informed that they may put a case to the Department for additional funding to secure the site if considered necessary.

Work specifically related to the development of any new library cannot commence until the Economic Appraisal has been approved.

Modern Football Facilities

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will initiate talks with representatives of football interests in order to provide modern football facilities that are capable of hosting international matches.

(AQO 3500/08)

Mr E Poots: I am aware of the need for modern football facilities that are capable of hosting international matches and it is intended that this will be addressed by the proposals for a Multi-Sports Stadium which has the full support of the governing body for football here, the Irish Football Association. The proposals also have the full support of the governing bodies for Rugby and Gaelic Games.

The Girona Collection

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he would consider the transfer of the Girona exhibition, formerly displayed in the Ulster Museum which is currently closed for refurbishment, to the new Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre.

(AQO 3503/08)

Mr E Poots: The Girona collection is one of the most important held by the Ulster Museum and has been a centrepiece of its displays for many years. The collection will feature prominently as a permanent display in the refurbished Ulster Museum, scheduled to open in the summer of 2009.

National Museums Northern Ireland runs an active loans programme and will consider requests for loans on an individual basis.

Community Festival Funding

Dr W McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of councils that have taken up offers for community festival funding.

(AQO 3522/08)

Mr E Poots: To date 22 councils have responded to accept the offers for community festivals funding. A further 3 councils (Craigavon, Derry and Ballymoney) have indicated that they intend to accept their offers. Belfast City Council has yet to respond to the offer.

Irish Language and Ulster-Scots

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what resources he has available to implement the indigenous languages strategy; and to confirm the breakdown of funding available to the Irish Language and Ulster-Scots.

(AQO 3498/08)

Mr E Poots: The cross-departmental Indigenous Languages strategy will be underpinned by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. It is anticipated that resources allocated to implementing this Charter will also support the Strategy.

For a breakdown of funding for Irish and Ulster-Scots I would refer the member to AQO 1661/08 which was answered on 8 February 2008.

Irish Language Groups

Mr Brolly asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of Irish Language groups which he has consulted about a strategy to promote and enhance the Irish Language; and to detail the next steps and timeline for devising this strategy.

(AQO 3540/08)

Mr E Poots: I have met with Foras na Gaeilge, Ulster-Scots Agency and have spoken at a Pobal conference on the 7^th March 2008 on "Developing a comprehensive policy and a strategy to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language in the North of Ireland."

My officials have met with Foras na Gaeilge, Pobal, the Ulster-Scots Agency, the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group Partnership Board and the Ulster-Scots Language Society.

Foras na Gaeilge, Pobal and the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group Partnership Board have delivered presentations on the way forward for indigenous languages to the Interdepartmental Group responsible for developing an Indigenous Languages Strategy.

I intend to bring a paper detailing proposals, including arrangements for consultation, for a Strategy on indigenous languages to the Executive later this year.

Departmental Information in Braille

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline what provisions are in place by his Department to ensure that documents are made available to the visually impaired.

(AQO 3537/08)

Mr E Poots: DCAL has put in place a number of measures to ensure that Departmental information is readily accessible to all, including the visually impaired.

The Department has strived to ensure that information which may be sought by the public is available in various formats including Braille and large print. The DCAL website has a "browse aloud" facility which can be accessed by the visually impaired for their benefit.

In addition, DCAL public bodies have implemented a number of projects and initiatives to enable ease of use and access to services. These include Braille signage at the Armagh Planetarium, the Library Service Spoken Word programme and magnification aids and large print keyboards being made available in the Public Record Office.

Pigeon Racing

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what support his Department gives to pigeon racing.

(AQW 7287/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has advised that pigeon racing is not recognised as a sport by the Sports Councils throughout the UK. As such it does not currently qualify for support from SNI.

EDUCATION

Extended Schools Programme

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she will continue funding for the (i) extended schools programme; and (ii) renewing communities programme, which are due to end this year.

(AQW 4215/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Leanfar ar aghaidh le clár na Scoileanna Sínte a mhaoiniú le linn thréimhse Bhuiséad 2007.

The Extended Schools programme will continue to be funded over the Budget 2007 period. The increase in the overall education budget however does not allow for funding at the levels provided under the Children’s and Young People funding Package. I have been able to increase the resources from what was originally made available by finding efficiencies elsewhere but further resources are required and I have expressed my concerns to the Finance Minister.

The Renewing Communities programme was a range of pilot projects aimed at selected disadvantaged areas of Belfast. These are not being funded separately after 31 March 2008 although run out costs will be provided for a number of strands up to 30 June 2008 and others will be mainstreamed. The BELB is drawing up plans for a targeted initiative in Belfast and I would expect they will wish to consider these pilots and their appropriateness to their plans.

Teachers

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education to detail the average age of teachers in (i) primary schools; and (ii) secondary schools, broken down by sector, in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 5152/08)

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

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Average Age of Teachers by School Type and Management Type
		2007 1	2006 1	2005 1	2004 1	2003 1	2002 1	2001 1	2000 1	1999 1	1998 1
Primary	Controlled	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	40	41	40
	Catholic Maintained	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	40
	Other Maintained	35	35	34	34	34	34	35	36	36	35
	Controlled Integrated	38	38	39	39	39	38	38	37	37	38
	Grant Maintained Integrated	37	38	37	37	37	36	36	36	36	35
	Total Average Primary	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	40	40
Post-Primary2	Controlled	41	41	42	42	42	42	42	42	42	42
	Catholic Maintained	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	42	42	41
	Other Maintained	34	37	38	39	38	38	38	39	39	39
	Controlled Integrated	41	40	40	40	41	40	40	40	40	40
	Grant Maintained Integrated	37	37	37	37	36	36	35	35	35	35
	Total Average Post Primary	40	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41
Total	Controlled	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41
	Catholic Maintained	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41
	Other Maintained	35	36	35	35	35	35	36	37	36	36
	Controlled Integrated	39	39	40	40	40	39	39	39	39	39
	Grant Maintained Integrated	37	37	37	37	37	36	36	35	35	35
	Overall Total	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41	41

Commissioners of the South Eastern and Education Library Board

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of occasions she has met formally with the Commissioners of the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 5184/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is féidir liom a dheimhniú gur bhuail mé uair amháin go dtí seo, go foirmiúil, leis an Uasal Douglas Osler, Cathaoirleach na gCoimisinéirí de Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an Oirdheiscirt.

I can confirm that to date I have met once, formally, with Mr Douglas Osler, the Chair of the Commissioners of the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

I have also met him during a visit to Tor Bank Special School,in Dundonald.

Mobile Classrooms

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the schools which currently use mobile classrooms that have been in constant use for over 30 years; and to provide a timescale within which these temporary classrooms will be replaced with modern accommodation.[R]

(AQW 5520/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní choinníonn an Roinn eolas ar aois chóiríochta sealadaí.

The Department does not hold information on the age of temporary accommodation. The replacement of temporary accommodation is considered on the basis of an assessment of the condition and suitability of the accommodation at each school.

Primary and Post Primary School Figures

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of long term unfilled places in (i) each primary school; and (ii) each post-primary school in the South Tyrone area.

(AQW 5746/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá eolas maidir le barrachas measta toillte i mbunscoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna i limistéar Dheisceart Thír Eoghain leagtha amach sa tábla thíos.

Information on estimated surplus capacity in primary schools and post-primary schools in the South Tyrone area is set out in the table below.

School Name	Capacity	Enrolment 2003	Surplus Places	Enrolment 2004	Surplus Places	Enrolment 2005	Surplus Places	Enrolment 2006	Surplus Places	Enrolment 2007	Surplus Places
POST-PRIMARY
AUGHNACLOY HIGH SCHOOL	200	145	-55	164	-36	177	-23	187	-13	197	-3
DRUMGLASS HIGH SCHOOL	600	428	-172	415	-185	409	-191	401	-199	369	-231
FIVEMILETOWN HIGH & COMM COLLEGE	550	410	-140	389	-161	387	-163	371	-179	371	-179
INTEGRATED COLLEGE, DUNGANNON	500	500	0	500	0	469	-31	460	-40	438	-62
ST JOSEPH'S CONVENT GRAM SCH	500	498	-2	495	-5	496	-4	501	0	514	0
ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL	680	593	-87	573	-107	504	-176	454	-226	454	-226
ST. PATRICK'S COLLEGE, DUNGANNON	700	596	-104	553	-147	556	-144	527	-173	547	-153
ST PATRICK'S ACADEMY	1,580	1,685	0	1,611	0	1,565	-15	1,543	-37	1,499	-81
THE ROYAL SCHOOL, DUNGANNON	650	650	0	654	0	619	-31	646	-4	651	0
TOTAL:	5,960	5,505	-560	5,354	-641	5,182	-778	5,090	-871	5,040	-935
PRIMARY
CLINTYCLAY PS	47	35	-12	34	-13	30	-17	34	-13	31	-16
CLOGHER REGIONAL PS	56	28	-28	25	-31	30	-26	24	-32	20	-36
DERRYLATINEE PS	106	91	-15	85	-21	86	-20	89	-17	95	-11
DONAGHMORE PS	56	50	-6	46	-10	44	-12	54	-2	52	-4
DUNGANNON PS	231	186	-45	196	-35	211	-20	257	0	243	0
EGLISH PS*	52	24	-28	20	-32	16	-36	11	-41	CLOSED
GAELSCOIL UI NEILL	116	87	-29	98	-18	103	-13	104	-12	113	-3
HOWARD PS	291	238	-53	225	-66	217	-74	201	-90	208	-83
LAGHEY PS	56	37	-19	44	-12	40	-16	42	-14	49	-7
LISFEARTY PS	74	45	-29	52	-22	47	-27	54	-20	45	-29
MINTERBURN PS**	56	28	-28	36	-20	28	-28	24	-32	11	-45
MOY REGIONAL PS	86	50	-36	48	-38	42	-44	36	-50	34	-52
ORCHARD PS	145	school opened in 2005			0	85	-60	88	-57	93	-52
RICHMOND	145	school opened in 2005			0	87	-58	92	-53	96	-49
ROAN PS	112	45	-67	69	-43	71	-41	74	-38	80	-32
ST BRIGID'S	114	114	0	114	0	114	0	44	-70	69	-45
ST JOSEPH'S PS	56	40	-16	36	-20	36	-20	34	-22	34	-22
ST MARY'S PS	56	38	-18	33	-23	35	-21	36	-20	36	-20
ST PATRICK'S PS	231	239	0	239	0	224	-7	218	-13	218	-13
ST PATRICK'S PS DUNGANNON	713	536	-177	536	-177	559	-154	601	-112	622	-91
WALKER MEMORIAL PS	86	86	0	86	0	71	-15	68	-18	69	-17
TOTAL:	2,885	1,997	-606	2,022	-581	2,176	-709	2,185	-726	2,218	-627

Donaghadee High School

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the meetings she intends to hold before making a decision on the recommendation for the closure of Donaghadee High School.

(AQW 5825/08)

Ms C Ruane: There is currently a development proposal for Donaghadee High School to acquire controlled integrated status. I understand also that the SEELB intends to publish shortly a proposal for closure which would initiate a two-month consultation process during which any comments on it may be made to the department.

Go dtí seo fuair mé iarratas amháin ar chruinniú leis an dúnadh féideartha a phlé agus thoiligh mé leis.

I have to date received and agreed to one request for a meeting to discuss the potential closure.

Balmoral High School

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the findings and recommendations that arose from the Post Project Evaluation report into the Balmoral High School PFI/PPP Project.

(AQW 5826/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá an Roinn ag gabháil tuilleadh oibre ar mheasúnú an tionscadail seo de láimh agus cuirfidh mé an t-eolas ar fáil duit a luaithe a bheas sé fá réir.

The department is undertaking further work on the evaluation of this project and I will provide the information to you as soon as it is available.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr McCallister asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5007/08, to detail (i) how the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism is funded and (ii) the company that funds it; and to confirm (a) if her department provides funding to this company; and (b) if the company is accountable to her department.

(AQW 5928/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Middletown Centre for Autism is funded on a 50:50 basis by the Department of Education and the Department for Education and Science (DES). An operating company, limited by guarantee, was established by the two Departments in March 2007. The Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd is the body funded equally by both Departments to run the Centre.

The Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd is accountable to both Education Departments. A Memorandum and Articles of Association was drawn up by the two Departments for the Company, this gives the Board of Directors the authority to manage and operate the Centre and also details the ‘Reserved Matters’ which require specific Departmental approval. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr James G Cooper has been designated as the Accounting Officer for the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd. The CEO and the Board of the Centre have also signed separate Funding Agreements with each Department and are in the process of agreeing a rigorous, joint Management Statement and Financial Memorandum for the Centre, this document is currently with the Department of Finance and Personnel for their consideration.

Is é The Middletown Centre for Autism (Holdings) Ltd an dara comhlacht atá cómhaoinithe ag an dá Roinn; bunaíodh é i mBealtaine 2004 leis an mhaoin ag Middletown a cheannach, a choinneáil agus a chothabháil agus faoi láthair léasaíonn siad an suíomh agus na foirgnimh leis an chomhlacht fheidhmiúcháin.

The second company jointly funded by the two Departments is the Middletown Centre for Autism (Holdings) Ltd; it was established in May 2004 to purchase, hold and maintain the property at Middletown and currently leases the site and buildings to the operating company. This company has a small Board of four Directors, two appointed by the Minister of Education in the North and two appointed by the Minister for Education and Science in the South. The company no longer receives money directly from the Departments, but they do meet its annual expenses.

Teaching Jobs

Mr Ross asked the Minister of Education for her assessment on how current demographic trends will impact upon teaching jobs, now and in the future.

(AQW 6039/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl líon na foirne do scoileanna leagtha síos agus de réir na socruithe do Bhainistíocht Áitiúil Scoileanna, is ceist í do Bhord Gobharnóirí na scoile aonair a riachtanais foirne a chinneadh.

There is no set level of staffing for schools and, under Local Management of Schools arrangements, it is a matter for the individual Board of Governors of a school to determine its staffing needs.

That said, demographics lie at the heart of teacher supply needs which in turn are informed by school pupil census data. However, in determining future needs, there are many other factors which have to be taken into consideration, including:

• the number of newly qualified teachers who cannot secure permanent teaching employment or who register for job seekers allowance;

• the number of vacancies which employers indicate they have filled or intend to fill in the current academic year, on a permanent or temporary basis; and

• the number of teachers registered with the Substitute Teachers’ Register as eligible and available to teach.

In addition, there is a need to take into account not only demographics but other factors such as the review of teacher education, my education reform programme and other education policies including: literacy and numeracy provision; the Revised Curriculum; and special needs provision.

I will continue to monitor closely the teacher supply position for future years.

Pupils with Special Educational Needs

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children who are currently statemented in Belfast, and the schools these children attend, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 6179/08)

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

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Pupils with statements of Special Educational Need at schools in Belfast, 2007/08

School ref	School	Constituency	Statemented pupils
1310003	CEDAR LODGE SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	135
1310012	FLEMING FULTON SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	131
1310014	HARBERTON SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	142
1310016	MITCHELL HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	66
1310017	GREENWOOD HOUSE ASSESSMENT CENTRE	BELFAST EAST	20
1316500	PARK EDUC RESOURCE CENTRE	BELFAST SOUTH	102
1316569	GLENVEAGH SPECIAL	BELFAST SOUTH	199
1316582	OAKWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	69
1316584	CLARAWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	8
1336012	ST FRANCIS DE SALES	BELFAST WEST	13
1336548	ST GERARD'S RESOURCE EDUCATION CENTRE	BELFAST WEST	176
1210014	ASHFIELD GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	12
1210015	ASHFIELD BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	26
1210021	BELFAST MODEL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS	BELFAST NORTH	7
1210022	BELFAST BOYS' MODEL SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	24
1210258	CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1210266	ORANGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	17
1210288	BALMORAL HIGH SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	*
1230026	ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	15
1230032	ST GABRIEL'S BOYS SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1230053	ST LOUISE'S COLLEGE	BELFAST WEST	20
1230089	LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS' SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	11
1230104	OUR LADY OF MERCY GIRLS' SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1230130	ST ROSE'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	12
1230146	CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SECONDARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	15
1230155	ST GENEVIEVE'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	10
1230173	ST GEMMA'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1230182	LA SALLE BOYS' SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	27
1230262	CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE	BELFAST WEST	15
1230275	ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	39
1240291	COLAISTE FEIRSTE	BELFAST WEST	*
1260269	HAZELWOOD COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	40
1260294	MALONE INTEGRATED COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	36
1410079	GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	12
1410270	WELLINGTON COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	6
1420018	BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE	BELFAST EAST	*
1420020	CAMPBELL COLLEGE	BELFAST EAST	*
1420021	ST MARY'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	5
1420022	METHODIST COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	7
1420027	THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INST.	BELFAST SOUTH	9
1420028	BELFAST ROYAL ACADEMY	BELFAST NORTH	*
1420029	ST DOMINIC'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	5
1420030	ST MALACHY'S COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	6
1420082	DOMINICAN COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	*
1420089	STRATHEARN SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1420095	RATHMORE GRAMMAR SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	11
1420264	VICTORIA COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1420265	HUNTERHOUSE COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1420277	AQUINAS DIOCESAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	26
1010063	CURRIE PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1010146	EUSTON STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1010157	ROSETTA PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1010205	FORTH RIVER PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1010221	SPRINGFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1010231	STRAND PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	5
1010232	HARDING MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1010252	STRANDTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	9
1010255	ELMGROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	6
1010266	SEAVIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1010267	NETTLEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1010269	AVONIEL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1010271	BEECHFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1010273	ORANGEFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	6
1010282	CARR'S GLEN PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1010296	BALLYGOLAN PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	30
1010301	TAUGHMONAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	37
1010304	GREENWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1010307	SPRINGHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1010321	VERE FOSTER PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1010323	EDENBROOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1010324	STRANMILLIS PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1010325	LIGONIEL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1010831	CAVEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1010863	SUFFOLK PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1013018	KNOCKNAGONEY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1016060	DONEGALL ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1016242	DUNDELA INFANTS SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1016483	CLIFTONVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1016485	GLENWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1016498	MALVERN PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1016499	BOTANIC PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1016532	WHEATFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	10
1016537	LOWWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1016604	HARMONY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	6
1016647	BUNSCOIL MHIC REACHTAIN	BELFAST NORTH	*
1030194	HOLY CROSS BOYS' PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1030313	OUR LADY OF LOURDES PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1030316	ST AIDAN'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1030326	OUR LADY'S GIRLS' PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1030327	HOLY ROSARY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	5
1030329	EDMUND RICE (CB) PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	6
1030331	HOLY CROSS GIRLS' PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1030868	ST ANNE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	5
1036041	MERCY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1036042	ST VINCENT DE PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	6
1036048	ST MARY'S STAR OF THE SEA PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1036075	ST BRIDE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	10
1036092	ST JOHN THE BAPTIST BOYS' PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1036132	ST THERESE OF LISIEUX PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	11
1036140	ST MICHAEL'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1036246	ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1036388	ST MARY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1036464	STAR OF THE SEA GIRLS' PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1036466	ST MALACHY'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	7
1036471	SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1036505	ST MATTHEW'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1036565	ST KEVIN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1036566	HOLY FAMILY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	5
1036576	HOLY CHILD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	6
1036589	ST TERESA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	8
1036602	ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	13
1036620	ST PETER'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1036621	ST JOSEPH'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	7
1036623	HOLY TRINITY PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	55
1036624	ST PAUL'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1036630	ST CLARE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	13
1046501	BUNSCOIL PHOBAL FEIRSTE	BELFAST WEST	*
1046571	GAELSCOIL NA BHFAL	BELFAST WEST	*
1046593	BUNSCOIL AN TSLEIBHE DHUIBH	BELFAST WEST	*
1056535	FORGE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1066531	HAZELWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	15
1066580	CRANMORE INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1620020	CABIN HILL SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1620023	FULLERTON HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1620027	INCHMARLO PREP. DEPT.	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1620028	BEN MADIGAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1620264	VICTORIA COLLEGE PREP. DEPT.	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1110025	TUDOR LODGE NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1116160	SANDBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	*
1130027	BETHLEHEM NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST SOUTH	*
1136229	ST MARY'S NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	*
1136314	ST TERESA'S NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1136316	HOLY CHILD NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1136353	ST MARIA GORETTI NURSERY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	*
1AB0025	WISHING WELL FAMILY CENTRE	BELFAST NORTH	*
1AB0422	RESURRECTION NURSERY AND PLAYGROUP	BELFAST NORTH	*
1AB0494	BELMONT PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP	BELFAST EAST	*
	TOTAL		1,951

Source: NI school census.

Note:

1. Figures for voluntary and private pre-school centres refer to children in funded places.
2. Figures for primary schools refer to children in nursery, reception and Year 1 – 7 classes.

* relates to 1 – 4 pupils.

Disability Employment

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education to detail the targets set by her department in relation to the employment of people with disabilities over the next five years.

(AQW 6194/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl spriocanna ag an Roinn seo i dtaca le daoine atá míchumasaithe a fhostú.

The NICS does not have targets in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. The Department of Education is however firmly committed to adhering to employment legislation as it relates to the protection of people with a disability and its duties under Section 75.

Pupils with Special Educational Needs

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last 2 years, the number of primary school children with special education needs in the Ards Borough Council area, broken down by electoral ward.

(AQW 6212/08)

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

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Pupils with Special Educational Needs – Ards Council area 2006/07 - 2007/08

Ward code	Ward name	2006/07	2007/08
95BB01	BALLYGOWAN	34	33
95BB02	BALLYRAINEY	0	76
95BB03	BALLYWALTER	41	49
95BB04	BRADSHAWS BRAE	81	0
95BB05	CARROWDORE	21	19
95BB06	CENTRAL (ARDS)	114	112
95BB07	COMBER EAST	*	*
95BB08	COMBER NORTH	63	62
95BB08	COMBER WEST	29	0
95BB10	DONAGHADEE NORTH	53	72
95BB11	DONAGHADEE SOUTH	21	#
95BB12	GLEN	50	51
95BB13	GREGSTOWN	31	42
95BB14	KILLINCHY	39	41
95BB15	KIRCUBBIN	56	54
95BB16	LISBANE	#	37
95BB17	LOUGHRIES	92	86
95BB18	MILLISLE	42	38
95BB20	PORTAFERRY	81	82
95BB21	PORTAVOGIE	37	51
95BB22	SCRABO	41	37
	TOTAL	941	957

Source: NI school census

Note:

1. Primary includes nursery, reception and years 1 – 7.
2. Figures relate to location of school attended.

"*" denotes fewer than 5 pupils

"#" denotes figure >=5 suppressed due to potential identification of pupils.

Education Sector Employees

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5061/08, to give a timescale within which she expects that all education sector employees included in the 2007 NJC increase of 2.475% (3.4% on spinal column 4) will be in receipt of their pay rise.

(AQW 6632/08)

Ms C Ruane: Pay remits covering the majority of staff have been agreed and the Education and Library Boards have advised that payment of the new rate and arrears commenced in April 2008.

Tá an Roinn ag dúil go gcomhaontófar na téarmaí tagartha íocaíochta atá fanta le gur féidir íocaíochtaí a thabhairt faoi dheireadh Meithimh.

The Department expects the remaining pay remits to be agreed to enable payments to be made by the end of June.

Dickson Plan for Education

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail the legal rights of schools within the Dickson Plan for Education to set their own academic criteria for transfers from junior high schools.

(AQW 6637/08)

Ms C Ruane: The legal framework for the present system of academic selection (including that of selective schools within the Dickson Plan) is in the Education Order 1997 and its supporting regulations. By virtue of the Education Order 2006, that legislative framework will lapse with effect from Transfer 2010.

Article 28(1) of the Education Order 2006 gives the Department the power to specify, through regulations, the admissions criteria that schools may use. Article 28(2) of the Education Order precludes the Department from including academic admissions criteria in any future permitted admissions. Article 28(2) has not been commenced.

Tá mé ag iarraidh comhaontú a fháil ar rialacháin do chritéir nua iontrála a shonróidh critéir cheadaithe iontrála do gach iar-bhunscoil, agus iad siúd i bPlean Dixon san áireamh, ó 2010 i leith.

I am seeking to establish agreement for new admissions criteria regulations which will define permitted admissions criteria for all post-primary schools, including those within the Dixon Plan, from 2010. If, however, no new legal framework can be established there will be no regulations permitting or prohibiting academic admissions criteria or prescribing the way such criteria should be used or what assessment mechanisms should support them.

Dickson Plan for Education

Mr Moutray asked the Minister of Education to detail how the legislative safeguards for academic selection impact upon the academic assessment elements of pupil transfers in schools that operate in the Dickson Plan for Education area.

(AQW 6639/08)

Ms C Ruane: The legal framework for the present system of academic selection (including that of selective schools within the Dickson Plan) is in the Education Order 1997 and its supporting regulations. By virtue of the Education Order 2006, that legislative framework will lapse with effect from Transfer 2010.

Article 28(1) of the Education Order 2006 gives the Department the power to specify, through regulations, the admissions criteria that schools may use. Article 28(2) of the Education Order precludes the Department from including academic admissions criteria in any future permitted admissions. Article 28(2) has not been commenced.

Tá mé ag iarraidh comhaontú a fháil ar rialacháin do chritéir nua iontrála a shonróidh critéir cheadaithe iontrála do gach iar-bhunscoil, agus iad siúd i bPlean Dixon san áireamh, ó 2010 i leith.

I am seeking to establish agreement for new admissions criteria regulations which will define permitted admissions criteria for all post-primary schools, including those within the Dixon Plan, from 2010. If, however, no new legal framework can be established there will be no regulations permitting or prohibiting academic admissions criteria or prescribing the way such criteria should be used or what assessment mechanisms should support them.

Irish Language Schools

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding she has allocated to Irish language schools over the last two years, and the purpose of this funding.

(AQW 6685/08)

Ms C Ruane: Cuirtear mionsonraí ar fáil sna táblaí thíos ar an mhaoiniú a tugadh do scoileanna/aonaid Lán-Ghaeilge sa bhliain 2005/06 agus 2006/07 agus feidhm an mhaoinithe seo. Níl mionsonraí maoinithe do 2007/08 ar fáil go fóill.

The tables below provide details of the funding allocated to Irish medium schools/units in 2005/06 and 2006/07 and the purpose of this funding. Funding details for 2007/08 is not yet available.

2006/07
Grant-aided expenditure	£9,792,400
Capital expenditure	£278,623
Extended Schools programme	£224,302
Additional funding to Irish medium units	£108,000
School Improvement Programme	£8,500
Total	£10,411,825

2005/06
Grant-aided expenditure	£9,388,813
Capital expenditure	£2,057,054
Additional funding to Irish medium units	£104,000
School Improvement Programme	£30,000
Total	£11,579,867

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to confirm (i) if the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism has been evaluated by (a) the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland; or (b) the equivalent office in the Republic of Ireland, at any time since its inception in 2002; and (ii) if she will make the reports available to Assembly Members.

(AQW 6705/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is féidir liom a dheimhniú ó tionscnaíodh Ionad Uathachais an Bhaile Láir i 2002 nach ndearna an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste sa Tuaisceart ná an tArd-Reachtaire Cuntas agus Ciste sa Deisceart measúnú foirmiúil ar an Ionad agus mar sin de, níl aon tuarascálacha le cur ar fáil.

I can confirm that since the inception of the Middletown Centre for Autism in 2002 neither the Comptroller and Auditor General in the North nor the Comptroller and Auditor General in the South have conducted a formal evaluation of the Centre, therefore, there are no reports to be made available.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Elliott asked the Minister of Education to detail the core throughput at the Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism in terms of (i) number of courses; (ii) duration of courses; and (iii) the size of intake; and to clarify (a) if she will extrapolate the costs across a 52 week year for all those who are on the Autism Spectrum throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; and (b) if she is working to an equality agenda.

(AQW 6723/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé beartaithe ag Ionad Uathachais an Bhaile Láir ceithre chroísheirbhís a chur ar fáil – Seirbhís Tacaithe le Foghlaim, Seirbhís Mheasúnaithe Oideachais, Seirbhís Oiliúna agus Chomhairleach agus Seirbhís Taighde agus Forbartha.

The Middletown Centre for Autism is planning to provide four core services, Learning Support Service, Educational Assessment Service, Training and Advisory Service and a Research and Development Service.

The Learning Support Service will be concerned with the multi-disciplinary assessment leading to the development of enhanced Individual Education Plans for children/young people referred to the Centre.

The service is designed to provide residential placement at the Centre for five weeks on a 5-day week basis. It is envisaged that two cohorts of 20 children/young people will be dealt with concurrently. It is expected that in the course of one academic year, the Learning Support Service will see 7 cohorts of 20 children/young people; each attending for 5 weeks at a time thereby assessing a total of 140 children per annum.

The Educational Assessment Service will enable comprehensive assessment of children who will attend the Centre with their parents. It is envisaged that this will generally involve attendance for two consecutive days for up to four children/young people at one time in the Educational Assessment Centre. Overnight accommodation will be in private apartments for each of the four children/young people with their parent/carer/family members as appropriate. The Educational Assessment Service will, over a period of time, develop its capacity to provide for up to 180 assessments per year of children/young people.

The Middletown Centre’s Training and Advisory Service has two main functions:-

1. To provide training and advice to parents and professionals regarding the implementation of strategies devised to meet the needs of the children and young people referred to the Centre.
2. To identify training needs of parents and professionals arising from the Centre’s research and development work and to facilitate meeting these needs in collaboration with others.

Specifically designed training will be given on an individual basis to the parents and professionals working with individual children to help them support the strategies devised at the Centre to meet the individual needs of each child/young person assessed by the Centre.

As a specialist autism support service the Centre will devise training programmes and develop a training prospectus as a result of needs identified by those working in the field of autism. Links will be made with universities and colleges to develop accredited training programmes. Courses will vary in length depending on the areas being covered but half day, full day and two day courses are likely to be offered.

It is likely that approximately two courses will be held each month. Current accommodation can accommodate groups of delegates ranging from 15 - 30.

With regards to the second part of your question, there are currently 2962 children at Stages 3-5 of the Code of Practice assessed as having a special educational need as a result of having an autistic spectrum disorder and I have been advised by Department of Education and Science officials in the South that there are approximately 3990 children with autism in their schools and special classes. The overall running costs of all four services delivered by the Centre are estimated to be in the region of £3million per annum.

Finally, I am of course committed to the equality agenda. I am particularly keen to ensure that all children, and especially those with special educational needs, fully realise their individual potential. The vision of the Department of Education is 'to ensure that every learner fulfils his or her full potential'. Considerations of equality are therefore central to everything that the Department does in relation to children and young people affected by educational disadvantage.

Home Schooling

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children that are being schooled at home.

(AQW 6740/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not collect information on children that are being schooled at home. Parents of every child of compulsory school age are legally required to ensure that they receive full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude; either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Parents can choose to home educate and there is no legal requirement for them to advise their Education and Library Board or the Department of their decision.

I understand, however, that the Education and Library Boards are currently aware of 166 children, of compulsory school age, who are presently being educated at home. The Boards calculate these figures from their databases which contain received notifications that a child is being home educated. These notifications may have been made from parents, a child’s previous school, the Board’s transfer department or its Education Welfare Service.

When a Board receives notification of a child who is being home educated, an officer will make an initial call to the child’s parent to clarify the situation. At times, this initial call may lead to the parent having a change of mind. If not, the parent is offered a range of dates for a home visit by the officer, often accompanied by an Education Welfare Officer.

Officers will check what sort of education provision is offered and provide general guidance on appropriate materials and exam types. The officer will also leave a contact number for any future advice. Board officers will monitor progress by carrying out annual home visits to discuss the provision and determine if the education provided is suited to the child’s age, aptitude and ability. Parents are also often asked to submit an annual report to the Board to ensure the child is progressing.

Tuairiscítear aon ábhair imní a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag oifigeach faoi leorgacht an tsoláthair oideachais leis an tSeirbhís Chomhairleach don Churaclam (SCC). Mar fhreagairt ar atreorú ón Bhord, cuirfidh SCC comhairle ar fáil ar sholáthar curaclaim do dhaltaí a fhaigheann oideachas sa bhaile.

Any concerns an officer may have regarding the adequacy of the education provision are reported to Curriculum Advisory Support Service (CASS). CASS will provide advice on curricular provision for home educated pupils in response to a referral from the Board.

Home Schooling

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what process is used to calculate the number of children being schooled at home.

(AQW 6741/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not collect information on children that are being schooled at home. Parents of every child of compulsory school age are legally required to ensure that they receive full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude; either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Parents can choose to home educate and there is no legal requirement for them to advise their Education and Library Board or the Department of their decision.

I understand, however, that the Education and Library Boards are currently aware of 166 children, of compulsory school age, who are presently being educated at home. The Boards calculate these figures from their databases which contain received notifications that a child is being home educated. These notifications may have been made from parents, a child’s previous school, the Board’s transfer department or its Education Welfare Service.

When a Board receives notification of a child who is being home educated, an officer will make an initial call to the child’s parent to clarify the situation. At times, this initial call may lead to the parent having a change of mind. If not, the parent is offered a range of dates for a home visit by the officer, often accompanied by an Education Welfare Officer.

Officers will check what sort of education provision is offered and provide general guidance on appropriate materials and exam types. The officer will also leave a contact number for any future advice. Board officers will monitor progress by carrying out annual home visits to discuss the provision and determine if the education provided is suited to the child’s age, aptitude and ability. Parents are also often asked to submit an annual report to the Board to ensure the child is progressing.

Tuairiscítear aon ábhair imní a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag oifigeach faoi leorgacht an tsoláthair oideachais leis an tSeirbhís Chomhairleach don Churaclam (SCC). Mar fhreagairt ar atreorú ón Bhord, cuirfidh SCC comhairle ar fáil ar sholáthar curaclaim do dhaltaí a fhaigheann oideachas sa bhaile.

Any concerns an officer may have regarding the adequacy of the education provision are reported to Curriculum Advisory Support Service (CASS). CASS will provide advice on curricular provision for home educated pupils in response to a referral from the Board.

Home Schooling

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what process is undertaken by her Department to ensure that children being schooled at home are receiving an adequate education.

(AQW 6742/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not collect information on children that are being schooled at home. Parents of every child of compulsory school age are legally required to ensure that they receive full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude; either by regular attendance at school or otherwise. Parents can choose to home educate and there is no legal requirement for them to advise their Education and Library Board or the Department of their decision.

I understand, however, that the Education and Library Boards are currently aware of 166 children, of compulsory school age, who are presently being educated at home. The Boards calculate these figures from their databases which contain received notifications that a child is being home educated. These notifications may have been made from parents, a child’s previous school, the Board’s transfer department or its Education Welfare Service.

When a Board receives notification of a child who is being home educated, an officer will make an initial call to the child’s parent to clarify the situation. At times, this initial call may lead to the parent having a change of mind. If not, the parent is offered a range of dates for a home visit by the officer, often accompanied by an Education Welfare Officer.

Officers will check what sort of education provision is offered and provide general guidance on appropriate materials and exam types. The officer will also leave a contact number for any future advice. Board officers will monitor progress by carrying out annual home visits to discuss the provision and determine if the education provided is suited to the child’s age, aptitude and ability. Parents are also often asked to submit an annual report to the Board to ensure the child is progressing.

Tuairiscítear aon ábhair imní a d’fhéadfadh a bheith ag oifigeach faoi leorgacht an tsoláthair oideachais leis an tSeirbhís Chomhairleach don Churaclam (SCC). Mar fhreagairt ar atreorú ón Bhord, cuirfidh SCC comhairle ar fáil ar sholáthar curaclaim do dhaltaí a fhaigheann oideachas sa bhaile.

Any concerns an officer may have regarding the adequacy of the education provision are reported to Curriculum Advisory Support Service (CASS). CASS will provide advice on curricular provision for home educated pupils in response to a referral from the Board.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education to confirm if she has a legal obligation to retain a special needs unit at Donaghadee High School.

(AQW 6743/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl aon oibleagáid dhlíthiúil ann aonad sainriachtanas a choinneáil ag Ard-Scoil Dhomhnach Daoi.

There is no legal obligation to retain a special needs unit at Donaghadee High School. The South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that, in the event that the Development Proposal to close the school is approved, it would work closely with parents to find appropriate alternative placement for pupils with special needs.

Travel Time to Schools

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education for her assessment of the maximum distance a child should have to travel to go to school.

(AQW 6744/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní chuimsíonn an beartas reatha ar iompar ón bhaile chun na scoile uasachar taistil.

The current home to school transport policy does not include a maximum travel distance. Instead, the policy indicates that Education and Library Boards should, where possible, consider factors such as the age of the pupils, whether it would entail an unduly early start or late ending to the pupil’s period of absence from home, the duration of the journey and distance to and from the pupil’s home or connection point when assessing the suitability of the means of transport for eligible pupils.

Post Primary Education Research Costs

Mr Newton asked the Minister of Education to detail the total amount of money spent to date by her department on research into post-primary education.

(AQW 6745/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ó 8 Bealtaine 2007 go dtí seo ní raibh aon chaiteachas seachtrach ag an Roinn Oideachais ar thaighde ar oideachas iar-bhunscoile.

From 8 May 2007 to date there has been no external expenditure by the Department of Education on research into post-primary education.

All research undertaken on post-primary education in this period has been undertaken by civil servants as part of their regular duties in developing and reviewing policy.

Departmental Publications

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Education 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, are carried out electronically.

(AQW 6752/08)

Ms C Ruane: Gí nach bhfuil meicníochtaí ag mo Roinn le monatóireacht fhoirmiúil a dhéanamh ar an mhéid comhfhreagrais agus dáileachán foilseachán a dhéanann sí go leictreonach, tá cleachtais ghnó leictreonaigh á gcur i bhfeidhm.

While my Department does not have mechanisms in place to formally monitor the extent to which it corresponds and distributes publications electronically, electronic business practices have been adopted.

Where possible my Department corresponds and shares information electronically, both internally and externally, to organisations such as schools, the wider education sector, other NICS Departments and members of the public. Departmental publications are available on the website and the general public can contact DE via the Departmental electronic mail box.

Irish Language Officer

Mr McCausland asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5625/08, to detail the job description and role of the Irish language officer who is to be employed by her Department.

(AQW 6774/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá Sonraí/Ról an phoist Ghaeilge sa Leabhrán Eolais d’Iarrthóirí a ullmhaíodh don chomórtas earcaíochta. D’iarr mé go gcuirfí cóip den leabhrán seo i Leabharlann an Tionóil.

The Job Description/Role for the Irish Language post is contained in the Candidate Information Booklet prepared for the recruitment competition. I have asked that a copy of this booklet is placed in the Assembly Library.

GCSE Irish History

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that teach Irish history as part of their GCSE curriculum.

(AQW 6803/08)

Ms C Ruane: In 2007, 207 schools entered pupils for GCSE history qualification. The local awarding body, the Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), offers GCSE history with Irish history as a compulsory element. 156 schools entered for this qualification in 2007 with 6,035 entrants.

GCSE history may also be offered by other awarding bodies and they have included advice to schools in their existing specifications that Irish history should be taken to meet statutory requirements in relation to programmes of study which were in place before the introduction of the revised curriculum. 51 schools offered GCSE history under awarding bodies other than CCEA in 2007.

Is é 8,293 ar fud 207 scoil, an líon iomlán iontrálacha a thairg gach foras gradam, lena n-áirítear CCEA, do stair GCSE sa bhliain 2007.

The total number of entries for GCSE history in 2007 offered by all awarding bodies, including CCEA, was 8,293 across 207 schools.

St Mary's Primary School and St Patrick's College in Banbridge

Mr O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to detail when she will be in a position to make an announcement in relation to new builds at St. Mary's Primary School, Banbridge and St. Patrick's Secondary School, Banbridge.

(AQW 6806/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ceadaíodh tionscadail chaipitil foirgneamh nua do Bhunscoil Mhuire agus Coláiste Phádraig, Droichead na Banna i Márta 2006.

Approval of the capital new build projects for St Mary’s Primary School and St Patrick’s College, Banbridge was given in March 2006.

Planning of both schemes has reached Stage C proposals (initial outline sketch plans and costs) recently being approved for both. It is estimated that construction work on both could start in the 2008/09 financial year and complete in 2010/11. The timescale for progressing these projects is of course subject to all the necessary planning and building processes being completed satisfactorily, and the availability of resources in any particular year.

Nursery School Places in Saintfield

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children from the Saintfield area that (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Saintfield; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Saintfield.

(AQW 6827/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Saintfield

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of funded nursery school places in Saintfield.

(AQW 6828/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 52 ionad reachtúil in aonad naíscolaíochta a bhfuil ceangal aige le bunscoil i dTamhnaigh Naomh.

There are 52 statutory nursery places in a nursery unit attached to a primary school in Saintfield. In addition, there are 12 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector.

Nursery School Places in Comber

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children from the Comber area that (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Comber; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Comber.

(AQW 6829/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Comber

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding that will be made available to address the need for additional nursery school places within the Comber town area.

(AQW 6830/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards are now going through the re-allocation of places process i.e. those places returned following completion of the admissions process on 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Leanfaidh SEELB de mhonatóireacht a dhéanamh ar sholáthar réamhscolaíochta ina gceantar, Baile an Chomair san áireamh, le tabhairt faoi aon ghá atá le háiteanna breise réamhscoile, má aithnítear a leithéid.

The SEELB will continue to monitor pre-school provision in their area, including Comber town, in order to address any need for additional pre-school places if identified.

Nursery School Places in Comber

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of funded nursery school places in Comber.

(AQW 6831/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 52 ionad reachtúil in aonad naíscolaíochta a bhfuil ceangal aige le bunscoil ar an Chomar.

There are 52 statutory nursery places in a nursery unit attached to a primary school in Comber. In addition, there are 15 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector.

Down High School in Downpatrick

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the current situation in relation to the planning application for a new build school for Down High School, Downpatrick.

(AQW 6832/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá ráite ag Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Oir-Dheiscirt (SEELB) go bhfuil siad ag ullmhú cead pleanála faoi choinne suímh ar Bhóthar Loch Cuan i nDún Pádraig.

The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) has advised that it is currently preparing a planning permission for a site on the Strangford Road in Downpatrick.

Primary and Post Primary School Absences

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) how many; and (ii) the percentage, of pupils in (a) primary schools; (b) secondary schools; (c) grammar schools; (d) integrated schools; and (e) maintained schools, who have been absent from school for more than five days per year in each of the last five years, broken down by Education Board area.

(AQW 6880/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not currently collect the information sought. Since September 2006, a new standardised system of recording absences has been used in schools, following an update of the Attendance Module of the Classroom 2000 (C2K) system. This enables schools to record the reasons for pupils’ absences and whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised.

The Department had planned to collect this new data with the Annual School Census in October 2007. However additional software is required to facilitate the transfer of detailed, yet anonymised, attendance data to the Department for analysis. This software has been commissioned and the intention is to collect data for the 2006/07 and 2007/08 school years during the Census in October 2008.

A separate exercise took place earlier this year to collect detailed attendance data from all post-primary schools. This data has now been analysed and will be published on the Department’s website in the coming weeks. This information and the data from both primary and post-primary schools that will be collected in October 2008 will be used to inform the setting of targets on pupil attendance. Once targets have been developed, the Department will issue guidance to schools on how best to promote regular attendance and on approaches to early and effective intervention.

The Department does collect information from the Education and Library Boards about pupils referred due to concerns around non-attendance. This information is collected at the end of each school year and is published on the Department’s website. The Education and Welfare Service will receive a referral from a school when a pupil’s attendance pattern causes concern. When a referral is received, an Education Welfare Officer will arrange a home visit to speak with the pupil and their parent/carer(s).

Athróidh an beart a dhéanfar nó an chomhairle a thabharfar de réir gach cáis aonair.

The action taken or advice given will vary according to each individual case.

Primary and Post Primary School Absences

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education what action she has taken to reduce truancy, and any further plans she has to tackle this problem.

(AQW 6881/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not currently collect the information sought. Since September 2006, a new standardised system of recording absences has been used in schools, following an update of the Attendance Module of the Classroom 2000 (C2K) system. This enables schools to record the reasons for pupils’ absences and whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised.

The Department had planned to collect this new data with the Annual School Census in October 2007. However additional software is required to facilitate the transfer of detailed, yet anonymised, attendance data to the Department for analysis. This software has been commissioned and the intention is to collect data for the 2006/07 and 2007/08 school years during the Census in October 2008.

A separate exercise took place earlier this year to collect detailed attendance data from all post-primary schools. This data has now been analysed and will be published on the Department’s website in the coming weeks. This information and the data from both primary and post-primary schools that will be collected in October 2008 will be used to inform the setting of targets on pupil attendance. Once targets have been developed, the Department will issue guidance to schools on how best to promote regular attendance and on approaches to early and effective intervention.

The Department does collect information from the Education and Library Boards about pupils referred due to concerns around non-attendance. This information is collected at the end of each school year and is published on the Department’s website. The Education and Welfare Service will receive a referral from a school when a pupil’s attendance pattern causes concern. When a referral is received, an Education Welfare Officer will arrange a home visit to speak with the pupil and their parent/carer(s).

Athróidh an beart a dhéanfar nó an chomhairle a thabharfar de réir gach cáis aonair.

The action taken or advice given will vary according to each individual case.

Nursery School Places

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2007-08 academic year, the number of children that were refused free nursery places for funded places within the same district council area, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 6894/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ní féidir leis na cúig Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlann an t-eolas seo a sholáthar i bhformáid chomhsheasmhach.

This information cannot be provided in a consistent format by the five Education and Library Boards.

What I can confirm, is that in the 2007/08 academic year, there are 21,118 children in funded pre-school education. The school projection model predicts 22,464 P1 pupils in September 2008. This would indicate that the pre-school phase overall level of provision is running at 94%.

As not every parent wants to avail of a pre-school place for their children, and as the pre-school phase of education is not compulsory, this level of provision is considered sufficient to meet demand.

Youth Club Leaders in the Foyle Constituency

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Education how many full-time leaders have been employed in youth clubs in the Foyle constituency in each year since 1993.

(AQW 6895/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education currently provides funding to the five Education and Library Boards and the Bytes Project which employ leaders in youth clubs across the north of Ireland.

Chuir Príomh-Fheidhmeannach Bhord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iarthair agus Stiúrthóir Bytes an t-eolas seo a leanas ar fáil ar an líon ceannasaithe lánaimseartha a fostaíodh i gcumainn óige i dToghlach Feabhail ó 1993 i leith:

The Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board and the Director of Bytes provided the following information on the number of full-time leaders who have been employed in youth clubs in the Foyle Constituency since 1993:

Year	Nos. of full-time leaders (WELB)1	No of full-time leaders (Bytes) 1	Total
1993/94	20	0	20
1994/95	20	0	20
1995/96	20	0	20
1996/97	20	0	20
1997/98	15	1	16
1998/99	14	0	14
1999/00	13	0	13
2000/01	15	0	15
2001/02	17	1	18
2002/03	17	0	17
2003/04	17	2	19
2004/05	17	1	18
2005/06	16	0	16
2006/07	17	2	19
2007/08	16	1	17

1. Information from the WELB relates to the financial year and from Bytes relates to the calendar year, for example 1993/94 relates to the 1993 calendar year

Pupil Profiles in Primary Schools

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of introducing pupil profiles in primary classes in 2007-2008.

(AQW 6896/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dar leis an Chomhairle Curaclaim, Scrúdúcháin agus Measúnachta, caitheadh timpeall is £110,000 ar oiliúint agus ar thacaíocht do mhúinteoirí Bhliain 1 agus Bhliain 5 maidir le Próifílí Daltaí a thabhairt isteach sa bhliain 2007/08.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment advises that the cost of training and support for Year 1 and Year 5 teachers in relation to the introduction of Pupil Profiles in 2007/08 was approximately £110,000.

Nursery School Places in Carryduff

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many children from the Carryduff area (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Carryduff; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Carryduff.

(AQW 6897/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Killyleagh

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many children from the Killyleagh area (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Killyleagh; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Killyleagh.

(AQW 6898/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Carryduff

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many funded nursery school places there are in Carryduff.

(AQW 6899/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 104 ionad reachtúil naíscolaíochta in aonaid naíscolaíochta a bhfuil ceangal acu le bunscoileanna i gCeathrú Aodha Dhuibh.

There are 104 statutory nursery places in nursery units attached to primary schools in Carryduff. In addition, there are 26 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector.

Nursery School Places in Killyleagh

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many funded nursery school places there are in Killyleagh.

(AQW 6900/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl aon naíscoileanna reachtúla ná aonaid reachtúla a bhfuil ceangal acu le bunscoileanna i gCoillidh Léith.

There are no statutory nursery schools or units attached to primary schools in Killyleagh. There are 23 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector.

Nursery School Places in Dundonald

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many funded nursery school places there are in Dundonald.

(AQW 6901/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 130 ionad reachtúil naíscolaíochta i naíscoileanna agus in aonaid a bhfuil ceangal acu le bunscoileanna i nDún Dhónaill.

There are 130 statutory nursery places in nursery schools and units attached to primary schools in Dundonald. In addition, there are 23 funded pre-school places in the voluntary/private sector.

Funded Nursery School Places

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what is the mechanism for appeal where a funded nursery school place has been refused.

(AQW 6915/08)

Ms C Ruane: If a parent wishes to appeal the refusal of a place at a grant-aided pre-school (i.e. a nursery school or nursery unit of a primary school) they should contact the appropriate education and library board (ELB) for information on the appeal procedure including the deadline for appeals. The appeal procedure involves the parent writing to the ELB within the deadline indicating the parent’s intention to appeal against the named nursery school or nursery unit.

The appeal will then be heard by an Independent Admissions Appeal Tribunal which will consider whether the pre-school’s admissions criteria were applied or were correctly applied in deciding to refuse a child admission to the school. If the Tribunal determine that the criteria were not applied or were not correctly applied and that if they had been (correctly) applied the child would have been admitted, they will direct the pre-school to admit the child. If not they will not uphold the appeal.

If a parent wishes to appeal the refusal of a funded pre-school place at a playgroup or private day nursery, they should contact the provider.

Ós rud é nach scoileanna faoi chúnamh deontais na soláthraithe seo tá a ngnáthaimh iontrála lasmuigh de théarmaí tagartha na reachtaíochta rollaithe oscailte lena n-áirítear a gnáthaimh achomhairc.

As these providers are not grant-aided schools their admissions procedures are outside the remit of the open enrolment legislation including its appeal procedures.

Grammar School Entrance Exams

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many grammar schools have not indicated that they intend to set their own academic selection test.

(AQW 6916/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is ar bhonn neamhspleách ón Roinn Oideachais agus ón Chomhairle Churacalaim, Scrúdúcháin agus Mheasúnachta atá moltaí roinnt scoileanna gramadaí chun scrúduithe iontrála a thabhairt isteach á dtabhairt chun cinn.

The proposals by a number of grammar schools to introduce entrance examinations are being taken forward independently of the Department of Education and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. The Department therefore has no involvement in these proposals and only has knowledge of them from press reports.

Press reports on 20 March indicated that one grammar school proposes to introduce an entrance examination for admissions in September 2010. In addition, in a press release issued by the Association for Quality Education on 23 April, it was stated that thirty grammar schools (not including the one mentioned above) had agreed to the establishment of a corporate mechanism to deliver a common entrance examination. This gives a total of thirty-one. There are sixty-nine grammar schools in the North.

Grammar School Entrance Exams

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many grammar schools have indicated that they intend to set their own academic selection test.

(AQW 6917/08)

Ms C Ruane: Is ar bhonn neamhspleách ón Roinn Oideachais agus ón Chomhairle Churacalaim, Scrúdúcháin agus Mheasúnachta atá moltaí roinnt scoileanna gramadaí chun scrúduithe iontrála a thabhairt isteach á dtabhairt chun cinn.

The proposals by a number of grammar schools to introduce entrance examinations are being taken forward independently of the Department of Education and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. The Department therefore has no involvement in these proposals and only has knowledge of them from press reports.

Press reports on 20 March indicated that one grammar school proposes to introduce an entrance examination for admissions in September 2010. In addition, in a press release issued by the Association for Quality Education on 23 April, it was stated that thirty grammar schools (not including the one mentioned above) had agreed to the establishment of a corporate mechanism to deliver a common entrance examination. This gives a total of thirty-one. There are sixty-nine grammar schools in the North.

Grammar Schools

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many grammar schools are in operation.

(AQW 6918/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 69 scoil ghradamach ag feidhmiú i 2007/08.

There are 69 grammar schools in operation in 2007/08.

Secondary Schools

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Education how many secondary schools are in operation.

(AQW 6919/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá 157 meánscoil ag feidhmiú i 2007/08.

There are 157 secondary schools in operation in 2007/08.

Nursery School Places in Holywood

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children from the Holywood area (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Holywood; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Holywood.

(AQW 6972/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Donaghadee and Millisle

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children from the (i) Donaghadee; and (ii) Millisle, areas (a) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Donaghadee or Millisle; and (b) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Donaghadee or Millisle.

(AQW 6973/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Nursery School Places in Bangor

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children from the Bangor area (i) did not receive a funded nursery school place in Bangor; and (ii) are on the waiting list for a nursery school place in Bangor.

(AQW 6975/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá sé róluath le rá, ar an ábhar go bhfuil an próiseas iontrála i dtaca le soláthar réamhscolaíochta ag gabháil ar aghaidh go fóill.

It is too early to say, as the admissions process to pre-school provision is still ongoing.

Under the Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2008 Admissions, the initial process of admissions was completed on 2^nd May 2008 when parents received a letter notifying them of the setting for which their pre-school child has been accepted.

Parents of pre-school aged children, unplaced in settings of their choice at 2^nd May 2008, were advised where alternative provision is still available.

Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation of places process for those children who were not placed at 2^nd May 2008. It is expected that this process will be completed by mid to end June.

Donemana Primary School

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 458/07, what progress has been made in relation to the review of the economic appraisal for the replacement of Donemana Primary School.

(AQW 6992/08)

Ms C Ruane: D'Ullmhaigh Bord Oideachais agus Leabharlainne an Iarthair breithmheas eacnamaíochta ar bhunscoil nua do Dhomhnach Manach sa bhliain 2006.

An economic appraisal for a replacement for Donemana Primary School was prepared by the Western Education and Library Board in 2006. The Department of Education requested that it be reviewed to confirm that the scheme would be required for the area. The Western Education and Library Board has not yet submitted a revised appraisal to the Department.

Complaints in Schools

Mr Irwin asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6540/08, to provide a timescale for the creation of the single guidance document incorporating a model procedure.

(AQW 7027/08)

Ms C Ruane: Mar a thug mé le fios sa fhreagra a thug mé ní ba luaithe, tá na húdaráis fostaíochta freagrach as na nósanna imeachta treorach agus samhla a chur chun cinn.

As indicated in my earlier answer, the production of the guidance and model procedures is a matter for the employing authorities to progress. However, my Department has asked the employing authorities to ensure that this work is completed as soon as possible.

Free School Meals

Miss McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail, for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years, the number of free school meal entitlements in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, broken down by school.

(AQW 7054/08)

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

The information requested is detailed in the attached table.

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals¹ in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by nursery school, 2006/07

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4110029	BANGOR NURSERY SCHOOL	19	79
4110030	HOLYWOOD NURSERY SCHOOL	6	52
4110035	NEWTOWNARDS NURSERY SCHOOL	7	52
4116018	BARBOUR NURSERY SCHOOL	11	52
4116175	TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL	*	82
4116176	DOWNPATRICK NURSERY SCHOOL	*	26
4116216	KING'S ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL	7	52
4116239	KNOCKBREADA NURSERY SCHOOL	*	52
4116240	CASTLEREAGH NURSERY SCHOOL	7	52
4116307	GLENBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL	8	78
4116418	POND PARK NURSERY SCHOOL	*	78
4136211	ST COLMCILLE'S NURSERY SCHOOL	26	78
4136212	ST PATRICK'S CONVENT NURSERY	19	78
4136286	GOOD SHEPHERD NURSERY SCHOOL	31	53
4136317	HOLY TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL	7	54
4136368	ST LUKE'S NURSERY SCHOOL	23	52
4136481	ST KIERAN'S NURSERY SCHOOL	42	52
4136606	ST THERESE NURSERY SCHOOL	30	52
4136626	KIRCUBBIN COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL	11	52

Note:

¹ Free school meal entitlement for nursery school pupils is measured as those children who have a parent in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance.

* relates to less than 5 cases.

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by primary school^{1, 2}, 2006/07

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4010512	MCKINNEY PS	*	153
4010720	BALLYCARRICKMADDY PS	5	167
4010743	LARGYMORE PS	49	146
4010762	BROWNLEE PS	21	154
4010788	DUNMURRY PS	16	164
4010807	LISBURN CENTRAL PS	63	234
4010882	SEYMOUR HILL PS	49	194
4010885	TONAGH PS	52	155
4011265	BALLYVESTER PS	*	73
4011267	LOUGHRIES PS	*	72
4011300	GREY ABBEY PS	5	76
4011310	CARRICKMANNON PS	0	87
4011345	NEWTOWNARDS MODEL PS	65	375
4011373	KIRKISTOWN PS	7	101
4011462	CASTLE GARDENS PS	43	344
4011488	VICTORIA PS (BALLYHALBERT)	12	136
4011507	PORTAVOGIE PS	13	197
4011508	CHARLEY MEMORIAL PS	*	10
4011566	BALLYWALTER PS	16	175
4011567	BALLYNAHINCH PS	28	357
4011578	DERRYBOY PS	*	80
4011582	CROSSGAR PS	*	52
4011584	CARR PS	*	61
4011587	DUNDONALD PS	34	560
4011588	COMBER PS	38	369
4011599	CASTLEWELLAN PS	8	75
4011606	GILNAHIRK PS	28	393
4011608	ANAHILT PS	7	215
4011610	NEWTOWNBREDA PS	24	144
4011619	DROMARA PS	7	150
4011627	LAMBEG PS	0	23
4011631	HOLYWOOD PS	21	355
4011632	CREGAGH PS	54	175
4011634	KILLYLEAGH PS	15	99
4011645	CRAWFORDSBURN PS	10	207
4011646	VICTORIA PS	62	556
4011647	BALLYKEIGLE PS	*	59
4011648	HILLHALL PS	0	39
4011650	BALLYHOLME PS	18	591
4011654	DONAGHADEE PS	30	417
4011657	LISNASHARRAGH PS	51	227
4011670	CLANDEBOYE PS	55	227
4011674	KNOCKBREDA PS	11	129
4011678	BALLYCLOUGHAN PS	*	47
4011681	MILLISLE PS	21	143
4011683	BRANIEL PS	35	369
4011686	DRUMBO PS	0	12
4011688	REDBURN PS	17	117
4011698	NEWCASTLE PS	28	193
4011699	MONEYREA PS	*	138
4013001	GROOMSPORT PS	6	25
4013013	BELVOIR PARK PS	43	289
4013016	TYRELLA PS	6	53
4013023	BLOOMFIELD ROAD PS	118	314
4013024	CAIRNSHILL PS	14	515
4013032	CONLIG PS	10	46
4013038	TULLYCARNET PS	51	107
4013043	LEAD HILL PS	5	141
4013044	CARRYDUFF PS	11	157
4013045	GRANGE PARK PS	19	364
4013046	ALEXANDER DICKSON PS	*	153
4013305	HARMONY HILL PS	13	631
4013308	FORT HILL PS	43	260
4013309	DERRIAGHY PS	21	53
4013334	KNOCKMORE PS	56	163
4016002	KILCOOLEY PS	83	138
4016004	LONDONDERRY PS	52	313
4016020	CARROWDORE PS	16	141
4016067	RATHMORE PS	16	477
4016083	WEST WINDS PS	70	156
4016104	MOIRA PS	15	357
4016111	TOWERVIEW PS	17	370
4016123	SPA PS	*	183
4016126	ANDREWS MEMORIAL PS	11	366
4016144	OLD WARREN PS	76	127
4016145	KILLOWEN PS	36	376
4016192	KILMAINE PS	23	654
4016201	ACADEMY PS	10	423
4016202	LOWER BALLINDERRY PS	7	186
4016235	DOWNPATRICK PS	49	201
4016396	KILLINCHY PS	5	309
4016399	ABBEY PS	72	623
4016401	POND PARK PS	18	572
4016417	MAGHABERRY PS	5	262
4016430	BALLYMAGEE PS	21	403
4016441	BALLYMACASH PS	46	354
4016503	BROOKLANDS PS	116	598
4016615	RIVERDALE PS	*	188
4016636	MEADOW BRIDGE PS	*	247
4016649	DOWNSHIRE PS	12	501
4016650	CUMRAN PRIMARY SCHOOL	16	157
4030573	BALLYMACWARD PS	*	96
4030823	BALLYMACRICKETT PS	15	303
4030897	ST JOSEPH'S PS	26	274
4031231	ST JOSEPH'S PS	12	53
4031295	GUINESS PS	*	22
4031328	CHRIST THE KING PS	17	130
4031350	ST MALACHY'S PS	11	60
4031384	CONVENT OF MERCY PS	53	220
4031485	ST CAOLAN'S	0	71
4031526	ST PATRICK'S PS	10	128
4031531	ST FRANCIS' PS	*	33
4031550	ST JOSEPH'S PS	10	120
4031628	ST PATRICK'S PS	7	252
4031644	ST PATRICK'S BOYS' PS	63	305
4031660	ST JOSEPH'S PS	10	480
4031662	ST MARY'S PS	0	37
4031663	ST JOSEPH'S PS	23	151
4031665	ST PATRICK'S PS	52	250
4031671	ST PATRICK'S PS	5	47
4031672	ST MARY'S PS	11	70
4031673	ST MARY'S PS	24	85
4031676	ST BERNARD'S PS	*	388
4031693	ST COLMAN'S PS	*	20
4033002	ST MARY'S AUGHLISNAFIN	19	133
4033005	ST JOSEPH'S PS	7	56
4033007	ST MACARTAN'S PS	20	166
4033008	ST ANNE'S PS	*	34
4033012	THE HOLY FAMILY PS	6	201
4033017	ST FINIAN'S PS	6	126
4033028	ST PATRICK'S PS	*	89
4033029	ST MARY'S PS	0	3
4033036	ST MARY'S PS	26	126
4033037	ST JOSEPH'S PS	10	75
4033040	ST BRIGID'S PS	28	154
4033306	ST ALOYSIUS PS	35	277
4033307	ST COLMAN'S PS	30	316
4036016	ST JOSEPH'S PS	20	82
4036036	ST MALACHY'S PS	16	118
4036081	ST LUKE'S PS	172	226
4036113	ST NICHOLAS' PS	36	128
4036133	SACRED HEART PS	18	82
4036134	ST MARK'S PS	257	522
4036146	ST COMGALL'S PS	11	287
4036148	ST MALACHY'S PS	65	362
4036182	ST COLMCILLE'S PS	119	211
4036285	THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS	223	366
4036428	ST MARY'S PS	17	122
4036454	ST MALACHY'S PS	64	291
4036455	LEGAMADDY PS	15	183
4036480	ST KIERAN'S PS	318	437
4036530	ST MARY'S PS	25	236
4036591	OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PS	52	355
4036618	CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS	209	553
4036635	ST MARY'S PS	76	401
4036642	ST ITA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	7	382
4041545	DRUMAGHLIS PS	0	36
4046600	SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE	70	134
4046648	BUNSCOIL BHEANNA BOIRCHE	5	54
4050618	HILDEN INTEGRATED PS	9	51
4051569	KIRCUBBIN PS	29	104
4051601	PORTAFERRY INTEGRATED PS	30	83
4051680	BANGOR CENTRAL PS	94	561
4053009	ANNSBOROUGH PS	7	51
4053020	GLENCRAIG PS	0	226
4056541	ALL CHILDREN'S INTEGRATED PS	24	201
4066579	LOUGHVIEW INTEGRATED PS	20	434
4066588	CEDAR INTEGRATED PS	9	216
4066611	OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PS	26	207
4066644	MILLENNIUM INTEGRATED PS	11	173
4066668	DRUMLINS INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL	*	36
4610063	REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	137
4610085	DOWN HIGH SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	127
4610097	GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE PREP. DEPT.	*	71
4620015	BANGOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	132
4620044	SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	178
4620050	FRIENDS SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	153
4620051	WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	152

Note:

¹ Free school meal entitlement for nursery class pupils measured as those children who have a parent in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance or who are recorded as entitled to free school meals.

² Includes pupils in nursery, reception and year 1 - year 7 classes where applicable.

* relates to less than 5 cases.

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by post-primary school, 2006/07

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4210012	MOVILLA HIGH SCHOOL	139	652
4210029	THE HIGH SCHOOL BALLYNAHINCH	43	384
4210030	LISNASHARRAGH HIGH SCHOOL	93	193
4210031	DONAGHADEE HIGH SCHOOL	60	248
4210045	COMBER HIGH SCHOOL	87	371
4210046	GLASTRY COLLEGE	95	620
4210051	LISNAGARVEY HIGH SCHOOL	117	322
4210063	SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL	19	343
4210086	KNOCKBREDA HIGH SCHOOL	151	609
4210183	NEWTOWNBREDA HIGH SCHOOL	140	742
4210194	DUNMURRY HIGH SCHOOL	130	326
4210201	LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE	112	952
4210262	DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL	126	375
4210296	BANGOR ACADEMY AND 6TH FORM COLLEGE	201	1329
4230023	ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL	124	546
4230067	ST COLUMBA'S HIGH SCHOOL	45	288
4230102	ST COLMCILLE'S HIGH SCHOOL	67	460
4230107	ST COLUMBANUS' COLLEGE	93	524
4230161	ST COLMAN'S HIGH SCHOOL	90	333
4230165	ST PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL	114	302
4230211	ST MALACHY'S HIGH SCHOOL	229	1005
4230223	ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL	420	701
4230224	DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL	138	376
4250024	PRIORY COLLEGE	113	421
4250072	FORT HILL COLLEGE	120	868
4250272	DOWN ACADEMY	80	274
4260255	LAGAN COLLEGE	133	1156
4260281	SHIMNA INTEGRATED COLLEGE	78	506
4260295	STRANGFORD INTEGRATED COLLEGE	47	488
4410063	REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL	43	1385
4410085	DOWN HIGH SCHOOL	14	918
4410097	GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE	31	1078
4420015	BANGOR GS	34	912
4420044	SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL	12	1066
4420050	FRIENDS' SCHOOL	12	976
4420051	WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL	17	1165
4420086	ASSUMPTION GS	46	907
4420088	ST PATRICK'S GS	36	716
4420259	OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE	16	1256

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals¹ in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by nursery school, 2007/08

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4110029	BANGOR NURSERY SCHOOL	17	78
4110030	HOLYWOOD NURSERY SCHOOL	*	52
4110035	NEWTOWNARDS NURSERY SCHOOL	6	52
4116018	BARBOUR NURSERY SCHOOL	7	52
4116175	TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL	*	55
4116176	DOWNPATRICK NURSERY SCHOOL	*	26
4116216	KING'S ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL	10	52
4116239	KNOCKBREADA NURSERY SCHOOL	*	52
4116240	CASTLEREAGH NURSERY SCHOOL	7	52
4116307	GLENBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL	5	52
4116418	POND PARK NURSERY SCHOOL	*	79
4136211	ST COLMCILLE'S NURSERY SCHOOL	14	52
4136212	ST PATRICK'S CONVENT NURSERY	12	52
4136286	GOOD SHEPHERD NURSERY SCHOOL	21	53
4136317	HOLY TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL	13	52
4136368	ST LUKE'S NURSERY SCHOOL	33	53
4136481	ST KIERAN'S NURSERY SCHOOL	41	52
4136606	ST THERESE NURSERY SCHOOL	29	52
4136626	KIRCUBBIN COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL	*	52

Note:

¹ Free school meal entitlement for nursery school pupils measured as those children who have a parent in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance.

* relates to less than 5 cases.

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by primary school^{1, 2}, 2007/08

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4010512	MCKINNEY PS	*	150
4010720	BALLYCARRICKMADDY PS	8	158
4010743	LARGYMORE PS	48	139
4010762	BROWNLEE PS	19	160
4010788	DUNMURRY PS	14	158
4010807	LISBURN CENTRAL PS	57	204
4010882	SEYMOUR HILL PS	34	174
4010885	TONAGH PS	49	152
4011265	BALLYVESTER PS	*	67
4011267	LOUGHRIES PS	0	72
4011300	GREY ABBEY PS	*	72
4011310	CARRICKMANNON PS	0	90
4011345	NEWTOWNARDS MODEL PS	94	387
4011373	KIRKISTOWN PS	*	108
4011462	CASTLE GARDENS PS	36	326
4011488	VICTORIA PS (BALLYHALBERT)	16	138
4011507	PORTAVOGIE PS	12	207
4011566	BALLYWALTER PS	26	175
4011567	BALLYNAHINCH PS	28	332
4011578	DERRYBOY PS	5	80
4011584	CARR PS	*	68
4011587	DUNDONALD PS	32	572
4011588	COMBER PS	41	356
4011599	CASTLEWELLAN PS	8	73
4011606	GILNAHIRK PS	37	396
4011608	ANAHILT PS	7	188
4011610	NEWTOWNBREDA PS	22	121
4011619	DROMARA PS	11	162
4011631	HOLYWOOD PS	26	332
4011632	CREGAGH PS	61	177
4011634	KILLYLEAGH PS	23	93
4011645	CRAWFORDSBURN PS	16	188
4011646	VICTORIA PS	57	573
4011647	BALLYKEIGLE PS	0	59
4011650	BALLYHOLME PS	23	600
4011654	DONAGHADEE PS	35	418
4011657	LISNASHARRAGH PS	44	202
4011670	CLANDEBOYE PS	41	188
4011674	KNOCKBREDA PS	17	131
4011678	BALLYCLOUGHAN PS	*	37
4011681	MILLISLE PS	24	146
4011683	BRANIEL PS	36	362
4011688	REDBURN PS	19	83
4011698	NEWCASTLE PS	21	191
4011699	MONEYREA PS	*	142
4013013	BELVOIR PARK PS	56	290
4013016	TYRELLA PS	*	32
4013023	BLOOMFIELD ROAD PS	113	307
4013024	CAIRNSHILL PS	14	507
4013032	CONLIG PS	10	43
4013038	TULLYCARNET PS	45	88
4013043	LEAD HILL PS	5	143
4013044	CARRYDUFF PS	9	165
4013045	GRANGE PARK PS	15	364
4013046	ALEXANDER DICKSON PS	*	125
4013305	HARMONY HILL PS	16	614
4013308	FORT HILL PS	48	239
4013309	DERRIAGHY PS	26	43
4013334	KNOCKMORE PS	53	163
4016002	KILCOOLEY PS	84	127
4016004	LONDONDERRY PS	60	315
4016020	CARROWDORE PS	14	133
4016067	RATHMORE PS	25	482
4016083	WEST WINDS PS	53	143
4016104	MOIRA PS	17	363
4016111	TOWERVIEW PS	20	385
4016123	SPA PS	*	175
4016126	ANDREWS MEMORIAL PS	10	346
4016144	OLD WARREN PS	72	117
4016145	KILLOWEN PS	45	371
4016192	KILMAINE PS	18	654
4016201	ACADEMY PS	12	422
4016202	LOWER BALLINDERRY PS	*	175
4016235	DOWNPATRICK PS	48	213
4016396	KILLINCHY PS	5	320
4016399	ABBEY PS	79	618
4016401	POND PARK PS	18	551
4016417	MAGHABERRY PS	5	264
4016430	BALLYMAGEE PS	23	404
4016441	BALLYMACASH PS	40	366
4016503	BROOKLANDS PS	116	575
4016615	RIVERDALE PS	*	188
4016636	MEADOW BRIDGE PS	8	243
4016649	DOWNSHIRE PS	15	538
4016650	CUMRAN PRIMARY SCHOOL	13	171
4016681	GLASSWATER CONTROLLED PS	*	76
4030573	BALLYMACWARD PS	7	93
4030823	BALLYMACRICKETT PS	14	282
4030897	ST JOSEPH'S PS	24	288
4031231	ST JOSEPH'S PS	10	48
4031295	GUINESS PS	*	18
4031328	CHRIST THE KING PS	17	105
4031350	ST MALACHY'S PS	13	64
4031384	CONVENT OF MERCY PS	54	201
4031485	ST CAOLAN'S	0	64
4031526	ST PATRICK'S PS	8	142
4031531	ST FRANCIS' PS	5	36
4031550	ST JOSEPH'S PS	13	108
4031628	ST PATRICK'S PS	12	237
4031644	ST PATRICK'S BOYS' PS	73	306
4031660	ST JOSEPH'S PS	12	452
4031662	ST MARY'S PS	0	42
4031663	ST JOSEPH'S PS	26	150
4031665	ST PATRICK'S PS	51	257
4031671	ST PATRICK'S PS	*	46
4031672	ST MARY'S PS	11	60
4031673	ST MARY'S PS	23	89
4031676	ST BERNARD'S PS	8	394
4031693	ST COLMAN'S PS	*	18
4033002	ST MARY'S AUGHLISNAFIN	16	133
4033005	ST JOSEPH'S PS	6	57
4033007	ST MACARTAN'S PS	17	175
4033008	ST ANNE'S PS	*	34
4033012	THE HOLY FAMILY PS	6	191
4033017	ST FINIAN'S PS	9	123
4033028	ST PATRICK'S PS	*	96
4033036	ST MARY'S PS	25	123
4033037	ST JOSEPH'S PS	9	74
4033040	ST BRIGID'S PS	35	167
4033306	ST ALOYSIUS PS	41	284
4033307	ST COLMAN'S PS	29	301
4036016	ST JOSEPH'S PS	19	82
4036036	ST MALACHY'S PS	10	122
4036081	ST LUKE'S PS	163	222
4036113	ST NICHOLAS' PS	33	122
4036133	SACRED HEART PS	21	79
4036134	ST MARK'S PS	243	480
4036146	ST COMGALL'S PS	13	286
4036148	ST MALACHY'S PS	62	321
4036182	ST COLMCILLE'S PS	118	216
4036285	THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS	209	348
4036428	ST MARY'S PS	17	125
4036454	ST MALACHY'S PS	64	293
4036455	LEGAMADDY PS	22	176
4036480	ST KIERAN'S PS	284	387
4036530	ST MARY'S PS	21	228
4036591	OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PS	54	383
4036618	CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS	201	574
4036635	ST MARY'S PS	92	384
4036642	ST ITA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	5	427
4046600	SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE	67	133
4046648	BUNSCOIL BHEANNA BOIRCHE	6	48
4050618	HILDEN INTEGRATED PS	5	36
4051569	KIRCUBBIN PS	22	105
4051601	PORTAFERRY INTEGRATED PS	24	81
4051680	BANGOR CENTRAL PS	99	562
4053009	ANNSBOROUGH PS	5	50
4053020	GLENCRAIG PS	*	228
4056541	ALL CHILDREN'S INTEGRATED PS	22	199
4066579	LOUGHVIEW INTEGRATED PS	12	433
4066588	CEDAR INTEGRATED PS	10	222
4066611	OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PS	28	209
4066644	MILLENNIUM INTEGRATED PS	14	183
4066668	DRUMLINS INTEGRATED PS	*	61
4066682	ROWANDALE INTEGRATED PS	0	18
4610063	REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	132
4610085	DOWN HIGH SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	128
4610097	GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE PREP. DEPT.	*	76
4620015	BANGOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	137
4620044	SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	184
4620050	FRIENDS SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	*	145
4620051	WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL PREP. DEPT.	0	146

Note:

¹ Free school meal entitlement for nursery class pupils measured as those children who have a parent in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance or who are recorded as entitled to free school meals.

² Includes pupils in nursery, reception and year 1 - year 7 classes where applicable.

* relates to less than 5 cases.

Number of pupils entitled to free school meals in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area by post-primary school, 2007/08

DENI Ref	School name	No. of pupils entitled to free school meals	Total enrolment
4210012	MOVILLA HIGH SCHOOL	130	593
4210029	THE HIGH SCHOOL BALLYNAHINCH	48	375
4210030	LISNASHARRAGH HIGH SCHOOL	36	69
4210031	DONAGHADEE HIGH SCHOOL	47	213
4210045	COMBER HIGH SCHOOL	92	387
4210046	GLASTRY COLLEGE	94	624
4210051	LISNAGARVEY HIGH SCHOOL	114	280
4210063	SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL	20	348
4210086	KNOCKBREDA HIGH SCHOOL	162	574
4210183	NEWTOWNBREDA HIGH SCHOOL	153	707
4210194	DUNMURRY HIGH SCHOOL	120	310
4210201	LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE	140	934
4210262	DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL	133	332
4210296	BANGOR ACADEMY AND 6TH FORM COLLEGE	214	1289
4230023	ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL	131	533
4230067	ST COLUMBA'S HIGH SCHOOL	44	271
4230102	ST COLMCILLE'S HIGH SCHOOL	62	451
4230107	ST COLUMBANUS' COLLEGE	86	545
4230161	ST COLMAN'S HIGH SCHOOL	84	294
4230165	ST PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL	85	320
4230211	ST MALACHY'S HIGH SCHOOL	264	1022
4230223	ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL	421	692
4230224	DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL	108	341
4250024	PRIORY COLLEGE	99	423
4250072	FORT HILL COLLEGE	137	869
4250272	DOWN ACADEMY	80	240
4260255	LAGAN COLLEGE	156	1200
4260281	SHIMNA INTEGRATED COLLEGE	76	510
4260295	STRANGFORD INTEGRATED COLLEGE	53	503
4410063	REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL	40	1413
4410085	DOWN HIGH SCHOOL	20	941
4410097	GLENLOLA COLLEGIATE	30	1073
4420015	BANGOR GS	30	894
4420044	SULLIVAN UPPER SCHOOL	12	1061
4420050	FRIENDS' SCHOOL	16	976
4420051	WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL	26	1158
4420086	ASSUMPTION GS	48	909
4420088	ST PATRICK'S GS	45	710
4420259	OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE	18	1250

Source: NI school census

Creative Youth Partnerships

Mr Brolly asked the Minister of Education to detail how her Department, working in close partnership with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, plans to build on the work of Creative Youth Partnerships.

(AQO 3550/08)

Ms C Ruane: Fuair an chéim trialach de CYP, ó Aibreán dhá mhíle a ceathair go Márta dhá mhíle a seacht, measúnú deimhneach ón Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna.

The initial pilot phase of CYP, from April 2004 to March 2007, received a positive evaluation from the Education & Training Inspectorate (ETI). On this basis, additional funding has been made available by all the partner organisations, including my Department, to enable the programme to continue in 2007/2008 and also in 2008/2009.

More generally, my Department also supports the embedding of creativity across education, for example, in school leadership and management, in raising standards and in teaching and learning, where Being Creative is now one of the skills to be developed on a statutory basis across the revised curriculum. Schools also now have more flexibility to take creative approaches to the development and delivery of their curriculum.

Now that the pilot phase of CYP has ended, my Department has asked the CYP Steering Group to bring forward a strategy to the Department and to DCAL by June, setting out how CYP might be mainstreamed. My officials will liaise closely with DCAL counterparts in considering the proposed strategy. My Department will ensure that the strategy adheres to our equality duties.

School Capital Building Schemes

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Education to detail the average time from the initial proposal to the completion of a capital scheme.

(AQO 3546/08)

Ms C Ruane: Caithfidh gach mórscéim tógála caipitil staidéar féidearthachta a bheith aici, caithfidh sí breithmheas eacnamaíochta atá ceadaithe ag an Roinn a fháil, agus caithfidh cistiú caipitil a bheith dáilte uirthi sular féidir léi dul go dtí an chéim deartha nó an chéim pleanála.

All major school capital building schemes must have a feasibility study, have an Economic Appraisal approved by the department and capital funding allocated before they can proceed to the design / planning stages.

Progress on any scheme can be affected by a number of factors, including the size and complexity of a scheme, whether or not a new site is required the need to satisfy Planning Service and Roads Service requirements, and issues arising from design development.

Once funding has been approved, the process of designing and obtaining statutory and other approvals can on average take some 18-24 months for a primary school, with a further 12-24 months construction period. For post-primary schools, which by nature are generally much larger and more complex, the design development process can typically take some 24-30 months, followed by an average construction period of 24-36 months.

With the introduction of the new Major Works Framework my Department is rising to the challenge of shortening these timescales. It is anticipated that this Framework will prove to be the vehicle for getting projects on the ground more quickly and efficiently, as this approach streamlines the procurement process.

Independent Admission Exams

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to confirm if she will remove all funding and support from any school which attempts to establish a breakaway admissions process.

(AQO 3569/08)

Ms C Ruane: Dúirt mé go soiléir nach bhfuil aon dualgas ar an Roinn aon mhaoiniú nó cabhair a chur ar fáil do scoileanna le cuidiú leo scrúduithe iontrála a riartar go neamhspleách a fheidhmiú .

I have made clear that there is no obligation on the Department to provide any funding or assistance to help schools operate independently administered entrance examinations. Schools pursuing independent procedures for academic selection in a context of un-regulation will continue to receive their core funding allocation as determined by the common funding formula.

Primary School Funding

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education for her assessment as to whether primary schools are adequately funded.

(AQO 3495/08)

Ms C Ruane: Faoi na socruithe do mhaoiniú coiteann do bhainistíocht áitiúil scoileanna, faigheann gach scoil a fhaigheann deontas -- naíscoileanna, bunscoileanna agus iarbhunscoileanna -- maoiniú tarmligthe de réir a riachtanais choibhneasta.

Under LMS Common Funding arrangements, all grant-aided schools at all phases; nursery, primary and post-primary, receive delegated funding according to their relative need.

I recognise the importance of adequate support to ensure that our children get the best start to their school years. I have taken on board the views of primary schools and others during the recent consultation on LMS funding issues, and responded to those concerns by making provision for an increase in the primary pupil weighting from 1.02 to 1.04 in 2008-09 with a view to increasing progressively the relative funding levels distributed to primary schools under the LMS funding arrangements.

Within the £20.4m uplift to schools budgets for 2008/09 compared to 2007/08, some £12.67m was directed to primary schools, representing an overall cash uplift of over 3% and over 4% per pupil. For 2008/09, the average per pupil increase for primary schools of £102 per pupil (4%) is higher than the average per pupil increase for post-primary schools.

Significant resources are also being made available to primary schools, outside the current formula funding arrangements, including an additional £32 million over the next three years, to support primary schools with the delivery of the Foundation Stage of the revised curriculum and a further £12 million to help primary school teaching principals.

I recognise that Primary Principals would wish to see more rapid progress to reflect the importance of primary learning in the balance of funding distributed across all schools. However, changes to the overall funding shares for primary schools have to be balanced, to avoid impacting adversely on pupils at other phases of education.

Independent Admission Exams

Mr Butler asked the Minister of Education to explain her meaning in reference to her comments that unregulation is a prospect fraught with administrative and litigious peril.

(AQO 3564/08)

Ms C Ruane: Má bhíonn neamh-rialachán ann i ndiaidh Aistriú 2009, dúirt roinnt scoileanna gramadaí go bhfuil rún acu scrúduithe iontrála a thabhairt isteach. 

In the event of unregulation in school admissions after Transfer 2009, some grammar schools have indicated an intention to introduce entrance tests. I have described this as a proposal fraught with administrative peril for the following reason.

The Transfer Test is developed and operated by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in a context of high levels of pressure and challenge. CCEA ensure that each year’s Transfer Tests are subject to a rigorous process of development and trialling. CCEA are able to draw upon a considerable range of expertise and experience to ensure the production and operation of a robust and secure testing mechanism in accordance with a very demanding specification. This is reflected in the fact that whilst there are each year roughly 1100 requests for a re-grade (approximately 15000 sit the test), only a handful of marks have actually been re-graded in the last 5 years and there has been an absence of legal challenge to this process.

Additionally any entrance test needs to be supported by a procedure such as the Special Circumstances Procedure to ensure that the system is fair and allows for those whose performance at the test is affected by special circumstances. The current Special Circumstances Procedure that accompanies the Transfer Test is engaged by approximately 1400 applicants each year. It allows Boards of Governors to reconsider the Transfer Test grade of applicants in the light of documentary evidence of special circumstances and educational evidence demonstrating the typical educational performance of the applicant. Under the current Special Circumstances procedure up-grades are arrived at in a robust and standardised manner because the context is an established assessment procedure.

In general, admissions decisions based on selective procedures must be robust. The introduction of entrance tests requires also the introduction of a range of rigorous and transparently consistent procedures that can only be resource-intensive in the face of considerable pressure and are significantly more difficult to deliver in an unstandardised and non-centralised system. 

 The proposals which I brought before the Executive on 15 May 2008 and the Education Committee on 16 May 2008 offer a way forward which averts such risks, with a transitional assessment designed by an organisation which has developed considerable expertise in this area.

Drumragh Integrated College

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail how her Department is assisting Drumragh Integrated College to meet the demand for integrated post-primary education in the Omagh area.

(AQO 3556/08)

Ms C Ruane: Tá tógáil scoile nua le go mbeidh áiseanna úrnua ar fáil do Choláiste Imeasctha Dhroim Ratha faoi lánseoil.

Construction of a new school building to provide purpose built modern facilities for Drumragh Integrated College is currently well underway. The new school will cater for a Long Term Enrolment of 580 pupils and it is anticipated that the construction of the new school will be completed in the Spring of 2009.

Extended Schools Programme

Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps she has taken to secure maximum funding for the extended schools programme.

(AQO 3563/08)

Ms C Ruane: Ag tús an Bhuiséid cuireadh in iúl do na ranna uile dá mba mhaith leo coinneáil leo ag maoinú clár/gníomhartha a maoiníodh faoin phacáiste maoinithe do pháistí agus daoine óga, gurbh éigean iad a phríomh-sruthú ó leithroinntí rannacha

At the start of the Budget Process it was made clear to all departments that if they wanted to continue to fund programmes / activities which had previously been funded under the children and young people funding package, that they would have to be mainstreamed from within departmental allocations.

It became clear very early on that the overall level of resources agreed by the Executive for education would not allow me to fund all of these valuable activities at the same level as had been the case in the previous two years.

Whilst I regard all aspects of this programme as important and valuable, I had to consider the scope for continuing it against a range of competing priorities.

In doing so I have ensured that the £16m which had been provided direct to schools under the CYP package was mainstreamed within schools delegated budgets. That funding is therefore being maintained on a recurrent basis as part of schools delegated budgets.

I also ensured that provision for direct payments to special schools (funded outside of the CFF ) was also continued.

In addition to this I have made provision for other elements of former CYP funding including £8m a year for the early years programmes within CYP, and counselling services in schools.

As you know a key element of this programme which has been very successful and welcomed by schools and local communities is the extended schools programme. While I wanted to continue to fund this at existing levels, the resources available to me meant that I simply was not able to do this. Even after skewing resources away from other areas into Extended schools I have only been able to continue that element of the programme at 60% of the level of available to schools over the last two years.

This means a massive cut of 40% of a programme that is directed at our most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.

As I have said I simply did not have resources to do any more than this.

This is not something which has only emerged now, it is something of which I was aware and concerned about from the outset of the whole Budget process.

It was for this reason that I raised it with the Finance Minister, the Junior Ministers and indeed the First Minister and Deputy First Minister consistently in ongoing correspondence over the whole of the budget period from last September through January this year and I am continuing to do so.

In summary the correspondence includes the following:-

Date	Brief Summary
20th September	Meeting with Finance Minister to discuss the implications of the indicative budget allocations.
28th September 2007	Letter to Finance Minister as follow-up to meeting on 20th September. Outlined key issues for Education in relation to indicative budget allocations. Specifically highlighted difficult position regarding CYP and the negative impact it would have on schools and other groups is the extended schools programmes were to stop. Highlights expectation that when CYP funding was allocated to the Department it was to be mainstreamed.
5th October 2007	Letter to Finance Minister following receipt of Draft Budget. Registers ‘most strongly’ concerns about the draft Budget proposals, particularly in years 1 and 2. Highlights that the Department does not have the resources in years 1 and 2 to cover the cost of the CYP.
8th October 2007	Letter to First Minister and Deputy First Minister and Finance Minister. Highlights concerns about the future of the CYP Programme. States the Department does not have the funding available to continue with key elements of the CYP Programme. Indicates that activities funded under the CYP are targeted towards the concept of extended schools. Indicates that some 491 schools which have benefited from extended schools funding would have this funding stopped.
19th October 2007	Letter to Finance Minister to provide an up-date on further analysis carried out. Highlights that the area of CYP is one where the proposed allocations will have a significant adverse impact. Raises the point that all CYP funding was removed from the Department’s baseline despite the understanding that this funding was to be mainstreamed.
22nd October 2007	Letter to Finance Minister following receipt of a Executive paper on the Draft Budget. Indicates that additional resources made available will enable the continuation of some projects under the CYP programme but that the reduced allocation in years 1 and 2 would make it necessary to consider cuts in this area.
14th December 2007	Letter to First Minister and Deputy First Minister responding on the extent to which the Department would be able to mainstream provision under the CYP funding package. Highlights the shortfall in allocations required to mainstream CYP funding.
7th January 2008	Letter to the Finance Minister following completion of the public consultation on the draft Budget. Highlights concerns raised during the consultation in relation to the removal of funding for the CYP package. Highlights the shortfall in funding for CYP projects and indicates that this is ‘simply too big’.
11th January 2008	Letter to Finance Minister following notification of a No Day Named Motion – All Party Group on Children and Young People. Letter highlights implications of reduced levels of CYP funding and that Department will not be able to continue with the programmes. Highlights that CYP package funding was introduced on the basis that the funding was a baseline allocation and not a short term measure.
17th January 2008	Letter to Finance Minister highlighting that the proposed Budget settlement leaves limited scope to make improvements needed in the areas of primary school funding and early years.
17th April 2008	Letter to the 2 Junior Ministers and the Finance Minister highlighting the negative impact the reduced level of funding would have on the extended schools programme. Requests that further funding is made available for the programme.

I will continue to press at every available opportunity during the year for additional resources to restore this important programme.

Falling Pupil Numbers

Mr Bresland asked the Minister of Education to detail the actions being taken to address falling pupil numbers within the maintained, integrated and controlled education sectors.

(AQO 3476/08)

Ms C Ruane: Agus í ag pleanáil mórscéimeanna caipitil do scoileanna nua athsholáthair nó scoileanna cónasctha, déanann mo Roinn, i gcomhar lena comhpháirtithe oideachais, athbhreithniú bliantúil ar rollú fad-téarmach na scoile le linn an phróiseas pleanála le inmharthanacht agus inbhuaine an tsoláthair nua a chinntiú sa todhchaí.

In planning major capital schemes for new replacement schools or amalgamated schools my Department, in liaison with its educational partners, undertakes an annual review of the school’s long-term enrolment during the planning process to ensure the future viability and sustainability of the new provision.

In addition, the Education and Library Boards and the CCMS continue to review the level of provision within their respective remits taking account of demographic decline and population migration. While the Department does not have a policy to close schools with low enrolments and each individual case is considered on its merits, these reviews have resulted in school closures and rationalisations where existing provision has shown to be unsustainable.

Independent Admission Exams

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the rights of schools in each sector to set their own admissions criteria in the absence of an agreed way forward on post primary transfer.

(AQO 3507/08)

Ms C Ruane: Bheadh scrúduithe iontrála a riartar go neamhspleách ann dá mbeadh an t-aistriú iarbhunscoile sa bhliain dhá mhíle a deich agus thairis sin gan rialachán.  D'fhéach mé le socruithe nua aistrithe a fhorbairt a thig leo an tacaíocht riachtanach a bheith acu le gur féidir leo bheith faoi rialacháin

Independently administered entrance examinations are only a prospect if post-primary transfer, in 2010 and beyond, is to be un-regulated. I have sought to develop new transfer arrangements capable of attracting the necessary support to be governed by regulations. If regulations can be agreed then these regulations will define what schools can and cannot do across all sectors. If agreement is not forthcoming, then whilst schools will still be required to publish criteria and apply their published criteria (and remain within their admissions number), it will be legally permissible for them to set the admissions criteria they choose.

I have highlighted on a number of occasions the administrative and litigious perils associated with an independently administered entrance examination, and you will be aware that I brought before the Executive, on 15 May 2008, my proposals for new transfer arrangements which will allow all schools the opportunity to offer excellence in both academic and vocational pathways, but without the need for a pressurised and inequitable testing regime. These proposals merit serious consideration, and it is in the interests of all concerned that a regulated system of transfer is put in place for 2010 and beyond.

Education Workforce

Mrs D Kelly asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the progress of the review into the education workforce.

(AQO 3565/08)

Ms C Ruane: Chuaigh mo Roinn i gcomhairle leis na páirtithe leasmhara tábhachtacha ar théarmaí tagartha beartaithe maidir le hathbhreithniú ar fhórsa saothair na scoileanna agus chríochnaigh sí anailís ar na freagraí a fuarthas

My Department has consulted with key stakeholders on proposed terms of reference for a review of the school workforce and completed an analysis of the responses received. Final terms of reference are now being drawn up, taking account of stakeholders’ comments, and I will make an announcement shortly.

Behavioural Problems in Schools

Mr Campbell asked the Minister of Education if the number of incidents of persistent behavioural problems amongst pupils in primary and secondary level schools has increased in the last five years and what procedures are in place to deal with the issue.

(AQO 3553/08)

Ms C Ruane: Níl de eolas ag an Roinn faoi mhí-iompar i measc daltaí i scoileanna ach an t-eolas sin atá bunaithe ar fhógraí fionraithe agus díbeartha a chuireann na Boird Oideachais agus Leabharlinne ar fáil

The only information which the Department currently has about incidents of behavioural problems amongst pupils in schools is based on the annual notifications of suspensions and expulsions provided by the Education and Library Boards.

These statistics would suggest a reduction in the number of incidents both in the primary and secondary sectors. For example, in the 2004/05 school year there were 313 suspensions in primary and 5,101 in post-primary schools. In the 2006/07 school year there were 235 from primary and 4,746 from

post-primary. The same pattern of reduction is present in the figures for expulsions.

Depending on the severity of the behaviour, a school can deal with the incident within its own Discipline Policy or, should the seriousness of the behaviour warrant it, seek support from the Education and Library Boards’ pupil support services.

Primary and Post-Primary School Figures

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education how many pupils attended (i) integrated primary; and (ii) integrated post-primary schools, in each academic year since 1997-98.

(AQW 7228/08)

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

Primary¹ and post primary pupils enrolled in integrated² education 1997/98 – 2007/08

Year	Primary			Post primary
	Enrolment at integrated schools	Enrolment at all schools	% enrolled at integrated schools	Enrolment at integrated schools	Enrolment at all schools	% enrolled at integrated schools
1997/98	3,846	187,844	2.05	4,308	153,094	2.81
1998/99	4,705	184,903	2.54	6,677	153,994	4.34
1999/00	5,075	181,979	2.79	7,691	154,964	4.96
2000/01	5,452	180,447	3.02	8,688	155,553	5.59
2001/02	5,733	179,039	3.20	9,247	155,503	5.95
2002/03	5,935	176,802	3.36	9,760	155,747	6.27
2003/04	6,417	174,167	3.68	10,077	155,394	6.48
2004/05	6,798	171,998	3.95	10,299	153,449	6.71
2005/06	7,045	169,946	4.15	10,513	151,840	6.92
2006/07	7,291	168,184	4.34	10,726	149,765	7.16
2007/08	7,620	166,639	4.57	11,247	147,942	7.60

Source: NI school census

Note¹: Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.

Note²: Integrated education includes controlled and grant maintained integrated

Primary School Figures

Dr Farry asked the Minister of Education what percentage of the overall school population attended (i) integrated primary; and (ii) integrated post-primary schools, in each academic year from 1997-98.

(AQW 7231/08)

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

Primary¹ and post primary pupils enrolled in integrated² education 1997/98 – 2007/08

Year	Primary			Post primary
	Enrolment at integrated schools	Enrolment at all schools	% enrolled at integrated schools	Enrolment at integrated schools	Enrolment at all schools	% enrolled at integrated schools
1997/98	3,846	187,844	2.05	4,308	153,094	2.81
1998/99	4,705	184,903	2.54	6,677	153,994	4.34
1999/00	5,075	181,979	2.79	7,691	154,964	4.96
2000/01	5,452	180,447	3.02	8,688	155,553	5.59
2001/02	5,733	179,039	3.20	9,247	155,503	5.95
2002/03	5,935	176,802	3.36	9,760	155,747	6.27
2003/04	6,417	174,167	3.68	10,077	155,394	6.48
2004/05	6,798	171,998	3.95	10,299	153,449	6.71
2005/06	7,045	169,946	4.15	10,513	151,840	6.92
2006/07	7,291	168,184	4.34	10,726	149,765	7.16
2007/08	7,620	166,639	4.57	11,247	147,942	7.60

Source: NI school census

Note¹: Primary includes nursery, reception and year 1 – 7 classes.

Note²: Integrated education includes controlled and grant maintained integrated

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

English as a Foreign Language Courses

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of teaching English as a foreign language, teaching English to speakers of other languages and related courses that are provided by further and higher education colleges in each of the last five years.

(AQW 5494/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The number of courses and enrolments relating to English as a foreign language, that are provided by further and higher education colleges in each of the last five years are detailed below:

Academic Year	Number of Courses	Total Enrolments
2002/03	25	1583
2003/04	84	1991
2004/05	211	4579
2005/06	385	8032
2006/07	360	8532

Source: Further Education Statistical Record (FESR)

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that he has flown business class in his capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by his department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) he is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6209/08)

Sir Reg Empey: I have flown business class seven times in my capacity as Minister, at a total cost of £9,303.70.

I have travelled in both economy and business class on Ministerial business. However, where available, it is standard practice to fly business class, particularly on long-haul journeys.

Bio-Technology Science Park in Coleraine

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the capital cost of the University of Ulster Biotechnology Science Park in Coleraine; (ii) when the park was constructed; and (iii) the number of (a) bio-sciences; and (b) pharmaceutical, jobs created there.

(AQW 6838/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The University of Ulster has not created a Biotechnology Science Park but instead operates a Science Innovation Centre which was opened in September 2001 and is located within the Science Research Park at the Coleraine Campus.

The Centre supports all types of innovation activities and is not restricted to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Its purpose is to provide start up businesses with full incubation opportunities and inward investment companies with the opportunity to set up an initial base of operations before moving to Science Research Park accommodation or outside of the university campus.

Since 2001, the university advise that over 25 companies have used the facility and estimate that 70 jobs have been created, contributing in excess of £1.5m to the local economy. Of these companies, three would be deemed as bio-science and pharmaceutical with ten jobs created. The Science Innovation Centre cost £2.3m to construct.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services his department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6866/08)

Sir Reg Empey: In the last four years my Department awarded the following consultancy contracts which did not have to go out to public tender:-

Year	No of Contracts	Description	Value	To whom awarded
04/05	4	EQIA for Tribunal Rules of Procedure Phase 2	£1,375	EPEC
		RIA for Tribunal Rules of Procedures Phase 2	£1,375	EPEC
		Integrated Impact Assessment for EMPO 2005	£1,920	EPEC
		Implementation of the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland	£36,900	Office of Government Consultancy (OGC)
05/06	1	Adria work	£19,000	Peer Consulting
06/07	1	Run down and closure of Enterprise Ulster	£5,000	Malcolm Haigh
07/08	2	To facilitate consultation on DEL Corporate Plan	£980	Sandra Janoff
		Review of Third Party Relationships in North West Institute	£30,000	KPMG

University of Ulster Computer Training Officers

Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to make a statement on the ongoing review by the University of Ulster of the number of computer training officers.

(AQW 6891/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The University advises that its Faculty of Computing and Engineering is currently reviewing its course provision across all of its campuses. As part of that process, it is reviewing its staffing complement and this includes a review of computer training officer posts on the various campuses.

This work is at an early stage and it is envisaged that the review, and any actions arising from it, will be completed by 31 December 2008.

South Eastern Regional College

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of (i) full-time; and (ii) part-time, courses available at the Ards campus of the South Eastern Regional College; and to detail the number of such courses that will be available for the new September semester.

(AQO 3482/08)

Sir Reg Empey: South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has stated that there are currently 55 full-time courses and 131 part-time courses provided at the Ards Campus.

In the 2008/09 academic year, the college has indicated that it will increase course provision at the Ards Campus to 81 full-time and 133 part-time courses.

Pre Enterprise Initiatives

Mrs Long asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his plans to support pre-enterprise initiatives.

(AQO 3481/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Encouraging an entrepreneurial culture, and providing the skills needed to support innovation and enterprise are important elements in delivering Government’s wider economic vision for Northern Ireland. While other Departments and organisations are in the lead in this area, my Department has an important contribution to make especially through further and higher education.

The Department is working with the six area-based Further Education colleges and the Workforce Development Fora to determine how best they can support business and industry. Developing enterprise awareness and encouraging entrepreneurship amongst the students will be a key part of this. For example, the curriculum provided to 16 to 19 year olds will include a component on enterprise and an understanding of how business operates.

More specifically, all colleges will continue to make available the Certificate of Business Enterprise. This course was developed by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) at the request of the Department. It enables students to develop knowledge, skills and understanding, as well as the motivation and confidence, to establish their own small businesses.

The Further Education sector’s renewed emphasis on economic development requires engagement and collaboration between Colleges and local businesses, not just in the teaching of skills but also in support of innovation, productivity and product design and development and there is very good practice across the sector.

The Further Education sector will also continue to explore with Invest NI how it might better support enterprise through the introduction of college based "Points of Presence" to offer information and advice to those considering starting a business.

In Higher Education a particular example of Best Practice is through the Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship (NICENT). This project, funded by Invest NI, enables our two Universities to embed entrepreneurship and started with science, engineering and technology but has now moved to other faculties.

Former Employees from Manufacturing Sector

Mr Campbell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what skills-based approach is being taken to assist former employees in the manufacturing sector to obtain gainful employment in other areas of expertise.

(AQO 3527/08)

Sir Reg Empey:

The Department provides assistance to former employees, including those from the manufacturing sector, seeking employment in other sectors through a range of programmes and services. Individuals are provided with information, advice and guidance regarding employment opportunities, careers, further education and training/re-training. Individuals who are unemployed can retrain through programmes including New Deal or Bridge to Employment.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail why a school has the discretionary power to withhold a full week's payment of Education Maintenance Allowance in cases where only 2-3 days have been taken off.

(AQO 3533/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has responsibility through the Further Education colleges for the Education Maintenance Allowance. In order to receive the Education Maintenance Allowance, in any week, students are required to attend all learning sessions for their programme of study. However, if they are unable to attend all sessions they may still be eligible for payment if the absence is authorised by the Learning Centre. Under the Department’s guidelines to Learning Centres, where an absence is not authorised the Learning Centre cannot approve any payment for that week.

If you require information in respect of a specific school I advise contacting the Minister for Education.

Merger of Stranmillis College with Queen's University Belfast

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the discussions his officials had with Stranmillis College in relation to its merger with Queen's University, Belfast, before the announcement.

(AQO 3523/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As you would expect my Department has regular discussions with Stranmillis University College about a range of issues on an ongoing basis. A formal meeting was held before Christmas between the Department and representatives of the Governing Body of Stranmillis University College about potential options for the future of the College, based on the outworkings of the Taylor Report.

Pathways to Work Programme

Mrs O'Neill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of people who have secured meaningful employment through their participation in the Pathways to Work Programme.

(AQO 3530/08)

Sir Reg Empey: An interim evaluation of the Pathways to Work Programme is currently underway. Available information suggests that almost 1,500 people or 11.24% of those who have engaged with the programme have secured employment since it began as a pilot in October 2005.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Mr Molloy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail why the guidelines for withholding Education Maintenance Allowance in relation to absent days is left to the discretion of schools.

(AQO 3532/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has responsibility through the Further Education Colleges for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). The Department has issued comprehensive guidance to all Learning Centres on the administration of the Education Maintenance Allowance including reporting and monitoring of attendance, and authorising absence. Where a student is absent, it is for the Learning Centre to determine whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised in accordance with this guidance.

Where an absence is authorised, students are entitled to receive the EMA payment in the same way as if they had attended, assuming there are no unauthorised absences in that week. Where an absence is not authorised, the Learning Centre cannot approve any payment for that week.

If you require information in respect of a specific school I advise contacting the Minister for Education.

Training for Success Programme

Ms Lo asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if there are any plans for students' training expenses on placement to be offset through the introduction of a practical training supplement.

(AQO 3480/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Under Training for Success, participants are only on work placement under the Job-Ready strand of the provision.

It is the responsibility of Suppliers to ensure that participants are provided with the necessary safety equipment appropriate to the work placement and the working environment.

The Department also funds, where appropriate, childcare payments, lodging allowances, and participant bonuses. The Department also funds participants’ travel costs.

I would consider, therefore, that all reasonable training expenses are being addressed by the Department under present arrangements and I have no plans to change these.

St Mary's University College

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning (i) to detail the funding package being proposed in relation to St. Mary's University College; (ii) if the proposal puts the future viability of the college in doubt; (iii) if can confirm the college has one of the best records of attracting students from lower economic backgrounds; and (iv) if he is committed to a funding proposal to ensure the long-term future of the college.

(AQO 3526/08)

Sir Reg Empey: A new funding model is being developed for Academic Year 2008-09 which reflects more appropriately the actual student numbers at St. Mary’s and Stranmillis University Colleges. Once the total funding available has been determined, I will examine transitional funding for both institutions for the next Academic Year. This will allow time for St. Mary’s to develop proposals for its viability. The college has a good record in attracting students from lower economic backgrounds with its Performance Indicators showing a rate slightly above the Northern Ireland average. I am committed to ensuring a fit for purpose funding model which responds to student numbers and to working with the College and other stakeholders around potential options for the long term viability of St. Mary’s.

Training for Success Programme

Mr O'Loan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the monitoring his Department conducts on the wage levels paid to Training for Success trainees; and to consider making payment of training allowances conditional on minimum wage levels being paid by employers.

(AQO 3478/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Under Training for Success, participants who are undertaking an apprenticeship with an employer receive wages. The Department’s guidelines currently state that apprentices ought to be paid the appropriate rate for the job in line with National Minimum Wage Regulations. The Department does not, however, monitor the wages that employers pay their employees.

Under its current review of Training for Success, I can confirm that the Department is examining the potential for setting a minimum wage requirement for apprentices as a condition of funding paid to employers and suppliers for training provision.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Business Class Flights

Mr McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, since taking up office in May 2007, (i) the number of occasions that he has flown business class in his capacity as Minister; and (ii) the cost incurred by his department; and to confirm if (a) it is standard practice to fly business class; and (b) he is given the choice to fly economy class.

(AQW 6207/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Since 8 May 2007, I have flown on 5 long-haul journeys (4 to USA, 1 to India) by business class at a total cost of £20,604.38. I can confirm it is standard practice to fly business class on such journeys to facilitate working during and after the flight. I have used budget airlines for shorter trips to other parts of the United Kingdom and Europe.

Invest NI

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, for each parliamentary constituency annually between 1998 and 2007 inclusive, (i) the total number of assistance offers; (ii) the total amount of financial assistance actually provided; (iii) the final amount of overall investment actually secured; and (iv) the number of new jobs created, attributable to Invest NI or its legacy agencies, the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit.

(AQW 6561/08)

Mr N Dodds: I will address each part of your question in the order requested.

(i). The total number of offers of assistance during the period in question was 19,315.

Table 1 provides the number of offers made by Invest NI to clients within the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Constituency Areas.

(ii). Information on the financial assistance actually provided is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

(iii). Again, this information is not available and retrieving it would involve disproportionate costs.

(iv). In relation to the measurement of those jobs actually created, Invest NI does not currently have a comprehensive dataset spanning the period requested, which pre-dates the creation of the agency by four years.

Invest NI is currently engaged in a research project with the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) that will produce information on the extent of job creation of its clients by sub-regional areas within Northern Ireland, including Parliamentary Constituency Areas. This work involves the construction of a unique firm-level dataset linking the Census of Employment and the Invest NI Client Management System. The analysis is complex necessitating the creation of a new variable relating to the entry, exit, survival and growth of individual businesses.

While work on job creation analyses continues, jobs promotion data is available in relation to inward investment successes, both first-time investment and reinvestments, and for those locally-owned business start-ups assisted through the Start a Business Programme. Tables 2(a) and (b) describe the number of jobs promoted through first-time inward investment projects, the number of jobs promoted through reinvestment projects by externally-owned clients, and the number of jobs estimated as a result of Start a Business Programme activity respectively.

Apart from the Start a Business Programme, Invest NI does not record jobs promoted from its locally-owned client base. Rather its primary focus is to contribute to improving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and private services productivity. It measures growth in sales and exports, securing additional wages and salaries and increasing the level of expenditure on research and development. These are more appropriate for locally-owned companies as improvements in these measures are an indication of higher levels of business competitiveness; which in turn will lead to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities.

Invest NI

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, for each parliamentary constituency annually between 1998 and 2007 inclusive, (i) the total number of new jobs created; and (ii) the total number of jobs lost, by client companies of Invest NI or its legacy agencies, the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit.

(AQW 6562/08)

Mr N Dodds: In relation to the measurement of those jobs actually created, Invest NI does not have a comprehensive dataset spanning the period requested and this could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Invest NI is currently engaged in a research project with the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) that will produce information on the extent of job creation of its clients by sub-regional areas within Northern Ireland, including Parliamentary Constituency Areas. This work involves the construction of a unique firm-level dataset linking the Census of Employment and the Invest NI Client Management System. The analysis is complex, necessitating the creation of a new variable relating to the entry, exit, survival and growth of individual businesses.

Apart from the Start a Business Programme, Invest NI does not record jobs promoted from its locally-owned client base. Rather, its primary focus is to contribute to improving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and private services productivity. It measures growth in sales and exports, securing additional wages and salaries and increasing the level of expenditure on research and development. These are more appropriate for locally-owned companies as improvements in these measures are an indication of higher levels of business competitiveness; which in turn will lead to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities.

Invest NI

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, for each parliamentary constituency annually between 1998 and 2007 inclusive, (i) the total number of first-time inward investment projects located; and (ii) the total number of new jobs created, broken down by (a) Foreign Direct investors; and (b) other investors, which received assistance offers from Invest NI or its legacy agencies, the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit.

(AQW 6565/08)

Mr N Dodds: I will address each part of your question in the order requested.

(i).The total number of first-time inward investment projects located in each parliamentary constituency area in each of the years from 1998 to 2007 is shown in Table 1.

(ii). In relation to the measurement of those jobs actually created, Invest NI does not have a comprehensive dataset spanning the period requested and this could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Invest NI is currently engaged in a research project with the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) that will produce information on the extent of job creation of its clients by sub-regional areas within Northern Ireland, including Parliamentary Constituency Areas. This involves the construction of a unique firm-level dataset linking the Census of Employment and the Invest NI Client Management System. The analysis is complex necessitating the creation of a new variable relating to the entry, exit, survival and growth of individual businesses.

While work on job creation analyses continues, jobs promotion data is available in relation to inward investment successes, both first-time investment and reinvestments, and for those locally-owned business start-ups assisted through the Start a Business Programme. Tables 2(a), (b) and (c) outlined below describe the number of jobs promoted through first-time inward investment projects, the number of jobs promoted through reinvestment projects by externally-owned clients, and the number of jobs estimated as a result of Start a Business Programme activity respectively.

Apart from the Start a Business Programme, Invest NI does not record jobs promoted from its locally-owned client base. Rather its primary focus is to contribute to improving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and private services productivity. It measures growth in sales and exports, securing additional wages and salaries and increasing the level of expenditure on research and development. These are more appropriate for locally-owned companies as improvements in these measures are an indication of higher levels of business competitiveness; which in turn will lead to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities.

Table 1: Number of First-time Invest NI Inward Investment Projects by Parliamentary Constituency Area (1998/99-2006/07)

PCA	1998/99	1999/00	2000/01	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	TOTAL
Belfast East	2	1	1	1			2	2	3	12
Belfast North	1	2	3	3		1	1	1	1	13
Belfast South	11	5	4	1	3	5	6	1	7	43
Belfast West	1		1		2	2	1	1		8
East Antrim	1	1	1		1	2	2	1		9
Fermanagh & South Tyrone		1	1		1				3	6
Foyle	1		3	1	1	2		1	3	12
Lagan Valley	2							1		3
Mid Ulster					1		3			4
Newry & Armagh			1		1			3	1	6
North Down		2		1			1			4
South Antrim		1		1						2
South Down	1			1						2
Strangford	1			1			1			3
Upper Bann								1		1
West Tyrone			1			1		3		5
TOTAL	21	13	16	10	10	13	17	15	18	133

NOTES:

1. Figures relate to Invest NI clients only. There may also have been non-Invest NI clients investing in the area over the time period.

2. 1998/99 to 2001/02 relates to IDB, 2002/03 to 2006/07 relates to Invest NI.

3. Total offer locations exceed total number of offers, as some projects are located in more than one area.

Table 2 (a): New Jobs Promoted by First-Time Invest NI Inward Investment Projects (1998/99 -2006/07)

PCA	1998/99	1999/00	2000/01	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	TOTAL
Belfast East	1,099	14	40	20			405	208	409	2,195
Belfast North	250	192	1,476	375		14	27	46	44	2,424
Belfast South	657	1,673	392	45	216	286	478	100	901	4,748
Belfast West	75		250		35	72	750	120		1,302
East Antrim	71	130	220		100	67	112	35		735
Fermanagh & South Tyrone		130	20		350				141	641
Foyle	150		357	124	50	485		16	754	1,936
Lagan Valley	147							71		218
Mid Ulster					16		38			54
Newry & Armagh			300		50			1,002	304	1,656
North Down		325		18			76			419
South Antrim		84		93						177
South Down	195			70						265
Strangford	13			15			19			47
Upper Bann								49		49
West Tyrone			30			175		109		314
TOTAL	2,657	2,548	3,085	760	817	1,099	1,905	1,756	2,553	17,180

NOTES:

1. Figures relate to Invest NI clients only. There may also have been non-Invest NI clients investing in the area over the time period.

2. 1998/99 to 2001/02 relates to IDB, 2002/03 to 2006/07 relates to Invest NI.

3. Jobs promoted represents the number of jobs expected to be created by the project.

Table 2 (b): New Jobs Promoted by reinvestment projects from externally-owned clients (1998/99 -2006/07)

PCA	1998/99	1999/00	2000/01	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	TOTAL
BELFAST EAST	50	1,296		122			5	24	215	1,712
BELFAST NORTH		97		300		149				546
BELFAST SOUTH	331	247	203			363	901	575	86	2,706
BELFAST WEST		314		215						529
EAST ANTRIM	150	461	2,143	76				155		2,985
EAST LONDONDERRY	77	123	26			24				250
FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE		106		108		202		11	300	727
FOYLE	8	960		396	43	1	40	345		1,793
LAGAN VALLEY	365	32		40			16			453
MID ULSTER					16		128	40		184
NEWRY & ARMAGH					25					25
NORTH ANTRIM			12				23			35
NORTH DOWN		33			41	200	64		233	571
SOUTH ANTRIM	86	142		223	5		319	67		842
SOUTH DOWN	80			64				127		271
STRANGFORD	1	80			70	5			20	176
UPPER BANN	202	145	37	72	16	110	13			595
WEST TYRONE	155			150			53		44	402
TOTAL	1,505	4,036	2,421	1,766	216	1,054	1,562	1,344	898	14,802

NOTES:

1. Figures relate to Invest NI clients only. There may also have been non-Invest NI clients investing in the area over the time period.

2. 1998/99 to 2001/02 relates to IDB, 2002/03 to 2006/07 relates to Invest NI.

3. Jobs promoted represents the number of jobs expected to be created by the project.

Table 2 (c) Jobs Promoted Through Start A Business Programme Approvals by Parliamentary Constituency Area (2002/03 -2006/07)

PCA	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	TOTAL
Belfast East	59	120	146	111	92	528
Belfast North	74	91	113	148	96	522
Belfast South	99	161	212	161	150	783
Belfast West	82	117	170	174	153	696
East Antrim	139	174	268	207	218	1006
East Londonderry	133	169	306	255	233	1096
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	187	276	434	380	390	1667
Foyle	165	260	459	325	287	1496
Lagan Valley	183	151	225	215	199	973
Mid Ulster	217	265	342	363	298	1485
Newry & Armagh	198	230	359	293	239	1319
North Antrim	140	137	255	234	265	1031
North Down	117	200	203	190	144	854
South Antrim	122	183	213	204	181	903
South Down	212	290	426	390	237	1555
Strangford	147	217	269	260	203	1096
Upper Bann	176	220	311	298	178	1183
West Tyrone	129	168	234	250	256	1037
TOTAL	2,579	3,429	4,945	4,458	3,819	19,230

NOTE: The Start a Business Programme commenced in September 2001, therefore, 2002/03 represents the first full year of data for this programme.

Invest NI

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the identity of all client companies of Invest NI or its legacy agencies, the Industrial Development Board and Local Enterprise Development Unit in the Foyle parliamentary constituency annually between 1998 and 2007 inclusive, broken down by; (i) the number of assistance offers each client company received; (ii) the total amount of financial assistance actually provided to each client company; (iii) the final amount of overall investment actually secured in each instance; (iv) the number of new jobs created by each client company in each instance; and (v) the number of jobs lost by each client company.

(AQW 6567/08)

Mr N Dodds: I will address each part of your question in the order requested.

(i). The number of assistance offers made to client companies in the constituency is shown at Table 1.

(ii). Information on the financial assistance actually provided is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

(iii). Again, this information is not available and retrieving it would involve substantial disproportionate cost.

(iv) & (v) In relation to the measurement of those jobs actually created, Invest NI does not have a comprehensive dataset spanning the period requested and this could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Invest NI is currently engaged in a research project with the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland (ERINI) that will produce information on the extent of job creation of its clients by sub-regional areas within Northern Ireland, including Parliamentary Constituency Areas. This involves the construction of a unique firm-level dataset linking the Census of Employment and the Invest NI Client Management System. The analysis is complex necessitating the creation of a new variable relating to the entry, exit, survival and growth of individual businesses.

Apart from the Start a Business Programme, Invest NI does not record jobs promoted from its locally-owned client base. Rather, its primary focus is to contribute to improving Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and private services productivity. It measures growth in sales and exports, securing additional wages and salaries and increasing the level of expenditure on research and development. These are more appropriate for locally-owned companies as improvements in these measures are an indication of higher levels of business competitiveness; which in turn will lead to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities.

It should be noted that areas such as Parliamentary Constituencies are not self-contained labour markets. A project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond constituency and council area boundaries.

Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas. Although we are able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects, assistance patterns are demand-led by businesses wishing to improve their competitiveness and gain a larger share of international markets. Most new inward investment, which is primarily service based, locate where skilled labour supply is more accessible. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will usually be determined by the existing location of the business.

Table 1: Invest NI Activity in Foyle Parliamentary Constituency Area (1998/99 – 2006/07)

YEAR	No of Offers	Assistance Offered £m	Planned Investment £m	Jobs Promoted - Inward Investment	Jobs Safeguarded - Inward Investment	Jobs Promoted - Start a Business Programme
1998/99	228	5.74	23.11	158	50	-
1999/00	229	7.75	28.76	960	0	-
2000/01	88	11.34	35.43	357	0	-
2001/02	69	5.23	20.92	520	0	-
2002/03	94	14.41	105.66	93	1,033	165
2003/04	232	7.59	27.31	486	0	260
2004/05	222	5.66	47.03	40	117	459
2005/06	159	27.03	104.91	361	1,258	325
2006/07	172	8.59	35.65	754	0	287
Total	1,493	93.34	428.77	3,729	2,458	1,496

NOTES:

1. 1998/99 to 2001/02 relates to IDB, 2002/03 to 2006/07 relates to Invest NI.

2. Figures relate to Invest NI clients only. There may also have been non-Invest NI clients investing in the area over the time period.

3. Jobs promoted represents the number of jobs expected to be created by the project.

4. Jobs safeguarded represents the number of jobs that would have been lost if the project was not supported.

5. Planned Investment includes Assistance Offered.

6. Number of Offers, Assistance Offered and Planned Investment includes Inward Investment projects.

7. The Start a Business Programme commenced in September 2001, therefore, 2002/03 represents the first full year of data for this programme.

8. Figures may not add due to rounding.

2012 Olympic Games

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of the possible impact of the 2012 Olympics on the local economy.

(AQW 6781/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is coordinating the implementation of the Northern Ireland 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Strategy which has been developed in consultation with other NI Departments and Agencies to ensure that NI maximises the opportunities that the 2012 Games present. In addition to the business contracts to be won, there is opportunity across, sport, volunteering, culture/arts, tourism, education and skills to make a positive impact on the local economy.

Based on recent estimates, delivery of the 2012 Olympic Games offers the prospect of circa £9bn in Games related contract opportunities for a wide range of goods and services. The organising bodies have responsibility for managing the delivery process which includes procurement of goods and services. Working in conjunction with the English Regional Development Agencies and the Devolved Administrations, they have developed the Competefor website for the publication of Games related contract opportunities.

In Northern Ireland, Invest NI has signed the Competefor contract and a regional NI launch was held on 8 April 2008. To date, some 240 companies have registered their details on the site (the annual target is at least 300 companies). Invest NI will be engaging in an active regional programme of Competefor launch events, publicity and advice to increase awareness of supply chain opportunities and to help companies become ready to bid for 2012 business. In addition, further research is being carried out into supply chain opportunities to help companies make contact with relevant procurement specialists.

According to research from VisitBritain and VisitLondon, tourism stands to benefit by an extra £2.1 billion. Most benefits will be seen post 2012, based on increased brand awareness of London and the UK. The two main goals, from a tourism perspective as a result of 2012, are to achieve a growth in visitor numbers and revenue (pre and post games) and increased positive press/PR coverage of Northern Ireland

A NI Legacy Action Plan will be used positively to articulate the legacy that NI aims to achieve from its participation in the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and how 2012 may be used as a milestone for other major events, such as the World Police and Fire Games in 2013.

Bio-Technology Science Park in Coleraine

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, since the development of the Bio-technology Science Park at the University of Ulster, Coleraine campus in 2001, the number of private sector (i) biotechnology; and (ii) pharmaceutical, jobs that have been created in the Coleraine area.

(AQW 6839/08)

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 helping to develop a sustainable knowledge based economy for Northern Ireland. This is in line with the Regional Innovation Strategy.

The Department of Employment and Learning has confirmed that the University of Ulster has not created a Biotechnology Science Park but instead operates a Science Innovation Centre which was opened in September 2001, at a construction cost of £2.3m, and is located within the Science Research Park at the Coleraine Campus.

This Centre supports all types of innovation activities and is not restricted to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Its purpose is to provide start up businesses with full incubation opportunities and inward investment companies with the opportunity to set up an initial base of operations. Since 2001, the University advises that over 25 companies have used the facility and estimate that 70 jobs have been created of which 10 would be deemed to be in the Life Sciences sector.

Invest NI has 4 key Life Sciences clients located in the Coleraine area that collectively employ approximately 100 staff, representing a growth of over 30 new jobs since 2001.

The cutting edge research capabilities of Northern Ireland’s Life Sciences companies and the two local universities are recognised as key competitive strengths in growing this sector in the future. In order to build on this research capability Invest NI has provided funding for a number of centres of excellence including two centres in Life Sciences at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus, a centre in Food and Health and a centre in Functional Genomics. Both centres are part of the Centre for Molecular Biosciences which is strategically located adjacent to the Science Research Park. In addition, Invest NI has also recently supported 3 Life Sciences projects at the Science Research Park through the pilot phase of its Proof of Concept Programme.

Bio-Science and Pharmaceutical Sectors

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 6334/08, what courses or research activities, at the Magee campus of the University of Ulster or at the North West Regional College provide the competencies necessary to facilitate investment in pharmaceutical industries or bio science.

(AQW 6861/08)

Mr N Dodds: No activity in this area is offered at the Magee campus of the University of Ulster. The University of Ulster’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Research Institute is located at its Coleraine campus. It provides a wide range of courses in bio-science, including pharmaceutical science, and an extensive programme of research in these areas. The research has been rated by the UK- wide Research Assessment Exercise as 5*, the highest possible international standard.

The North West Regional College is not currently running any bioscience or pharmaceutical courses at a Higher Education level. However, the College has received Departmental approval to commence a Foundation Degree course in Applied and Medical Science in September 2008.

I am very aware of the scale of the challenge in building and maintaining a sustainable pipeline of skilled and qualified people - a factor that will be vital in the continued growth of our economy. This is particularly important given our current focus on attracting high-quality international investments and on helping our indigenous businesses to develop their potential to grow in international markets. This challenge will be addressed by Invest NI working proactively with the Department of Employment and Learning, to help tackle specific skills needs, by aligning qualifications with market demand and by increasing the number of collaborative networks involving both business and knowledge based institutions.

It is also important to note that the Life Sciences sector (which includes the pharmaceutical and bio-science industries) in Northern Ireland is already well placed to benefit from further strategic investment as it includes a number of companies operating on a global basis, two leading universities undertaking cutting edge research and a highly skilled workforce.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services his Department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6902/08)

Mr N Dodds: The attachments provide the information requested in relation to 2004-05; 2005-06; and 2006-07 financial years. This information has been obtained from the Department’s input to the Annual Consultancy Return which is commissioned annually by DFP. This return seeks information on a number of areas in relation to consultancy over and above that requested in the Assembly Question.

Information in relation to 2007-08 is not readily available as the Annual Consultancy Return has not yet been commissioned. The requirements of this Annual Return may be subject to change, and the information requested in the Question could only be separately compiled at this time at disproportionate cost.

DETI & NDPBs 2004-05
Name of Consultant employed	Nature of Consultancy Work	Number of Contracts	Value of Contract (£'s)
DETI
Centre for public policy and the regions - CPPR	R&D Tax Credits	1	21,766
Sam Butler	Drafting work on Economic Vision	1	750
Deloitte	Professional Advice	1	3,000
Alan Chambers Hallmark Quality Assurance LTD	Personnel Development ISO9001:2000	1	600
Regional Forecasts Limited	Comparative Analysis, Forecasts, Monitoring and Evaulation of the NI Economy	1	11,400
DETI	sub total	5	37,516
NDPB's
McClure Waters	Internal audit	1	11,000
G Dawson	Research on Waste Management	1	500
Kinnegar Associates Ltd	Project management for new role re Water Reform	1	91,013
WA Partnership	Post primary material for education website	1	2,475
J Crothers	Education input for business portal of website	1	450
The Nerve Centre	Filming of DVD for young consumers competition	1	4,255
A Haughan	Develop resources for retailers on business portal of website	1	600
S Miskelly	Consumer Proficiency study	1	6,000
VSB	Articles written for Consumer Skills for All (CSFA) newsletter	1	240
K Mc Aleenan	Judge for Young Consumer Competition	1	100
H Kealey	Lesson plans for Consumer Education portal of website	1	250
Low Carbon Solutions	Independent assessment of Northern Ireland Electricity costs	1	1,200
Mott McDonald	Draft response to DfT consultation	1	1,000
P McGill	Writing report on Universal banking	1	4,200
JD Hender	Recruitment Assessment centres	1	4,659
Mediation Northern Ireland	Mediation Services	1	15,943
Ernst & Young	VAT Advice	1	22,000
M W Associates	Golf Strategy for Northern Ireland	1	20,000
Lawson McDonald	Review of EU Peace Programme	1	2,769
George Nixon	Independent Facilitation	1	800
George Nixon	Independent Facilitation	1	400
W. Askin M.I.H.T	Signage of Causeway Costal Route (CCR)	1	59,917
Jim Tully, Gartner	Input to the Electronics Sector Team Strategy on the future direction of Electronics.	1	5,430
David Woodhead	Start Final Technical Review - ST202	1	2,109
David Woodhead	Start Further Technical Appraisal - ST250	1	650
David Woodhead	Start Tech Appraisal - ST250	1	1,550
Richard Jefery-Cook	EDRMS Consultancy	1	28,833
Deecal International Ltd	Procurement Card Implementation	1	14,850
Real Asset Management	Oracle ADI Asset Journal Interface	1	1,295
McClure Watters	Economic appraisal	1	2,625
BDO Stoy Hayward	Updating of economic model	1	2,100
SGS Yarsley	Surveillance Audits ISO 9000	1	980
SGS Yarsley	Surveillance Audits ISO 9000	1	1,970
ComputaCentre	Management & advice re Client Contact Management System (CCMS)	1	9,375
In-Form Consult	Independent review of Electronic Data Records Management System	1	22,016
Governetz	Market research/public sector relocation	1	11,290
IBM	Market Research/ Shared Services Business Case	1	20,000
Promar International	Market Research	1	15,800
Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland	Research	1	5,000
NDPB’s	sub total	39	395,644
TOTAL		44	433,160

DETI & NDPBs 2005-06
Name of Consultant	Nature of Consultancy Work	Number of Consultancy Contracts	Value of Contract (£'s)
DETI
Ray Payne	Interim Project Management	1	3,224
Ian Brown	Resource Accounts assistance	1	10,000
R E Simon (IBM)	Advice on use of bespoke software package IBM Director	1	1,295
Singularity	Advice on use of bespoke software package - Workflow	1	1,000
Real Asset Management (Formerly Britannia)	Real Asset Management	1	1,025
Lorraine Adams Hallmark Quality Assurance Ltd	Personnel Development - Audit ISO9001 - 2000	1	600
Regional Forecasts LTD	Comparative analysis, monitoring and forecasting of NI Economy	1	20,620
PWC and Tony Dignan	NI Secondary effects model (NISEM)	1	9,400
John Wright	Legislation	1	4,250
Brian Arlow	Development of Social Economy Case Studies	1	6,900
DETI	Sub Total	10	58,314
NDPBs
Ernst & Young	VAT Advice	1	3,500
WA Partnership	Lesson plans for Education Portal	1	3,825
H Scott	Advice on A-Z Handbook	1	150
Prof. E Evason	Advice on A-Z Handbook	1	150
J Hughes	Advice on Buy Rights publication	1	125
B Campbell	Advice on School Poster competition	1	150
A Haughan	Work on Business Portal	1	1,000
Trading Standards Institute	Assistance with Financial Capability Schools Quiz	1	1,500
Anglewise	Media Consultation	1	2,602
PriceWaterhouseCoopers	Review of Financial System	1	6,300
G Locke	Review of Switching Banks	1	300
S Miskelly	Competition Commission Banking Investigation	1	6,050
A Laird	Consultancy Assistance re Competition Commission Banking Investigation	1	1,500
J Crothers	Review of Universal Banking Report	1	75
P McGarry	Review of Universal Banking Report	1	600
DMS Personnel Consultants	Assistance with Interview Process	1	800
John Wright	Review of Legal Service Provision	1	4,500
Deloitte	Review of Funding Options	1	20,750
SGS Yardsley	BS7799 Certification	1	1,048
SGS Yardsley	BS7799 Assessment	1	1,182
SGS Yardsley	BS7799 Certification	1	1,040
SGS Yardsley	ISO Audits	1	392
Dr Jack Patterson	Start Final Tech Review - ST200	1	1,429
McCaughan Associates	Start Final Tech Review - ST229	1	4,080
Ken Powles	Event management	1	6,500
Professor Mark Hart	Analysis of Global Entreprenership Monitor (GEM) NI 2005 Survey	1	41,250
NDPB’s	Sub Total	26	110,798
TOTAL		36	169,112

DETI and NDPBs 2006-07
Name of Consultant Employed	Nature of Consultancy Work	Number of Contracts	Value of Contract (£'s)
Grant Thornton	Financial/legal advice.	1	1,650
Sinead Boyle	Consultancy	1	300
DETI	sub total	2	1,950
NDPBs
CHL Consulting	Next Steps Plan for TSP	1	10,000
Mr Tom Blacker	Document on the Draft Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006	1	5,254
University of Bristol	Financial Capability Analysis	1	2,625
Mr Charles Coulthard	Review of Water Licence	1	7,000
Miss Joanne Crothers	Preparation of a report on food access for the older consumer	1	1,000
Mr Sam Miskelly	Competition Commission's UK Groceries Market Investigation	1	1,540
Alan Walker	Competition Commission banking investigation	1	325
Alan Walker	Public Transport	1	250
Stratagem	Public Affairs Advcie	1	4,775
Stratagem	Strategic advice on water reform	1	588
Stratagem	Information Provision	1	3,525
RMB Consulting	Organisational review for Investors In People award	1	1,250
Strategic Investment Board	Advice on Water Services Review of Business Plan	1	12,338
AVIA Solutions Limited	Air Access	1	8,500
Deloittes	Project Initiation Support for Invest NI's KMP9 Offers and Claims project	1	14,813
PWC	Audit	1	1,500
KPMG	Phase one - review of delivery of Start A Business Programme	1	20,000
PWC	Re-examination of BET files	1	5,000
PWC	Forensic Assignment from AIDB	1	1,600
SGS UK	ISO 9000:2000 Quality award	1	4,007
Richard Jeffrey-Cook	Electronic File Management system.	1	19,500
Dr Jack Patterson	Start Technical Appraisal - ST268	1	2,000
IFF Research	Data Supply for Global Entreprenership Monitor (GEM) survey	1	42,662
Professor Mark Hart	Analysis of Global Entreprenership Monitor (GEM) NI 2006 Survey	1	24,925
NDPB	sub total	24	194,977
TOTAL		26	196,927

European Sustainable Competiveness Operational Programme

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what issues have delayed the implementation of the European Sustainable Competitiveness Operational Programme, and when will this fund be accessible to all its target groups.

(AQW 6921/08)

Mr N Dodds: The implementation of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Competitiveness Programme has not been delayed. The Operational Programme was formally approved by the European Commission on 31 October 2007. The Northern Ireland Programme was one of the first new Competitiveness and Employment Programmes 2007-13 to be adopted by the Commission.

The formal launch of the Operational Programme took place in Belfast on 14 April 2008 to coincide with the visit of the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mrs Danuta Hubner, to present the First Report of the EU Task Force for Northern Ireland.

Expenditure is eligible from, and if appropriate can be backdated to, 1 January 2007. The activities described in the Operational Programme will be delivered via a number of schemes and operations, many of which are already available to the target Groups while other new schemes and operations are in the process of being developed.

The Operational Programme covers a seven-year period 2007-13, with a further two year period up to 31 December 2015 for expenditure to be incurred. The Programme includes a range of activities some of which may be implemented at different times over the entire nine year period, and the EU implementation arrangements allow for adjustments to be made during the lifetime of the Programme to reflect changing circumstances. The Managing Authority will monitor closely the progress of the Programme to effect its implementation.

European Sustainable Competitiveness Operational Programme

Mr McCartney asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what measures are in place to ensure that the European Sustainable Competitiveness Operational Programme is extended beyond 2013, to off-set the delay in the implementation of this fund and prevent the loss of any monies.

(AQW 6922/08)

Mr N Dodds: The implementation of the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland has not been subject to delay. Expenditure is eligible from, and if appropriate can be backdated to, 1 January 2007.

The Programme covers the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. Activities to be funded must be approved within this period, EU regulations however allow for eligible expenditure on approved activities to be incurred up to the end of December 2015.

Reconnect Scheme

Mr McGlone asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if, given the success of the uptake on the Reconnect scheme, there are any plans to reopen the grant aid scheme for renewable energy sources.

(AQW 6938/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Reconnect scheme was part of the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund, a 2 year direct rule initiative introduced by the former Secretary of State, Peter Hain. The scheme was always planned to end on 31 March 2008. DETI is currently evaluating the findings of a review of the sustainable energy market, which made a preliminary assessment of Reconnect. Before making any decisions in respect of possible future funding of a domestic microgeneration initiative a full evaluation of the scheme will be required. Any additional support going forward will need to take into account changing market conditions, other Government initiatives, value for money and the effect on competitiveness.

Departmental Land

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the land owned by his Department in the (i) Ballymoney Borough Council; (ii) Ballymena Borough Council; and (iii) Moyle District Council, areas.

(AQW 6998/08)

Mr N Dodds: My Department’s land holding is owned and managed by Invest NI.

Invest NI currently owns approximately 100 acres across the Ballymoney, Ballymena and Moyle Council areas. 35 acres are currently unlet and are available to its client companies. Figures are correct as at 31 March 2008.

A table has been provided showing the breakdown of the landholding in each of three council areas.

Invest NI land is held for client company projects with an approved business case and a demonstrable property need. Having had three very successful years in site sales, Invest NI’s available landholding has now reduced to 781 acres across Northern Ireland. Again figures are correct as at 31^st March 2008.

Invest NI Land Holding in Ballymoney, Ballymena and Moyle Council Areas as at 31 March 2008

Industrial Estate Location	Council Area	Land Holding (Acres)	Land Available (Acres)
Garryduff Road	Ballymoney	12.75	1.70
Woodside Road (East/West)	Ballymena	80.52	31.60
Queen Street	Ballymena	0.65	0.00
Leyland Road	Moyle	4.90	2.00
Cushendall	Moyle	1.13	0.00
Total		99.95	35.3

Renewable Energy

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what monitoring is carried out in relation to the costs charged by firms approved by his Department, for the installation of renewable energy equipment under grants.

(AQW 7031/08)

Mr N Dodds: All renewable energy installations supported by the Department’s Reconnect scheme are carried out by installers registered with the Renewable Energy Installer Academy. A database of all applications to the scheme is maintained and monitored by technical personnel. Exceptional costs are easily identified and investigated further by a team leader as necessary. The cost of installations under Reconnect will be one aspect of the full evaluation of the scheme which the Department will be carrying out later in the year.

Employment Figures

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for employment rates in each (i) local council area; and (ii) Social Security/Job Seeker's Office area, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 7119/08)

Mr N Dodds: Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates of the working age employment rate in each District Council Area, 2002 to 2006, are shown in the table below. These estimates are not available at Social Security/Job Seeker’s Office area.

Working Age¹ Employment Rate, 2002 - 2006

District Council Area	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
ANTRIM	77%	78%	80%	75%	82%
ARDS	70%	67%	69%	72%	71%
ARMAGH	66%	67%	73%	73%	71%
BALLYMENA	75%	77%	75%	77%	74%
BALLYMONEY	71%	66%	65%	74%	78%
BANBRIDGE	71%	69%	77%	75%	72%
BELFAST	61%	60%	59%	63%	66%
CARRICKFERGUS	76%	78%	76%	79%	79%
CASTLEREAGH	79%	82%	71%	74%	82%
COLERAINE	68%	73%	66%	70%	66%
COOKSTOWN	74%	76%	73%	64%	62%
CRAIGAVON	68%	64%	70%	70%	69%
DERRY	56%	50%	54%	60%	61%
DOWN	70%	74%	71%	68%	68%
DUNGANNON	62%	63%	69%	71%	68%
FERMANAGH	69%	66%	66%	64%	57%
LARNE	78%	81%	80%	80%	77%
LIMAVADY	67%	68%	62%	62%	56%
LISBURN	65%	69%	74%	75%	72%
MAGHERAFELT	66%	63%	66%	76%	71%
MOYLE	59%	66%	77%	58%	50%
NEWRY & MOURNE	63%	66%	62%	65%	66%
NEWTOWNABBEY	81%	81%	73%	68%	71%
NORTH DOWN	72%	73%	72%	73%	72%
OMAGH	66%	62%	67%	64%	69%
STRABANE	55%	63%	50%	51%	60%
NORTHERN IRELAND	68%	68%	67%	69%	69%

¹ The term working age refers to females aged 16 to 59 and males aged 16 to 64.

Estimates at District Council Area level are based on relatively small sample sizes and are subject to a higher degree of sampling variability. They should therefore be treated with caution and, in particular, changes from year to year should not be used in isolation from the figures for a run of years.

Source: Labour Force Survey, Annual dataset 2002- 2006

Renewable Energy

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to give greater support to renewable energy projects.

(AQW 7120/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Renewables Obligation (NIRO) is the main support mechanism for renewables development in Northern Ireland – it is focused on the generation of electricity from renewable sources in support of our 12% target for the proportion of our electricity consumption that is to come from renewable sources by 2012. Following a UK-wide consultation last year on the NIRO, and similar obligations in GB with which the NIRO operates, it is proposed that the obligations will be amended to provide greater support for more costly or emerging renewable technologies (eg tidal power) and for microgeneration projects. A preliminary consultation of the implications of these ‘banding’ proposals was published by DETI on 19 May and a further statutory consultation will be undertaken later this year with a view to implementation from 1 April 2009.

Randox Manufacturing and Research Facility

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment for his assessment of (i) the decision by Randox to locate its new manufacturing and research facility in the Republic of Ireland; and (ii) the performance of Invest NI during the course of its negotiations with Randox.

(AQW 7131/08)

Mr N Dodds: I am, of course, disappointed that Randox Laboratories has announced plans to create 135 jobs in County Donegal, however Randox did not provide Invest NI with a proposal seeking assistance for new manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland. Invest NI has, as a matter of public record, stated that had Randox provided it with the opportunity, Invest NI would have made every attempt to secure this project for Northern Ireland.

Invest NI is fully accountable for the efficient and effective use of public funds and, as such, must follow best practice guidelines when appraising projects for support.

Therefore, Invest NI must appraise all projects at an appropriate level given such factors as scale of the project, risk levels, financial performance and level of financial assistance requested. As you know, my department works closely with Invest NI and is satisfied that it is applying a proportionate level of governance in relation to applications for financial assistance. I would add that during the financial year 2007-2008, Invest NI made in excess of 2,200 separate offers of support including 14 follow on overseas investments and 20 new first time foreign direct investment.

I recognize that Randox is an important indigenous company in a targeted growth sector.  Invest NI has had a long established relationship with Randox and has agreed a number of substantial offers of support including an offer for £16 million in 2003. Invest NI has and will continue to work with the company to encourage expansion at the company’s Crumlin facility.  In pursuit of such expansion, Invest NI had arranged a meeting, prior to the announcement in respect of the County Donegal factory, with the Managing Director of Randox for 16 May 2008, in order to discuss potential development opportunities. The meeting took place on 16 May 2008 as planned and it resulted in a productive and positive discussion.

I can assure you that I will continue to be in regular contact with Invest NI to follow up on progress in respect of the potential projects.

St Patrick's Day Celebrations

Mr Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to AQW 5363/08, for his assessment of the contribution made to levels of community support for St Patrick's Day celebrations by displays of political flags and emblems.

(AQW 7127/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has encouraged District Councils to develop cross-community policies in respect of flags and emblems. During 2006 and 2007, NITB supported the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Downpatrick and Armagh through the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). The aim was to develop the product for international visitors, whilst also meeting the social development objectives of IFI. To ensure cross community support, the councils, who operate individual emblems and flags policies, issued a dedicated joint ‘St. Patrick’ flag for these events, that was not linked to one community or the other.

NITB considers that, if developed appropriately, St Patrick’s Day celebrations could offer some tourism potential.

ENVIRONMENT

Ards and Down Area Plan

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action she is taking to ensure that the Ards and Down Area Plan is announced urgently.

(AQW 6769/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): As previously reported, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report on the Ards and Down Area Plan Public Inquiry has now been received. My Department has put in place a dedicated team of officers, which is currently considering the implications of the report and will shortly provide guidance on a possible date for adoption. We cannot provide a firm indication on timescales at this stage but our intention is to complete the adoption stage as quickly as possible.

The PAC report can only be made available by the Department to the public and elected representatives when it completes the adoption process and publishes the adopted plan, with or without modifications and its content in respect of any site, including the site referred to by Mr Shannon, is confidential until that time.

Ards and Down Area Plan

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when the findings of the Ards and Down Area Plan will be made available to (i) the public; and (ii) elected representatives, in light of a potential economic recession.

(AQW 6770/08)

Mrs A Foster: As previously reported, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report on the Ards and Down Area Plan Public Inquiry has now been received. My Department has put in place a dedicated team of officers, which is currently considering the implications of the report and will shortly provide guidance on a possible date for adoption. We cannot provide a firm indication on timescales at this stage but our intention is to complete the adoption stage as quickly as possible.

The PAC report can only be made available by the Department to the public and elected representatives when it completes the adoption process and publishes the adopted plan, with or without modifications and its content in respect of any site, including the site referred to by Mr Shannon, is confidential until that time.

Ards and Down Area Plan

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the outcome of the Ards and Down Area Plan finding for light industrial land between Kiltonga and Milecross Road, Newtownards.

(AQW 6771/08)

Mrs A Foster: As previously reported, the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) report on the Ards and Down Area Plan Public Inquiry has now been received. My Department has put in place a dedicated team of officers, which is currently considering the implications of the report and will shortly provide guidance on a possible date for adoption. We cannot provide a firm indication on timescales at this stage but our intention is to complete the adoption stage as quickly as possible.

The PAC report can only be made available by the Department to the public and elected representatives when it completes the adoption process and publishes the adopted plan, with or without modifications and its content in respect of any site, including the site referred to by Mr Shannon, is confidential until that time.

Infringement of Signage Regulations

Mr Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of (i) telephone warnings; (ii) letters issued; and (iii) site visits, in relation to infringements of signage regulations by small businesses in the countryside.

(AQW 6780/08)

Mrs A Foster: Planning Service does not use the telephone to issue warnings in relation to infringements of signage regulations, nor for any other type of breach of planning control. These are done in writing. A site visit is undertaken in relation to each case and it may be necessary to carry out further visits to ascertain whether the sign has been removed in the event of court action.

However, it has not been possible to provide the information requested since this would require the manual scrutiny of several hundred enforcement files to check the number of letters issued and the site visits that were carried out. This information could not be provided within the time available and would incur disproportionate costs.

New Local Councils

Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment if she has a name for the new super council for Ards and North Down.

(AQW 6844/08)

Mrs A Foster: The naming of the new councils will initially be a matter for the new Local Government Boundaries Commissioner.

The Commissioner will name the new districts in the provisional recommendations. There will then be an opportunity for local people to make representations on the names either at public hearings or in writing.

Under section 51 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972, the new councils will be able to apply to the Department for their names to be changed by order, if they so wish.

Heavy Goods Vehicle Licenses

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what action she has taken to address the availability of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licences for drivers from Eastern European countries who have not been properly tested, and what checks are currently carried out to confirm the validity of HGV licences.

(AQW 6878/08)

Mrs A Foster: Driving licences issued by member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) are mutually recognised throughout the EEA. Driver licensing and testing arrangements throughout the EEA meet certain minimum standards as set out in a number of European Directives.

Where the holder of a Community Licence which authorises the driving of Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) or Passenger-Carrying Vehicles (PCV) becomes resident in Northern Ireland he may continue to use that licence. However, the licence will remain valid only for a limited period, dependant upon the holder’s age. After this period, he must exchange his licence for one issued in Northern Ireland, although there is no requirement that he undertakes a further driving test. The holder of a Community Licence which includes LGV of PCV entitlement is required to register with the Department within a year of becoming resident. All driving licences submitted for exchange or registration are examined to ensure authenticity. This checking procedure may require the licence to be verified by the issuing authority.

A further EU directive will introduce the Certificate of Professional Competence, in September 2008 (for passenger-carrying vehicles) and September 2009 (for goods vehicles). This Directive requires the holders of such licences to undertake periodic training, thereby contributing to increasing road safety.

Enforcement officers attached to the Driver & Vehicle Agency conduct regular spot checks on goods vehicles at the roadside. In circumstances where a foreign driver is detected driving in Northern Ireland without a valid driving licence, the driver is normally arrested by police, formally charged and then released on recognizance to appear at a magistrates court within 28 days. During the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008 there were fifty goods vehicle drivers detected and reported for prosecution by DVA enforcement officers on grounds of a driver licensing offence.

Strangford Lough

Mr Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what financial support is available for a group wishing to conduct a clean-up of Strangford Lough Islands, and what additional support can be provided in the form of manpower and boats.

(AQW 6879/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Strangford Lough Management Advisory Committee (SLMAC), part funded by Environment and Heritage Service, would be delighted to work with your group, particularly if they would like to do something over the coming weeks as the annual Strangford Lough Spring Clean gets underway all around the Lough.

I am aware that you have already written to the Strangford Lough Office, whose staff have since been trying, to make contact, and who would be delighted to facilitate such a positive and initiative.

Dr Lynn Gilmore of the Strangford Lough Office works on a whole range of voluntary initiatives with local people and Lough users and she is coordinating the Spring Clean. She will co-ordinate with Lough managers, including the National Trust and local councils, on such matters as transport to the islands and disposal of waste collected.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of the Environment to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services her Department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6903/08)

Mrs A Foster: The tables below set out details of consultancy service contracts, for each of the last 4 years, that did not have to go out to public tender:

2004/05

CONSULTANT	DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT £
CIPFA	Scoping study of local government finance legislation in GB (Local Government)	6,750
Government Actuary’s Department	Pensions regulations advice (Local Government)	10,157
Belfast City Council	Best Value (Local Government)	3,454
MORI MRC	Customer Survey – DVLNI	7,598
Penna	Investors in People Network Meeting (DVLNI)	70
DJ Cleland	Planning – Special Investigation	18,529
PriceWaterhouseCoopers	Advice on and production of the annual business plan (DVTA)	33,780
MJCA	Expert Witness Report (EHS)	3,920
OPDC	Facilitator for Built Heritage Senior Staff Development (EHS)	5,265
TOTAL		89,523

2005/06

CONSULTANT	DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT £
Improvement & Development Agency	Peer support for Local Government Taskforce within the Review of Public Administration programme	88,115
Sandy Blair / Bill Howat / Anne O’Keefe	Independent expert support to Local Government Taskforce	8,445
Declan Hall	Chairman of Councillors’ Remuneration Working Group (Local Government)	23,452
Lady McCollum / Sid McDowell	Interview Panel member for NILGOSC chairman (Local Government)	3,064
CIPFA	Technical Accountancy support service (Local Government)	16,830
Jim Cavalleros	Business Planning Zones	2,000
Sidney McDowell / David Stewart / Corinne Swain / WH Walker	Examination in Public – Belfast City Airport (Planning Service)	78,942
Ken Millar Consultancy Ltd	Planning – Special Investigation	3,644
W H Walker	Planning – Special Investigation	7,385
Prof David Wilson	Hazardous Waste Forums (EHS)	21,632
Jane Crone & Associates	Environmental Framework Directive – Stakeholder Workshop Facilitation (PEPG)	2,000
Gregory Hunt Chartered Institute of Arbitrators	Develop Mediation and Arbitration Services for the Levy Credit Scheme (PEPG)	5,000
TOTAL		260,509

2006/07

CONSULTANT	DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT £
Colin Knox	Advisor to Central Local Government Relations Sub-Group	6,430
APSE	External input to the Human Resources Local Government Taskforce Sub-Group	2,046
David Howard	Independent assessor for the appointment of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner	1,745
D J Cleland	Planning – Special Investigation	2,832
TRL Ltd	Review of forecasts and targets for the Road Safety Strategy	4,762
PriceWaterhouseCoopers	Advice on and production of the annual business plan (DVTA)	19,500
Dr C Flynn	Preparation of material for Curatorial Recruitment (EHS)	5,520
Mr F Ledgerwood	Decontamination Policy for the NICS (EHS)	10,000
Natural Environment Research	Technical support to Garvary Lodge PPC Appeal (EHS)	16,676
Circus	EHS (NI) Engagement Scoping Study	10,000
Capita Symonds	Waste Statistical Report (EHS)	29,613
Jacobs Ltd	Preparation of draft PPC Permit for proposed Landfill Site (EHS)	12,367
Gregory Hunt Chartered Institute of Arbitrators	Develop Mediation and Arbitration Services for the Levy Credit Scheme (PEPG)	5,000
TOTAL		126,491

2007/08

CONSULTANT	DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT £
BDO Stoy Hayward	Economic modelling of the council model – Review of Public Administration Programme (Local Government)	15,000
John Hunter	NILGOSC review (Local Government)	10,000
Ansac – Information Assurance	Consultants review of Information Management Assurance (DVA Testing)	9,500
D J Cleland	Planning – Special Investigation	953
D J Cleland	Planning – Special Investigation	675
Prof Greg Lloyd	Independent Expert – Reform Programme (Planning Service)	30,000
PriceWaterhouseCoopers	Advice on and production of the annual business plan (DVA Testing)	19,500
Aardvark Geographical Services	Geological Garden – Crawfordsburn Country Park (EHS)	30,000
Jacobs Ltd	Preparation of draft Financial Provision Consultation for Waste Licensing (EHS)	9,937
GAIA Law	Legal input into Waste Matters (PEPG)	40,000
GAIA Law	Legal input into draft Nitrate Action Programme amending regulations to transpose EC decision granting derogation to NI (PEPG)	10,000
TOTAL		175,565

Average Levels of Debt

Mr Beggs asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the total amount borrowed in (a) Capital Loans; and (b) Financial Lease Agreements; (ii) the current population estimates; and (iii) the average debt per head of population, for each district council.

(AQW 6924/08)

Mrs A Foster: The most up-to-date figures available relating to district councils’ borrowings are for the 2006 / 2007 financial year. The details requested are set out in the table overleaf.

district council	mid-year population estimates 2004*	capital loans £	average debt per head of population £	financial lease agreements £	average debt per head of population £
Antrim	49,833	21,463,047	431	1,635,543	33
Ards	74,648	15,736,108	211	621	<1
Armagh	54,876	20,161,749	367	69,771	1
Ballymena	60,026	34,025,917	567	0	0
Ballymoney	28,260	8,327,623	295	0	0
Banbridge	43,774	12,944,711	296	48,743	1
Belfast	268,978	21,132,573	79	0	0
Carrickfergus	38,715	11,237,979	290	541,450	14
Castlereagh	65,795	19,862,343	302	1,158,832	18
Coleraine	56,530	27,199,696	481	0	0
Cookstown	33,660	1,777,695	53	0	0
Craigavon	83,168	8,285,181	100	0	0
Down	66,759	15,047,691	225	910,938	14
Dungannon and South Tyrone	49,307	1,995,999	40	687,730	14
Fermanagh	59,279	2,680,197	45	1,006,375	17
Larne	30,908	6,567,321	212	0	0
Limavady	34,010	8,975,699	264	0	0
Lisburn	110,247	20,380,663	185	0	0
Londonderry	106,889	21,108,714	197	0	0
Magherafelt	41,296	0	0	0	0
Moyle	16,424	7,843,152	478	0	0
Newry and Mourne	90,290	20,607,681	228	0	0
Newtownabbey	80,279	27,943,248	348	0	0
North Down	77,624	21,670,731	279	0	0
Omagh	50,082	9,474,237	189	406,585	8
Strabane Total	38,665 1,710,322	2,569,365 369,019,320	66 216	0 6,466,588	0 4

* Population data applicable to the 2006 / 2007 financial year.

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister of the Environment if, within the review of Planning Policy Statement 14, she will make special provision for people with disabilities who need to build a new house; and if she will ensure that there is provision for small rural businesses to establish in the countryside.

(AQW 6967/08)

Mrs A Foster: The work of the Executive Subcommittee as set out in the paper on the findings emerging from the review of draft PPS 14, issued on 11 February 2008, referred to possible relaxations on the farm diversification policy and to proposals for the reintroduction of a personal and domestic circumstances policy.

I expect to submit a revised draft PPS 14 to the Executive shortly with a view to issuing for public consultation.

Pollution Incidents in the Three Milewater River

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment how many pollution incidents have been reported and logged on feeder streams of the Three Milewater river since 2007; what action her officials have taken to identify the sources of pollution on these streams; and what steps have been taken to reduce the risk of repeated pollution incidents on these streams.

(AQW 6969/08)

Mrs A Foster: Records held by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) show that, since 1 January 2007, a total of 14 pollution incidents have been investigated within the Three Milewater catchment area – 10 during 2007 and 4 since 1 January 2008. All have been categorised as being of ‘low severity’.

In all cases, EHS Water Quality Inspectors commence an investigation by attempting to trace the source of a polluting discharge. In the case of the Three Milewater catchment area, EHS officers have been working on a number of fronts to identify pollution sources and reduce the risk of repeated incidents occurring:-

- Liaising with Education and Library Board officials to correct a sewer problem affecting one of their school premises;

- Examining how best to identify all premises in the area where domestic waste water outlets have been wrongly connected to the storm drains; and

- Ensuring that, where relevant, industrial premises are regulated under the terms of the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.

Traffic Accidents

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of traffic accidents for each of the five years ending 31 December 2007 that were directly attributed to vehicles that were not considered roadworthy and required, but did not have, a valid MoT certificate.

(AQW 6981/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Driver & Vehicle Agency provide vehicle test certificate (MOT) expiry dates to the PSNI upon request. This will include for road traffic accidents and other motoring offences. Information of this nature is exempt from the non-disclosure provisions of the Data Protection Act (Section 29).

Bicycle Proficiency Test

Mr Easton asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to reintroduce the bicycle proficiency test for primary schools.

(AQW 7018/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have no plans to reintroduce the bicycle proficiency test for primary schools as it has never ceased to be offered. My Department has delivered cycling proficiency training in primary schools for almost 40 years. Each year, all primary schools are offered the opportunity to participate in the scheme which is aimed at primary 7 children. My Department supplies cycling proficiency training materials to participating schools, trains teachers to carry out instruction and provides some financial support to those teachers who fulfil this role. In 2007, 596 primary schools participated in the Scheme and almost 8,000 children passed the cycling proficiency test.

Illegal Waste Sites

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5130/08, to provide an update on the repatriation of waste from the illegal sites at Garrison, Co Fermanagh, and Trillick, Co Tyrone.

(AQW 7034/08)

Mrs A Foster: Officials from my Department are continuing to liaise with Dublin City Council with regard to their recent agreement on the letting of a contract for the removal and return of the waste from these sites.

Mill Pond in Castlewellan

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what action her department has taken in relation to the draining of the Mill Pond, Castlewellan, given the suffering of the wildlife and biodiversity of the area.

(AQW 7044/08)

Mrs A Foster: On Sunday 4 May at 22:40 hours a report of a black liquid being discharged into the Ballybannon River was investigated by a water quality inspector from the Environment and Heritage Service. The investigation revealed that a plume of discoloured water was entering the river from the Clarkhill Dam tributary. There were no dead or distressed fish observed downstream of the discharge and there was no smell from the water entering the river. For Health and Safety reasons the investigation was halted at this stage.

Upon further investigation the next morning it was concluded that the discolouration had been caused by the draining of the Mill Pond and that the water flowing through the Mill Pond from the feeder streams was picking up the fine muds from the bottom of the dam and causing discolouration.

Given that no polluting discharge was being made into the Ballybannon River, no offence was committed under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and consequently the investigation was terminated.

My officials had not visited the Mill Pond prior to its drainage and it is therefore not possible for me to state what the effect has been on local biodiversity or whether any offence was committed under the Wildlife Order 1985.

Habitat on Millstone Mountain

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the cost to (i) habitat; (ii) flora; and (iii) fauna, following the fire on Millstone Mountain in the high Mournes mountain range.

(AQW 7045/08)

Mrs A Foster: On 9 May 2008 approximately 30 hectares of Millstone Mountain was affected by a fire. The habitat damaged is dry dwarf shrub heath with small scattered pockets of scree which have suffered removal of the majority of the surface vegetation. This habitat consists of Calluna vulgaris / Erica cinera dominated vegetation with smaller proportions of grasses and herbs within the sward.

The recovery of heathland from fire is well documented and Environment and Heritage Service expect such a heathland habitat to recover from this type of fire, to its original condition, within the short to medium term (5-10 years). A post fire site survey indicates that while the majority of the surface vegetation was lost, it does not appear to have burnt into the soil profile thus enabling the habitat regeneration from seed and existing root stock.

Recent Pollution in Crumlin River

Mr Burns asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the circumstances surrounding the pollution incident that occurred in the Crumlin River on 1 April 2007, for which Northern Ireland Water was recently fined; and to give her assessment on the severity of the fine imposed.

(AQW 7055/08)

Mrs A Foster: At Antrim Magistrates Court, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) pleaded guilty and was fined £5000 plus court costs for discharging polluting matter so that it entered a waterway namely the Crumlin River which is a tributary of Lough Neagh. NIW confirmed the incident at Crumlin Terminal Sewerage Pumping Station on 1 April 2007 was due to a mechanical failure of the pumps and a lack of capacity in the alarm system.

I welcome the tough action taken by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and the court fines handed out as a result of this incident. I believe this conviction and the level of fine imposed demonstrate the value of EHS’s approach and its determination to conserve, protect and, where possible, improve the aquatic environment in Northern Ireland.

The level of the fine is a matter for the judiciary.

Northern Ireland Water

Mr Burns asked the Minister of the Environment how many pollution incidents has Northern Ireland Water been held responsible for; and to detail the fines and costs that were imposed by the courts in relation to these incidents, in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 7058/08)

Mrs A Foster: Prior to 1 April 2007, ‘crown discharges’ made by the Department for Regional Development’s Water Service were regulated by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and as such were exempt from prosecution. However, on 1 April 2007, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) was established with the loss of crown immunity and since then, for the period up to 31 December 2007, has been responsible for 261 pollution incidents. In terms of severity, 1 of these incidents was classified as ‘high‘, 58 as ‘medium’ and 202 as ‘low’.

Since 1 April 2007 EHS has applied its Enforcement Policy and Process on 49 occasions where NIW was determined to have been the suspected polluter. Of these 2 cases are complete with resulting convictions; 3 cases are being progressed with the Office of Public Prosecution Service; 16 cases have been enforced through the use of Warning Letters; 1 case has been enforced through the use of a Water Order Enforcement Notice; On 3 occasions NIW have been issued with Advisory Letters; The remaining 24 cases are still under consideration.

EHS has taken successful prosecutions against the new company for 2 of these incidents and the following fines and costs were awarded by the courts:

a. £200 plus costs of £186.10 for analysing samples taken from the polluting discharge from Dunmurry Waste Water Treatment Works; and

b. £5000 plus costs of £155 for analysing a sample taken from the polluting discharge from Crumlin Terminal Sewage Pumping Station.

Ballycolman Sewage Pumping Station

Mr Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment if there will be a change in the current planning designation of the lands adjoining Ballycolman sewage pumping station in Strabane, from protected flood plain status to a status that would permit development on completion of the upgrade to the pumping station.

(AQW 7200/08)

Mrs A Foster: It is important to advise that Planning Service does not designate flood plains, however, it does take advice from Rivers Agency as to the level of flood risk when formulating Area Plans and in determining development proposals. You will be aware that in 1987 lands at Ballycolman were subject to flooding and measures have been taken to defend this land through erecting a flood wall which will be further assisted by a pumping station when completed. However, Rivers Agency has advised that whilst the probability of flooding has been reduced, it cannot entirely be eliminated.

Under the provisions of PPS15: Planning and Flood Risk there is presumption against development on land within defended areas of flood plains where the land was previously undeveloped, such as green fields and open spaces. There is also a presumption against the development of civil infrastructure and community facilities, such as hospitals schools and care homes.

Mill Pond in Castlewellan

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 7044/08, whether officials from her Department will carry out an assessment of the current wildlife and biodiversity at Mill Pond, Castlewellan.

(AQW 7213/08)

Mrs A Foster: Further to AQW 7044/08, my staff in Environment and Heritage Service will carry out an assessment of the current wildlife and biodiversity at the Mill Pond, Castlewellan, as soon as possible.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Staff Disciplinary Procedures

Mr Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of staff in his department who, since 8 May 2007, have (i) received official warnings; and (ii) faced disciplinary procedures.

(AQW 6043/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): 90 members of staff have received official warnings and 1 member of staff has faced formal disciplinary procedures since 8 May 2007.

Publicity and Advertising

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how much he spent on publicity and advertising in 2007-2008.

(AQW 6315/08)

Mr P Robinson: Based on an indicative assessment of expenditure by the Department of Finance and Personnel in 2007-08, which is subject to further refinement, expenditure on advertising and publicity was £778,885.49. This includes £146,478 related to recruitment advertising on behalf of all Northern Ireland Departments.

Broken and Stolen Electrical Equipment

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of items of electronic equipment and data storage devices, including laptops, mobile phones, memory sticks, Personal Digital Assistants and Blackberries, that have been recorded as lost or stolen since 8 May 2007, broken down by Department.

(AQW 6497/08)

Mr P Robinson: Each Northern Ireland Civil Service Department has confirmed that equipment, as specified in the attached table, has been recorded as lost or stolen since 8 May 2007.

Department	Item(s) Lost/Stolen	Notes
DARD	1 Laptop 2 Blackberry devices 2 Mobile phones 1 GPS system	Without SIM card
DCAL	1 Laptop
DE	1 Blackberry	Subsequently recovered by PSNI
DEL	1 Laptop 1 Mobile Phone
DETI	0
DOE	5 Mobile phones 1 Digital Camera 1 GPS 72 system
DFP	9 Laptops 1 PDA
DHSSPS	1 Laptop 1 Memory Stick device 1 Mobile phone
DRD	1 Digital Camera
DSD	3 Laptops 2 Mobile Phones 2 Memory Stick devices
OFMDFM	0

Civil Servants Seeking Transfer

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to his answers to AQW 590/07 and AQW 4641/08, for his assessment of the increase in the number of civil servants seeking a transfer to Derry/Londonderry.

(AQW 6522/08)

Mr P Robinson: AQW 590/07 asked for the number of civil servants awaiting a transfer to the Derry City Council area. The answer (396) given was taken from the HRMS database and included all staff from throughout Northern Ireland who had submitted a transfer request into the City Council area.

AQW 4641/08 asked for the number of civil servants currently seeking transfer to a post in Londonderry. The answer (823) given was taken from the HRMS database and included all staff from throughout Northern Ireland who had submitted a transfer request to Londonderry but also included those staff already working in the city who had requested a transfer to another post in the city.

The relevant information on 24 April is:

• Number of staff with a transfer request for Londonderry is 832
• Number of staff whose current location is Londonderry is 384
• Number of staff whose current location is anywhere in Northern Ireland except Londonderry is 448.

The increase from 396 in June 2007 to 448 in April 2008 cannot be attributed to any particular reason.

Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths in Altnagelvin Hospital

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of (i) stillbirths; and (ii) neo-natal deaths, that occurred at Altnagelvin Hospital in each year since 1995.

(AQW 6564/08)

Mr P Robinson: The tables below give the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths that occurred in Altnagelvin Hospital, registered in each year since 1997. Prior to 1997 place of death from the civil register is not held electronically.

Table: Number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in Altnagelvin Hospital, 1995-2007^P

Registration Year1	Stillbirths in Altnagelvin Hospital	Neonatal Deaths in Altnagelvin Hospital
1995	Unavailable	Unavailable
1996	Unavailable	Unavailable
1997	14	8
1998	19	14
1999	15	7
2000	7	7
2001	12	7
2002	13	9
2003	17	6
2004	18	6
2005	11	17
2006	9	4
2007P	12	5

^P Data for 2007 is provisional.

¹ Information on place of stillbirth and place of death is only available electronically from 1997.

Composition of Civil Service Staff

Ms Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, for each year between January 2003 and January 2008 inclusive, the (i) actual; and (ii) percentage, composition of Northern Ireland Civil Service non-industrial (a) part-time staff; and (b) full-time staff, broken down by gender.

(AQW 6612/08)

Mr P Robinson: The information requested is set out in the attached tables.

Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2008
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	22,405	83.4	10,634	47.5	11,771	52.5
Part-Time	4,460	16.6	4,171	93.5	289	6.5
Total	26,865	100.0	14,805	55.1	12,060	44.9
Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2007
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	23,555	84.0	11,063	47.0	12,492	53.0
Part-Time	4,476	16.0	4,193	93.7	283	6.3
Total	28,031	100.0	15,256	54.4	12,775	45.6
Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2006
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	24,799	84.9	11,714	47.2	13,085	52.8
Part-Time	4,426	15.1	4,158	93.9	268	6.1
Total	29,225	100.0	15,872	54.3	13,353	45.7
Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2005
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	25,228	86.4	12,108	48.0	13,120	52.0
Part-Time	3,976	13.6	3,762	94.6	214	5.4
Total	29,204	100.0	15,870	54.3	13,334	45.7
Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2004
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	24,805	87.1	12,008	48.4	12,797	51.6
Part-Time	3,688	12.9	3,522	95.5	166	4.5
Total	28,493	100.0	15,530	54.5	12,963	45.5
Permanent NICS Non-Industrial staff by Work Pattern and Gender at 1 Jan 2003
Staff Group	Total Staff		Gender
			Female		Male
	No	Col %	No	Row %	No	Row %
Full-Time	24,185	87.5	11,829	48.9	12,356	51.1
Part-Time	3,456	12.5	3,302	95.5	154	4.5
Total	27,641	100.0	15,131	54.7	12,510	45.3

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in his 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 6823/08)

Mr P Robinson: The information requested is provided in the attached tables.

2003 - 2004

Grade	6-10 days	11-15 days	16-20 days	21-25 days	26-30 days	31-35 days	36-40 days	More than 40
AA			1
AO	1	3	2	1	1	1	2	4
EO11	1				1	1		5
EO1		2	1			1	1	1
SO	1							2
DP+		1						3
Total	3	6	4	1	2	3	3	15

2004 - 2005

Grade	6-10 days	11-15 days	16-20 days	21-25 days	26-30 days	31-35 days	36-40 days	More than 40
AA								3
AO		3		3	1	1	1	4
EO11	1	1	1			1		1
EO1							1	4
SO		1			2			1
DP+								6
Total	1	5	1	3	3	2	2	19

2005 - 2006

Grade	6-10 days	11-15 days	16-20 days	21-25 days	26-30 days	31-35 days	36-40 days	More than 40
AA	2
AO	1	2	2	3			2	7
EO11		2	1	1	1			2
EO1	1			2		1		4
SO		1		1	1			2
DP+			1					1
Total	4	5	4	7	2	1	2	16

2006 - 2007

Grade	6-10 days	11-15 days	16-20 days	21-25 days	26-30 days	31-35 days	36-40 days	More than 40
AA	1	1				1
AO	2	3		4	2		1	8
EO11								2
EO1		1	1					1
SO		1			1			1
DP+	1				1			5
Total	4	6	1	4	4	1	1	17

2007 - 2008

Grade	6-10 days	11-15 days	16-20 days	21-25 days	26-30 days	31-35 days	36-40 days	More than 40
AA	3				1			1
AO	1	4	1	2	1			5
EO11		1		1				3
EO1	1				1			3
SO	1	2		1				3
DP+							1	3
Total	6	7	1	4	3		1	18

Notes

Day totals are inclusive, i.e. more than 5 days is 6 – 10 days inclusive, more than 10 days is 11 – 15 days inclusive etc.

Inheritance Tax

Mr Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will make representations to the UK Government concerning the possible need to amend the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, arising out of the decision of the Special Commissioners in the case of Philip Norman McCall, Bernard Joseph Anthony Keenan (Personal Representative of Eileen McClean (dec'd)) and The Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, in relation to the treatment of conacre/agistment lettings being regarded as a business which consisted wholly or mainly of the making of investments.

(AQW 7066/08)

Mr P Robinson: This decision of the Special Commissioners has profound implications for the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. Letting land under conacre and agistment is relatively common within Northern Ireland. The assessment of inheritance tax needs to reflect the particular nature of agricultural land usage in Northern Ireland. I will await the outcome of the appeal process and in the event the decision is not reversed will make representations to the Chancellor on this matter

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Attacks on Causeway Hospital Staff

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for the last year, (i) the number of attacks on staff at the Causeway Hospital; and (ii) the number of these attacks that were reported to the PSNI.

(AQW 6794/08)

1. The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): In the last year (1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008) a total of 42 physical attacks on staff at the Causeway Hospital were reported.
2. Of these, 3 were reported to the PSNI.

Practising Dentists

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of practising dentists; (ii) the number of these that take Health Service patients; and (iii) the average waiting time for an appointment with a Health Service dentist, in the Limavady Borough Council area.

(AQW 6796/08)

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 15 dentists¹ registered to provide Health Service dental treatment in the Limavady Borough Council area ², and 28 dentists¹ registered to provide Health Service dental treatment in the Coleraine Borough Council area ² No information is available in respect of how many of these are currently accepting new Health Service patients but all had new registrations recorded during the period between April 2007 and March 2008.

Information on average waiting times for appointments with a Health Service dentist is not available.

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.

Practising Dentists

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of practising dentists; (ii) the number of these that take Health Service patients; and (iii) the average waiting time for an appointment with a Health Service dentist, in the Coleraine Borough Council area.

(AQW 6797/08)

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 15 dentists¹ registered to provide Health Service dental treatment in the Limavady Borough Council area ², and 28 dentists¹ registered to provide Health Service dental treatment in the Coleraine Borough Council area ² No information is available in respect of how many of these are currently accepting new Health Service patients but all had new registrations recorded during the period between April 2007 and March 2008.

Information on average waiting times for appointments with a Health Service dentist is not available.

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.

Myasthenia Gravis Disease

Mr McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the disease myasthenia gravis; and to detail the action his department is taking to support people who have been diagnosed with this disease.

(AQW 6799/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I refer the member to the answer I gave to AQW 893/08.

Fire and Ambulance Service

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of ambulance drivers and fire fighters with driving responsibilities who have been convicted of drink driving offences in each of the last five years.

(AQW 6807/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This information is set out in the table below:

	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Fire & Rescue Service	1	1	1	0	1
Ambulance Service	0	1	0	1	0

NIFRS has advised that fire fighters with driving responsibilities convicted of drink driving offences are retrained before being allowed to return to duties involving driving. NIAS has advised that its Disciplinary Procedure categorises alcohol/drug abuse whilst on duty as gross misconduct and any issues of this nature follow due process in this regard ie Wilful Misbehaviour/Misconduct – of a serious nature including being unfit for duty due to the consumption of alcohol or substance abuse. Loss of license due to conduct outside the workplace is also dealt with under the Trust’s Disciplinary Procedure.

Fire and Rescue Service Vehicles

Mr Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of fire and rescue service vehicles based at each fire and rescue service station; (ii) the age and recorded mileage of each fire and rescue service vehicle; (iii) the number of new fire and rescue service vehicles that were delivered to fire and rescue service stations for each of the last 5 years; and (iv) if his department replaces fire and rescue service vehicles if they are no longer fit for purpose.

(AQW 6809/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I would refer the Member to my answers to AQWs 5221/08 and 6283/08, which detailed the age, number and location of fire appliances in each fire station across Northern Ireland and the fleet maintenance and replacement procedures for fire appliances respectively. Further information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Public Inquiry into Mrs McGinley's Death

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his reasons for not conducting a public inquiry into the cause of Mrs Maureen McGinley's 34 post mortem fractures.

(AQW 6810/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The events surrounding Mrs McGinley’s death have already been subjected to a very comprehensive examination both internally by the Western Health and Social Care Trust and independently by the Coroners Service.

Despite that comprehensive investigation it has not been possible to provide a totally satisfactory explanation for the fractures which Mrs McGinley sustained after her death.

I am satisfied that the Trust has acted appropriately in this case and I am, therefore, of the view that any further review of the circumstances of the case is unlikely to shed any further light on how this incident occurred. David Hanson MP, Minister of State with responsibility for the Coroners Service has expressed a similar view.

The family have appointed their own independent expert to look into the matter. Naturally I would want to consider his report if it reaches a different conclusion.

Dental Service

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how he is bringing forward the proposed new contracts for dentists, and to give a timescale within which he expects these negotiations to be completed.

(AQW 6814/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I am totally committed to the aim of securing a robust and accessible health service dental service for everyone in Northern Ireland. Discussions are currently ongoing between my officials and representatives of the Dental Practice Committee (DPC) of the British Dental Association (BDA) on a new contract for Northern Ireland. This contract, when implemented, will give Health and Social Services Boards greater control over patient access to health service dentistry. The new contract will also deliver a revised remuneration system, which rewards dentists fairly for operating the new arrangements, thus addressing the dental profession’s current concerns on this issue.

Further meetings are scheduled with the BDA in coming months, with the intention of piloting the new contract in 2009.

Dental Service

Mr Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail all dental practices in (i) Bangor; (ii) Holywood; (iii) Donaghadee; and (iv) any other area of North Down parliamentary constituency, that currently accept Health Service patients.

(AQW 6818/08)

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 Bangor¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
32 ABBEY STREET	BANGOR	BT20 4JA
29A HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LF
109G CLANDEBOYE ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 3JW
38 BRUNSWICK ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 3DU
4 HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LE
25 HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LF
107 HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LN
16 HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LE
4 BINGHAM STREET	BANGOR	BT20 5DW
38 HAMILTON ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4LE
SPRINGHILL SURGERY, 4A KILEEN AVENUE	BANGOR	BT19 1NB
97 BRUNSWICK ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 3DW
1 MOIRA DRIVE	BANGOR	BT20 4RN
BLOOMFIELD SURGERY, 95 BLOOMFIELD ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 4XA
22A GROOMSPORT ROAD	BANGOR	BT20 5LN
64 DONAGHADEE RD	BANGOR	BT20 4QX

Source: Central Services Agency

ii) Dental practices in Holywood¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
116 HIGH STREET	HOLYWOOD	BT18 9HW
128 HIGH STREET	HOLYWOOD	BT18 9HW
32 SHORE ROAD	HOLYWOOD	BT18 9HX

Source: Central Services Agency

iii) Dental practices in Donaghadee¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
13 THE PARADE	DONAGHADEE	BT21 0AE
55/57 HIGH STREET	DONAGHADEE	BT21 0AQ

Source: Central Services Agency

iv) Dental practices elsewhere in North Down Parliamentary Constituency that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
1A STATION ROAD	HELENS BAY	BT19 1TN

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.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in his 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 6824/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is outlined below.

YEAR – 2003/04

Grade including analogous grades	>5 days	>10 days	>15 days	>20 days	>25 days	>30 days	>35 days	>40 days
Senior Civil Service
Grade 7
Deputy Principal		1	1					2
Staff Officer	1	1						2
Executive Officer I	1			2			1	2
Executive Officer II				1		1	2	2
Administrative Officer		1	2					4
Administrative Assistant	1

YEAR – 2004/05

Grade including analogous grades	>5 days	>10 days	>15 days	>20 days	>25 days	>30 days	>35 days	>40 days
Senior Civil Service
Grade 7			1					1
Deputy Principal		1						2
Staff Officer	2
Executive Officer I
Executive Officer II	2				1			3
Administrative Officer					1			3
Administrative Assistant			1					1

YEAR – 2005/06

Grade including analogous grades	>5 days	>10 days	>15 days	>20 days	>25 days	>30 days	>35 days	>40 days
Senior Civil Service
Grade 7
Deputy Principal			1					1
Staff Officer	1
Executive Officer I		1	1					1
Executive Officer II			2					4
Administrative Officer	2							4
Administrative Assistant

YEAR – 2006/07

Grade including analogous grades	>5 days	>10 days	>15 days	>20 days	>25 days	>30 days	>35 days	>40 days
Senior Civil Service
Grade 7
Deputy Principal				1				1
Staff Officer								3
Executive Officer I	1							2
Executive Officer II		1		2				4
Administrative Officer	1					1	1	4
Administrative Assistant								1

YEAR – 2007/08

Grade including analogous grades	>5 days	>10 days	>15 days	>20 days	>25 days	>30 days	>35 days	>40 days
Senior Civil Service
Grade 7	1							1
Deputy Principal				1				2
Staff Officer		1	1	1				2
Executive Officer I								4
Executive Officer II			2					5
Administrative Officer		2					1	3
Administrative Assistant		1	2				1

Accident and Emergency Ambulances

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to her answer to AQW 5874/08, to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of times accident and emergency ambulances have broken down (i) in the ambulance depot; and (ii) whilst being driven on a public road.

(AQW 6833/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Written Question AQW 6833/08 by the 21 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.

Sun-Bed Regulations

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to introduce regulations to control the use of sun beds.

(AQW 6834/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have no plans at present to introduce regulations to control the use of sunbeds.

The Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) has been asked to provide advice on the health effects of sunbed use. COMARE is an independent expert advisory committee which provides advice to Government Departments and the Devolved Administrations in relation to the health effects of natural and man-made radiation. Its report on sunbed use is expected by the end of this year.

In addition, the Sunbed Working Group of the Northern Ireland Melanoma Strategy Implementation Group (NIMSIG) is currently examining the issues relating to sunbeds and their use.

I will consider whether to propose legislation in the light of the COMARE report and of the work of the Sunbed Working Group.

Sun-Bed Regulations

Mr Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any research carried out by his department into the number of under-16s that use sun beds.

(AQW 6835/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has not carried out any research into the use of sun beds by under-16s.

Vacant Consultant Posts

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the specialties attached to each of the current 39 vacant consultant posts.

(AQW 6840/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the Table below.

HSC Trust	Specialty	Number vacancies
Belfast	Histo/Cytopathology	1
	Gastroenterology	1
	Acute Medicine	1
	Haemotology	3
	Renal Transplant Surgery	1
	Ear, Nose & Throat	1
	Clinical Oncologist	1
	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	1
	Psychiatry of old age	2
	General Adult Psychiatry	1
	Radiology	1
	Plastic Surgery with an Interest in Burns	1
	Neuroradiology	1
	General Surgery	1
	Occupational Medicine	1
	Restorative Dentistry	1
	Paediatrics - Inherited Metabolic Disease	1
	Neurology	1
	Special Care Dentistry	1
	Radiology and Nuclear Medicine	1
	Orthodontics	1
	Paediatric Nephrology	1
	Vascular Surgery	1
South Eastern	General & Respiratory Medicine	1
	Oral & Maxillo Facial Surgery	1
	Surgery - Urology	1
	Obstetrics & Gynaecology	1
Southern	Acute/Community Paediatrics	2
	Cardiology	1
	General Surgery	1
	Palliative Medicine	1
	Radiology	1
	Radiology - Musculo-skeletal, Trauma & Orthopaedics Service	1
Western	Rheumatologist	1
Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority	Dental	1
TOTAL		39

Vacant Consultant Posts

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many of the 39 vacant consultant posts are needed for the Ulster Hospital.

(AQW 6841/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Four of the 39 consultant vacancies declared as at 30^th September 2007 were needed for the Ulster Hospital in the specialties of:

General & Respiratory Medicine

Oral & Maxillo Facial Surgery

Surgery – Urology

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Source: South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Bangor Hospital

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he has any plans to incorporate any new services into Bangor hospital.

(AQW 6842/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are no plans at this time for any new service developments at Bangor Community Hospital.

Bangor Hospital

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the cost of the new X-Ray machine for Bangor hospital.

(AQW 6843/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The new x-ray system for Bangor Community Hospital cost £55,801. Associated decommissioning and enabling works were £14,199, making a total of £70,000.

Dental Service

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list all dental practices in (i) Ballycastle; (ii) Ballymena; and (iii) Ballymoney, that currently accept new Health Service patients.

(AQW 6858/08)

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 Ballycastle¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
48 ANN STREET	BALLYCASTLE	BT54 6AD
79 ANN STREET	BALLYCASTLE	BT54 6AD

Source: Central Services Agency

ii) Dental practices in Ballymena¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
6 HENRY STREET	BALLYMENA	BT42 3AH
73/75 BROUGHSHANE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 6EB
20 BROUGHSHANE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 6EB
21/23 CASTLE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 7BT
38 BROUGHSHANE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 6EB
PENTAGON HOUSE, 19 GEORGE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 5AP
25 LINENHALL STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 5AJ
58 HIGH STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 6DT
13-15 DUKE STREET	BALLYMENA	BT43 6BL
ROCKFIELD MEDICAL CENTRE, 73-75 DOURY ROAD	BALLYMENA	BT43 6JD

Source: Central Services Agency

iii) Dental practices in Ballymoney¹ that registered new Health Service patients in 2007/08.

Address		Postcode
49 HIGH STREET	BALLYMONEY	BT53 6BG
5 QUEEN STREET	BALLYMONEY	BT53 6HZ
25 QUEEN STREET	BALLYMONEY	BT53 6HZ
22 CHARLES STREET	BALLYMONEY	BT53 6DY
21 PORTRUSH ROAD	BALLYMONEY	BT53 6BX

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.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the average waiting period for results of smear tests at the South Eastern Trust.

(AQW 6883/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 was provided in answer to AQW 6454/08.

The Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland is delivered on a Health and Social Service Board, rather than Health and Social Care Trust, configuration.

Cervical smear tests can be undertaken in a variety of settings including General Practice, Well Woman Clinics and Gynaecology and Colposcopy outpatient clinics. Smear tests are then sent to hospital laboratories, where each smear is screened. The laboratory then provides results, in the form of a report, to the taker of the smear.

Laboratories are located within each Health and Social Service Board area at Altnagelvin Area Hospital (WHSSB); Antrim Area Hospital (NHSSB); Belfast City Hospital (EHSSB) and Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSSB). Smears are sent to the relevant laboratory, depending upon the Health and Social Service Board of residence of the woman from whom the smear is taken.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the recently published National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) draft guidance on wet age related macular degeneration treatment, what plans are in place to ensure that patients will not suffer undue delay while the NICE guidance awaits local review and approval.

(AQW 6884/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently appraising ranibizumab (Lucentis) and pegaptanib (Macugen) for the treatment of wet age related macular degeneration, and issued its final appraisal determination on 1 April 2008. Final guidance is expected to be published in June 2008.

My Department has established a link with NICE whereby all guidance published by the Institute from 1 July 2006 is reviewed locally for its applicability to Northern Ireland and, where appropriate, is endorsed by the Department for implementation in Northern Ireland. The guidance on Lucentis and Macugen will be considered under these arrangements when NICE publishes its final guidance.

In the interim, the decision on whether to fund a particular treatment is a matter for Health and Social Services Boards, as commissioners of services, taking into account local circumstances, the strategic objectives established for the Health and Social Care network and demands and pressures generally for access to a wide range of new drugs and therapies. I understand that Boards are currently funding treatment with anti-VEGF drugs for patients with the greatest clinical priority.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the average waiting period for results of smear tests at the Belfast Trust.

(AQW 6885/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 was provided in answer to AQW 6454/08.

The Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland is delivered on a Health and Social Service Board, rather than Health and Social Care Trust, configuration.

Cervical smear tests can be undertaken in a variety of settings including General Practice, Well Woman Clinics and Gynaecology and Colposcopy outpatient clinics. Smear tests are then sent to hospital laboratories, where each smear is screened. The laboratory then provides results, in the form of a report, to the taker of the smear.

Laboratories are located within each Health and Social Service Board area at Altnagelvin Area Hospital (WHSSB); Antrim Area Hospital (NHSSB); Belfast City Hospital (EHSSB) and Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSSB). Smears are sent to the relevant laboratory, depending upon the Health and Social Service Board of residence of the woman from whom the smear is taken.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the average waiting period for results of smear tests at the Western Trust.

(AQW 6886/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 was provided in answer to AQW 6454/08.

The Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland is delivered on a Health and Social Service Board, rather than Health and Social Care Trust, configuration.

Cervical smear tests can be undertaken in a variety of settings including General Practice, Well Woman Clinics and Gynaecology and Colposcopy outpatient clinics. Smear tests are then sent to hospital laboratories, where each smear is screened. The laboratory then provides results, in the form of a report, to the taker of the smear.

Laboratories are located within each Health and Social Service Board area at Altnagelvin Area Hospital (WHSSB); Antrim Area Hospital (NHSSB); Belfast City Hospital (EHSSB) and Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSSB). Smears are sent to the relevant laboratory, depending upon the Health and Social Service Board of residence of the woman from whom the smear is taken.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the average waiting period for results of smear tests at the Southern Trust.

(AQW 6887/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 was provided in answer to AQW 6454/08.

The Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland is delivered on a Health and Social Service Board, rather than Health and Social Care Trust, configuration.

Cervical smear tests can be undertaken in a variety of settings including General Practice, Well Woman Clinics and Gynaecology and Colposcopy outpatient clinics. Smear tests are then sent to hospital laboratories, where each smear is screened. The laboratory then provides results, in the form of a report, to the taker of the smear.

Laboratories are located within each Health and Social Service Board area at Altnagelvin Area Hospital (WHSSB); Antrim Area Hospital (NHSSB); Belfast City Hospital (EHSSB) and Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSSB). Smears are sent to the relevant laboratory, depending upon the Health and Social Service Board of residence of the woman from whom the smear is taken.

Waiting Times for Smear Test Results

Mr Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety the average waiting period for results of smear tests at the Northern Trust.

(AQW 6888/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The average waiting time for issuing results of a smear test, by hospital laboratory, during 2007/08 was provided in answer to AQW 6454/08.

The Cervical Screening Programme in Northern Ireland is delivered on a Health and Social Service Board, rather than Health and Social Care Trust, configuration.

Cervical smear tests can be undertaken in a variety of settings including General Practice, Well Woman Clinics and Gynaecology and Colposcopy outpatient clinics. Smear tests are then sent to hospital laboratories, where each smear is screened. The laboratory then provides results, in the form of a report, to the taker of the smear.

Laboratories are located within each Health and Social Service Board area at Altnagelvin Area Hospital (WHSSB); Antrim Area Hospital (NHSSB); Belfast City Hospital (EHSSB) and Craigavon Area Hospital (SHSSB). Smears are sent to the relevant laboratory, depending upon the Health and Social Service Board of residence of the woman from whom the smear is taken.

Priorities for Action 2008/09

Mr Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans have been submitted, by the relevant Health and Social Service Boards and Health and Social Care Trusts, to ensure that sufficient resourcing and capacity is in place so that all patients who require anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for wet age related macular degeneration, are able to access such treatment.

(AQW 6889/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Priorities for Action 2008/09 requires the HSC to ensure, by June 2008, that plans are in place for the development of services to preserve the sight of people affected by age-related macular degeneration, consistent with the emerging evidence base for the treatment of this condition.

Commissioners in Northern Ireland, currently provide funding for treatment with these drugs for patients with the greatest clinical priority. In the main, these are patients with second eye involvement in wet AMD, although other exceptional circumstances may be considered. At February 2008, 120 people in Northern Ireland had been treated.

HSC Trusts are currently developing business cases for the further development of these services which will be submitted to commissioners for consideration in the near future.

Final decisions on the resources and capacity needed to deliver anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments for wet age related macular degeneration will depend on the outcome of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence appraisal of these technologies. The Institute’s final guidance is expected to be published in June 2008.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services his Department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6905/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Written Question AQW 6905/08, by the 23 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.

Closure of Hospital Wards

Mr Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6563/08, to detail the decisions that have been made to close further wards in each of Longstone Hospital, Mullinure Hospital and St Luke's Hospital, Armagh, in the next 18 to 24 months.

(AQW 6974/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In line with its work to achieve the Programme for Government target that no one should be living permanently in hospital by 2013, the Southern Trust plans to re-settle a number of patients this year from one unit in Longstone Hospital to new supported accommodation in Bessbrook. The continuation of this resettlement programme will lead to the closure of two further units at this hospital by 2011, resulting in a total of 35 patients being resettled in the community.

There are no definitive plans to close wards at Mullinure Hospital.

At St. Luke’s, 2 wards which had been temporarily re-sited there for the last 6 years from the Craigavon Area Hospital site, will return to their original location when the new Bluestone Unit there opens. Over the next 3 years, it is planned that the number of beds available at St. Luke’s will reduce by 30, with the associated closure of 3 long-stay wards in line with implementing the Bamford Review and the Priorities for Action target to reduce the number of long-stay patients by 10% by 2011. The proposed opening of new day hospitals in Newry and Dungannon and the expansion of Home Treatment Teams are integral to this process.

Closure of Hospital Wards

Mr Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6563/08, if patients will be transferred and staff made redundant due to the closure of wards at Longstone Hospital, Mullinure Hospital and St Luke's Hospital, Armagh in the next 18 to 24 months.

(AQW 6977/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Southern Trust is developing its services in line with the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability and the strategic direction for older people’s services. This will enhance the quality of care for individuals, through the enhanced availability of community-based services, enabling fewer hospital admissions and shorter hospital stays. The Trust is also working to achieve the Programme for Government target that no one should be living permanently in hospital by 2013.

For Longstone Hospital, the Trust has plans to re-settle a number of patients this year from one unit to new supported accommodation in Bessbrook. The continuation of this resettlement programme will lead to the closure of two further units at the hospital by 2011, resulting in a total of 35 patients being resettled in the community.

There are no definitive plans to close wards at Mullinure Hospital.

At St. Luke’s, two wards which had been temporarily re-sited there from the Craigavon Area Hospital site, will return to their original location when the Bluestone Unit there opens. The Trust is also working to reduce the number of beds available at this hospital by 30 by 2011, with the associated closure of 3 long stay wards in line with implementing the Bamford Review and the Priorities for Action target of reducing the number of long-stay patients in psychiatric hospitals by 10%. The opening of new day hospitals in Newry and Dungannon and the expansion of Home Treatment Teams are central to this process.

It is too early to specify the implications for staff of these service developments.

Health Service Pay Levels

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to address the problems encountered by certain Health Service staff who are now facing a clawback situation in relation to salaries having been deemed as overpaid.

(AQW 6994/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Increases in pay above the agreed Agenda for Change rates payable at 1 April 2005 must be recouped in order to avoid a loss to the taxpayer. The process of recouping excess payments is governed by the Government Accounting (NI) Rules and applies to all public bodies. Health and Social Care employers are bound by these rules and must seek to recoup any excess payments in an equitable way. There are some considerations that the employer may take into account when recouping an excess payment. This must be considered on a case by case basis and includes any relevant personal circumstances of the employee or the cost-effectiveness of recovery action.

Respite Care Facility in Quarry Lane, Dungannon

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) on what date work was completed on the new respite care facility at Quarry Lane, Dungannon; (ii) why this facility is not open for use; and (iii) on what date it is expected that the facility will be open.

(AQW 7121/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Work on the respite care facility at Quarry Lane, Dungannon was completed Mid February 2008; (ii) Difficulties in recruiting appropriately qualified and skilled staff delayed the opening of the facility; and (iii) It is expected that the facility will open on 1 July 2008 to provide day respite services, and will become fully operational from 1 September 2008.

Home-Help and Domiciliary Care Workers

Mr Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (i) how many people were employed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust as home-help/domiciliary care workers; (ii) how many of these workers have been on sick leave for periods of more than 1 week; and (iii) how many of these workers were absent for periods of more than 1 month, in (a) 2005-06; (b) 2006-07; and (c) 2007-08.

(AQW 7207/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Priority Written Question AQW 7207/08, by the 23 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.

Clostridium Difficile

Mr Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many staff are currently on sick leave in relation to clostridium difficile, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 7262/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply to your Priority Written Question AQW 7262/08, by the 23 May 2008. I will reply as soon as possible.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Unlawful Signage

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans to have all illegal signage removed from Department of Regional Development property, including recently erected symbols on lamp standards in Counties Tyrone and Armagh.

(AQW 5193/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): The erection of unlawful advertising signage within the boundaries of a public road is an offence under The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. My Department’s Roads Service has power to remove such signs and recover expenses reasonably occurred.

Roads Service’s response to such illegally erected signage depends on the danger presented to road users. Where Roads Service becomes aware of illegal signage causing an obstruction of the road, or obstructing the vision of drivers, it will be removed immediately.

Roads Service undertakes routine ‘sweeps’ of all main roads to remove illegal signage. The frequency of the ‘sweeps’ varies, depending on the extent of the problem and traffic volumes. Roads Service also reacts to information received from members of the public and removes illegal signage causing concern. This policy aims to keep main routes generally free of illegal advertisements.

Flags and emblems erected on public roads must be handled very sensitively – particularly in certain areas. Roads Service’s experience has been that without the near-unanimous support of the local community, work carried out to remove flags and emblems can prove nugatory, with items removed often being quickly replaced, sometimes in greater numbers.

Roads Service has signed up to the Multi Agency Protocol, arising from ‘A Shared Future’ – the policy and strategic framework for good relations in the North. This protocol, which was published on 4 April 2005, addresses the issue of the display of flags and emblems in public areas. The aim of the protocol is to provide a pro-active approach, with support from communities and their representatives, to address the removal of flags and emblems from arterial routes, town centres and from particular locations, such as interface areas or near schools, hospitals and churches.

When inter agency consultation is required by the protocol, the Agency that is in the most effective position to consult, negotiate or resolve the situation will take the lead, with the PSNI assuming this responsibility where appropriate. The PSNI also takes the lead where the display of any flags or emblems is causing tension, or having a detrimental effect on the quality of life in a community.

Under the protocol, Roads Service will, when called upon by the lead Agency, provide the access equipment and resources to remove unwanted flags, once agreement has been reached on their removal, particularly if their location proves to be inaccessible to members of the community concerned. In doing so, Roads Service officials have to take account of the possible risk to their workers.

With regard to your reference to the recently erected symbols on lamp standards in Counties Tyrone and Armagh, I am advised that Roads Service officials are not aware of these, but it is hoped that the explanation given above addresses the issue.

Road Maintenance Allocations

Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to increase the budgets allocated to companies that hold road maintenance contracts for work to be carried out over the next 5 years, to reflect the rise in running costs such as fuel, and the cost of raw materials.

(AQW 5371/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Budget announced on 22 January 2008 sets out the road maintenance allocations for the 3-year period 2008-11 and these reflect changes in the overall economic outlook. In this context there are no plans to increase budgets. However, you may be interested to note that the term contracts for road maintenance which are operated over a 3 - 5 year period have Price Fluctuation Factors built in to cater for any variations in contractors' costs during the contract period.

Traffic Calming Measures in North Down

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the traffic calming measures that have been put in place in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 6759/08)

Mr C Murphy: Details of the locations, the type of features used and the year in which measures were introduced, as part of my Department’s Roads Service’s traffic calming programme of works for the North Down Borough Council area over the past 5 years, are provided in the table below.

Traffic Calming Schemes for North Down Borough Council for 2003/2004 – 2007/2008
Location	Type of features	Year
	No measures introduced.	2003/2004
Ballycrochan Road, Bangor, Stage 1	Central islands, speed cushions, cycle by-passes, road humps and cycle lanes.	2004/2005
Ballycrochan Road, Bangor, Stage 2	Central hatched area with right turn pockets and cycle lanes.	2004/2005
Crawfordsburn Village	Village gateway treatment with enhanced signs and red surfacing.	2004/2005
Bloomfield Road South, Bangor	Central islands, hatching and speed cushions.	2004/2005
High Bangor Road, Donaghadee	Enhanced gateway/speed limit signage/improved road markings with red texture surfacing.	2004/2005
Moat Street, Donaghadee	Enhanced signage and road markings with red textured surfacing.	2004/2005
Prospect Road, Bangor	Road humps.	2005/2006
Godfrey Avenue Area, Bangor	Raised junctions.	2005/2006
Conlig Village	Village gateway treatment with enhanced signs, red surfacing and road humps.	2005/2006
Ballycrochan Road, Bangor, Stage 1	Revised scheme layout.	2005/2006
Clandeboye Road, Bangor	Reduction in available carriageway width by providing dedicated right turning lanes and pedestrian island.	2006/2007
Cranley Road, Bangor	Road humps.	2006/2007
Downshire Road, Holywood	Road hump.	2006/2007
Rathmore Road	Road humps and mini-roundabout.	2007/2008
Ballyholme Road	Road humps, formalised parking and pinch points.	2007/2008
Victoria Road/ Clifton Road area	Road hump.	2007/2008
Broadway, Bangor	Road humps and priority junctions.	2007/2008
Killaughey Road, Donaghadee	Enhanced gateway/speed limit signage, improved road markings included red texture surfacing. New enhanced signage was also provided at all schools along these routes.	2007/2008
Cannyreagh Road, Donaghadee		2007/2008
Warren Road, Donaghadee		2007/2008
Stockbridge Road, Donaghadee		2007/2008
Millisle Road, Donaghadee		2007/2008

Translink Buses

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of Translink buses that meet the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 provisions for assisting seamless journeys for wheelchair users.

(AQW 6783/08)

Mr C Murphy: All Translink buses comply with relevant statutory regulations. The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 does not make provision to assist wheelchair users access buses. However, Translink has advised me that 210 Metro buses (approximately 78% of the total Metro fleet) and 669 Ulsterbuses (approximately 54% of the total Ulsterbus fleet) currently meet the wheelchair accessibility requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, as outlined in the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. I understand that Translink intends that all its buses should be fully compliant with the 1995 Act by the end of the Regional Transportation Strategy period in 2012.

Passing Bays on the Carrowclare Road

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his Department's plans to provide passing bays on the Carrowclare Road, Myroe.

(AQW 6784/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that Carrowclare Road is a rural road, with a very light volume of traffic, where there is some evidence of verge overriding. There are no plans to provide passing bays.

Townland Names on Road Signs

Mr McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to reinstate townland names on road signs.

(AQW 6795/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that, for the purposes of traffic signing, townlands are not considered to be destinations in their own right. Therefore, Roads Service has no plans to include them on traffic signs.

I recognise the cultural, historic and linguistic importance of townland names and given their local significance, it may be more appropriate for townland names to be included on signs that are provided by local councils. A number of local councils, including Derry City Council, are already adopting this approach.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, for each of the last 5 years, the number of staff in his 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 6825/08)

Mr C Murphy: The information requested is shown in the attached tables.

STAFF ABSENCES DUE TO STRESS: DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2003/04
Grade (and analogous)	Number of days exceeded
	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40
Grade 5 and above								1
Grade 6					1
Grade 7
Deputy Principal	2			1		1		3
Staff Officer	3		2		1	1	1	11
Executive Officer 1	3		2	1	2		1	8
Executive Officer 2	3			1	1		1	2
Admin. Officer	9	5	6	1		4	1	12
Admin. Assistant	2	1	3		2	1		6
Industrial	5	5	2	1	4	3	1	9
TOTAL	27	11	15	5	11	10	5	52

2004/05
Grade (and analogous)	Number of days exceeded
	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40
Grade 5 and above
Grade 6
Grade 7
Deputy Principal	2							3
Staff Officer	1	1			2			7
Executive Officer 1			1		3	1	2	1
Executive Officer 2	2							3
Admin. Officer	6	1	2		2			9
Admin. Assistant		1			2	1		9
Industrial	4	2			1		2	9
TOTAL	15	5	3		10	2	4	41

2005/06
Grade (and analogous)	Number of days exceeded
	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40
Grade 5 and above		1
Grade 6
Grade 7
Deputy Principal	1				1			1
Staff Officer	2		2			1	1	6
Executive Officer 1	2	1	2	1	1		1	8
Executive Officer 2	1							1
Admin. Officer	6	2	1		1			4
Admin. Assistant	3	2	1		1	1		4
Industrial	3		2		2		1	11
TOTAL	18	6	8	1	6	2	3	35

2006/07
Grade (and analogous)	Number of days exceeded
	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40
Grade 5 and above
Grade 6
Grade 7								1
Deputy Principal	1	1						4
Staff Officer	1	2				1		4
Executive Officer 1	3	0	3	2	3	1	2	6
Executive Officer 2	2	2	1	1			1	4
Admin. Officer	3	2			3	1	1	7
Admin. Assistant	3	3		1	1	2		6
Industrial	7	1	1	1	1	1	2	7
TOTAL	20	11	5	5	8	6	6	39

2007/08*
Grade (and analogous)	Number of days exceeded
	5	10	15	20	25	30	35	40
Grade 5 and above
Grade 6
Grade 7
Deputy Principal								1
Staff Officer	3	1				2		3
Executive Officer 1	2		3		1			6
Executive Officer 2	1	1	1					2
Admin. Officer	1		1		1			7
Admin. Assistant	5		2		1			6
Industrial	1	3		2	1	1	1	5
TOTAL	13	5	7	2	4	3	1	30

* Excludes staff in Northern Ireland Water.

Ballycastle to Rathlin Ferry Service

Mr Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the tendering process undertaken prior to the awarding of the contract for the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry service; (ii) the number of firms that applied for the contract; and (iii) the grounds on which the successful firm was chosen.

(AQW 6852/08)

Mr C Murphy: A tender competition (S1417305) for the Ballycastle to Rathlin Ferry service was advertised on 14 May 2007 but discontinued by the evaluation panel on 28 November 2007 on the grounds of affordability and non-compliance with the specification.

The competition was re-tendered as an open competition under Part B Services of the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, and Amended Regulations 2007. This competition was advertised on the Central Procurement Directorate’s website on 7 January 2008.

Three companies submitted tenders by the closing date of Thursday, 28 February 2008.

Upon evaluation, two companies were assessed as having made compliant bids. The successful firm was chosen on the basis that it had achieved the higher score against an evaluation scoring frame. The elements evaluated were:

• service levels for passengers, cars, freight, livestock and hazardous goods;
• vessels, including relief, emergency services, disabled access, ship boarding practices, port assets, compliance with regulations;
• timetables, performance regime and ticketing;
• unscheduled events, integrated transport, consultation, marketing and website; and
• subsidy required.

Water and Roads Service

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development what work is scheduled by (i) the Roads Service; and (ii) Northern Ireland Water, in 2008 in (a) Ballycastle; (b) Ballymena; and (c) Ballymoney; and what are the proposed start and completion dates for each of these.

(AQW 6856/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW 6856/08, schemes scheduled by my Department’s Roads Service in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney in 2008 are listed in the table below. A formal programme has yet to be agreed with contractors, however an indication of the likely timescale is provided.

Scheme	Details	Proposed Start/ Completion
(a) Ballycastle	None.	N/A
(b) Ballymena
Linenhall Street/Bridge Street	Traffic Management – Improvements to lane destinations and pedestrian routes.	Autumn 2008
Town Centre	Car parking – continued upgrade of multi-storey car park.	May/June 2008
Ballee Park and Share Car Park	Park and Share car park – extension.	Autumn 2008
Circular Road	Resurfacing of carriageway.	Summer 2008
(c) Ballymoney
The Meadows	Drainage Improvements.	March 2009
Portrush Road	Pedestrian Measures – pedestrian refuge.	Autumn 2008
Queen Street near Rodeing Foot	Pedestrian Measures – Pelican Crossing.	Autumn 2008
Knock Road to Semicock Road	Cycle Measures – completion of route along by-pass.	Scheme Complete

In addition, structural maintenance works to carriageways and footways resurfacing or surface treatment will be carried out, at various locations in all three towns, from May to September 2008.

I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water of projects scheduled in the 2008 in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney. These are listed in the table below:-

Scheme	Details	Proposed Start/ Completion
(a) Ballycastle
Portballintrae	Watermains improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballycastle	Sewerage Improvements.	March-November 2008
Parkmore	Service Reservoir Improvements.	December 2007-February 2008
Priestland Road, Bushmills	Sewer Extension.	May-July 2008
Rathlin Island	Water Supply Improvements.	December 2007-February 2008
Bushmills and Portballintrae	Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade.	December 2008-June 2010
(b) Ballymena
Oaklands	Rationalisation between Quoile Dam and Dungonnell Water Treatment Works.	November 2008-August 2009
Casheltown	Watermain Improvements.	April 2008-January 2009
(c) Ballymoney
Altnahinch	Watermain Improvements.	May 2007-January 2008
Rasharkin	Watermain Improvements.	January-August 2008
Loughguile	Watermain Improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballynahone	Watermain Improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballymoney	Sewerage Improvements.	July 2004-August 2008
Rasharkin	Flood Alleviation and Sewer Extension.	March-November 2008
Finvoy Road, Ballymoney	Sewerage Scheme.	October 2007-March 2008
Frosses Road, Ballymoney	Foul Sewer Extension.	February-March 2008
Castlecatt Road, Dervock	New Storm Sewer.	June-September 2008
Station Road, Dervock	First time Services.	September-October 2008
Craigs Road, Rasharkin	Foul Sewer extension.	June-October 2008

With regard to AQW 6857/08, traffic calming measures carried out by my Department’s Roads Service in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney over the last three years are listed in the table below:-

Scheme	Details	Period over which work completed.
(i) Ballycastle	None.	N/A
(ii) Ballymena
Chichester Park area	Area wide scheme.	2005/2006
Warden Street/Suffolk Street/ Fisherwick	Area wide scheme.	2005/2006
Doury Road Estate/Glendun Park/Sandown Park/ Kensington Park	Completion of scheme commenced in previous year.
Mill Street/Wellington Street	Part of town centre upgrade.	2006/2007
Ballykeel 1/Ballykeel 2 and Crebilly Road	Area wide scheme.	2007/20008
Wellington Street	Continuation of previous works.	2007/2008
(iii) Ballymoney
Eastermeade/North Road	Traffic Calming.	Summer 2008
Castlehill Drive/Castlehill Avenue and Cloneen Drive	Traffic Calming.	2007/2008

In addition, Roads Service proposes to carry out a traffic calming scheme on Broughshane Street, Ballymena, early in 2009, to continue the general upgrade of the town centre.

Traffic Calming Measures

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development what traffic calming measures have been put in place in (i) Ballycastle; (ii) Ballymena; and (iii) Ballymoney, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6857/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW 6856/08, schemes scheduled by my Department’s Roads Service in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney in 2008 are listed in the table below. A formal programme has yet to be agreed with contractors, however an indication of the likely timescale is provided.

Scheme	Details	Proposed Start/ Completion
(a) Ballycastle	None.	N/A
(b) Ballymena
Linenhall Street/Bridge Street	Traffic Management – Improvements to lane destinations and pedestrian routes.	Autumn 2008
Town Centre	Car parking – continued upgrade of multi-storey car park.	May/June 2008
Ballee Park and Share Car Park	Park and Share car park – extension.	Autumn 2008
Circular Road	Resurfacing of carriageway.	Summer 2008
(c) Ballymoney
The Meadows	Drainage Improvements.	March 2009
Portrush Road	Pedestrian Measures – pedestrian refuge.	Autumn 2008
Queen Street near Rodeing Foot	Pedestrian Measures – Pelican Crossing.	Autumn 2008
Knock Road to Semicock Road	Cycle Measures – completion of route along by-pass.	Scheme Complete

In addition, structural maintenance works to carriageways and footways resurfacing or surface treatment will be carried out, at various locations in all three towns, from May to September 2008.

I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water of projects scheduled in the 2008 in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney. These are listed in the table below:-

Scheme	Details	Proposed Start/ Completion
(a) Ballycastle
Portballintrae	Watermains improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballycastle	Sewerage Improvements.	March-November 2008
Parkmore	Service Reservoir Improvements.	December 2007-February 2008
Priestland Road, Bushmills	Sewer Extension.	May-July 2008
Rathlin Island	Water Supply Improvements.	December 2007-February 2008
Bushmills and Portballintrae	Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade.	December 2008-June 2010
(b) Ballymena
Oaklands	Rationalisation between Quoile Dam and Dungonnell Water Treatment Works.	November 2008-August 2009
Casheltown	Watermain Improvements.	April 2008-January 2009
(c) Ballymoney
Altnahinch	Watermain Improvements.	May 2007-January 2008
Rasharkin	Watermain Improvements.	January-August 2008
Loughguile	Watermain Improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballynahone	Watermain Improvements.	January-October 2008
Ballymoney	Sewerage Improvements.	July 2004-August 2008
Rasharkin	Flood Alleviation and Sewer Extension.	March-November 2008
Finvoy Road, Ballymoney	Sewerage Scheme.	October 2007-March 2008
Frosses Road, Ballymoney	Foul Sewer Extension.	February-March 2008
Castlecatt Road, Dervock	New Storm Sewer.	June-September 2008
Station Road, Dervock	First time Services.	September-October 2008
Craigs Road, Rasharkin	Foul Sewer extension.	June-October 2008

With regard to AQW 6857/08, traffic calming measures carried out by my Department’s Roads Service in Ballycastle, Ballymena and Ballymoney over the last three years are listed in the table below:-

Scheme	Details	Period over which work completed.
(i) Ballycastle	None.	N/A
(ii) Ballymena
Chichester Park area	Area wide scheme.	2005/2006
Warden Street/Suffolk Street/ Fisherwick	Area wide scheme.	2005/2006
Doury Road Estate/Glendun Park/Sandown Park/ Kensington Park	Completion of scheme commenced in previous year.
Mill Street/Wellington Street	Part of town centre upgrade.	2006/2007
Ballykeel 1/Ballykeel 2 and Crebilly Road	Area wide scheme.	2007/20008
Wellington Street	Continuation of previous works.	2007/2008
(iii) Ballymoney
Eastermeade/North Road	Traffic Calming.	Summer 2008
Castlehill Drive/Castlehill Avenue and Cloneen Drive	Traffic Calming.	2007/2008

In addition, Roads Service proposes to carry out a traffic calming scheme on Broughshane Street, Ballymena, early in 2009, to continue the general upgrade of the town centre.

Ulsterbus

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many passengers have used Ulsterbus services in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 6872/08)

Mr C Murphy: The information is not available in the format requested. Translink records the number of trips undertaken rather than the number of passengers. The number of passenger trips provided by Ulsterbus for the last five years is as follows:-

2003/2004 - 45,900,512

2004/2005 - 45,192,417

2005/2006 - 43,408.115

2006/2007 - 43,381,759

2007/2008 - 43,880,054

The introduction of Metro in February 2005 affected Ulsterbus numbers as it extended the old Citybus routes to include some areas previously covered by Ulsterbus routes.

Water Meters

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development how many abandoned or disused water meters there are in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 6875/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that all water meters installed on customer supplies are used either for billing purposes or for monitoring purposes to assess demand in a particular area. NIW is not aware of any abandoned or disused water meters in the North Down area.

Signage for Drivers in Fountain Hill, Derry/Londonderry

Mr Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to increase signage to inform drivers that Fountain Hill, Derry/Londonderry is not suitable for heavy goods vehicles.

(AQW 6882/08)

Mr C Murphy: Following a number of recent incidents, my Department’s Roads Service plans to review the existing signage at Fountain Hill, to establish if it can be made more prominent for drivers of large vehicles.

Contracts for Consultancy Services

Mr Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide, for each of the last 4 years, (i) how many contracts for consultancy services his Department has awarded, which did not have to go out to public tender; (ii) a brief description and value of each contract; and (iii) to whom these contracts have been awarded.

(AQW 6906/08)

Mr C Murphy: The number of contracts for external consultancy services awarded by my Department in each of the last 4 years, excluding its Agencies and sponsored bodies, which did not go out to public tender, is set out in the table below:

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Financial Year	Number of consultancy contracts awarded, which did not go out to public tender
2004/05	6
2005/06	7
2006/07	5
2007/08	Nil

DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Financial Year	Contract Description	Contract Value £	Consultant
2004-05	Modern Collaborative Office Environment	10,000	Microsoft
	Advice on airport issues	20,000	Avia Solutions
	Technical Advice on City of Derry Airport	15,000	Babtie Group Ltd
	Legal Advice on City of Derry Airport and Rathlin Ferry issues	45,000	McGrigor Donald
	Advice on air route development	10,000	Prof. Brian Graham
	Review of Legislative Timetable/expertise on Water Industry Act	30,000	John Comber
2005-06	Bangor Relay	5,455	CAL
	Bangor Relay	210	J Barnett
	Legal Advice on City of Derry Airport – state Aid application	999	McGrigor Donald
	EU Project assessment	766	Professor Julian Hine
	Accessibility Analysis	5,775	TAS Partnership Ltd
	Provision of advice on regulation of Water industry	5,698	OFWAT
	Programme Management WRSG strategy	11,264	E-Change Training
2006-07	.Net Developers	33,510	Microsoft
	Review of timing of software issues for smartpass	913	MVA Consultancy
	Quality assurance on review of DRD’s noise monitoring scheme at Belfast City Airport	5,000	Prof. Callum Thomas
	Update of Retail Study	19,000	Roger Tyms & Partners
	Communications Brand Audit	10,000	Promise

A brief description of the contracts, their value and to whom they were awarded is set out below:

Road Safety Measures in Millisle

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline what road safety measures are planned for the Millisle area over the next 3 years.

(AQW 6946/08)

Mr C Murphy: An official from my Department’s Roads Service presents and discusses an annual programme of proposed works with each council at bi-annual meetings. Proposed road safety measures are generally prepared on a one year programme, while traffic calming schemes have a two year programme.

The following schemes are listed as part of the Ards Borough Council 2008/09 programme for Millisle and Donaghadee:

Location	Road Safety Feature
Abbey Road and Moss Road, Millisle.	Traffic Calming.
Abbey Road, Millisle.	Footway link to Abbey Villa football ground.
Moss Road, Millisle.	Bus stop hard standing.
High Street, Donaghadee.	Pedestrian crossing.

Roads Service will also consider requests from members of the public and elected representatives for other road safety features, raised throughout the year. Pending the outcome of the assessment of such requests, their relative priority and the available resources, schemes may be added to the programme as the year progresses, or programmed for future years.

There are currently no further road safety measures proposed in Millisle or Donaghadee areas for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 years.

Road Safety Measures in Donaghadee

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline what road safety measures are planned for the Donaghadee area over the next 3 years.

(AQW 6951/08)

Mr C Murphy: An official from my Department’s Roads Service presents and discusses an annual programme of proposed works with each council at bi-annual meetings. Proposed road safety measures are generally prepared on a one year programme, while traffic calming schemes have a two year programme.

The following schemes are listed as part of the Ards Borough Council 2008/09 programme for Millisle and Donaghadee:

Location	Road Safety Feature
Abbey Road and Moss Road, Millisle.	Traffic Calming.
Abbey Road, Millisle.	Footway link to Abbey Villa football ground.
Moss Road, Millisle.	Bus stop hard standing.
High Street, Donaghadee.	Pedestrian crossing.

Roads Service will also consider requests from members of the public and elected representatives for other road safety features, raised throughout the year. Pending the outcome of the assessment of such requests, their relative priority and the available resources, schemes may be added to the programme as the year progresses, or programmed for future years.

There are currently no further road safety measures proposed in Millisle or Donaghadee areas for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 years.

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development how many working days were lost by his Department due to stress-related illnesses in each of the last 24 months.

(AQW 6984/08)

Mr C Murphy: The information requested is set out in the following table. Given that there are numerous conditions which may or may not be stress-related, details are restricted to those absences which have been specifically declared and recorded as being due to stress.

Number of working days lost due to stress*
April 2006	184	April 2007	145
May 2006	196	May 2007	71
June 2006	183	June 2007	112
July 2006	301	July 2007	153
August 2006	304	August 2007	124
September 2006	260	September 2007	125
October 2006	321	October 2007	205
November 2006	286	November 2007	195
December 2006	234	December 2007	209
January 2007	290	January 2008	157
February 2007	255	February 2008	101
March 2007	272	March 2008	105

*Figures from April 2007 onwards exclude staff in Northern Ireland Water.

A2 Road Widening Schemes

Mr Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update in relation to the A2 road widening scheme, between Seapark, Carrickfergus, and Newtownabbey.

(AQW 7048/08)

Mr C Murphy: As I advised in answer to your recent Oral Question (AQO 2180/08) on this issue, my Department’s Roads Service held a public inquiry in October 2007 into their proposals for a major works scheme on the A2 at Shore Road, Greenisland. The Inspectors have produced their report on the inquiry and forwarded this to Roads Service on 22 January 2008. Roads Service is currently considering its contents and recommendations, before a Departmental Statement is provided on the scheme. This is likely to take several months to complete. As there are a number of internal consultation processes to be carried out prior to publication, including ratification by the Regional Development Committee, a realistic time frame for this publication would be in the autumn of this year.

Subject to a satisfactory outcome to the public inquiry process, the scheme would then progress through further development stages. These would include completion of the statutory process by making the statutory orders, completion of detailed design, and economic appraisal. Following satisfactory completion of these and, subject to the availability of finance, the scheme would then advance to procurement. My Department’s Investment Delivery Plan for Roads (published in April 2008), indicates that the anticipated date of advertisement to market for the scheme would be 2010/11, with estimated completion /delivery in 2012/13.

Blue Badges for the Disabled

Mr Simpson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 6360/08, how many people possess disabled 'blue badges' in each council area.

(AQW 7053/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not maintain information on Blue Badges by district council area. However, I can advise that as at the 15 May 2008, the total number of valid Blue Badges was 91,700.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Disabled Access in Victoria Square

Dr Farry asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the access facilities available around Victoria Square for persons with disabilities; and to outline problems encountered since it was opened.

(AQW 5853/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): Information in relation to access facilities rests with the new owner of Victoria Square, Commerz Grundbesitz Investmentgesellschaft (CGI). I have asked the Victoria Square Centre Management Team for a reply to this question and have placed its answer in the library.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mr Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the funding allocated to the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association for 2008-2009; (ii) the number of applications made for co-ownership funding to date; and (iii) the total value of those applications.

(AQW 6651/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association (NICHA) started this year with a grant of £15 million. NICHA will use the £15 million grant along with external finance to achieve the Programme for Government target of assisting 500 applicants this year.

The table below shows the NICHA applications up to week ending 23 May 2008

	Number	Value £m	DSD Housing Association Grant £m
Completed / Contractually Committed	281	22.4	15.0

There are 258 applications still to be considered.

Housing Executive

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people with disabilities who are Housing Executive tenants and currently waiting to have special adaptations to their homes.

(AQW 6811/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At 12 May 2008, 653 major adaptations were in the system awaiting completion. Of these 539 referrals had been made to the Occupational Therapist Service. At the same date the total number of minor adaptation cases issued to contractors and awaiting completion was 941, and there were 357 cases waiting to be processed.

Housing Waiting List

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of people on the housing waiting list for North Belfast in total, and broken down by the type of accommodation requested (e.g family home, bungalow); and (ii) how she will meet these needs.

(AQW 6812/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At September 2007, a total of 2,457 applicants were on the waiting list for North Belfast. The type of accommodation required is broken down by the household grouping as shown below:

Elderly 327

Large Adult 30

Large Family 112

Singles 1,196

Small Adult 125

Small Family 667

Housing need will be met through social housing re-lets and new homes provided through the Social Housing Development Programme.

Departmental Land

Ms Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) by geographical area, vacant land owned by the Department in Belfast; and (ii) how she intends to develop this land to address the housing crisis in Belfast.

(AQW 6813/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have arranged to place a copy of a schedule of the Department’s land in the Assembly Library. The vacant land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in Belfast and the plans to use it to address housing need in Belfast are set out in the following table:

	Location	Site Area (HA)	Transfer to Housing Assoc	Transfer to Surplus Land Schedule	Retain for future development	Comments
West Belfast	Hannahstown Hill Site 2	4.02	√			Site to be transferred to Fold HA 2008/09
West Belfast	Hannahstown Hill Site 1	3.23			√	Use subject to BMAP Enquiry
West Belfast	Distillery St/Blackwater	0.42	√			Site to be transferred to to Habinteg HA 2008/09
East Belfast	Knocknagoney	5.76			√	Planning & feasibility study
West Belfast	249 Springfield Rd	0.01		√
West Belfast	131 Springfield Rd	0.07			√	Zoned for housing
West Belfast	2E Lower Clonard St	0.01			√	Garage - Proposed transfer site.
South Belfast	Hatfield Street	0.03	√			Site to be transferred to Clanmil HA 2008/09
South Belfast	Bankmore St Carparks	0.44		√		Reserved for Road Service.
South Belfast	Cromac Street	0.31		√		Reserved for Roads Service
South Belfast	Posnett Street	0.80			√	Mixed use commercial development / social housing site
South Belfast	Pakenham Street	0.08		√		PSNI notice preventing sale
South Belfast	Charter Youth Club	0.04	√			Site to be transferred to Ulidia HA 2008/09
South Belfast	Hope Street	2.00		√
South Belfast	Stewart St Boiler House	0.13	√			Site to be transferred to Clanmil HA 2008/09
South Belfast	Roden Street Phase 2	0.56	√			Site to be transferred to Fold HA 2008/09
North Belfast	St Patricks School	0.51	√			Site to be transferred to Habinteg 2008/09
North Belfast	Antrim Road: Coulters 2	0.13	√			For transfer 2009/10
North Belfast	Stanhope St/Regent St	0.18			√	Possible future HA transfer site
North Belfast	Gainsborough Infill	0.05	√			Site for transfer 2009/10
North Belfast	Mount Vernon Walk	0.39			√	Pending transfer to Council
Shankill	Malvern Close	0.46			√	Pending Lower Shankill Strategy
Shankill	Forthriver Way/Road	0.13			√	Pending Lower Shankill Strategy
North Belfast	Alliance Avenue	0.09	√			Site for transfer 2010/2011
North Belfast	Cliftonpark Ave A & B	1.95			√	To be included in Girdwood Plans
North Befast	Cliftonpark Ave/Crumlin	0.50		√		Sale held pending issue of DSD Masterplan for Girdwood
North Belfast	76-78 Ligoniel Road	0.30		√		Held pending completion of adjoining developments

Fuel Prices

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the strategy being put in place to ensure the long term ability of people to heat their homes, given the recent and likely future rises in fuel prices.

(AQW 6815/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Executive has policies in place to deal with energy efficiency and to tackle fuel poverty over the longer term. To deal with the short-term issue of rises in fuel prices, I have focused work across Government and the wider energy sector into a Taskforce on fuel poverty. The Taskforce will report back to me later this summer and it is my intention to secure Executive support for a package of measures to help those people in greatest need during the winter.

Fuel Prices

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the impact of recent fuel prices on fuel poverty, the increase in the numbers of people in fuel poverty over the last year, and an estimate of the costs of meeting fuel poverty targets given projected fuel cost increases over the coming year.

(AQW 6816/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The ever increasing cost of fuel, which is almost entirely outside of Government control, has severely impacted my Department’s progress towards meeting the targets set out in the ‘Ending Fuel Poverty’ strategy. The 2006 House Condition Survey will confirm that 34% of people are now in fuel poverty. To help alleviate this problem I have increased my Department’s spending on fuel poverty to £35.4 million this year and I will bid for additional resources where opportunities arise.

Departmental Land

Mr Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the North Down parliamentary constituency; and (ii) her plans for this land.

(AQW 6817/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information for North Down parliamentary constituency is not readily available. However, the following table sets out the position on land in the greater Bangor and parts of Newtownards areas:

District	Location	Area (HA)	To be Transferred to Housing Association	Placed on the Surplus Land Schedule	To be Retained for future use	Comments
Bangor	Old Belfast Road	0.23		√
Bangor	South Circular Road	1.20	√			Transfer to Clanmil 2009/10
Bangor	Rathgill, Bangor	9.34			√	Pending planning feasibility study.
Bangor	Churchill Park, Bangor	0.45		√
Bangor	Loughview Avenue	0.28			√	Pending planning feasibility study.
Bangor	Church Green, Holywood	0.03		√
Bangor	Ava Street	0.11			√	Proposed short term lease to Community Association.
Bangor	Drumhirk Drive	0.15			√
Bangor	Rathgill Zone Phase 1	0.85	√			Transfer to BIH 2009/10
Bangor	Strand Avenue, Holywood	0.10	√			Transfer to Trinity HA 2009/10
Bangor	Green Rd / Breezemount	0.38		√		Surplus per Breezemount Strategy
Bangor	230 Ballycrochan Road	0.15		√
N'ards	Holly Pk Rd, Killinchy	0.64		√		Within green belt & PPS14 applies
N'ards	Main Street, Greyabbey	0.06		√
N'ards	Cypress Pk 1 & 2, D'Dee	0.34		√
N'ards	Parsonage / Rectory, Kircubbin	2.96			√	Pending planning feasibility study.
N'ards	Cuan Avenue, Portaferry	0.27		√
N'ards	Moat Road, Ballyhalbert	0.34			√	Dropped from 5 year SHDP
N'ards	Main Street, Carrowdore	0.43			√	Possible rural pilot
N'ards	Steel Dickson Gdns, P'ferry	0.44			√	Feasibility study to be carried out.
N'ards	Greenwood Avenue	0.20			√	Pending planning feasibility study.
N'ards	Beechfield Drive	0.40			√	Possible concept plan required
N'ards	North Street, Greyabbey	0.15		√
N'ards	Lawson Park, P'vogie	0.19			√	Pending planning feasibility study.
N'ards	Fir Drive /Glenbrook	0.09	√			NIHE marker site for transfer 09/10
N'ards	Loughries, Ballywattico	0.23		√
N'ards	Armstrong Avenue 1 & 2	0.12			√	P&F feasibility needed per Area Pl
N'ards	Kathleen Drive	0.07		√
N'ards	Belheim Drive Site A	1.90			√	Pending planning feasibility Study.
N'ards	Glenbrook Rd Site 1	0.17		√		CXBC approval to sell 10.07.07
N'ards	Glenbrook Rd Site 2	0.30			√	Proposed future transfer site
N'ards	Ashfield Drive, D'dee	0.02		√
N'ards	Manse Road, Carrowdore	0.40		√
N'ards	51 Old Newtownards Rd	0.39			√	Pending economic appraisal

Stress-Related Illness

Dr McDonnell asked the Minister for Social Development 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 6826/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I have placed in the library the information requested, contained in tables for each of the 5 years from 2003/2004 to 2007/08. This information has been provided using data from the NICS Human Resource Management System (HRMS).

Community Support Programme

Mr Storey asked the Minister for Social Development why there has been a delay in processing letters of offer to district councils in relation to Citizens Advice Bureaux.

(AQW 6859/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Community Support Programme operates across NI and is a joint programme between DSD and Local Councils. DSD contribution to the programme for 2008/2009 is £5m.

The letters of offer for the Community Support Programme for the period 2008/2009 could not be issued until the budget position for this programme and others within the Voluntary and Community Unit had been considered in light of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The letters of offer were issued to all Local Councils on 13 May 2008. This is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Councils and DSD for this programme which sets a deadline of the end of June each year to notify the Councils of the Department’s allocation to the programme.

Alley Gating

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what process is required for 'Alley Gating' to be undertaken.

(AQW 6929/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not have responsibility for Alley Gating. In partnership with others, we have however been involved in helping local people explore the potential of such schemes and, on occasion, we have provided support to implement them.

Some Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans have included the erection of alley gates as a priority issue. Where this is the case, my officials will work with the relevant statutory bodies and other interests to consider how the issue might be handled.

Finally, my Department has not received an application for funding Alley Gating in the Coolessan Estate in Limavady.

Alley Gating

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development if she is considering a fast track process for 'Alley Gating' applications.

(AQW 6932/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not have responsibility for Alley Gating. In partnership with others, we have however been involved in helping local people explore the potential of such schemes and, on occasion, we have provided support to implement them.

Some Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans have included the erection of alley gates as a priority issue. Where this is the case, my officials will work with the relevant statutory bodies and other interests to consider how the issue might be handled.

Finally, my Department has not received an application for funding Alley Gating in the Coolessan Estate in Limavady.

Alley Gating

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development how long it will take until the 'Alley Gating' request for the Coolessan Estate, Limavady, will be completed.

(AQW 6936/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not have responsibility for Alley Gating. In partnership with others, we have however been involved in helping local people explore the potential of such schemes and, on occasion, we have provided support to implement them.

Some Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans have included the erection of alley gates as a priority issue. Where this is the case, my officials will work with the relevant statutory bodies and other interests to consider how the issue might be handled.

Finally, my Department has not received an application for funding Alley Gating in the Coolessan Estate in Limavady.

Hospital Lane Improvement Scheme in Limavady

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development when she expects work will commence on Hospital Lane Improvement Scheme in Limavady, and when this work will be completed.

(AQW 6937/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is currently planning to start work in the early part of the 2009-2010 financial year. The scheme will be undertaken in 3 consecutive phases with each lasting approximately 18 months.

Beechfield Estate in Donaghadee

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the reasons why she has yet to visit the Beechfield Estate, Donaghadee.

(AQW 6948/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Pressure on my diary is the only reason why I have not yet visited Beechfield but I willl honour my promise to visit the estate at the earliest opportunity.

Housing Executive Tenants

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how may Housing Executive tenants have had their open fires removed and replaced by oil-fired central heating in each of the last three years.

(AQW 6961/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This information is not readily available in the format requested. The number of Housing Executive tenants who have had their open fires replaced by oil fired, or natural gas central heating, for each of the last three years is as follows:

• 2005/06 - 797 tenants
• 2006/07 - 622 tenants
• 2007/08 - 962 tenants

These figures reflect replacements undertaken in the Heating Replacement Programme and do not include changes due to multi-element improvement schemes or adaptations for disabled persons.

Hostel Accommodation in Newtownards

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to AQW 4867/08, what steps she is taking to provide extra hostel placements in the Ards area.

(AQW 6962/08)

Ms M Ritchie: There are no plans for additional hostel accommodation in the Newtownards area. However, it is planned to provide a further three private sector properties for temporary accommodation.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development how many applications for the Co-ownership Scheme are currently being considered by the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association.

(AQW 6980/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At week ending 16 May 2008 the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association had 258 applications for consideration.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6343/08, to confirm the date on which she was informed of the funding crisis within the Northern Ireland Co-Ownership Association Ltd.

(AQW 6987/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Following a meeting between senior officers of the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association (NICHA) and senior officials of the Department for Social Development I was advised on 11 March 2008 that NICHA had substantially committed its 2008/09 budget and was considering closing the scheme to new applications.

Local Community Fund

Mr Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 302/08, what progress has been made in relation to the review of the Local Community Fund.

(AQW 6988/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Local Community Fund was evaluated during the 2007/08 financial year and, as a result of the review findings, has been extended to 2008/09. Funding contracts, with a total value of £2m, have been issued to sixteen Intermediary Funding Bodies.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm (i) that all applications for the Co-ownership Scheme which were received by the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association before 18 March 2008 will be processed by 1 June 2008; and (ii) that funding will be provided for applicants by that date.

(AQW 6989/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Responsibility for the administration of the co-ownership scheme rests with the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association. At this time the Association is unable to give a timeframe for processing of applications.

The Association started this financial year with £15 million grant funding from the Department and is in the process of securing private finance. The Association is unable to say at this stage when private funding will become available.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the rent increases introduced by the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association over the last 3 years; and (ii) the date that each was implemented.

(AQW 6990/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The percentage increase for 2008/2009 applied to rents by the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association (NICHA) was 3.95%. This was implemented at 1 May 2008. No increase was applied to the rents in financial year 2006/2007 and 2007/2008.

Replacement Grants

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how many replacement grants have been allocated per parliamentary constituency in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007.

(AQW 7009/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This information requested is not readily available in the format requested. However, the following table details the numbers of Replacement Grants approved, in each of the last 3 financial years, in each of the 26 District Councils.

	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	Total
Antrim	0	1	1	2
Ards	1	2	0	3
Armagh	7	5	9	21
Ballymena	2	1	1	4
Ballymoney	2	0	2	4
Banbridge	7	5	9	21
Belfast	0	1	0	1
Carrickfergus	2	0	0	2
Castlereagh	0	0	0	0
Coleraine	2	2	0	4
Cookstown	9	5	3	17
Craigavon	5	6	3	14
Derry	1	7	1	9
Down	6	12	5	23
Dungannon	14	8	9	31
Fermanagh	61	40	39	140
Larne	1	2	2	5
Limavady	4	4	3	11
Lisburn	4	2	2	8
Magherafelt	6	8	6	20
Moyle	2	1	0	3
Newry and Mourne	13	11	12	36
Newtownabbey	0	0	0	0
North Down	0	0	0	0
Omagh	17	8	5	30
Strabane	4	5	4	13
Total	170	136	116	422

Housing Executive's Maintenance Budget

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Housing Executive Maintenance Budget for the Housing Executive in Ards Borough for each of the years 2006 and 2007; and how much has been allocated for 2008.

(AQW 7010/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table details the Housing Executive’s Maintenance Budget for the period requested.

Maintenance Work	Actual Spend		Projected Spend 2008/09 £m
	2006/07 £m	2007/08 £m
Capital Improvement Work	5.692	2.638	3.013
Planned Maintenance Work	1.720	0.631	0.810
Response Maintenance	1.793	1.909	1.724
Total	9.205	5.178	5.547

Housing Executive's Maintenance Budget

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Housing Executive Maintenance Budget for Castlereagh Borough for each of the years 2006 and 2007; and how much has been allocated for 2008.

(AQW 7011/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table details the Housing Executive’s Maintenance Budget for the period requested.

Maintenance Work	Actual Spend		Projected Spend 2008/09 £m
	2006/07 £m	2007/08 £m
Capital Improvement Work	4.525	5.206	3.582
Planned Maintenance Work	0.719	1.245	1.351
Response Maintenance	1.755	1.875	1.949
Total	6.999	8.326	6.882

Housing Executive's Maintenance Budget

Mr Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Housing Executive Maintenance Budget for Down Council for each of the years 2006 and 2007; and how much has been allocated for 2008.

(AQW 7012/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The following table details the Housing Executive’s Maintenance Budget for the period requested.

Maintenance Work	Actual Spend		Projected Spend 2008/09 £m
	2006/07 £m	2007/08 £m
Capital Improvement Work	0.226	0.286	0.246
Planned Maintenance Work	1.362	0.708	0.710
Response Maintenance	1.519	1.539	1.526
Total	3.107	2.533	2.482

Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development what financial help is available to people on (i) Income Support; (ii) Incapacity Benefit; and (iii) Disability Living Allowance, in relation to increasing fuel and food costs.

(AQW 7032/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Social security benefits, including Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance, are normally up-rated in April of each year by the Retail Prices Index. The Retail Price Index takes account of changes in the costs of a wide range of goods and services, including food and fuel. Income Support is up-rated in line with an index based on the Retail Prices Index less housing costs known as the Rossi index. This index reflects the cost of living increases for income-related benefit recipients since housing costs are separately provided for under those benefits.

Other sources of help include:

• The Warm Homes Scheme - a grant scheme which provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures, up to the value of £850. The Scheme is aimed at householders in the private sector who fall within the eligible groups. The eligible groups include householders of any age who have a child under 16 and are in receipt of Income Support and householders of any age who are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

• Cold Weather Payments provide financial assistance with extra heating costs during spells when the average temperature is, or is forecast to be 0 degrees centigrade over seven consecutive days. Those in receipt of Income Support with a child under the age of 5 are eligible to receive these payments.

• Winter Fuel Payments provide assistance for older people, who may be in receipt of Incapacity Benefit or Disability Living Allowance.

Winter Fuel Payments

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a breakdown of the people entitled to winter fuel payments.

(AQW 7033/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Any person over the age of 60 in the qualifying week (which is usually the third week in September) and who is resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland is entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 6444/08, to detail (i) the date on which she was informed that there were insufficient funds to complete all applications for Co-ownership that were registered before the announcement that the scheme was to be suspended; and (ii) the date on which she was informed that the Co-ownership scheme would have to be suspended.

(AQW 7036/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I was informed on 11 March 2008 that the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association did not have sufficient funds to complete all applications that had already been made. On this date I was also made aware that the Association had been informed by its advisers that it should process no further applications until its external funding position was clarified.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what bodies/individuals were consulted by the Co-ownership Housing Association, prior to the decision to suspend the scheme.

(AQW 7037/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association is an independent organisation and who it consults is primarily a matter for it. I suggest the member addresses this question directly to the Association.

Co-Ownership Housing Association

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm whether the £15 million investment in the Co-ownership Scheme, which she announced in March 2008, had already been allocated to existing business submitted to the Co-ownership Housing Association.

(AQW 7038/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Up to 12 May 2008 the Department has given the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association (NICHA) almost £8 million grant, for completed applications under the Co-ownership scheme. A further £7m grant, for contractually committed applications for the Co-ownership scheme, will be paid to NICHA as and when applications are completed.

Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the provision of new Regional Office accommodation for the Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane.

(AQW 7080/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency remains committed to the roll-out of a Jobs & Benefits service in Strabane to ensure that clients benefit from the same enhanced work focused service which is available elsewhere in the province. Whilst a planning application was submitted for a new office on the existing site at Urney Road, Strabane, this application was withdrawn in response to an indication that permission would be refused on the basis that insufficient parking was being provided.

A further factor influencing the Jobs & Benefits office accommodation requirement in Strabane is the Social Security Agency’s (SSA) Strategic Business Review (SBR) which is examining how best to deliver services to the public in the future. The outcome of this Review will determine whether the Strabane office will provide a Jobs and Benefits service only or if it will also include a (back-office) benefits processing centre. Final decisions as to the accommodation required in Strabane can not therefore be progressed until the outcome of SBR is known. However, to provide for all eventualities and to ensure that work can commence on site as soon as possible, planning applications are being prepared for consideration by Planning Service for development of a full office including a benefit processing centre and, for delivery of a smaller front line office on the existing site.

Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development if a private sector bid was chosen to provide Regional Office accommodation for the Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane.

(AQW 7081/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency took forward a procurement exercise to identify a replacement site for the new Strabane Jobs & Benefits office and tender documents were issued to prospective bidders. Tenders received were evaluated using a process which included both price and quality assessments. Based on the results of the tender evaluation a decision was taken not to proceed with the tender competition. The results of each tender evaluated are commercial in confidence, however, feedback on individual submissions was provided at the time to the relevant bidders. As a result, the Agency is now exploring options to redevelop the existing site at Urney Road, Strabane.

Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development (i) who made the decision to lodge a planning application for the demolition and rebuilding of the existing Social Security Office in Strabane; and (ii) when was this decision made.

(AQW 7082/08)

Ms M Ritchie: As no acceptable tenders were received in response to the procurement exercise, the Social Security Agency developed a Contingency Plan for the Strabane Jobs & Benefits office to ensure that clients could benefit from the same enhanced work focused service which is available elsewhere in the province. This Plan identified the redevelopment of the existing site as the only viable option and was approved by the Project’s Senior Responsible Owners in January 2007 and approved by the SSA/Department for Employment and Learning Modernisation Board at its meeting in February 2007. The Contingency Plan was communicated to both relevant (at that stage Direct Rule) Ministers in March 2007. A letter was also issued in March 2007 to local representatives outlining the proposed way forward.

Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development if the Department's original Business Case and costings for the Jobs and Benefits Office project in Strabane were sufficiently robust and achievable in light of a later open book tendered analysis from the private sector.

(AQW 7083/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Project team, in conjunction with the then Valuation and Lands Agency, prepared an Economic Appraisal considering the various options for delivery of a new Jobs & Benefits office in Strabane. These options were fully costed to reflect the position as to land and development costs for similar type office development in Strabane and took on board the experience of delivery of the previous 25 Jobs & Benefits offices. The analysis was considered robust providing a sound basis for moving forward with the procurement exercise. In terms of the analysis of tenders, the breakdown of the financial costs were well in excess of the pre-tender estimate. Based on this analysis the project’s consultants were unable to recommend that the tenders offered value for money.

Jobs and Benefits Office in Strabane

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development why the advertised Jobs and Benefits Office project in Strabane appears to have been aborted before any decision was taken and any of the tendering parties informed in writing as to the change to the process.

(AQW 7084/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The tender competition was aborted in February 2007 due to the failure to secure an acceptable tender and following the development of a contingency plan which had been agreed with the Project’s Senior Responsible Owners. Tenderers were advised in writing of this position on 20 February 2007.

Legislation to Protect Caravan Owners

Mr Easton asked the Minister for Social Development if she has discussed with Executive colleagues the idea of bringing forward legislation to protect caravan owners.

(AQW 7085/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I refer the Member to the answer I gave in respect of AQW 5513/08.

Redevelopment of the Strabane Jobs and Benefits Agency

Mr Doherty asked the Minister for Social Development if the proposed redevelopment of the existing Strabane Jobs and Benefits Agency complies exactly with the brief given to the private sector in terms of (i) the Disability Discrimination Act; (ii) timetables; (iii) schedules of accommodation; (iv) escape routes; (v) on-site parking; (vi) quality of building construction; and (vii) sustainability; and whether the private sector was asked to provide a facility of greater specification than a public sector comparative.

(AQW 7098/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I can confirm that the proposed redevelopment of the existing site will be to the same standard as the brief contained in the previously issued tender documents and that the private sector was not requested to provide a facility of greater specification.

With reference to the specific areas identified, the standard of the redevelopment will comply with the original specification in terms of the Disability Discrimination Act, which is a statutory requirement; escape routes; quality of building specification; and sustainability.

There will however be differences in terms of on-site parking as the provision of car parking spaces will reflect the stipulated requirements of the Planning Service, including adequate disabled spaces.  The number of spaces will be determined by the location of the site, taking account of public car parking facilities and public transport routes.

As to the schedule of accommodation this will be determined by the Social Security Agency’s (SSA) Strategic Business Review (SBR) which is examining how best to deliver services to the public in the future. The outcome of this Review will determine whether the Strabane office will provide a Jobs and Benefits service only or if it will also include a (back-office) benefits processing centre. This work also has an impact on the overall timescales for completion of the Strabane office as decisions as to the accommodation required in Strabane can not be progressed until the outcome of SBR is known. Once a decision has been taken on the way forward, it will be necessary to draw up a revised programme to take account of the procurement route, planning permission and any site specific issues associated with the proposed development.

ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Desks for Back-Bench MLAs

Mr Weir asked the Assembly Commission to detail the form the proposed desks in the Assembly for back bench MLAs will take.

(AQW 6733/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The proposal to install lecterns / desks for the back benches is primarily to facilitate improvements to the existing audio system and to the heating and ventilation systems. The existing hanging microphones will be removed and replaced by individual microphones and loudspeakers on the new desks.

As well as improving the audio quality for Members, particularly at the back benches, this will allow the existing heating and ventilation systems to be utilised at their maximum capacity, affording the facility to quickly lower / raise the temperature in the chamber if required.

The desks will be a slightly narrower version of the existing Members’ desks and will be designed to replicate the existing details. All of the desks, including the existing Members’ desks will have ducting installed to provide the necessary infrastructure for potential future improvements in technology such as laptops for Members or electronic voting.

In order to facilitate access for Members on the occasions when the chamber is nearing capacity, the proposal is to install a combination of single and double desks with access by Members to the seating area behind the desks.

In addition to the new desks and carpet, the Commission are taking the opportunity afforded by the refurbishment to make modifications to the Speaker’s table area, including the removal of the ballistic screen.

Access to the floor of the chamber will also be improved and an additional four wheelchair spaces will be provided for visitors to the Public Gallery along with a wheelchair hoist and a disabled toilet. The facilities for visitors will be further enhanced by an upgraded audio system and plasma screens in the galleries. The enclosed drawings show the proposed plan layout and a three dimensional visualisation of the chamber.

Symbols and Emblems on Display in the Stormont Assembly Estate

Mr McElduff asked the Assembly Commission to provide an inventory of symbols and emblems on display or in storage in the Stormont Assembly estate.

(AQW 6860/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): I have attached for your information a list of all artefacts that are either on display, stored on site or stored at offsite storage. The list also includes paintings, statues, symbols and emblems that are displayed in Parliament Buildings or in close proximity.

The Assembly Commission only has responsibility for the items that belong to the Northern Ireland Assembly; the additional information in relation to the Estate has been provided by Department of Finance and Personnel’s, Estate Management Unit.

There are several classical Greek motifs throughout Parliament Buildings which include; fluted Ionic columns in ‘ebonised mahogany’ at the window bays in both Chambers; classically detailed ceilings in both Chambers; robust classical inspired carvings in Portland stone on the exterior of the building; motifs in travertine in the Great hall; fibrous plaster cornicing; carved door frames and canopies. The displays show influences of the various contemporary styles of the late 19^th Century and early 20^th with anthemion abound, scrolls, Greek keys, beads and reels, eggs and darts and elk heads in a neoclassical style.

At the front of the building on allocated days flags are flown. The Northern Ireland Assembly has the following flags; one pair of Union flags; one pair of Union storm flags; one pair of European flags; one pair of Commonwealth flags and a single Old Glory. Internally there are two Commonwealth Parliamentary Association flags on the fireplace within the Commonwealth room.

There are several signposts within the Estate detailing walk ways etc and these along with the entrances into the Estate are owned and maintained by the Department of Finance and Personnel’s, Estate Management Unit.

Description	Location
"The Assembly in Session" by Noel Murphy February 2003	Room 41
"The House will divide" by Noel Murphy unveiled 10th February 2003	Senate
The Assembly crest	Room 41
Crystal vase Presented to NIA for the Energy Management Award in 2005	Currently in storage
Didgeridoo, presented to the Assembly from the Aboriginal Ambassador to Europe in November 2001	Currently on display in the library
State opening of N.I Parliament small version by William Conor	Room 41
State opening of NI. Parliament large version by William Conor	Senate
Reconciliation Monument by Josefina de Vasconcellos. These are also at Berlin, Coventry, and Hiroshima. The sculpture was unveiled in November 2000.	At Massey Avenue close to Parliament Buildings
Oil painting, said to show William III, the Duke of Schomberg and the Pope by Pieter van der Meulen	Speaker's Office
Stone statue of a woman engraved 'Thrift is the gleaner behind all human effort' by John Knox dated 1951	At Massey Avenue
Somme Memorial, large piece of granite with an engraved plaque	At Massey Avenue
Large Granite stone with an inscription in memory of Mo Mowlam	Entrance to children’s play park.
Portrait of Rt. Hon JM Andrews by F McKelvey	Artefacts store
Portrait of Rt. Hon, Sir Basil Brooke Bart Prime Minister for N.I 1943-63	On long term loan to Viscount Brookeborough
Portrait of Viscount Craigavon by N Becher	Artefacts store
Portrait of Sir Henry Wilson by HW Gates	Artefacts store
Portrait of Lord Armaghdale by Riviere	Artefacts store
Portrait of Frederick Temple by C Williams	Artefacts store
Portrait of HM the Queen by Lydia de Burgh	On loan to Hillsborough Castle
Oil painting, an Obelisk at the Boyne by J Tudor	Artefacts store
Print of Sydenham Belmont & surrounding area	Artefacts store
Print showing service for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee	Artefacts store
Photograph of Queen Victoria	Artefacts store
Print of Irish House of Commons	Room 40
Large framed display of Historic Parliamentary Occasions 1945	Artefacts store
Collection of framed photographs of former Speakers of the NI House of Commons	Artefacts store and Room 41
Framed sealed indenture of Stormont Estate	Artefacts store
Collection of miscellaneous photographs of Parliament Buildings and historic events therein	Artefacts store
Portrait of Mr Seamus Mallon MP by Rita Duffy unveiled 25 March 2003	Members’ dining room
Portrait of Lord Alderdice by Carol Graham unveiled on 11 March 2005	Members’ dining room
46 Rowel Friers drawings of Members of the Northern Ireland Parliament 1972	Members’ coffee lounge
Framed letter from HRH Duke of Edinburgh	Artefacts store
La Baie by Brigitte Coté	Room 41
Canadian Landscape Limited Edition print No 62/80
Speakers state robes x 2 (both were fire damaged 1 has been restored) and Speakers full bottomed wig in carry case	Artefacts store
Collection of clerks’ uniforms and wigs
Black rod’s uniform and sword
Ceremonial Tabard of Ulster King of Arms	On loan to Hillsborough castle
Coronation vase decorated with the Queen’s beasts	Room 3
Japanese officer’s sword and covering letter from Earl Mountbatten of Burma	Artefacts store
Bronze bust of Sir Frederick Temple	Artefacts store
Ships bell HMS Ulster in ornamental stand	Artefacts store
Mantle clock by Evill of Bath	Artefacts store
Model of Thiepval memorial tower	Artefacts store
French clock with bronze statue of nobleman	Artefacts store
Red leather dispatch boxes embossed with Royal Arms of Ulster	Senate
Black leather dispatch boxes with Royal Arms of Ulster and cypher of George V	Room 41
2 Jardinaires reputedly made from the timbers of the "Mountjoy" which breached the boom on the river Foyle during the siege of Derry 1689	Artefacts store
Gilded throne	In caged area
"Act of union" table	At off site storage
Maori inkstand	In library
Books containing the names of the civilian war dead	In library
Relief map set in mahogany table, showing the north of Ireland	Off site storage
Miscellaneous collection of souvenirs from meetings of the commonwealth Parliamentary Association (located in the library)	Artefacts store
Cigar lighter presented by the Royal College of Nursing, founders day 1960	Artefacts store
Egg timer silver with crest of NI. Presented by Rt Hon Thomas Moles (first chairman of ways and means) to the House of Commons	Artefacts store
3 x bibles	Artefacts store
Memorial gift a union flag, a picture of Jesus Christ and a picture of "roaring meg" with accompanying letters. Given to the NI Parliament in memory of Senator James Bailie.	Artefacts store
A minton gold crown crested plate. Two coins in presentation frame, commemorating the opening of the NI Parliament, June 1921.	Artefacts store
Collection of a bottle, goblets and saucers in blue pottery.
A boxed camera and case and various military items.
Selection of fire damaged items recovered from the parliament buildings fire January 1995 and a set of photographs showing fire damage and repair work in progress	Artefacts Store
Black Rod’s Ward of Office ebony with silver gilt mounts with ceremonial lion and bulbous gold scrolling. Presented by the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, First Speaker of the Senate in Northern Ireland	Artefacts store
The Parliament golf handicap challenge cup 1927 silver two-handled trophy dated 1926 and other silverware	Artefacts store
2 sterling Silver Maces	Room 41
Items of Silver Dinner Service	Artefacts store
Statue of Lord Carson, Statue in bronze by L.S Merrifield	Roundabout at top of Prince of Wales
Lord Craigavon’s Tomb, Sarcophagus of dressed Portland stone marks the tomb of Lord Craigavon	Upper East Car Park
Cedars, A group of cedars presented in memory of the 36th Ulster Division	Within the Estate
Cedars, Commemorative planting carried out by members of the Royal family in 1951 and 1953	Within the Estate
Irish linen and silk damask decorating the walls in the Senate	Senate
Meeting table from room 21. This table was allegedly used for signing the Belfast Agreement and for the 1st meeting of the Executive	In Storage
Carved inscription in the face of the press balcony balustrade	Commons
Bronze statue of Lord Craigavon, by L.S Merrifield of Chelsea, commissioned in 1938 but due to the war not installed until 1945	Ceremonial Stairs Great Hall
Marble Engravings. To commemorate people who have lost their lives	Commons & Senate Receptions
Balcony Inscription. To record the names of visiting dignitaries and presented to the NIA	Member's Dining Room
Large chandelier, Large chandelier, gift to Royal family from Kaiser Wilhelm	Great Hall
Dedication to DKs, Presented by the Speaker for the Transitional Assembly for outstanding bravery	Great Hall
Plaque, to acknowledge work carried out by Construction Service DFP during refurbishment in 1998	Great Hall
2 photographs donated by Members of the CPA,	Commonwealth Room - 29
Statue of Britannia and two lions	On the roof of Parliament Buildings
Long Gallery Floor, with a star shaped centre piece	Long Gallery
Great Hall ceiling Classical Greek motifs, although some seem more Egyptian, heavily gilded with gold	Great Hall
Senate Gallery, three painted arabesques symbolising the important industries of 1930s, linen , ship building and agriculture	Senate
Light fittings, several of the lights fittings contain symbols of elks heads and gothic pointed fish scales	Throughout the building
Inscriptions above doors, which include Speaker Office, Commonwealth Room, First Minister and deputy First Minister	Ground floor Parliament Buildings`
Assembly Crest, this has been placed on the Speakers table	Chamber
The royal coat of arms, stamped into the leather in the Speakers elaborate canopied chair.	Senate Chamber
The Royal coat of arms	At the front entrance of the building
Inscription commemorating the laying of the foundation stone by the Duke of Abercorn, The first governor of Northern Ireland, on 19th May 1928.	At the front entrance of the building
Flags in Commonwealth room	Room 29 Commonwealth room
Lamp standards at the front of the building are adorned with lions and classical inspired carvings	At the front of Parliament Buildings
Inscription at the front of Parliament Buildings detailing that the building was opened on behalf of King George V by Prince of Wales on 16th November 1932.	At the front entrance of the building

Events Held at Parliament Buildings

Mr Weir asked the Assembly Commission how many events have been held at Parliament Buildings in each of the last 12 months.

(AQW 6971/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The attached table sets out the number of functions and tours that have taken place over the last 12 months.

	EVENT NUMBERS			GUEST NUMBERS
	Functions	Tours	Totals	Functions	Tours
Apr-07	20	47		1121	864
May-08	50	97		2994	2241
Jun-07	58	143		3342	4171
Jul-07	18	86		882	1535
Aug-07	20	84		859	1465
Sep-08	55	105		2565	2255
Oct-07	58	112		3954	8600
Nov-07	62	97		4956	2525
Dec-07	35	38		2538	881
Jan-08	42	53		3436	1714
Feb-08	57	87		4086	1861
Mar-08	48	75		2682	3879
2007/08 Totals

CORRIGENDA

Written Answer Booklet of 9 May 2008

(Volume 30, No WA2)

In page WA111, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 6172/08) with;

Over the last three years my department has spent £95,660.22 on consultations and equality impact assessments.

Written Answer Booklet of 14 May 2008

(Volume 30, No WA3)

In page WA197, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 5675/08) with;

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	29m	26m	32m	28m	26m	141m

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.