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.
NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
Friday 15 June 2007
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
OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER
Disabled Parking Bays
Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline proposals to ensure that regulations relating to parking bays reserved for disabled people in car parks operated by supermarkets and other retail outlets are enforced. (AQW 460/07)
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): There is no specific legislation relating to the use or misuse of parking bays for disabled people on private land (such as supermarkets and retail outlets) and therefore the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has no responsibility for enforcement in this regard.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), however, providers of services to the public, such as supermarkets, are under a duty not to discriminate against disabled people and make "reasonable adjustments" to the way they provide their services. The provision of disabled car parking bays could be considered a "reasonable adjustment" for disabled customers. A disabled person, if unable to access a supermarket, through the lack of provision of or misuse of a disabled parking bay could consider taking a case of discrimination under the service provisions of the DDA. It is for individual outlets to decide on how they deal with any misuse of such parking spaces.
Planning Appeals Commission
Mr Ian McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what controls it has over the Planning Appeals Commission. (AQW 483/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) is a statutory independent appeal body established under the Planning (NI) Order 1991 to decide a wide range of appeals against decisions of the Department of Environment’s Planning Service and to report on various matters under planning and other legislation.
The Commission exercises its functions independently of OFMDFM but the Department is responsible for providing the resources needed for the Commission to discharge its responsibilities. Responsibility for planning policy generally rests with DRD and the DOE.
The roles and responsibilities of those involved in managing the PAC and its relationship with OFMDFM are set out in a Memorandum of Understanding. In addition to describing the relationship the Memorandum also defines the financial and administrative framework in which the Commission operates. The Department holds regular (quarterly) meetings with the Management Board of PAC.
Civic Forum
Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline proposals for a new Civic Forum. (AQO 46/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: It is important that the most appropriate mechanisms and arrangements are in place for obtaining the views of civic society, as a whole, on issues which affect the lives of everyone living in Northern Ireland. That was recognised in August 2006 by the Assembly’s Preparation for Government Committee, on which all the major parties were represented, when they recommended that there should be "a review of the mechanisms for civic society to promote its views." We intend to carry out that review.
The Civic Forum was originally established as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues as they were perceived at that time. Civic society in Northern Ireland has changed enormously since the Forum was first established and the deputy First Minister and I want to determine what are the best arrangements for engaging with civic society in that changed environment.
In the meantime, we think that the current members of the Forum might play a role in contributing to the policy development process across the range of Executive consultation exercises and we will be writing to most members of the Forum asking them whether they would be prepared to reconvene while the review was being carried out. At this stage we are simply ascertaining how many of the current members are available and will decide then whether to recall them based on their responses.
Financial Cost of The Divide
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what progress is being made on research commissioned by the Department into the 'Financial Cost of the Divide' in Northern Ireland. (AQO 22/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The department commissioned Deloitte to undertake research into the ‘Financial Cost of the Divide’ in April 2006. The final report of the project was received just prior to devolution. This is a very comprehensive and complex piece of research and we wish to take time to consider it. We will publish the report as soon as possible.
First Minister of Scotland
Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it has had any discussions with the First Minister of Scotland, and what has been the outcome of those discussions. (AQO 30/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The deputy First Minister and I have both spoken to the First Minister of Scotland to convey our congratulations on his appointment and to extend an invitation to him to visit Belfast.This visit will take place next week at which time we look forward to discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest.
Civic Forum
Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on future plans for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum. (AQO 44/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: It is important that the most appropriate mechanisms and arrangements are in place for obtaining the views of civic society, as a whole, on issues which affect the lives of everyone living in Northern Ireland. That was recognised in August 2006 by the Assembly’s Preparation for Government Committee, on which all the major parties were represented, when they recommended that there should be "a review of the mechanisms for civic society to promote its views." We intend to carry out that review.
The Civic Forum was originally established as a consultative mechanism on social, economic and cultural issues as they were perceived at that time. Civic society in Northern Ireland has changed enormously since the Forum was first established and the deputy First Minister and I want to determine what are the best arrangements for engaging with civic society in that changed environment.
In the meantime, we think that the current members of the Forum might play a role in contributing to the policy development process across the range of Executive consultation exercises and we will be writing to most members of the Forum asking them whether they would be prepared to reconvene while the review was being carried out. At this stage we are simply ascertaining how many of the current members are available and will decide then whether to recall them based on their responses.
Reduction in Number of Government Departments
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister when the Executive will be discussing proposals for a reduction in the number of Northern Ireland government departments. (AQO 29/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We are aware of the view that the number of Northern Ireland government departments is too large to provide efficient and effective administration. For this reason we intend to establish an Efficiency Review Panel which will be charged to report on this issue, within terms of reference agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is not yet possible therefore to indicate precisely when any discussion by the Executive on this issue will take place.
Funding of Victims' Groups
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will undertake a review of the funding of victims' groups and organisations. (AQO 5/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We are currently considering how best to meet the needs of victims and survivors. We are doing this within the context of the comprehensive spending review.
We plan to bring forward detailed proposals that will address the needs of groups and individuals effectively, efficiently and in a systematic and comprehensive manner.
In doing so we will, of course, have regard to the report published by Bertha McDougall.
Remit of Executive Responsibility
Mr David Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the powers of individual Ministers to take decisions outside the remit of Executive responsibility. (AQO 4/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Ministers direct and control their departments subject to the Ministerial Code and the Pledge of Office. The Ministerial Code requires Ministers to bring certain matters specified in the Code (namely matters which cut across the responsibilities of two or more Ministers, require agreement on prioritisation, require the adoption of a common position, have implications for the Programme for Government, are significant or controversial and are clearly outside the Programme for Government or are significant or controversial and the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly have determined should be considered by the Executive) to the attention of the Executive to be considered by the Executive. The Pledge of Office requires Ministers to act in accordance with all decisions of the Executive.
Accordingly Ministers have power to take decisions without reference to the Executive on all other matters.
Sustainable Development Strategy
Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to set out the plans that are currently in place to monitor the contribution of government departments and public authorities to the objectives of Northern Ireland's Sustainable Development Strategy. (AQO 27/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will monitor the Sustainable Development Strategy contributions of Government Departments and any contributing public authorities by undertaking annual reviews of progress against the specific targets and actions in the Strategy’s Implementation Plan. The first such review will be undertaken after 31 March 2008.
A set of sustainable development indicators is also being developed to measure overall progress towards the overarching strategic themes and objectives of the Sustainable Development Strategy. Arrangements will be put in place to monitor these.
Segregated Public Services
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what research has been commissioned on the cost of segregated public services in Northern Ireland, and the timescale for its publication. (AQO 23/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The department commissioned Deloitte to undertake research into the ‘Financial Cost of the Divide’ in April 2006. The final report of the project was received just prior to devolution. This is a very comprehensive and complex piece of research and we wish to take time to consider it. We will publish the report as soon as possible.
Ministerial Code
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to make a statement on the Ministerial Code. (AQO 35/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Under the provisions of paragraph 4 (2) of Schedule 1 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 the draft Ministerial Code approved by the Assembly on 20 March 2007 became the Ministerial Code for the purposes of Section 28A of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 upon the restoration of devolution. The statutory Ministerial Code therefore took effect from 8 May 2007.
Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what plans it has to review the current approach to Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations. (AQO 11/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: A review of the current approach to Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations will form part of the process in bringing forward any Single Equality legislation. It is the intention that all Anti-discrimination and Equality legislation is fit for purpose and an integral part of ensuring legislative effectiveness is the duties that are imposed and how they are enforced. The Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations is just one of the elements to be examined in this context.
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Farm Nutrient Management Scheme
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to provide additional funds for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme for farmers who have applied, but have not yet received approval. (AQW 412/07)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew):I have secured the necessary financial assurances from the Department of Finance and Personnel to allow DARD to continue to process applications received for the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme between now and the publication by the Executive of its draft Budget and Investment Strategy at the end of September 2007.
I have undertaken that DARD will seek to realise receipts from the strategic disposal of land assets within the period covered by the Comprehensive Spending Review, which ends in 2010/2011, to mitigate the pressure on public expenditure.
Relocation of DARD Staff
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many staff are to be relocated from Omagh, Ballymena and Newry DARD offices to Dundonald House. (AQW 414/07)
Ms Gildernew: None. While there may be some relocations outside Belfast, there are presently no plans to relocate staff from Omagh, Ballymena and Newry DARD offices to Dundonald House.
Proposed Reform of the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 1953
Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to use the proposed reform of the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 to ensure that woodland is safeguarded in future legislation and policy; and if she will confirm that there will be an opportunity for interested bodies to contribute to this process. (AQW 435/07)
Ms Gildernew: My Department has completed an extensive review of forestry policy which included two rounds of public consultation. This resulted in the publication of NI Forestry: A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth in March 2006 which confirmed forest policy and produced a strategy for it’s delivery.
The Strategy outlines two key policy aims- an increase in the area of woodland; and the sustainable management of existing woods and forests. In order to deliver sustainable management of forests, the Strategy indicates, amongst other things, that the existing Forestry Act (NI) will be amended to allow the Department to regulate the felling of trees and the composition of regenerating woodland, in order to safeguard the area under forest use.
Once drafted, there will be a formal 13 week consultation period when interested parties will be given the opportunity to comment on the changes being proposed.
Fallen Animals
Mr William Irwin asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to extend the subsidy for the collection and disposal of fallen animals, post November 2008.[R] (AQW 568/07)
Ms Gildernew:My officials, in conjunction with their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales, are currently considering the National Fallen Stock Company’s Business Plan, including their request for continued public funding beyond November 2008.
When all these options and proposals have been considered fully, I will be in a position to make the appropriate decisions.
Agri-Food Sector
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what advances have been made in the promotion of the agri-food sector in her recent meetings with the European Union Agriculture Commissioner, and the United States Secretary of State for Agriculture. (AQO 53/07)
Ms Gildernew: I met the EU Agriculture Commissioner at the Open Forum arranged by UFU. This was the first meeting that I have had with Commissioner Boel and took place before I took up office. It was a useful meeting which gave me the opportunity to discuss some of the issues where the EU has a direct impact on the agri-food sector and the Commissioner was receptive to having further discussion on these important issues.
I am also pleased to have had an early opportunity of meeting Mike Johanns, US Secretary of Agriculture, to promote our local industry and secure his support in developing food and drink business and trade links with the USA.
This, along with my other business and Government meetings in Washington DC, succeeded in establishing relationships at the very highest levels, and in opening doors for local producers and processors. I was greatly encouraged by the warm welcome I received and America’s genuine and wholehearted desire to help.
Initiating these links in the US is vital first step. And in the coming weeks I will be working with industry to identify potential market opportunities and build on the connections established to promote trade and rural tourism
Voluntary Modulation
Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what aspects of the rural development programme may benefit from any monies raised through voluntary modulation. (AQO 51/07)
Ms Gildernew: I refer my colleague to the statement that I made on Voluntary modulation to the Assembly earlier today.
The EU regulations governing the use of voluntary modulation require any monies raised through voluntary modulation to be allocated across the rural development programme rather than being concentrated on any particular sector or activity.
Given that the majority of funding in the new rural development programme will be required to support the improvement of the environment and the countryside, I expect that the lion’s share of monies raised through voluntary modulation will go to that part of the programme. However, voluntary modulation monies will also be used to support the other two main elements of the programme – improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sectors and improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy.
All-Island Animal Health Strategy
Mr Francie Molloy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what work has been progressed on an all-island animal health strategy. (AQO 50/07)
Ms Gildernew: Even though the machinery of the North South Ministerial Council was suspended in 2002, officials have continued to co-operate closely on animal health and welfare issues through a number of North/South working groups. A structured approach to the development of animal health and welfare policy across the island is therefore in place.
There have been a number of positive outcomes as a result of this co-operation, the most significant achievements of which include the development of a largely similar system of sheep identification, broad alignment of border control policies aimed at preventing the introduction of animal disease and on-going co-operation on contingency planning for exotic disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza and Equine Infectious Anaemia.
In addition, there continues to be co-operation on testing regimes for TB and Brucellosis in border areas and joint enforcement operations including the seizure of illegal medicines and hormonal substances.
Development of the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, including the free movement of animals within the island of Ireland, are amongst my key priorities.
Whilst I welcome the ongoing North South co-operation by officials, my aim is to progress the development of the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy in order to provide an agreed framework for the further development of policy in this area.
To this end, I aim to meet my Southern counterpart in the near future to discuss how we can move quickly to develop the Strategy and to raise the possibility of organising an all-island consultative forum to take the Strategy forward.
Single Farm Payment
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development how many farm inspections took place relative to the (a) 2005 Single Farm Payment Scheme; (b) 2006 Single Farm Payment Scheme; and (c) the estimated number of farm inspections to take place relative to the 2007 Single Farm Payment Scheme.[R] (AQO 21/07)
Ms Gildernew: In 2005, my Department carried out 2,106 eligibility inspections. Of these 422 cases were also inspected for Cross-Compliance purposes. A further 55 Cross-Compliance inspections were carried out by the Environment and Heritage Service.
In 2006, my Department carried out 2,115 eligibility inspections. Of these 484 were also inspected for Cross-Compliance. In addition, 401 Cross-Compliance related inspections were carried out by the Environment and Heritage Service and the Safety Executive inspected 410 farm businesses, also for Cross-Compliance purposes.
To establish the level of farm inspections required for 2007 we have to analyse the outcomes of the 2006 inspections. While the results of the 2006 inspection are not yet finalised, indications are that a high level of error was found in the outcomes of the eligibility inspections. As a result, in line with Commission rules, the numbers of eligibility inspections in 2007 will need to increase.
The worst case scenario is that eligibility inspections increase from 5% to 7.5%. If this is the case we are likely to have to undertake approximately 2,925 eligibility inspections in 2007. The Cross-Compliance rate will remain at 1% for each Competent Control Authority.
Rural White Paper
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to indicate a timescale for bringing forward a Rural White Paper. (AQO 47/07)
Ms Gildernew: The Member will appreciate that production of a Rural White Paper would be a large and complex task involving input and commitment from many different Departments.
As a first step I have been pressing for the development of a Rural White Paper to be included in the forthcoming Programme for Government.
If agreement can be reached to include a Rural White Paper in the Programme for Government, it would be my view that a significant amount of work would then need to be carried out in scoping the issues, consulting with other Departments and stakeholders, and prioritising the areas where Government needs to take action.
Whilst I am fully committed to the development of a Rural White Paper, I am realistic enough to know that to develop one will take some time. I would, however, hope to see some progress by the end of this year.
CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE
Foras na Gaeilge
Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to investigate the impediments to Foras an Gaeilge, the cross-border language body, providing capital expenditure funding assistance to Irish language groups in the community. (AQW 145/07)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots):Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency which comprise the North/South Language Body receive their funding from the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. Neither Agency has delegated authority to administer capital expenditure grants programme.
Tourist Potential of 12 July Celebrations
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he will take to further enhance the tourist potential surrounding the 12th July celebrations; and how he will engage with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland to co-ordinate a more positive interpretation of both historical events and modern celebrations and commemorations. (AQW 153/07)
Mr Poots: The Community Festivals Fund (CFF), which is administered on behalf of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure by the Northern Ireland Events Company, has made awards totalling £19,400 to 4 applicants from different areas of Northern Ireland who are organising events based around the 12th July celebrations in 2007.
In addition, the Department for Social Development is providing funding of £104,200, for the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009, to the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast for the employment of a Development Officer for the Belfast Parade.
Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland (TIL) continue to build positive working relationships with representatives of the Orange Order through regular meetings, and senior representatives from both organisations have attended the 12th July celebrations in recent years.
As part of these meetings NITB and the Orange Order have been discussing the development of the ‘Orange Fest’ concept with a view to developing the festival / carnival aspect of the 12th July celebrations. It is anticipated that this has the potential to result in more visitor friendly events that have the potential to appeal to both local and international visitors and to help address the negative perceptions that continue to surround this time of year in many key markets.
NITB is also currently undertaking research in the Republic of Ireland on the perception of Northern Ireland in that market and any barriers to visit that might exist. When this is complete, relevant information will be shared with the Orange Order.
NITB provides information on key 12th July events on its website with signposting to the relevant websites for visitors who want to find out more. NITB is also about to launch a new Cultural Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland. This strategy outlines the NITB approach to working with the Orange Order and the 12th July celebrations under their key "Living Culture" theme.
I will liaise with Minister Dodds, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, to consider how best to engage with our counterparts in the Republic of Ireland on this matter.
Foras na Gaeilge
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if Foras na Gaeilge will be required to provide an English language version of the minutes of its board meetings on its website. (AQW 232/07)
Mr Poots:I shall reply to Mr Nelson McCausland as soon as possible.
Re-stocking of the Dibney River
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will consider assisting the local fishing initiative to restock the Dibney River. (AQW 324/07)
Mr Poots:It is essential in a river such as the Dibney to carry out reinstatement works prior to restocking as the necessary habitat needs to be in place to support either wild or restocked fish. The Department is already assisting the local fishing initiative through the provision of advice on reinstatement and fishery enhancement measures.
Funding for Restocking the Dibney River
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with other organisations in order to source funding for the Dibney River, in relation to restocking and working with the community. (AQW 325/07)
Mr Poots: The Department has had no discussions with other organisations to source funding for restocking the Dibney River. Officials would assist any local communities interested in reinstating rivers to identify funding opportunities. However it would be the responsibility of the local community organisation to hold discussions with any funding provider. Department officials are already providing the local community with advice on fishery habitat enhancement measures in the River which would lead to improved wild fish stocks
Training for 2012 Olympic Games
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail progress made in promoting Northern Ireland as a venue for Olympic team training camps prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. (AQW 333/07)
Mr Poots:A sum of approximately £50 million has been included in the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland for the provision of Olympic Standard facilities. A competition for selection of venues is currently underway. Forty one applications, from venue operators and proposed venues in Northern Ireland, were submitted for inclusion in the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) guide, for pre-games training camps, these are currently being assessed by LOCOG.
In addition, representation from the Northern Ireland Events Company and SportNI, attended Sport Accord in Beijing this year to promote Northern Ireland in attracting world class competitions.
Funding for Olympic Games 2012
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding has been allocated to Northern Ireland for the London Olympic Games 2012. (AQW 354/07)
Mr Poots:DCAL received exchequer funding of £200,000 for 2006/07 and £300,000 for 2007/08 for 2012 Games related business.
Improvements to Shooting Grounds
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if Comber Shooting Club, in conjunction with Hollow Farm Shooting Club, has applied for funding to improve its ground prior to the London Olympic Games 2012. (AQW 355/07)
Mr Poots:Sport NI (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. I can confirm that Comber Shooting Club, in conjunction with Hollow Farm Shooting Club, has applied for funding to improve its ground through the Elite Facilities Competition for Northern Ireland’s Olympic/Paralympic Sports.
Funding for Shooting Clubs
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will provide details of shooting clubs that have applied for financial assistance to improve their shooting grounds prior to the London Olympic Games 2012. (AQW 356/07)
Mr Poots:Sport NI (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. I can advise the following shooting clubs have applied for funding through the Elite Facilities Competition for Northern Ireland’s Olympic/Paralympic Sports:
Comber Rifle Club in partnership with Hollow Farm Shooting Grounds
Dungannon Rifle and Pistol Club
Promoting Target Sports
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what involvement his department has had with the government-backed initiative to promote target sports. (AQW 358/07)
Mr Poots:Sport NI (SNI) is responsible for the development of Sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. With the awarding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to London in 2012, Government, through the Elite Facilities Programme, is providing additional funding for the development of sports facilities across the UK. This programme proposes to invest up to approximately £53 million across a range of sports infrastructure projects in Northern Ireland through a series of competitions. As part of this process, a number of target sports have applied to SNI for investments which are currently being assessed.
Decisions on funding under this programme will be a matter for SNI
Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how many times the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group has met, the dates of those meetings and the dates of any meetings of sub-committees or working groups. (AQW 370/07)
Mr Poots: Since its formation there have been 16 meetings of the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group. The dates of these meetings are listed below:
1st |
8 February 2001 |
9th |
1 October 2004 |
2nd |
21 March 2001 |
10th |
14 December 2004 |
3rd |
24 September 2001 |
11th |
21 March 2005 |
4th |
13 December 2001 |
12th |
19 May 2005 |
5th |
22 January 2003 |
13th |
28 September 2005 |
6th |
5 March 2003 |
14th |
18 January 2006 |
7th |
30 September 2003 |
15th |
10 November 2006 |
8th |
1 March 2004 |
16th |
27 April 2007 |
There have been three Sub-Groups which have met – Training, Translation Service and Article 9.
TheTraining Sub-Group met on two occasions: 19 May 2004 and 28 September 2004. The Translation Service Sub-Group had three meetings: 18 May 2001, 10 September 2001 and 13 September 2002. Article 9 Sub-Group (Use of Irish in the Courts) met on three occasions: 16 August 2005, 7 September 2005 and 9 January 2006.
Irish Language Act
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will give an update on work done by his department on an Irish Language Act. (AQW 372/07)
Mr Poots:Consultation on draft clauses for Irish language legislation closed on 5th June 2007. In the region of 11,000 responses were received. My officials are currently analysing these responses.
New Library in Newtownards
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if a site has been agreed for a new library for Newtownards; and if he will give a timescale for the construction of the library. (AQW 383/07)
Mr Poots: The South Eastern Education and Library Board is currently revising an Economic Appraisal to build a replacement library on the site of the old Castle Gardens Primary School. The Board anticipates that the Appraisal should be submitted to the Department by the end of June 2007 and subject to consideration and approval by my Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel, it will take a minimum of 12 to15 months before construction could commence on site. This is to allow for detailed design work and for the planning application and approval process.
2012 Olympic Games
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with United Kingdom sports bodies in relation to the London Olympic Games 2012. (AQW 384/07)
Mr Poots:I have recently met with the Chair of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and discussed 2012 Games related business. Officials in my Department and in Sport NI are engaged in ongoing discussions with their counterparts in England, Scotland and Wales, regarding Olympic & Paralympic Games issues.
New Library in Newtownards
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will give an update on what progress is being made on the provision of a new library for Newtownards. (AQW 395/07)
Mr Poots: The South Eastern Education and Library Board is currently revising an Economic Appraisal to build a replacement library on the site of the old Castle Gardens Primary School. The Board anticipates that the Appraisal should be submitted to the Department by the end of June 2007 and subject to consideration and approval by my Department and the Department of Finance and Personnel, it will take a minimum of 12 to15 months before construction could commence on site. This is to allow for detailed design work and for the planning application and approval process.
Provision of Public Libraries
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what resources have been earmarked to promote usage of public libraries; and if he is planning any further closures of libraries in the near future. (AQW 463/07)
Mr Poots:The provision of the public library service, including the promotion of libraries and any decision on the closure of libraries, is the responsibility of the Education and Library Boards. My Department requires the Education and Library Boards to promote libraries and manage the library estate from within their allocated resources.
Consultation on the Irish Language Act
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to assess the number of respondents who encountered difficulty in making email submissions in response to the consultation on the Irish Language Act on, or before, Tuesday 5 June 2007. (AQW 476/07)
Mr Poots:All efforts were made by my officials to ensure that interested bodies and individuals had every opportunity to respond to the recent consultation. This included publication of office address, phone number, fax number, an email address, and a link to an email address from DCAL’s website.
Arts Funding
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on the level of arts funding per capita in Northern Ireland. (AQO 13/07)
Mr Poots: I recognise that funding for the arts in Northern Ireland lags behind the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This deficit has accumulated over many years.
I will be considering funding for the arts along with other priorities as I negotiate the Department’s budget for the period 2008/09 to 2010/11 in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
PR Consultancy Expenditure
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money has been spent by his department in the last five years on (a) public relations, and (b) other consultancy services. (AQO 39/07)
Mr Poots: In the last five financial years from 2002/03, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has incurred no expenditure on public relations consultancy. Expenditure on other consultancy services for the same period is as follows:
2002/03 - £1,156,659
2003/04 - £647,159
2004/05- £423,113
2005/06 - £328,847
2006/07 - £1,295,309
Ulster-Scots and Irish Language Funding
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what measures are being considered to ensure that the Ulster-Scots cultural outlook is offered resources similar to those being offered to the Irish language. (AQO 8/07)
Mr Poots: The funding provided to the Ulster Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge, the Irish Language Agency, reflects their differing ranges of projects, programmes and supported organisations and is determined on the basis of the approved actions in their respective annual business plans.
Arts and the Tourist Industry
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline whether his department has made an assessment of the impact on the tourist industry of expenditure by his department on the arts. (AQO 54/07)
Mr Poots: While no formal assessment has been made by my department, it is clear that the arts make a significant contribution to economic development and tourism. For example, it is estimated that major arts and cultural events supported by the Northern Ireland Events Company in 2005 supported 25,000 bed nights. 5,200 ticket sales for the Belfast Festival at Queens were to people with addresses outside Northern Ireland.
Northere Ireland Theatre Initiative
Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on the potential for a Northern Ireland theatre initiative, in line with those already operating in Scotland and Wales. (AQO 18/07)
Mr Poots: I am not yet convinced that there is a case for a publicly funded national theatre for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is already well served with a good mix of theatre companies. In 2007/08 the Arts Council provides core funding to 7 theatre companies and lottery funding to a further 5 companies. Many of them produce original works and perform in a range of venues. The Arts Council is currently developing a drama strategy for Northern Ireland which will identify the key needs of the sector.
Arts Funding
Mr Trevor Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what plans he has to reallocate resources towards bringing per capita arts funding into line with Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 14/07)
Mr Poots: I recognise that funding for the arts in Northern Ireland lags behind the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This deficit has accumulated over many years.
I will be considering funding for the arts along with other priorities as I negotiate the Department’s budget for the period 2008/09 to 2010/11 in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
EDUCATION
Irish Language Qualifying Examination
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for initial and in service training of teachers from Northern Ireland in the Irish Language Qualifying Examination, to facilitate teachers from Northern Ireland who wish to teach in the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 132/07)
The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane):Teachers from here who wish to teach in the primary sector in the South of Ireland, but who do not hold the requisite Irish language qualification (An Scrudú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge), are granted provisional recognition as a teacher by the Department of Education and Science and are allowed 5 years to acquire the qualification.
In the case of post-primary schools, the Irish language requirement only applies to teachers employed in Gaeltacht schools, in Irish-medium schools, and to teachers who teach any subject through the medium of Irish.
The Higher Education Institutions in the North provide training which will subsequently enable teachers to teach the curriculum here. However, there are many competing demands for the inclusion of training on specific topics in Initial Teacher Education courses, and the time available for training students is limited.
As such, my Department has no plans at the moment to introduce an Irish language qualifying examination into initial or in-service training courses. I am asking the review to investigate the demand and interest in these courses.
Male Non-Teaching Staff
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Education what percentage of non-teaching staff in (a) primary; and (b) secondary schools are male, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 212/07)
Ms Ruane: The percentage of male non-teaching staff by Board area is as follows:
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
|
Primary |
6% |
10% |
6% |
6% |
10% |
Secondary |
24% |
30% |
23% |
24% |
23% |
This information has been provided by the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) who are the employing authorities for non-teaching staff in the controlled and maintained sectors. It does not include non-teaching staff employed by the Boards of Governors of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools.
Movilla High School, Newtownards
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to explain the rationale associated with the intention to reduce, by eleven, technician and support staff for the forthcoming financial year in Movilla High School, Newtownards. (AQW 273/07)
Ms Ruane: Matters relating to the employment of non-teaching staff in Movilla High School are the responsibility of the employer (the Board of Governors) and the employing authority (the South Eastern Education and Library Board, SEELB). I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the SEELB that it is not the Board of Governors’ intention to reduce, by eleven, technician and support staff for the forthcoming financial year. However, due to a significant decline in pupil numbers, the Governors have found it necessary to propose reduced hours for some administrative and technical staff.
Donaghadee High School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to explain in full the rationale and evidence considered for the proposed closure of Donaghadee High School. (AQW 277/07)
Ms Ruane:Following its strategic review of provision in the North East Ards area last year the South Eastern Education and Library Board has commenced preliminary consultations with Donaghadee High School and Movilla High School in relation to a potential rationalisation between the two schools. A formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term. Any proposals the Board brings forward for the rationalisation of post-primary provision in the area will require the publication of a statutory development proposal.
Crossroads Primary School, Kilrea
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail her plans for the replacement of Crossroads Primary School, Kilrea, with a new build. (AQW 281/07)
Ms Ruane: A Feasibility Study that identified the options to be considered in an Economic Appraisal, to meet the accommodation needs of Crossroads Primary School, was returned to the Catholic Council for Maintained Schools (CCMS) in September 2006.
It was one of a number of feasibility studies that CCMS have been asked to review to ensure consistency with an area based approach to school planning and within the context of the recommendations of the Bain Report.
CCMS response in this respect is awaited.
School Funding for Sport
Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister of Education to confirm the funding provided to primary and secondary level schools for sport/games over the past five years. (AQW 290/07)
Ms Ruane: Figures provided by the relevant Funding Authorities, for identifiable recurrent funding made available to primary and secondary schools for sports/games in the past five years, are shown on the table below.
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|
£000's |
£000's |
£000's |
£000's |
£000's |
|
Primary |
291 |
359 |
683 |
1,655 |
1,499 |
Secondary |
1,630 |
1,952 |
1,956 |
3,361 |
3,408 |
Total |
1,921 |
2,311 |
2,639 |
5,016 |
4,907 |
Notes: With the introduction of Common Funding in 2005/06, all primary and secondary schools receive funding under a common formula Sports Factor, to assist in meeting the statutory physical education curriculum. Figures include other recurrent funding such as Big Lottery, European funding and Sports & Youth Council grants to schools, but exclude capital, curriculum and advisory support services and training.
Priory College, Holywood
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education if she will give a timescale for the approval for a new build for Priory College in Holywood; and for the hold position to be rescinded. (AQW 294/07)
Ms Ruane: Following a review of previously announced capital schemes in planning conducted earlier this year, the project for Priory College, Holywood was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The main issue for consideration is the projected enrolment trends for the area and the potential implications for the scheme. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
Priory College, Holywood
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education when building work will commence on the new build for Priory College in Holywood. (AQW 295/07)
Ms Ruane: Following a review of previously announced capital schemes in planning conducted earlier this year, the project for Priory College, Holywood was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The main issue for consideration is the projected enrolment trends for the area and the potential implications for the scheme. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
Amalgamation of Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education if she will give a timescale for building work to commence on the new build for Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools, on the existing Priory College site. (AQW 296/07)
Ms Ruane:A scheme to amalgamate Holywood and Redburn Primary Schools on a new site received New Starts approval in March 2006. The scheme includes Holywood Nursery school. The need for this project was confirmed by my predecessor following a recent review of capital schemes.
The scheme is at initial planning stage only and it is not possible at this time to provide a definitive indication of when this project will be able to commence on site. The use of the site at Priory College for the amalgamated school is tied to the development of a scheme for the College which was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
Priory College, Holywood
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education when a decision will be made on the approval of the capital project, regarding the location of Priory Integrated College at the Redburn site in Holywood. (AQW 300/07)
Ms Ruane:Following a review of previously announced capital schemes still in planning, the capital project for Priory College, Holywood was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The main issue for consideration is the projected enrolment trends for the area and the potential implications for the scheme. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
The school’s Board of Governors has provided the Department with information relating to current and proposed collaborations and partnerships. They are currently working with Sullivan Upper School for some AS/GCE and AS courses. They are involved in the North Down/Ards Learning Partnership which comprises Priory Integrated College, Strangford Integrated College, Glastry College and St Columbanus’ College, Bangor for GNVQ Level 2 qualifications. Operating as the Partnership, they are also working with the North Down and Ards Institute for the delivery of Occupational Studies qualifications.
Priory College, Holywood
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what criteria will be used in making the decision to approve the capital project regarding the location of Priory Integrated College at the Redburn site in Holywood. (AQW 301/07)
Ms Ruane:Following a review of previously announced capital schemes still in planning, the capital project for Priory College, Holywood was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The main issue for consideration is the projected enrolment trends for the area and the potential implications for the scheme. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
The school’s Board of Governors has provided the Department with information relating to current and proposed collaborations and partnerships. They are currently working with Sullivan Upper School for some AS/GCE and AS courses. They are involved in the North Down/Ards Learning Partnership which comprises Priory Integrated College, Strangford Integrated College, Glastry College and St Columbanus’ College, Bangor for GNVQ Level 2 qualifications. Operating as the Partnership, they are also working with the North Down and Ards Institute for the delivery of Occupational Studies qualifications.
Priory College, Holywood
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what information has been received by her department to confirm that Priory Integrated College is meeting the criteria for cross-sectoral collaboration, as set out in Professor Sir George Bain's Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education. (AQW 302/07)
Ms Ruane: Following a review of previously announced capital schemes still in planning, the capital project for Priory College, Holywood was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The main issue for consideration is the projected enrolment trends for the area and the potential implications for the scheme. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
The school’s Board of Governors has provided the Department with information relating to current and proposed collaborations and partnerships. They are currently working with Sullivan Upper School for some AS/GCE and AS courses. They are involved in the North Down/Ards Learning Partnership which comprises Priory Integrated College, Strangford Integrated College, Glastry College and St Columbanus’ College, Bangor for GNVQ Level 2 qualifications. Operating as the Partnership, they are also working with the North Down and Ards Institute for the delivery of Occupational Studies qualifications.
Post - Primary Integrated Education
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the growing demand for integrated education at post-primary level in the North Down, east Belfast and Ards areas. (AQW 303/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education and also to have regard to the general principle that, so far as is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure, pupils shall be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents. Proposals to increase places at integrated schools either through expansion of intakes at existing schools, or the establishment of new schools, are the subject of a statutory development proposal consultation process. Each such proposal is considered on its individual merits.
Enrolment at Priory College
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education to outline the rationale for maintaining a cap of 450 pupils on the enrolment level of Priory Integrated College, given the strong demand for post-primary integrated education within its potential catchment area. (AQW 304/07)
Ms Ruane: The 450 approved enrolment at Priory Integrated College is based on a projected long-term enrolment which was agreed between the Department of Education and the South Eastern Education and Library Board. It takes account of historic intakes and the numbers in the lower age-groups at the main primary schools which provide pupils to the College. At October 2006 the school had an enrolment of 421 pupils
Schools Selection System
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education what priority she will give to public opinion when preparing proposals for a replacement for the schools selection system. (AQW 338/07)
Ms Ruane: I am listening to the views of a wide range of individuals on the issue of the new arrangements for transfer from primary to post-primary education. When I complete this process I will prepare and publish draft regulations for consultation
Academic Selection
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education if she has established a capped figure for expenditure on consultations, to determine a way forward on academic selection. (AQW 339/07)
Ms Ruane:When new arrangements for transfer from primary to post-primary education are agreed, draft regulations will be prepared and published for consultation. No upper limit has been set for expenditure on this, or any other form of consultation associated with this important issue, but any consultation that is carried out will be done so with due regard to the most cost effective use of public money.
Rainey Endowed School
Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education if the rules of procurement bind Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt into the Public Private Partnership process. (AQW 344/07)
Ms Ruane:Rainey Endowed School was assessed for initial designation as part of a Public Private Partnership scheme. An Outline Business Case (OBC) has been undertaken for this project which will confirm the appropriate procurement route based on a value for money assessment. Once the outcome of the OBC has been established and the procurement route determined, planning of the scheme will proceed in conjunction with the school to contract sign. I assure you that my Department will continue to work with the school to progress this project without delay.
Rainey Endowed School
Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education if she will consider progressing the rebuilding of Rainey Endowed School through Design and Build, rather than through a Public Private Partnership. (AQW 345/07)
Ms Ruane: Rainey Endowed School was assessed for initial designation as part of a Public Private Partnership scheme. An Outline Business Case (OBC) has been undertaken for this project which will confirm the appropriate procurement route based on a value for money assessment. Once the outcome of the OBC has been established and the procurement route determined, planning of the scheme will proceed in conjunction with the school to contract sign. I assure you that my Department will continue to work with the school to progress this project without delay.
Rainey Endowed School
Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Education if she will explain why Rainey Endowed School is still waiting for work to commence on its planned rebuild through Public Private Partnership, in light of the fact that progress is being made on other schools, not in Public Private Partnerships, that submitted bids after Rainey Endowed; and if she will give an assurance that work will progress without further delay. (AQW 346/07)
Ms Ruane: Rainey Endowed School was assessed for initial designation as part of a Public Private Partnership scheme. An Outline Business Case (OBC) has been undertaken for this project which will confirm the appropriate procurement route based on a value for money assessment. Once the outcome of the OBC has been established and the procurement route determined, planning of the scheme will proceed in conjunction with the school to contract sign. I assure you that my Department will continue to work with the school to progress this project without delay.
Ulster-Scots
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education how much money her department has spent in relation to Ulster-Scots, in each year since the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages came into force in the United Kingdom. (AQW 360/07)
Ms Ruane: I list below expenditure in relation to Ulster-Scots since July 2001.
Financial Year |
Expenditure |
2001/2002 |
£00.00 |
2002/2003 |
£00.00 |
2003/2004 |
£69.95 |
2004/2005 |
£00.00 |
2005/2006 |
£49,000.00 |
2006/2007 |
£00.00 |
Nursery and Pre-school Education
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Education what is the current position in regard to the criteria-based selection system for nursery and pre-school places. (AQW 362/07)
Ms Ruane:The aim of the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PSEEP) is to provide one year of high quality funded pre-school education, in the year immediately before compulsory education, for every child whose parents wish it.
In determining the admissions criteria the Department of Education specifies some priorities i.e.
Social disadvantage – because research has shown that those children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds tend to experience more difficulty at school than other children; and
4 year olds with July and August birthdays – because these children do not enter compulsory education until after their 5th birthday.
Pre-school settings must then set their own criteria to select children down to the last available place when too many children apply to a provider. These include a range of factors such as proximity to the school or the previous attendance of siblings and are at the discretion of the individual school/playgroup
Nursery Unit at St Comgalls Primary School
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in relation to the request for a full nursery unit at St. Comgall's Primary School, Antrim. (AQW 364/07)
Ms Ruane: The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) are currently undertaking a consultation exercise for a nursery unit at St Comgall’s Primary School and a development proposal is expected to be published once this is completed. The development proposal will be subject to a two-month statutory public consultation period.
Representations about for Ulster-Scots
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education what representations have been made to her department about the Ulster-Scots language and Ulster-Scots culture in each calendar year since 1997. (AQW 368/07)
Ms Ruane: My Department does not keep detailed records of correspondence received and I am therefore unable to provide you with the information requested.
However, I can advise you that one representation was made to the Minister for Education in January 2001 regarding the lack of educational resources available for the teaching of the Ulster-Scots language.
Donaghadee High School
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail what plans she has for the long-term future of Donaghadee High School. (AQW 371/07)
Ms Ruane:The South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that following a strategic review of provision in the North East Ards area last year it has commenced preliminary consultations with Donaghadee High School and Movilla High School in relation to a potential rationalisation between the two schools. A formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term. Any proposal the Board brings forward for the rationalisation of post-primary provision in the area will require the publication of a statutory development proposal which will be subject to consultation.
Employment Opportunities for Teachers
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of Education what steps are being taken to help recently graduated teachers get jobs in Northern Ireland. (AQW 387/07)
Ms Ruane: The recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers. However, the Department has issued guidance to employers exhorting them to give preference to newly qualified teachers and experienced non-retired teachers seeking employment. Schools have also been advised that they should recruit to vacancies on a permanent rather than a temporary basis unless the vacancy is clearly of a temporary nature. The capping of the levels of the central reimbursement of the costs of substitute cover also provides an incentive to employ newly qualified teachers as substitutes.
Moreover, following the review of teacher education in the north of Ireland which is being carried out jointly by the Department of Education and the Department for Employment and Learning, both Departments are exploring ways by which newly qualified teachers can have greater stability in employment during their early years of teaching.
English as an Additional Language
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education how many pupils whose first language is not English attend schools in each of the Education and Library Board areas. (AQW 413/07)
Ms Ruane: The number of children who had English as an additional language attending schools in each of the Education and Library Boards in 2006/07 was as follows:
Education and Library Board |
Total |
Belfast |
796 |
Western |
455 |
North Eastern |
582 |
South Eastern |
526 |
Southern |
1,552 |
North of Ireland |
3,911 |
Note:
Figures relate to nursery schools, primary schools, preparatory departments of grammar schools, post primary schools and special schools.
Ballywalter Primary School
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what discussion she has had with the landowner of the site for the new build for Ballywalter Primary School. (AQW 421/07)
Ms Ruane:The South Eastern Education and Library Board is responsible for negotiating the site purchase for the proposed new school for Ballywalter Primary School. I understand the Board had initial discussions with the local landowner.
Assaults on Teachers
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last five years, the number of cases of assault against teaching staff recorded by her department, broken down by Education and Library Board. (AQW 497/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department does not collect the information requested. Cases of assault against teaching staff may be reported to the PSNI by the school or the teacher.
The Department holds information about the number of pupils expelled and the number of incidences of suspension as a result of a physical attack on any member of staff.
Children Excluded from School
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education how many children have been excluded from schools in each of the last five years, broken down by Education and Library Board. (AQW 498/07)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is shown in the following tables:
(a) The number of pupils suspended in each Education and Library Board.
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
2000/01 |
1,066 |
919 |
1,189 |
803 |
763 |
4,740 |
2001/02 |
1,229 |
882 |
1,107 |
919 |
914 |
5,051 |
2002/03 |
1,014 |
906 |
1,201 |
992 |
1,169 |
5,282 |
2003/04 |
1,191 |
936 |
1,286 |
987 |
1,084 |
5,484 |
2004/05 |
1,100 |
975 |
1,333 |
960 |
1,046 |
5,414 |
(b) The number of pupils expelled in each Education and Library Board.
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
2000/01 |
5 |
19 |
29 |
11 |
16 |
80 |
2001/02 |
7 |
16 |
18 |
12 |
23 |
76 |
2002/03 |
18 |
12 |
17 |
16 |
7 |
70 |
2003/04 |
6 |
12 |
15 |
12 |
26 |
71 |
2004/05 |
7 |
11 |
26 |
9 |
10 |
63 |
The suspension and expulsions statistics for 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed and will be placed on the DE website when this has been completed.
Attendance at Irish Medium Schools
Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Education to investigate the comparison in numbers of children attending (a) naiscoileanna, (b) bunscoileanna, and (c) meanscoileanna, from 1997-2007. (AQW 503/07)
Ms Ruane: The total number of children in each of the sectors over the period 1997/98 to 2006/07 was as follows:
naiscoileanna (voluntary and private pre schools) |
bunscoileanna (primary schools) |
meanscoileanna (post primary schools) |
|
1997/98 |
0 |
1,016 |
231 |
1998/99 |
146 |
1,064 |
268 |
1999/00 |
257 |
1,115 |
308 |
2000/01 |
295 |
1,159 |
332 |
2001/02 |
362 |
1,421 |
342 |
2002/03 |
345 |
1,608 |
364 |
2003/04 |
334 |
1,763 |
406 |
2004/05 |
397 |
1,888 |
442 |
2005/06 |
407 |
1,944 |
470 |
2006/07 |
448 |
2,041 |
489 |
Physical Assaults on Teaching Staff
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last five years, the number of pupils excluded from schools for carrying out physical assaults against teaching staff, broken down by Education and Library Board. (AQW 504/07)
Ms Ruane:The Department does not collect the information requested.
However, from the 2002/03 school year, statistics on the reasons for suspension have been gathered annually from each education and library board and relate to the number of individual suspensions, not to the number of pupils suspended. The information shows the incidences of suspension for physical attacks on staff, which would include teaching and non-teaching.
Table 1 details the number of suspensions1 for physical attacks on staff in the 2002/03 - 2004/05 school years:
TABLE 1
Physical attacks on staff
Education and Library Board |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
Belfast |
75 |
73 |
84 |
Western |
99 |
72 |
51 |
North Eastern |
91 |
49 |
57 |
South Eastern |
64 |
79 |
21 |
Southern |
36 |
47 |
49 |
NI Total |
365 |
320 |
262 |
Note:1The count of occasions is based on each incidence of suspension, where an incident is defined as a count from the first day a pupil was suspended until the last day suspended. Prior to 2004/05, the count of occasions was based on each record of suspension identified by the education and library boards, and in some instances longer periods of suspension may have had more than one record. This change is due to an improvement in the data collection systems for suspensions in the education and library boards, which has enabled better analysis of the data. As a result, the number of occasions pupils were suspended in 2004/05 has decreased from previous years. However, care should be taken when comparing the number of occasions in 2004/05 with the number of occasions in previous years.Reasons for expulsion were first collected in 2003/04.Table 2 below shows the total number of pupils expelled for physical attacks on staff for the 2003/04 and 2004/05 school years:
TABLE 2
Physical attacks on staff
Year |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
No. of expulsions for physical attacks on staff |
7 |
7 |
The suspension and expulsions statistics for 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed and will be placed on the DE website when this has been completed.
EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING
Funds Allocated for Teacher Training
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much has been spent on teacher training in each of the last five years. (AQW 352/07)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey):
Details of funds allocated for teacher training in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years are provided in the Table below.
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|
£m |
32.409 |
35.129 |
36.150 |
40.929 |
46.626 |
Figures include Initial Teacher Education (ITE) funding provided by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL); Capital Funding provided to St Mary’s and Stranmillis University Colleges and In Service Teacher Training (INSET) funding provided by the Department of Education (DE). Capital funding provided to Queen’s University Belfast and University of Ulster by DEL is not teacher training specific and is therefore not included.
Springvale Educational Project
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will carry out an investigation in relation to the Northern Ireland Audit Office report on the Springvale Educational Project, and, in particular, its criticisms of his department. (AQW 427/07)
Sir Reg Empey:The Assembly Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) will be holding an evidence session on the Springvale Educational Project (SEP) on 14 June 2007. Following this hearing the PAC will publisha report on its conclusions and recommendations. The Department will be fully analysing the PAC Report and is committed to providing a detailed response on the findings of the hearing within 2 months of receipt of the report.
Undergraduate Enrolments
Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the numbers of full and part time undergraduate students at higher education institutions, broken down by (a) Protestant; (b) Catholic; (c) other; (d) male; (e) female; (f) persons with a disability; and (f) persons without a disability, for each of the last five years. (AQW 478/07)
Sir Reg Empey:
ANSWER
Undergraduate enrolments at Northern Ireland higher education institutions by mode of study, religion, gender and disability 2001/02 – 2005/06
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
||||||||
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
||
Religion(1), (2) |
Protestant |
8,529 |
1,446 |
9,975 |
9,670 |
1,873 |
11,543 |
10,102 |
2,136 |
12,238 |
Roman Catholic |
12,190 |
1,868 |
14,058 |
13,648 |
2,197 |
15,845 |
14,092 |
2,623 |
16,715 |
|
Other |
700 |
162 |
862 |
839 |
236 |
1,075 |
989 |
267 |
1,256 |
|
Not known/available |
5,917 |
6,714 |
12,631 |
5,141 |
5,328 |
10,469 |
4,819 |
5,678 |
10,497 |
|
Total |
27,336 |
10,190 |
37,526 |
29,298 |
9,634 |
38,932 |
30,002 |
10,704 |
40,706 |
|
Gender |
Male |
11,145 |
3,269 |
14,414 |
11,818 |
3,007 |
14,825 |
12,103 |
3,378 |
15,481 |
Female |
16,191 |
6,921 |
23,112 |
17,480 |
6,627 |
24,107 |
17,899 |
7,326 |
25,225 |
|
Total |
27,336 |
10,190 |
37,526 |
29,298 |
9,634 |
38,932 |
30,002 |
10,704 |
40,706 |
|
Disability(3) |
Disabled |
1,457 |
278 |
1,735 |
1,563 |
324 |
1,887 |
1,796 |
412 |
2,208 |
Not disabled/known/sought |
25,879 |
9,912 |
35,791 |
27,735 |
9,310 |
37,045 |
28,206 |
10,292 |
38,498 |
|
Total |
27,336 |
10,190 |
37,526 |
29,298 |
9,634 |
38,932 |
30,002 |
10,704 |
40,706 |
|
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|||||||||
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
Full-time |
Part-time |
Total |
|||||
Religion(1), (2) |
Protestant |
10,575 |
2,186 |
12,761 |
11,074 |
2,732 |
13,806 |
|||
Roman Catholic |
14,514 |
2,693 |
17,207 |
15,670 |
3,128 |
18,798 |
||||
Other |
853 |
228 |
1,081 |
753 |
276 |
1,029 |
||||
Not known/available |
5,338 |
6,451 |
11,789 |
4,191 |
5,134 |
9,325 |
||||
Total |
31,280 |
11,558 |
42,838 |
31,688 |
11,270 |
42,958 |
||||
Gender |
Male |
12,486 |
3,793 |
16,279 |
12,868 |
3,676 |
16,544 |
|||
Female |
18,794 |
7,765 |
26,559 |
18,820 |
7,594 |
26,414 |
||||
Total |
31,280 |
11,558 |
42,838 |
31,688 |
11,270 |
42,958 |
||||
Disability(3) |
Disabled |
1,867 |
481 |
2,348 |
2,163 |
590 |
2,753 |
|||
Not disabled/known/sought |
29,413 |
11,077 |
40,490 |
29,525 |
10,680 |
40,205 |
||||
Total |
31,280 |
11,558 |
42,838 |
31,688 |
11,270 |
42,958 |
||||
Source: HESA |
||||||||||
(1) Information on religion is only collected for NI domiciled students studying at NI institutions.
(2) Religious affiliation is not a mandatory question and has a high non-response rate.(3) Information on disability is collected on the basis of a student’s self assessment.
SIR REG EMPEY MLA
Recreational Learning
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps will be taken to ensure that the funding changes within further education do not deter adult learners from engaging in recreational learning; and to detail how he intends to ensure that lifelong learning continues to be promoted throughout society. (AQW 488/07)
Sir Reg Empey:The new funding model used to distribute the FE Recurrent Grant to colleges does not deter people from engaging in recreational learning. While the Department for Employment and Learning sets the strategic framework for the Further Education sector in Northern Ireland, each college is responsible for its own curriculum offer. Recreational courses will continue to be subsidised by the Department, although this type of provision has always been subject to a lower level of funding. In addition, FE colleges, as incorporated bodies, have their own fees policies. It is for individual colleges to decide which of their recreational courses they charge a fee for, and how they structure their charges for such courses.
As part of the implementation of the "Further Education Means Business" strategy, the Department is developing a new policy for curriculum delivered by colleges. Key elements of the policy will be to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved between college provision that supports the economy and promotes social cohesion, and that learners are supported as appropriate throughout their lives. The new curriculum policy will be the subject of public consultation and equality impact assessment later this year, prior to its implementation from the 2008/09 academic year onwards.
ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Investment by Invest NI
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the total amount of investment made by Invest NI in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) each of the 26 local government districts; and (ii) each of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies. (AQW 238/07)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr Dodds): Table 1 presents the amount of assistance offered by Invest NI in each of the last five years by District Council Area. The total planned investment, which represents the total costs of supported projects, is also included.Similar information is presented in Table 2, presented by Parliamentary Constituency Area.
It should be noted that these areas 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. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas, although it is has been able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will be determined by the existing location of the business.
Table 1
INVEST NI ASSISTANCE BY DISTRICT COUNCIL AREA FROM 2002/03 TO 2006/07
DCA |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|||||
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
|
Antrim |
18.8 |
133.2 |
3.0 |
9.4 |
6.0 |
27.4 |
1.2 |
6.4 |
0.6 |
3.0 |
Ards |
1.2 |
6.1 |
2.7 |
9.5 |
0.6 |
2.1 |
2.2 |
10.4 |
1.4 |
13.7 |
Armagh |
5.2 |
19.2 |
1.4 |
4.9 |
1.3 |
5.4 |
0.6 |
4.8 |
3.9 |
20.3 |
Ballymena |
1.8 |
10.5 |
4.6 |
27.7 |
4.7 |
22.9 |
0.7 |
4.3 |
3.5 |
18.1 |
Ballymoney |
0.5 |
2.5 |
0.5 |
3.2 |
1.4 |
3.3 |
0.1 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
1.3 |
Banbridge |
1.9 |
8.3 |
0.4 |
0.9 |
1.5 |
8.4 |
0.5 |
2.3 |
0.3 |
1.0 |
Belfast |
29.3 |
83.6 |
53.1 |
218.6 |
45.3 |
119.2 |
30.3 |
148.1 |
43.2 |
182.6 |
Carrickfergus |
2.2 |
8.2 |
0.3 |
0.9 |
0.7 |
1.4 |
0.6 |
3.3 |
0.2 |
1.6 |
Castlereagh |
1.0 |
2.9 |
1.3 |
4.4 |
5.1 |
17.5 |
0.9 |
4.1 |
0.4 |
2.1 |
Coleraine |
2.4 |
5.3 |
0.6 |
1.5 |
1.7 |
4.2 |
1.0 |
8.6 |
0.7 |
3.9 |
Cookstown |
1.3 |
8.3 |
2.1 |
7.7 |
5.4 |
28.9 |
1.0 |
6.9 |
1.5 |
9.5 |
Craigavon |
16.1 |
71.0 |
6.7 |
31.4 |
18.7 |
73.7 |
8.6 |
35.1 |
5.5 |
34.4 |
Derry |
14.5 |
105.7 |
7.6 |
27.3 |
5.7 |
47.0 |
27.0 |
104.9 |
8.5 |
35.4 |
Down |
1.3 |
7.1 |
0.6 |
2.6 |
3.0 |
3.8 |
0.4 |
1.8 |
0.4 |
1.7 |
Dungannon |
2.4 |
9.5 |
2.7 |
14.2 |
3.4 |
13.3 |
3.0 |
18.4 |
2.4 |
18.4 |
Fermanagh |
3.7 |
14.5 |
3.2 |
11.8 |
2.3 |
13.2 |
1.1 |
6.8 |
5.9 |
37.5 |
Larne |
1.3 |
5.2 |
2.2 |
8.3 |
2.4 |
13.1 |
12.6 |
51.3 |
0.5 |
2.2 |
Limavady |
1.9 |
9.7 |
4.9 |
9.5 |
0.4 |
4.6 |
9.6 |
26.5 |
1.1 |
2.5 |
Lisburn |
1.4 |
7.0 |
2.1 |
7.0 |
3.8 |
17.4 |
9.7 |
82.3 |
4.1 |
16.7 |
Magherafelt |
1.6 |
8.5 |
1.9 |
8.0 |
2.2 |
7.9 |
1.0 |
7.1 |
0.9 |
3.7 |
Moyle |
0.2 |
0.7 |
0.2 |
0.4 |
2.2 |
8.2 |
0.1 |
0.5 |
0.1 |
1.1 |
Newry & Mourne |
2.1 |
6.4 |
1.6 |
5.8 |
2.5 |
11.2 |
10.9 |
37.9 |
1.2 |
5.6 |
Newtownabbey |
6.6 |
15.9 |
3.1 |
9.4 |
4.3 |
15.0 |
4.6 |
20.5 |
8.6 |
15.4 |
North Down |
1.1 |
6.1 |
3.0 |
8.3 |
3.4 |
14.8 |
0.8 |
3.7 |
1.5 |
6.3 |
Omagh |
1.0 |
3.2 |
1.5 |
5.5 |
1.0 |
2.8 |
2.0 |
15.9 |
0.7 |
4.4 |
Strabane |
3.8 |
16.8 |
5.8 |
30.2 |
1.8 |
7.0 |
0.3 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
6.1 |
TOTAL |
124.7 |
575.5 |
117.2 |
468.1 |
130.6 |
493.9 |
131.0 |
613.7 |
98.5 |
448.5 |
NOTES:
1. Total investment includes both the private sector and Invest NI contributions
.2. 2006/07 figures are provisional and may be subject to amendment.
3. An additional £33.5m of assistance was offered during the 5 year period, which is not analysed by geographic area.
4. Some differences in table totals may arise due to rounding.
Table 2
INVEST NI ASSISTANCE BY PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA FROM 2002/03 TO 2006/07
PCA |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|||||||
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
Assistance (£m) |
Total Investment (£m) |
|||
BELFAST EAST |
2.1 |
8.5 |
15.8 |
59.6 |
17.4 |
35.1 |
8.7 |
25.8 |
20.5 |
72.4 |
||
BELFAST NORTH |
7.6 |
20.1 |
4.5 |
24.9 |
3.0 |
12.0 |
5.0 |
36.7 |
1.5 |
16.8 |
||
BELFAST SOUTH |
15.9 |
38.6 |
26.0 |
111.3 |
21.2 |
58.7 |
15.0 |
80.1 |
20.5 |
92.2 |
||
BELFAST WEST |
4.2 |
16.5 |
8.1 |
26.6 |
8.5 |
27.3 |
2.1 |
8.3 |
1.4 |
5.6 |
||
EAST ANTRIM |
6.2 |
21.2 |
3.9 |
12.6 |
6.4 |
25.9 |
14.7 |
58.4 |
9.1 |
17.6 |
||
EAST LONDONDERRY |
4.2 |
14.0 |
5.5 |
11.0 |
2.1 |
8.8 |
10.6 |
35.1 |
1.8 |
6.4 |
||
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE |
5.4 |
20.9 |
4.3 |
16.1 |
4.7 |
22.6 |
2.8 |
20.4 |
7.5 |
51.4 |
||
FOYLE |
14.4 |
105.7 |
7.6 |
27.3 |
5.7 |
47.0 |
27.0 |
104.9 |
8.5 |
35.4 |
||
LAGAN VALLEY |
1.5 |
6.7 |
1.7 |
5.8 |
3.7 |
17.3 |
9.7 |
82.0 |
3.8 |
15.4 |
||
MID ULSTER |
4.4 |
22.2 |
5.6 |
25.6 |
8.5 |
40.8 |
3.3 |
18.8 |
3.2 |
17.6 |
||
NEWRY AND ARMAGH |
6.3 |
22.3 |
2.1 |
8.5 |
2.8 |
10.8 |
7.5 |
29.3 |
4.5 |
21.9 |
||
NORTH ANTRIM |
2.4 |
14.2 |
5.3 |
31.3 |
8.2 |
34.4 |
0.8 |
5.2 |
4.0 |
20.5 |
||
NORTH DOWN |
1.3 |
6.5 |
5.1 |
15.2 |
3.4 |
14.9 |
0.8 |
3.7 |
1.5 |
6.6 |
||
SOUTH ANTRIM |
22.9 |
142.9 |
4.5 |
15.1 |
7.0 |
30.9 |
4.0 |
21.6 |
0.7 |
3.2 |
||
SOUTH DOWN |
2.4 |
12.6 |
1.2 |
4.2 |
4.6 |
13.5 |
4.8 |
16.6 |
1.1 |
6.0 |
||
STRANGFORD |
2.1 |
9.3 |
1.6 |
5.4 |
1.2 |
6.8 |
2.9 |
13.4 |
1.6 |
14.3 |
||
UPPER BANN |
16.6 |
73.3 |
7.0 |
32.0 |
19.4 |
77.2 |
8.8 |
35.9 |
5.6 |
34.6 |
||
WEST TYRONE |
4.8 |
20.2 |
7.3 |
35.7 |
2.8 |
9.8 |
2.3 |
17.4 |
1.8 |
10.6 |
||
TOTAL |
124.7 |
575.5 |
117.2 |
468.1 |
130.6 |
493.9 |
131.0 |
613.7 |
98.5 |
448.5 |
||
NOTES:
1. Total investment includes both the private sector and Invest NI contributions.
2. 2006/07 figures are provisional and may be subject to amendment.
3. An additional £33.5m of assistance was offered during the 5 year period, which is not analysed by geographic area.
4. Some differences in table totals may arise due to rounding.
International Air Routes between from Northern Ireland and USA
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what work is being done to expand the number of air routes between Northern Ireland and the United States of America. (AQW 341/07)
Mr Dodds: My Department, in partnership with the three Northern Ireland airports and Air Route Development Ltd., has been successful in directly developing 6 international air routes from Northern Ireland, including the Belfast to New York (Newark) route, through the Northern Ireland Air Route Development Scheme. On foot of these successes the local aviation market has been stimulated and in excess of a further 20 international routes have been or will be established. The Northern Ireland Air Route Development Scheme is currently closed to new applications.
Single Natural Gas Market
Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans have been made to develop a single natural gas market on the island of Ireland. (AQW 388/07)
Mr Dodds: Development of a single natural gas market on the island would involve engagement of both Departments and Regulators, north and south, in discussions around the nature and potential mutual benefits of such a market. An essential first step would be an assessment by the Regulatory Authorities of the potential benefits for consumers in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.
Although some initial discussions have taken place, the current priority is the development of the Single wholesale Electricity Market (SEM) by 1 November 2007.
Industrial De-Rating
Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what are his plans to deal with the impact of industrial de-rating on businesses. (AQW 389/07)
Mr Dodds: The Department of Finance and Personnel has engaged the Economic Research Institute (ERINI) to assess the effects of removing industrial derating from manufacturing businesses. This work is expected to be completed in September 2007
.My Department, through Invest NI, continues to help Northern Ireland manufacturing companies to improve their competitiveness through a broad portfolio of programmes aimed at improving productivity, encouraging more innovation and R&D and encouraging businesses to seek out opportunities in export markets.
Renewable Energy
Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how his department is co-operating with other Northern Ireland departments in the development of renewable energy sources. (AQW 390/07)
Mr Dodds: DETI’s overall responsibility for renewable energy policy and for the development of renewables capacity demands considerable co-operation, both formal and informal, with other Northern Ireland departments. Specifically, the Department chairs Inter-departmental Groups (involving DARD, DFP, DoE, DRD, DSD and Invest NI) aimed at promoting a coordinated and strategic approach to the development of bio-energy and the delivery of the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF). DETI also provides regular input to other Northern Ireland departments on energy related issues – for example, DARD’s Renewable Energy policy and the Department of Environment’s draft PPS18 on Renewable Energy.
Flight Cancellations
Mr Jonathan Craig asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if an economic assessment has been carried out in relation to the possible negative effects on the local tourism industry, of low cost airline flight cancellations to and from Northern Ireland's airports. (AQW 418/07)
Mr Dodds:No economic assessment has been carried out by DETI.
Issues relating to the cancellation of flights are governed by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the designated authority for the enforcement of this Regulation in the United Kingdom.
DETI officials have discussed the question with the CAA, the Air Transport Users Council, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. On the basis of these discussions, DETI concludes there is no quantitative or qualitative evidence that flight cancellations by low cost airline are impacting negatively on the local tourism industry.
Indigenous Renewable Sources
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give the current percentage of electricity being generated from indigenous renewable sources, and to give interim targets set to measure progress. (AQW 423/07)
Mr Dodds: In the year ended 31 March 2007, 3.8% of electricity consumed in Northern Ireland was generated from indigenous renewable sources. All renewable sources, including imports, represented 6% of total consumption. The target is that, by 2012/13, the indigenous percentage will increase to 12%. DETI’s 2006/07 Operating Plan included a target of 5% for that year.
Renewable Energy
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to accelerate the growth of implementation of the various renewable energy technologies, including micro-generation at farm and community level. (AQW 425/07)
Mr Dodds:The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund has already successfully accelerated the deployment of renewable energy technologies, including micro-generation, across the private household, social housing and rural community sectors as well as in the public sector. The micro renewables industry has developed very substantially over the past 2 years and any further government intervention would be subject to economic appraisal and mainstream budgetary cover.
There is a need to continue promoting the benefits of renewable energy and, more particularly, energy efficiency and my Department will continue to focus attention on these areas, working with other key players in the sector.
Potential Tourist Attraction of Shooting and Target Sports
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the Northern Ireland Tourist Board recognises shooting and target sports as a potential tourist attraction. (AQW 452/07)
Mr Dodds:As part of The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Activity Tourism Strategy 2005-08 all activity products were evaluated and prioritised for development and future growth of activity tourism in Northern Ireland.
Field sports, including shooting, were not identified as a priority activity within the Strategy. NITB is focusing resources on golf, walking, cycling and adventure activities as the key priorities
Tourist Signage
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will erect a 'brown on white' sign for Hollow Farm Shooting Ground at the junction of Killinchy and Drumhirk Road, Comber. (AQW 454/07)
Mr Dodds:The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Roads Service of the Department of Regional Development operate a joint policy for white on brown tourist signing. A copy of the policy is available at http://www.nitb.com/attachment.aspx?ID=391 Hollow Farm Shooting Ground was considered for tourist signing by NITB as part of the annual 2006 – 2007 application from Ards Borough Council.
Based on criteria set out in the policy guidelines Hollow Farm, as a sports facility, is not eligible for tourist signing. It is considered that anyone undertaking clay pigeon shooting will have pre-booked their shoot and at that point will have received either directions or a map to the facility. Events held by the facility where visitors are welcome can be signed by AA temporary signage which can be sourced from the local Roads Service office
Invest NI
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will detail, by constituency, the jobs created by Invest Northern Ireland for each year of its existence. (AQW 455/07)
Mr Dodds: Invest NI does not create jobs. It provides assistance for businesses to improve their competitive position, which in turn may lead to employment creation. The number of jobs promoted and safeguarded through assisted inward-investment projects since 2002/03 is presented by parliamentary constituency area in Table 1.
It should be noted that these areas 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. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas, although it is has been able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects the final location decision rests with the business.
In addition, the number of jobs expected to be created through assistance offered to new locally- owned business starts by parliamentary constituency area is presented in Table 2.
Table 1(a): Jobs Promoted through Inward-Investment Projects (2002/03 – 2006/07)
JOBS PROMOTED |
||||||
Parliamentary Constituency |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
Total |
Belfast East |
410 |
232 |
630 |
1,272 |
||
Belfast North |
163 |
27 |
46 |
54 |
290 |
|
Belfast South |
216 |
649 |
1,379 |
675 |
1,010 |
3,929 |
Belfast West |
35 |
72 |
750 |
120 |
977 |
|
East Antrim |
100 |
67 |
112 |
190 |
469 |
|
East Londonderry |
24 |
24 |
||||
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
350 |
202 |
11 |
441 |
1,004 |
|
Foyle |
93 |
486 |
40 |
361 |
754 |
1,734 |
Lagan Valley |
16 |
71 |
87 |
|||
Mid Ulster |
32 |
166 |
40 |
238 |
||
Newry & Armagh |
75 |
1,002 |
304 |
1,381 |
||
North Antrim |
23 |
23 |
||||
North Down |
41 |
200 |
140 |
233 |
614 |
|
South Antrim |
5 |
319 |
67 |
391 |
||
South Down |
127 |
127 |
||||
Strangford |
70 |
5 |
19 |
20 |
114 |
|
Upper Bann |
16 |
110 |
13 |
49 |
188 |
|
West Tyrone |
175 |
53 |
109 |
44 |
381 |
|
Grand Total |
1,033 |
2,153 |
3,467 |
3,100 |
3,490 |
13,243 |
Notes; |
||||||
1. 2006/07 figures are provisional and subject to change. |
||||||
2. Figures include both first-time inward investments and reinvestments by existing externally-owned clients |
||||||
Table 1(b): Jobs Safeguarded through Inward-Investment Projects (2002/03 – 2006/07)
JOBS SAFEGUARDED |
||||||
Parliamentary Constituency |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
Total |
Belfast East |
369 |
79 |
60 |
508 |
||
Belfast North |
218 |
218 |
||||
Belfast South |
671 |
47 |
123 |
841 |
||
Belfast West |
0 |
|||||
East Antrim |
358 |
358 |
||||
East Londonderry |
787 |
787 |
||||
Fermanagh & South Tyrone |
214 |
38 |
65 |
317 |
||
Foyle |
1,033 |
117 |
1,258 |
2,408 |
||
Lagan Valley |
17 |
278 |
295 |
|||
Mid Ulster |
118 |
118 |
||||
Newry & Armagh |
30 |
30 |
||||
North Antrim |
518 |
123 |
641 |
|||
North Down |
147 |
147 |
||||
South Antrim |
48 |
96 |
144 |
|||
South Down |
362 |
362 |
||||
Strangford |
16 |
16 |
||||
Upper Bann |
807 |
680 |
616 |
2,103 |
||
West Tyrone |
1,127 |
57 |
1,184 |
|||
Grand Total |
3,015 |
2,670 |
1,312 |
3,281 |
199 |
10,477 |
Notes; |
|||||
1. 2006/07 figures are provisional and subject to change. |
|||||
2. Figures include both first-time inward investments and reinvestments by existing externally-owned clients |
|||||
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
Total |
BELFAST EAST |
70 |
127 |
151 |
111 |
103 |
562 |
BELFAST NORTH |
75 |
95 |
120 |
150 |
99 |
539 |
BELFAST SOUTH |
114 |
176 |
230 |
170 |
166 |
856 |
BELFAST WEST |
91 |
122 |
178 |
177 |
155 |
723 |
EAST ANTRIM |
148 |
186 |
277 |
213 |
225 |
1,049 |
EAST LONDONDERRY |
142 |
178 |
307 |
260 |
238 |
1,125 |
FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE |
195 |
291 |
441 |
381 |
399 |
1,707 |
FOYLE |
182 |
276 |
468 |
329 |
303 |
1,558 |
LAGAN VALLEY |
189 |
156 |
233 |
217 |
205 |
1,000 |
MID ULSTER |
242 |
291 |
356 |
365 |
303 |
1,557 |
NEWRY & ARMAGH |
215 |
244 |
373 |
298 |
250 |
1,380 |
NORTH ANTRIM |
153 |
148 |
265 |
235 |
276 |
1,077 |
NORTH DOWN |
117 |
204 |
208 |
192 |
146 |
867 |
SOUTH ANTRIM |
134 |
190 |
222 |
211 |
183 |
940 |
SOUTH DOWN |
224 |
299 |
432 |
393 |
251 |
1,599 |
STRANGFORD |
153 |
225 |
276 |
263 |
204 |
1,121 |
UPPER BANN |
186 |
229> |
319 |
299 |
182 |
1,215 |
WEST TYRONE |
142 |
178 |
243 |
256 |
265 |
1,084 |
TOTAL |
2,772 |
3,615 |
5,099 |
4,520 |
3,953 |
19,959 |
Table 2: Expected Job Creation by Assisted Locally-Owned Business Start Ups (2002/03 – 2006/07)
Notes;
2006/07 figures are provisional and subject to change
Economic Impact of lost Working Days
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the existing data on the cost to the Northern Ireland economy of working days lost due to stress or illness related to family breakdown. (AQW 527/07)
Mr Dodds: There are currently no estimates available on the cost to the economy of working days lost due to stress or illness related to a family breakdown. It is however possible to use the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey (LFS) to estimate the total number of working days that are lost due to any illness or injury in a specified reference week. For information, figures from the January – March 2007 LFS estimate that 30,000 scheduled working days were lost per week due to sick absence.
ENVIRONMENT
Prosecutions for Unauthorised Developments
Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of the Environment how many developers have been successfully prosecuted for unauthorised developments in the last three years; and how many cases remain outstanding. (AQW 84/07)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs Foster): There have been 120 successful enforcement prosecutions for unauthorised development in the last 3 financial years following court action. Currently there are some 63 cases outstanding where a summons has been issued and court action is pending.
Illegallly Deposited Household Waste
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment what were the costs incurred in clearing up the estimated 250,000 tonnes of household waste from the Republic of Ireland, which was illegally deposited on land in Northern Ireland between October 2002 and December 2004. (AQW 343/07)
Mrs Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service estimates that the cost for the removal and legal disposal of this waste would be between £37.5 and £50 million. To date only 150 tonnes have been removed and disposed of to a legal site in the Republic of Ireland at an estimated cost of £34,000. The Department is in discussion with the relevant authorities in the Republic of Ireland to agree actions regarding the remaining material.
Blue Flag Scheme
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment if she intends to consider the introduction of an all-island blue flag award for beaches. (AQW 365/07)
Mrs Foster: The Blue Flag scheme is a prestigious, international award scheme. It is administered in Northern Ireland by the charity, Tidy Northern Ireland and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) does not have responsibility for the administration of the scheme. EHS supports and encourages participation in the scheme and provides relevant bathing water quality data and beach litter information, in line with other UK agencies, namely the Environment Agency for England and Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Marys' Stile Killyleagh
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her department's expenditure relating to the work done to Mary's Stile, Killyleagh, prior to the official visit of Prince Andrew in 1995. (AQW 382/07)
Mrs Foster: In 1994 the Department of the Environment advised Voluntary Services Belfast on work to conserve the east gable of the 15th-century church at Killowen near Killyleagh, County Down, otherwise know as ‘Mary’s Stile’. The work was grant-aided to the sum of £6,000. A further £1,000 was spent in refurbishing the actual stile into the graveyard.
Mullaghglass Landfill Site
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the chemicals being used to spray Mullaghglass landfill site; and if she will assure local residents living close to this site that no chemicals being used to spray the landfill are harmful, or will cause illness or health problems to humans. (AQW 401/07)
Mrs Foster: There are five chemicals currently being used as insecticides at Mullaghglass landfill - Ficam W, Fendona 6SC, Eco – Py, Eco Alpha, and Pybuthrin 33. These insecticides are widely used, in their dilute form, in the waste industry for controlling pests and bugs on landfills. The risk to residents is considered to be minimal. The chemicals are sprayed close to the waste mass, there are banked boundaries around the landfill and the waste faces are at a distance from the residents’ dwellings.
Left Hand Drive Limousines
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to give details of the number of left hand drive limousines that operate in Northern Ireland. (AQW 432/07)
Mrs Foster: The vehicle details recorded on the vehicle register do not show if a vehicle is left or right hand drive. The number of currently licensed limousines in Northern Ireland is 374.
North-South Electricity Inter-Connector
Mr Cathal Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment to provide details of the outcome of the environmental and health impact assessments, in relation to the development of the North-South electricity inter-connector. (AQW 534/07)
Mrs Foster: While Planning Service has had preliminary discussions with NIE in relation to the submission of a planning application and the carrying out of an environmental assessment for a proposed 400kV North-South electricity inter-connector, no application has so far been submitted. Because of this, no details of either an environmental impact assessment or a health impact assessment are yet available.
North-South Electricity Inter-Connector
Mr Cathal Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions she has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the North-South electricity inter-connector. (AQW 536/07)
Mrs Foster: I have had no official discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the North-South electricity inter-connector.
FINANCE AND PERSONNEL
Valuation and Rates Inquiries
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what additional staff have been employed by his department to respond to inquiries about valuation and rates. (AQW 385/07)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): The operation to handle first line valuation queries was outsourced to a private sector contact centre. Eight additional staff were employed within the Valuation and Lands Agency to deal with matters escalated from the contact centre. Thirty five temporary staff were employed by the Department to assist in the response to rate inquiries.
Cancer Survival Rates
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) which cancer type has led to the highest mortality rate amongst cancer sufferers, and (b) how many fatality cases associated with this cancer type there have been in each of the past three years. (AQW 394/07)
Mr Robinson: Amongst those diagnosed with cancer, Northern Ireland five year relative survival rates are lowest for pancreatic cancer. In 2004 there were 152 deaths from cancer of the pancreas1, in 2005 there were 173 deaths and in 2006P there were 194 deaths registered.
1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code C25.
P Provisional data.
Female Cancer Deaths
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many women have died of cancer in each of the last three years. (AQW 402/07)
Mr Robinson: In Northern Ireland in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006P respectively, there were 1,819, 1,835 and 1,840 female deaths registered where the primary cause of death was cancer (malignant neoplasms1).
1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes C00-C97.
P Provisional data.
Male Cancer Deaths
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many men have died of cancer in each of the last three years. (AQW 405/07)
Mr Robinson: In Northern Ireland in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006P respectively, there were 1,938, 1,900 and 2,008 male deaths registered where the primary cause of death was cancer (malignant neoplasms1).
1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes C00-C97.
P Provisional data.
HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will explain the failure of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to respond to the request by the Ulster Hospital Accident and Emergency Ward, made on 10 May 2007, for an ambulance to take Mr John McGeehan to Scrabo Isles Nursing Home. (AQW 326/07)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): I understand that the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has responded fully to your letter raising the same question directly with him. In the circumstances there is nothing I can add to that reply.
Lung Cancer
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many people have been diagnosed with lung cancer as a primary cancer in each of the last three years. (AQW 403/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The table below details the number of incidences of lung cancer (ICD-10 C33-C34) in Northern Ireland for the last three years available.
Table 1: Incidence of lung cancer by year of diagnosis: 2002-2004
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|---|---|---|
868 |
892 |
932 |
This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.
Breast Cancer Diagnoses
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in each of the last three years. (AQW 404/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The table below details the number of incidences of breast cancer (ICD-10 C50) in females in Northern Ireland for the last three years available.
Table 1: Incidence of breast cancer in females by year of diagnosis: 2002-2004
| 2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|---|---|---|
| 945 | 1035 | 1117 |
This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.
Testicular Cancer
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many men have been diagnosed with testicular cancer in each of the last three years. (AQW 406/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The table below details the number of incidences of testicular cancer (ICD-10 C62) in Northern Ireland for the last three years available.
Table 1: Incidence of testicular cancer by year of diagnosis: 2002-2004
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 69 |
This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.
Gorse Fires
Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will outline (a) the number of documented incidents of Fire Service call outs in relation to gorse fires in South Down during the last three years; (b) the overall costs to emergency services in dealing with these incidents; and (c) how the number of call outs compares statistically with other Westminster constituencies for which the department has responsibility. (AQW 436/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) does not collect operational data on a Westminster constituency basis. However, the table below provides data based on NIFRS’s area and district command structure.
It is not possible to provide information about overall costs as responsibility for the Police Service of Northern Ireland is a Reserved Matter under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and, therefore, outside the remit of the Assembly. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service does not collect operational data in a format that would enable it to identify responses related to gorse fires. NIFRS’s overall costs for dealing with gorse fires was £730,038 in 2006/07; £533,798 in 2005/06; and, £614,639 in 2004/05.
NIFRS CALLOUTS TO GORSE FIRES |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AREA |
DISTRICT |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
Total |
Area Total |
% of NI Total |
| Eastern |
Knock | 251 | 177 | 228 | 656 | ||
| Whitla | 173 | 168 | 217 | 558 | 1214 | 14% | |
| Northern |
Ballymena | 159 | 168 | 216 | 543 | ||
| Coleraine | 151 | 112 | 139 | 402 | |||
| Glengormley | 318 | 199 | 344 | 861 | |||
| Lisburn | 95 | 61 | 81 | 237 | 2043 | 22% | |
| Southern |
Portadown | 237 | 189 | 410 | 836 | ||
| Bangor | 312 | 364 | 319 | 995 | |||
| Newry | 367 | 365 | 483 | 1215 | |||
| Downpatrick | 367 | 346 | 395 | 1108 | 4154 | 45% | |
| Western |
Crescent Link | 150 | 181 | 299 | 630 | ||
| Omagh | 61 | 31 | 87 | 179 | |||
| Cookstown | 94 | 79 | 150 | 323 | |||
| Enniskillen | 253 | 155 | 181 | 589 | 1721 | 19% | |
| Total | 2,988 | 2,595 | 3,549 | 9132 | 100% | ||
Special Care Neo-natal Unit at the Causeway Hospital
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline plans to open a special care neo-natal unit at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine. (AQW 439/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There are no plans to open a special care neo-natal unit at the Causeway Hospital.
Renal Dialysis Unit at the Causeway Hospital
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his plans to provide a full renal dialysis unit at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine. (AQW 440/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Plans to establish dialysis capacity for the Northern Ireland population are based on the Renal Services Review 2002, which addresses estimated demand to 2010.One recommendation of the Review was to create two new renal Units, one at Causeway Hospital and a second in the east of the Province. The proposed renal unit at Causeway is to be considered once expansion of stations at existing units (Antrim, Daisy Hill, Tyrone County, Altnagelvin and Belfast City Hospital) is complete.The Unit will operate as a satellite of Antrim Hospital with consultant medical input provided by the team based at Antrim. The Review, at the time, estimated that this unit would be required in 2010, depending on the need for dialysis across the region. Recent information, however, shows that the rate of increase in demand for renal dialysis has slowed, meaning that the date is likely to be beyond 2010.
Obesity Prevention
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give the budget allocation for his department, and for the other Northern Ireland departments with a role in the interdepartmental partnership in the prevention of obesity. (AQW 441/07)Mr McGimpsey: In the financial year 2007/08 my Department has allocated £1.650m to obesity prevention.The Department of Education has provided £3.725m to support New Nutritional Standards and Renewing Communities measures which will directly and indirectly contribute to the prevention of obesity in children.Similarly the Department of Culture, Arts and Learning will contribute to the prevention of obesity through the work of Sport Northern Ireland which has an overall budget of £19.002m
General Practitioner Services in Millisle
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to introduce a General Practitioner service for the residents of Millisle. (AQW 447/07)Mr McGimpsey: There are no plans at present to locate a General Practitioner service in Millisle. Residents of Millisle can register with nearby GP practices in Donaghadee and Ballywalter.
Agenda for Change
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to speed up the Agenda for Change programme for the Medical Records Department at the Ulster Hospital. (AQW 448/07)Mr McGimpsey: The South Eastern Trust is working within a regionally agreed partnership process to implement Agenda for Change rates of pay for all staff. The Trust has advised my Department that this particular group of staff will receive their new rates of pay by September 2007.
Waiting Time for Cataract Operations
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will detail the number of people in each Health and Social Services Board waiting for cataract operations for (a) 6 months; (b) 12 months; and (c) 18 months. (AQW 449/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There were no patients waiting more than 6 months for cataract treatment at 31 March 2007. Information on the number of patients waiting less than 6 months for cataract operations, broken down by Health Board of residence, at 31 March 2007 is provided in the table below:
| Number of Patients Waiting for Cataract Surgery at 31 March 2007 : |
||
|---|---|---|
| Health Board of Residence |
6 months or less | Total Waiting |
| Northern |
654 | 654 |
| Eastern |
1030 | 1030 |
| Southern |
331 | 331 |
| Western |
241 | 241 |
| Total |
2256 | 2256 |
Source- Departmental Information Return PFA 211
Obesity Figures
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give an estimate of the number of men and women in Northern Ireland who are obese. (AQW 456/07)Mr McGimpsey: Precise information on the number of men and women in Northern Ireland that are obese is not available. However the 2005/06 Northern Ireland Health and Social Wellbeing Survey (HSW) provided estimates of the proportion of the population that were obese. The 2005/06 survey indicated that, in Northern Ireland, 25% of males (aged 16 and over) and 23% of females (aged 16 and over) were obese. Applying these proportions to the latest available, 2005 mid-year population estimates would suggest around 162,000 males and 160,000 females in Northern Ireland (aged 16 and over) were obese.
Dental Treatment
Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of National Health Service patients currently receiving dental treatment; and if he will give an assessment of the number of EU nationals from outside Northern Ireland currently receiving dental treatment. (AQW 459/07)Mr McGimpsey: The number of people registered to receive treatment with a Health Service dentist as at May 2007 was 897,619. This figure will include a small number of non-residents such as students. Patients are registered to receive treatment for a 15-month period. The number of registered people who actually received Health Service dental treatment during the 15-month period March 2006 to May 2007 was 784,054.Information on persons registered with NI dentists who originally came from outside NI has only been recorded since July 2004 and is therefore considered incomplete. In addition, it is not possible to identify EU nationals from non-EU nationals or to identify those who may have previously registered elsewhere in the UK before coming to NI. For these reasons it is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of EU nationals currently being treated here.
Fire and Rescue Service
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give an assurance that responsibility for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service will not be devolved to District Councils under the Review of Public Administration. (AQW 465/07)Mr McGimpsey: The final decision regarding the Review of Public Administration proposal to transfer responsibility for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) to Local Government will rest with the Northern Ireland Executive. Recognising that the Executive needs to consider the strategic direction of the Review of Public Administration in its entirety, the Executive agreed at its meeting on 24 May 2007 that there would be a review of the Local Government aspects of the Review of Public Administration led by the Minister of the Environment. The Minister of the Environment will prepare proposals for the review for consideration at a future Executive meeting.However, without prejudice to the outcome of any review of RPA decisions, my view, which I recently expressed to the Health and Social Services Committee, is it would be a mistake to transfer responsibility for fire and rescue services to Local Government as a shared operational service.
Minor Injury Units
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will provide figures for attendances at (a) Bangor; and (b) Ards Minor Injury Units for the last four years. (AQW 466/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The number of first and follow up attendances at Bangor and Ards Minor Injury Units for the years 2002/03 -2005/06 is provided in the table below:
| Year | Number of Attendances | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ards Minor Injury Unit |
Bangor Minor Injury Unit |
|||||
First |
Follow Up |
Total |
First |
Follow Up |
Total |
|
2002/03 |
7,203 | 1,259 | 8,462 | 8,193 | 1,563 | 9,756 |
2003/04 |
7,764 | 1,556 | 9,320 | 8,951 | 1,734 | 10,685 |
2004/05 |
7,983 | 1,361 | 9,344 | 9,958 | 2,341 | 12,299 |
2005/06 |
8,581 | 1,443 | 10,024 | 10,590 | 2,397 | 12,987 |
Source- Departmental Information Return KH09 Part II
Car Parking Charges at the Ulster Hospital
Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will examine the issue of car parking fees at the Ulster Hospital, with particular reference to the free car parking provided for consultants and senior management, when all other staff members pay for parking. (AQW 467/07)Mr McGimpsey: I have delegated the responsibility for answering this question to the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. I understand that he has replied as follows:I refer to your recent enquiry regarding car parking charges at the Ulster Hospital and would confirm that charging for staff became operational on 1st May 2007.All Ulster Hospital staff, including consultants and Senior Managers, pay for on-site parking and standard rates are applied for full and part-time members of staff.There has recently been a significant capital investment made in respect of car parking provision on the site and this has greatly enhanced the patient and visitor experience when visiting the Ulster Hospital.Staff and trade unions were widely consulted prior to the introduction of staff charges and to date the improved availability of secure parking has been very well received.I hope this helps to clarify the position.
Ambulances on Call
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to clarify the method of communication between central ambulance control and individual ambulances out on call; and to outline any difficulties that have been encountered with those communications in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. (AQW 469/07)Mr McGimpsey: Primary communication from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre to individual ambulance crews is by radio. Back up is by mobile phone or fixed land line. During 2007, NIAS will make the transition from analogue to digital radio.NIAS has no record of any difficulty with communications within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.
Cancer Diagnosis Services
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people tested at each of the cancer diagnostic services at Altnagelvin and in Belfast for each of the last five years. (AQW 472/07)Mr McGimpsey: The information requested is not available.
Patients Domiciled in the ROI using services at Altnagelvin Hospital
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last five years, the number of patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland using the services at Altnagelvin Hospital. (AQW 473/07)Mr McGimpsey: Information on the number of patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland using all services at Altnagelvin Hospital, for each of the last five years, is not available.
Information on the number of patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland, who were admitted to, or who received day case or outpatient treatment at Altnagelvin Hospital, for each of the last five years is outlined in the table below.
YearTotal Admissions
Total Day Cases |
Total Outpatient Attendances |
|
|---|---|---|
2002/03 |
362226 | 993 |
2003/04 |
365176 | 932 |
2004/05 |
434132 | 961 |
2005/06 |
449177 | 1,196 |
2006/071 |
495241 | 1,788 |
Source: Western Health and Social Care Trust1 Outpatient attendances in 2006/07 are inflated due to a cross border project carried out during this financial year.
Information on the number of medical imaging examinations performed on patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland, at Altnagelvin Hospital, for each of the last five years, is outlined in the table below.
Year |
Total Number of Medical Imaging Examinations2,3 |
|---|---|
2002/03 |
1,077 |
2003/04 |
1,059 |
2004/05 |
774 |
2005/06 |
983 |
2006/07 |
843 |
Source: Western Health and Social Care Trust2 Medical imaging examinations include Plain Film, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, CT, Bone densitometry, Angiography, Mammography and Fluoroscopy.3 The number of tests does not equate exactly with the number of patients as a patient may receive more than one test.
Information on the number of histopathology tests performed on patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland, at Altnagelvin Hospital, between 2002 and 2007 is outlined in the table below.
Period in time |
Number of tests4 |
|---|---|
| 2002 to 2007 (inclusive) | 1,200 |
Source: Western Health and Social Care Trust4 The number of tests does not equate exactly with the number of patients as a patient may receive more than one test.
Information on the number of cytopathology tests performed on patients domiciled in the Republic of Ireland, at Altnagelvin Hospital, since 2004 is outlined in the table below.
Year5 |
Number of tests6 |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 9,023 |
| 2005 | 12,961 |
| 2006 | 14,307 |
| 2007 (to 8th June 2007) | 6,250 |
Source: Western Health and Social Care Trust5 The cytopathology service commenced in 2004.6 The number of tests does not equate exactly with the number of patients as a patient may receive more than one test.
Patients from ROI using Cancer Diagnostic Services in Belfast
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last five years, the number of patients from the Republic of Ireland using the cancer diagnostic services in Belfast. (AQW 474/07)Mr McGimpsey: The information requested is not available.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how many people are currently awaiting joint replacement surgery; (b) the waiting time for such surgery; and (c) what steps will be taken to ensure that the current waiting lists for joint replacement surgery are reduced, in line with the targets set out in the statement by the previous Minister under direct rule. (AQW 485/07)Mr McGimpsey: At 31 March 2007, there were a total of 1,314 patients waiting for joint replacement surgery. Of these, 862 were waiting 0 – 2 months, and 452 were waiting 3 – 5 months. No-one was waiting longer than six months.I am fully committed to ensuring that waiting times for surgery are further reduced in line with the target that, by the end of March 2008, no patient will wait more than 21 weeks for surgery. My Department will continue to monitor performance on a weekly basis to ensure that satisfactory progress is made towards this target.
Revenue from Treating Patients from Republic of Ireland
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide details about the annual revenue that accrues to the National Health Service in Northern Ireland as a result of treating patients from the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 499/07)Mr McGimpsey: In 2005/06, the last year for which audited information is available, NI Trusts gained income of £1.3m from the Republic of Ireland for treating patients.
Availability of NI Ambulance Service
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will list, for the last 12 months, the number of occasions on which the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (people carrier services), between Whiteabbey Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital, has not been available to patients. (AQW 509/07)Mr McGimpsey: Although the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has planned Patient Care Service (PCS) and Intermediate Care Service (ICS) resources based at Whiteabbey Ambulance Station, there is no dedicated service to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). The Whiteabbey PCS and ICS vehicles service a number of different hospitals and may also transport patients from the Whiteabbey area. It is not possible, therefore, to identify occasions when the service was not available for patients travelling to the RVH.
Hoax Calls to Emergency Services
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will detail the number of hoax calls experienced by (a) the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; and (b) the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; and whether his department has carried out any research in relation to the effect these calls have on the Services, and the resultant costs. (AQW 520/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The number of hoax calls received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) in the last 3 financial years is as follows:
2004/05 2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|
|---|---|---|
NIFRS |
5823 4960 |
4412 |
NIAS |
2991 6403 |
5990 |
Hoax calls waste resources, divert emergency services away from real emergencies and can potentially cost lives. Our aim must be to stop this senseless anti-social behaviour. Both services have programmes in place to prevent and reduce the incidence of such calls.
Ban on Smoking in Public Places
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if his department has recorded an increase in the number of people giving up smoking, since the introduction of the ban on smoking in public places in Northern Ireland. (AQW 535/07)Mr McGimpsey: It is too soon to provide a realistic assessment of the impact upon cessation rates of the comprehensive controls on smoking introduced on 30 April. Information about smoking cessation is published on the Department’s website: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-pubs.htm, both quarterly and annually. This relates to the number of smokers setting a quit date and also to the outcome of follow-up action at 4 and 52 weeks to establish current smoking status.Encouragingly, data submitted to date shows that 1,696 quit dates were set in May 2007 compared to 564 in May 2006. The definitive figure for May 2007 is likely to increase as further information becomes available. In addition, figures recently released by community pharmacy smoking cessation services showed that, in the four months prior to April 2007, more than 4,000 smokers had set a quit date – more than five times as many as in the same period in 2006.Bearing in mind that a smoker may set a quit date on the last day of the quarter, provisional data relating to current smoking status for the quarter ending 30 June 2007 will not be available before mid-August.
North-South Electricity Inter-Connector
Mr Cathal Boylan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions he has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the North-South electricity inter-connector. (AQW 537/07)Mr McGimpsey: I have had no discussions with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in relation to the North-South electricity inter-connector.
Maternity Provision for the Mid-Ulster Hospital
Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will consider a midwife-led maternity service for the Mid-Ulster Hospital. (AQW 560/07)Mr McGimpsey: It is for the Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts in conjunction with their local communities to decide on the most appropriate pattern of local maternity services provision.
Tuberculosis
Mr David McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will make a statement on the tuberculosis alert at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. (AQW 582/07)Mr McGimpsey: On 4th June 2007 my Department was notified by the Northern Board of a healthcare worker from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine who had recently been diagnosed as having Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis. Precautionary screening of patients and staff who may have been in contact with the healthcare worker is currently taking place to determine the likelihood that this infection has been transmitted to exposed individuals. This is in line with national guidelines. However current expert advice is that this is not an easy infection to catch.As part of this action, all patients and staff who may have been in contact with this healthcare worker have been contacted by telephone and/or letter. They have been advised of the risk and, if necessary, to make an appointment for screening. The Northern Trust is holding special clinics to facilitate testing.A helpline has been set up from Friday 8th June for the immediate future from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. This will enable those with concerns to speak to professionals, and where indicated to arrange appointments for screening.My Department is continuing to monitor the situation with the Northern Board.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A22 Belfast to Comber Road
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the A22 Comber to Belfast road. (AQW 342/07)The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Murphy): There are currently no plans to upgrade the A22 Comber to Belfast road.However, my Department’s Roads Service are currently progressing a scheme to provide a combined off road footway/cycleway, from Comber through to Belfast City Centre, as an alternative to car travel. It is expected that this scheme will be completed by autumn 2008.In addition the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (2015) outlines proposals for an EWAY rapid transit on the Metropolitan Transport Corridor including both the Newtownards and Comber roads. These proposals are currently subject to an economic appraisal which is due to report to my Department in the autumn. There is also a proposal to construct the Quarry Corner East Link Road scheme in conjunction with EWAY which would also relieve congestion on the Upper Newtownards Road at Dundonald. A park and ride site at Millmount is also planned to be constructed in conjunction with EWAY.
Street Lighting in Rural Areas
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the current criteria for the provision of street lighting in rural areas; and if a review of this criteria is now required. (AQW 348/07)Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service use two main criteria when considering the provision of street lighting in rural areas. These are the density of housing within a community, including public buildings with significant night time use; and road safety, where street lighting would contribute to a reduction in the number of night-time accidents.These criteria serve to balance the demand for more rural lighting against the unwelcome effects of increased urbanisation of the countryside, the environmental impact of night sky light pollution on people, wildlife and flora and the financial costs of providing and maintaining additional public lighting installations.I understand that the policy for provision of street lighting in rural locations was relaxed in 2002, so that a public building within a community, with significant evening use, would count as two dwellings when applying the housing density criteria.Roads Service has no current plans for a further review of the criteria for the provision of street lighting in rural areas.
Speed Restrictions in Residential Zones
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) how many twenty mile per hour residential zones are planned for Northern Ireland; and (b) what are the locations of the planned zones. (AQW 391/07)Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service advises that a 20 mph speed limit, is not normally introduced on individual roads. It is more common to introduce 20 mph Zones, which are a form of traffic calming, in residential areas where an extensive network of streets is involved and self-enforcing measures can be provided to reduce vehicle speeds to approximately 20 mph. Whenever speeds have been reduced to this, it is then possible to introduce a mandatory 20 mph limit. If the level of traffic calming measures is insufficient to reduce speeds to around 20 mph, then it is unlikely that the Police Service of Northern Ireland would agree to the introduction of a mandatory 20 mph limit.Roads Service has implemented forty-eight such 20 mph residential zones to date and has plans to implement a further five 20 mph zones during the current financial year at the following locations:
- Scrabo Estate, NewtownardsDerrychara Drive / Lakeview Park area, EnniskillenCluney Gardens, Clady(near Strabane)The Mews, Ashfield Gardens, Fintona
- Lakeview Cottages, Ardboe
Traffic Calming Measures, Strangford
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the location of traffic-calming measures that are planned in the Strangford constituency. (AQW 392/07)Mr Murphy: Traffic calming schemes are proposed for the following locations in the Strangford constituency in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 financial years:
2007/08
Gateway measures at existing 30 mph signs, Killinchy
Gateway measures at Parsonage Road, Kircubbin
Old Ballygowan Road, Comber
2008/09
Gateway measures at existing 30 mph signs, Killyleagh
Gateway measures at existing 30 mph signs, Ballywalter
Strangford Heights, Newtownards
Ballyblack Road, Loughries
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 have been adhered to in relation to all aspects of the Northern Ireland Water septic tank desludging contract, recently transferred from Road Safety Contracts to Precision Industrial Services; and if he will clarify specifically that there has been no detrimental change in employee rates of pay and public holiday/annual leave entitlement. (AQW 407/07)Mr Murphy: The Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006 transferred responsibility for the delivery of water and sewerage services from the Department's Water Service Agency to a statutory water and sewerage undertaker. A government-owned company, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has been appointed as the undertaker and the issues raised are operational matters for it. I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response to these questions.
Annual Salary for Parking Attendants
Mr George Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development what is the annual salary of a Roads Service/NCP parking attendant. (AQW 410/07)Mr Murphy: As you will be aware, Traffic Attendants are employed by National Car Parks Services (Ltd), who are contracted to my Department’s Roads Service, to provide parking enforcement and car park management services.Attendants are paid £6.91 per hour. Their annual salary depends on the number of hours worked, but I can advise that a standard 37 hour working week would equate to an annual salary of £13,295.
Waste Water Infrastructure
Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister for Regional Development what measures are in place to reduce the potential for overload of waste water infrastructure; what pollution hotspots have been identified; and what strategies are in place to reduce sewage pollution. (AQW 434/07)Mr Murphy: The Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006 transferred responsibility for the delivery of water and sewerage services from the Department's Water Service Agency to a statutory water and sewerage undertaker. A government-owned company, Northern Ireland Water (NIW) has been appointed as the undertaker and the issues raised are operational matters for it. I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response to these questions.
New footpath at the Bowling Club, Ballywalter
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if he is aware that Ballywalter Football and Bowling Club has over 600 members; and whether this information has been considered in assessing the need for a new footpath from the Kilns to the Bowling Club on the Springvale Road, Ballywalter. (AQW 450/07)Mr Murphy: I recall you raised this issue during the recent Adjournment Debate about funding for the re-surfacing of roads in the Strangford Constituency.As I indicated in my recent reply to your previous Assembly Question on this matter (AQW 81/07), my Department’s Roads Service has carried out a full technical assessment of this proposal, to provide a footway linking the Kilns to the Bowling Club on the Springvale Road, Ballywalter. A crucial component of that assessment process was the use of pedestrian and vehicle surveys between both locations, to determine the amount of pedestrian and vehicle activity in the area.The result of the whole assessment process was that this proposal attracted a low priority status when compared with other proposals being considered by Roads Service. Accordingly, the footway referred to in your question has not been included in Roads Service’s Minor Works Programme for the Ards Council area.
New Footway at Killyleagh Football Club
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if he has finalised plans for a new footpath from the football ground in Killyleagh to Maymore Cottages; and if he will give a timescale for its completion. (AQW 451/07)Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service confirms that it has received several requests from elected and local representatives for the provision of a footway to link the Killyleagh Football Club with Maymore Cottages on the Comber Road, Killyleagh.As a result of these requests, full technical assessments for a possible scheme were carried out during 2003 and 2005. However, as low levels of pedestrian activity were recorded on both occasions, the scheme did not receive a high enough priority, when competing with other similar requests, to be included in Roads Service’s Minor Works Programme for the Down Council Area.Roads Service officials consider that the circumstances have not changed significantly since 2005. They will, however, continue to monitor the situation and they have assured me that should circumstances change, the proposal will be reassessed.
Glenburn Road Car Park
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he will take to remove an 11 July bonfire from a Roads Service car park on Glenburn Road in Dunmurry, which has been situated close to nearby houses and apartments. (AQW 484/07)Mr Murphy: My Department has the power under the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 to remove any bonfire material near or on a public road, which may constitute a danger to road users. However, the support, co-operation and involvement of local communities is an important factor, as was recognised in the report of the inter-agency group, which produced guidelines on bonfire management.Roads Service also has a duty of care to its staff, and the immediate and ongoing safety of personnel tasked with removal work is always taken into account, in consultation with the police and other parties.With regard to the Glenburn Road car park, I can advise that Roads Service, in conjunction with the Police, Lisburn City Council officials, Fire and Rescue Service and local representatives ensure that every effort is made to contain the impact that a bonfire has at this location and the surrounding area. This joint approach has ensured that there has been a vast improvement in the management of this bonfire site in the past few years.In previous years, a little-used portion of this car park has been used for the construction of a bonfire, ensuring containment in an area with little impact on the general public. There has always been a risk that, with the removal of this local agreement, the bonfire could be moved onto the public thoroughfare, causing even greater problems.Following discussions with a local representative this year, Roads Service officials placed temporary fencing around a small area at the rear of the car park to contain the collection of material to a confined area away from the apartments and to leave the remainder of the car park free for parking. This location, which has been agreed with the local community, is considered to be a safe distance from apartments under construction, providing that the safe height, agreed with the Fire and Rescue Service, is not breached. I am advised that the bonfire will also be built on a prepared base, so that the surface of the car park is protected from damage. These arrangements will mitigate greatly the negative impacts of the bonfire on members of the public.As a result of an agreement with the local community to minimise the impact of a bonfire at Glenburn Road car park, it would not be appropriate to take action to remove all bonfire material from this site. Roads Service officials and other public bodies will, however, closely monitor this location so that the situation is managed as effectively as possible.
Skeoge Road Link
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will give a timeline for the work to be carried out in relation to the Skeogh Road Link, Derry/Londonderry, including a date for completion; and if he will confirm that effective traffic management systems will be in place at completion, following consultation with residents in the directly affected housing developments. (AQW 521/07)Mr Murphy: Work on the provision of the Skeoge Link started on site on the 23 April 2007. It is anticipated that the road will be substantially completed by Spring 2008.Concept master plans for the new housing developments in the area are being finalised with Planning Service and discussions between Roads Service officials and the developers are ongoing on the provision of the minor roads connections to the new Skeoge Link. These connections will be provided by the developers, to tie in with their new road and housing layouts. I can confirm that Roads Service officials have been heavily involved in agreeing the standards and also ensuring that walking and cycling provisions are included.It is anticipated that the new road will provide great benefits for both strategic traffic and for local residents, especially in the Glengalliagh area.
Derry/Londonderry to Belfast Rail Network
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will provide information on the upgrade to the Derry/Londonderry-Belfast rail network, and in particular the requirement of a 'loop system' to increase the frequency of service in and out of Derry/Londonderry; and if his department has undertaken any work with Ilex in relation to relocation of the rail terminal. (AQW 522/07)Mr Murphy: Work on rail services between Belfast and Derry is currently being carried out to maintain services on the line at existing levels in accordance with the Railways Review Group Report published in 2004. Following the scrutiny of an appraisal, which assessed the merits of a range of options for future railways provision, the Department is bidding for additional funding under the Priorities and Budget and Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland exercises. This includes the provision of a passing loop and if the bid was to be successful it would allow for an improved timetable on the line.The Department has not undertaken any work with Ilex in relation to the relocation of the rail terminal in Derry. However, Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) has been in consultation with Ilex in respect of a relocated railway station and a direct footbridge linkage to Foyleside. Depending on the outcome of decisions regarding additional funding for the Belfast to Derry line proposals may be brought forward to the Department in the future.
Submissions Criteria for Review of Water Charges
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Minister for Regional Development when the Committee for Regional Development was informed of the 31 May 2007 deadline for submission of suggested criteria for the review into water charges; and how that information was communicated. (AQW 597/07)Mr Murphy: The letter of 6 June from the Committee’s chairman to me following our meeting on 16 May states "You also asked to hear views on this issue from the Committee by the end of May 2007."
Review of Water Charges
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Minister for Regional Development to give the date on which the criteria for the review into water charges was drawn up. (AQW 598/07)Mr Murphy: Drafts terms of reference were circulated to the Executive sub-committee on 31 May 2007. Further changes were made as a result of the sub-committee meeting on 4 June and an agreed draft circulated to the Executive on 5 June. Final terms of reference followed the Executive’s agreement on 7 June.
Submissions Criteria for Review of Water Charges
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the individuals and/or groups that made submissions in relation to the criteria for the review of water charges; when those submissions were received; and what is the content of those submissions. (AQW 599/07)Mr Murphy: A number of groups and individuals made suggestions about the review. Submissions were received from the NI Authority for Utility Regulation (29 May) and from the Regional Development Committee (6 June) on the criteria for the review.The submissions suggested areas that should be covered by the review and the manner in which it might be taken forward.A copy of the submission received from the NI Authority for Utility Regulation is available in the Assembly Library.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
Mr Fred Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development what long-term strategy is in place to progress the Cathedral Quarter development plans and secure the long-term survival of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival; and if her department has realised its commitment to establish a new agency to promote the Cathedral Quarter. (AQW 322/07)The Minister for Social Development (Ms Ritchie): The now dissolved Laganside Corporation set out its regeneration strategy for Cathedral Quarter in its Corporate Plan, published each year, and reported on progress in its Annual Report and Accounts. The Corporation’s final Annual Report and Accounts will be laid in the Assembly in July 07 and will indicate that all remaining physical development projects in the area are on course for delivery of development plans. As part of the 2007/08 round, the Arts Council awarded the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival an Annual Support for Organisations Programme (ASOP) grant of £69,300. The award is on a 3-year funding basis in recognition of the strategic importance of the festival. The Department for Social Development (DSD) has committed £500,000 funding for the period 2007 to 2009 for a grants package to support the arts and cultural sector in the Laganside area including Cathedral Quarter. On 29 January 2007 DSD announced that it would invite all stakeholders in Cathedral Quarter to give their views on establishing a body to market the area, in order to maximise and develop the promotion of the Quarter to become a distinct area of excellence for arts and culture, creative industries, business, retail, leisure and entertainment. DSD is currently consulting with Belfast City Council and Arts Groups on this proposal with the aim of finalising details as soon as possible.
Attendance Allowance
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Attendance Allowance by (a) constituency, (b) District Council area, and (c) each Social Security Office. (AQW 378/07)Ms Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the attached tables. The numbers shown reflect the number of claims where an amount of Attendance Allowance is in payment at the date of extract.
Table 1: Attendance Allowance Recipients by Parliamentary Constituency at 28 April 2007
Parliamentary Constituency |
Attendance Allowance Recipients (28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| BELFAST EAST | 3,711 |
| BELFAST NORTH | 3,974 |
| BELFAST SOUTH | 3,104 |
| BELFAST WEST | 2,968 |
| EAST ANTRIM | 2,835 |
| EAST LONDONDERRY | 3,148 |
| FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE | 3,903 |
| FOYLE | 2,722 |
| LAGAN VALLEY | 3,518 |
| MID ULSTER | 3,348 |
| NEWRY AND ARMAGH | 3,959 |
| NORTH ANTRIM | 3,870 |
| NORTH DOWN | 3,627 |
| SOUTH ANTRIM | 2,946 |
| SOUTH DOWN | 3,949 |
| STRANGFORD | 3,389 |
| UPPER BANN | 3,643 |
| WEST TYRONE | 3,153 |
| Unallocated Postcode * | 403 |
| TOTAL | 62,170 |
* In this analysis records are attributed to Electoral Wards and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. A small number of records cannot be directly allocated using this methodology.
Table 2: Attendance Allowance Recipients by District Council Area at 28 April 2007
District Council Area |
Attendance Allowance Recipients(28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| ANTRIM | 1,306 |
| ARDS | 2,702 |
| ARMAGH | 2,117 |
| BALLYMENA | 2,085 |
| BALLYMONEY | 1,085 |
| BANBRIDGE | 1,598 |
| BELFAST | 11,073 |
| CARRICKFERGUS | 1,290 |
| CASTLEREAGH | 2,520 |
| COLERAINE | 2,112 |
| COOKSTOWN | 1,306 |
| CRAIGAVON | 2,843 |
| DERRY | 2,722 |
| DOWN | 2,354 |
| DUNGANNON | 1,933 |
| FERMANAGH | 2,491 |
| LARNE | 1,115 |
| LIMAVADY | 1,036 |
| LISBURN | 3,380 |
| MAGHERAFELT | 1,521 |
| MOYLE | 700 |
| NEWRY & MOURNE | 3,358 |
| NEWTOWNABBEY | 2,868 |
| NORTH DOWN | 3,099 |
| OMAGH | 1,765 |
| STRABANE | 1,388 |
| Unallocated Postcode * | 403 |
| TOTAL | 62,170 |
* In this analysis records are attributed to Electoral Wards and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. A small number of records cannot be directly allocated using this methodology.
Table 3: Attendance Allowance Recipients by Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundary at 28 April 2007
Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office Boundary |
Attendance Allowance Recipients(28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| Andersonstown | 1,302 |
| Antrim | 1,880 |
| Armagh | 1,887 |
| Ballymena | 2,353 |
| Ballymoney | 1,665 |
| Ballynahinch | 1,070 |
| Banbridge | 1,662 |
| Bangor | 3,174 |
| Carrickfergus | 1,289 |
| Coleraine | 2,131 |
| Cookstown | 1,085 |
| Corporation Street | 2,394 |
| Downpatrick | 1,075 |
| Dungannon | 1,677 |
| Enniskillen | 2,703 |
| Falls Road | 1,051 |
| Foyle | 1,306 |
| Holywood Road | 3,433 |
| Kilkeel | 640 |
| Knockbreda | 3,022 |
| Larne | 1,119 |
| Limavady | 945 |
| Lisburn | 2,829 |
| Lisnagelvin | 1,537 |
| Lurgan | 1,813 |
| Magherafelt | 1,540 |
| Newcastle | 781 |
| Newry | 2,585 |
| Newtownabbey | 2,279 |
| Newtownards | 2,012 |
| Omagh | 1,669 |
| Portadown | 1,555 |
| Shaftesbury Square | 1,672 |
| Shankill Road | 1,148 |
| Strabane | 1,413 |
| Unallocated Postcode * | 474 |
| TOTAL | 62,170 |
* Attendance Allowance is a centralised benefit and therefore has no Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office indicator. Table 3 is a breakdown of customers whose postcodes fall within each of the 35 Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundaries. "Unallocated Postcode" in this instance refers to those postcodes which cannot be referenced on the Geographic Information System and therefore cannot be assigned to a Social Security office Boundary
Pension Credit
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Pension Credit by (a) constituency, (b) District Council area, and (c) each Social Security Office. (AQW 379/07)Ms Ritchie: The information requested is provided in attached tables. The numbers shown in receipt of Pension Credit reflect the number of beneficiaries i.e. claimants plus partners where appropriate.
Table 1: Pension Credit Beneficiaries by Parliamentary Constituency at 28 April 2007
Parliamentary Constituency |
Pension Credit Beneficiaries(28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| BELFAST EAST | 5,324 |
| BELFAST NORTH | 8,013 |
| BELFAST SOUTH | 4,364 |
| BELFAST WEST | 8,236 |
| EAST ANTRIM | 4,576 |
| EAST LONDONDERRY | 5,940 |
| FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE | 7,070 |
| FOYLE | 7,403 |
| LAGAN VALLEY | 5,007 |
| MID ULSTER | 6,886 |
| NEWRY AND ARMAGH | 7,748 |
| NORTH ANTRIM | 6,853 |
| NORTH DOWN | 4,307 |
| SOUTH ANTRIM | 4,865 |
| SOUTH DOWN | 6,721 |
| STRANGFORD | 5,349 |
| UPPER BANN | 7,172 |
| WEST TYRONE | 6,847 |
| Unallocated Postcode* | 579 |
| TOTAL | 113,260 |
* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a ward using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.
Table 2: Pension Credit Beneficiaries by District Council Area at 28 April 2007
District Council Area |
Pension Credit Beneficiaries(28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| ANTRIM | 2,388 |
| ARDS | 4,294 |
| ARMAGH | 3,454 |
| BALLYMENA | 3,563 |
| BALLYMONEY | 2,014 |
| BANBRIDGE | 2,561 |
| BELFAST | 21,564 |
| CARRICKFERGUS | 1,944 |
| CASTLEREAGH | 3,282 |
| COLERAINE | 3,693 |
| COOKSTOWN | 2,595 |
| CRAIGAVON | 5,838 |
| DERRY | 7,403 |
| DOWN | 3,891 |
| DUNGANNON | 3,885 |
| FERMANAGH | 4,511 |
| LARNE | 1,935 |
| LIMAVADY | 2,247 |
| LISBURN | 5,379 |
| MAGHERAFELT | 2,965 |
| MOYLE | 1,276 |
| NEWRY & MOURNE | 7,045 |
| NEWTOWNABBEY | 4,551 |
| NORTH DOWN | 3,556 |
| OMAGH | 3,206 |
| STRABANE | 3,641 |
| Unallocated Postcode* | 579 |
| TOTAL | 113,260 |
* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards and Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a ward using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.
Table 3: Pension Credit Beneficiaries by Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundary at 28 April 2007
Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundary |
Pension Credit Beneficiaries(28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| Andersonstown | 3,532 |
| Antrim | 3,272 |
| Armagh | 3,050 |
| Ballymena | 4,033 |
| Ballymoney | 3,086 |
| Ballynahinch | 1,521 |
| Banbridge | 2,650 |
| Bangor | 3,876 |
| Carrickfergus | 1,945 |
| Coleraine | 3,746 |
| Cookstown | 2,177 |
| Corporation Street | 5,136 |
| Downpatrick | 1,797 |
| Dungannon | 3,506 |
| Enniskillen | 4,894 |
| Falls Road | 3,213 |
| Foyle | 4,588 |
| Holywood Road | 5,061 |
| Kilkeel | 1,215 |
| Knockbreda | 3,888 |
| Larne | 1,938 |
| Limavady | 2,003 |
| Lisburn | 4,026 |
| Lisnagelvin | 3,095 |
| Lurgan | 3,795 |
| Magherafelt | 3,028 |
| Newcastle | 1,320 |
| Newry | 5,626 |
| Newtownabbey | 3,592 |
| Newtownards | 3,323 |
| Omagh | 3,089 |
| Portadown | 2,831 |
| Shaftesbury Square | 2,465 |
| Shankill Road | 2,622 |
| Strabane | 3,660 |
| Unallocated Postcode* | 661 |
| TOTAL | 113,260 |
* Pension Credit is a centralised benefit and therefore has no Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office indicator. Table 3 is a breakdown of customers whose postcodes fall within each of the 35 Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundaries. "Unallocated Postcode" in this instance refers to those postcodes which cannot be referenced on the Geographic Information System and therefore cannot be assigned to a Social Security office Boundary.
Attendance Allowance
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of new claimants for Attendance Allowance in each of the last five years by (a) constituency, (b) District Council area, and (c) each Social Security Office. (AQW 380/07)Ms Ritchie: Information in the form requested is not available.
The total number of claims to Attendance Allowance for each of the last 5 years for Northern Ireland is as follows:
Year |
Totals |
|---|---|
| 2002/2003 | 9,878 |
| 2003/2004 | 9,341 |
| 2004/2005 | 8,743 |
| 2005/2006 | 8,275 |
| 2006/2007 | 8,357 |
Energy Performance Certificates
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development if she has any plans to introduce energy performance certificates or home information packs. (AQW 396/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Department for Social Development is working along with the Department of Finance and Personnel to prepare regulations that will implement the remaining requirements of the European Union Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, including the requirement for the production of energy performance certificates. These certificates will be introduced on a phased basis between January 2008 and January 2009.There are no plans at present to introduce Home Information Packs and I will continue to monitor developments as regards their introduction in Northern Ireland and will establish a stakeholders group to consider this issue once the review of the ‘Land Law Reform Project’, a joint Office of Law Reform/Land Registers of Northern Ireland process has taken place. This initiative, which is scheduled for 3 years, commenced in April 2006 and will consider current land law and conveyance legislation and practice. It will look at all aspects of existing processes and legislation and consider examples of best practice which apply in other areas.
Carers Over 65
Mr George Savage asked the Minister for Social Development if she will take on board the concerns of those over 65 who care for ill relatives; and if she will consider a form of carer's allowance for such persons. (AQW 408/07)Ms Ritchie: Since October 2002 carers aged 65 and over have been able to qualify for carer’s allowance on the same basis as younger carers. However, it is a basic principle of the social security system that only one benefit at a time can be paid for the same purpose. Even though the circumstances which give rise to entitlement to carer’s allowance and state pension are different, they are both designed to provide a degree of replacement for lost or foregone income. Entitlement to both benefits means that carer’s allowance is not payable, or not payable in full, in addition to state pension. Where carer’s allowance cannot be paid for this reason, the person will keep underlying entitlement to carer’s allowance which gives access to the carer premium in the income-related benefits such as housing benefit or the similar additional amount for carers through pension credit. In line with the long-standing policy of parity in social security, there are no current plans to change the policy on overlapping benefits in respect of carer’s allowance and state pension.
Pension Credit
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of new claimants for Pension Credit, for each of the last five years, (a) by constituency; (b) by District Council area; and (c) by Social Security Office. (AQW 416/07)Ms Ritchie: Information in the form requested is not available.
The total number of claims to Pension Credit between April 2005 and March 2006 and between April 2006 and March 2007 for Northern Ireland is set out in the table below.
Year |
Totals |
|---|---|
| 2005/2006 | 10,384 |
| 2006/2007 | 7,951 |
Land Purchase for New Build Social Housing
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how many applications are pending for land purchase for new build social housing in (a) Ards Borough Council area; and (b) Strangford constituency. (AQW 430/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Social Housing Development Programme for 2007/08 and 2008/09 currently contains proposals for
a. 14 new schemes in the Ards Borough Council area. Sites for eight are already in the ownership of Housing Associations or the Housing Executive. Housing Associations will be responsible for acquiring the remaining six sites; and
b. 17 new schemes in the Strangford constituency, including those planned for the Ards Borough Council area. Sites for 10 of these schemes are already in the ownership of Housing Associations or the Housing Executive. Housing Associations will be responsible for acquiring the remaining seven sites.
Housing Associations are currently working with the Housing Executive to determine the feasibility of acquiring a number of further sites that do not currently feature in the published programme.
Renewing Communities Programme
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Social Development if she will carry out a review of the Renewing Communities Funding Programme, in light of concerns about departmental funding through the programme. (AQW 461/07)Ms Ritchie: The Renewing Communities Programme is a programme of actions shared across seven Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office and initiated by the direct rule administration. My Department, DSD, is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the programme including the administration of the inter-departmental Delivery Team. DSD has begun the process of examining the actions for which we have the lead responsibility to ensure that they are properly fortified and are keen to discuss with other Departments how we might proceed beyond March 2008 when the funding will cease.
Community Conventions Development Company
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Social Development how much money has been allocated to the Community Convention and Development Company and related conventions since their establishment. (AQW 462/07)Ms Ritchie: The Department for Social Development issued a Letter of Offer to the Community Conventions Development Company in January 2005 for £523k to deliver four community conventions by 31 December 2006. A further contract was in place until end May 2007 for £60,000. My Department is currently assessing an application from the Community Conventions Development Company for a further three years funding and has issued an interim contract for £20,000 pending a final decision by the end of June 2007.
CORRIGENDA
Written Answer Booklet of 1 June 2007(Volume 22, No WA3)In page WA24, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW28/07) with;
The disparity of pay between Waterways Ireland employees north and south is due to the differing public sector pay increases which have applied North and South in recent years. The movement in the euro -sterling exchange rate has also had an impact. Southern staff have their pay linked to ROI public sector pay whilst Northern staff pay is linked to Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) rates. These arrangements have been agreed through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) procedures.The Chief Executives of the North/South Bodies have raised a number of concerns about the pay and conditions of service of their staff. These are complex issues and the NSMC Joint Secretariat, in consultation with Sponsor and Finance Departments north and south, is currently considering them with a view to agreeing a possible response.
Written Answer Booklet of 8 June 2007(Volume 22, No WA4)In page WA 79, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW288/07) with;
The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) do not routinely check for cancer clusters in small areas unless specifically asked by a member of the public/medical profession etc. However on a larger scale NICR produce Standardised Incidence Ratios and Standardised Mortality Ratios at Local Government District (LGD) (see Table 1 below). Table 1 aggregates information for 1993-2004 combined, as the number of cancers would not support a robust analysis for 2004 only. Complete information for 2005 and 2006 is not yet available.
Belfast LGD had the highest number of newly diagnosed cancers and cancer deaths each year due to its higher population. The standardised incidence and mortality ratios show that these values were still much higher than what would be expected if cancer cases and deaths were evenly distributed across Northern Ireland. Derry and Newry & Mourne LGDs also had higher than expected levels of newly diagnosed cancer and cancer deaths. Higher levels of cancer in these areas were driven by high incidence of lung (in Belfast and Derry), stomach (in Belfast and Newry & Mourne) and colorectal (in Derry and Newry & Mourne) cancer. This is likely to be linked to higher levels of deprivation and the associated higher levels of tobacco use in these areas.
Table 1: Standardised incidence and mortality ratios for all cancers (excluding Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer) by LGD: 1993-2004 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Local GovernmentDistrict |
Average number of cases per year |
Standardised Incidence Ratio(95% CI) |
Average no. of deaths per year |
Standardised Mortality Ratio(95% CI) |
||
| Antrim | 158 | 96.8 | (92.5,101.2) | 88 | 100.7 | (94.6,106.8) |
| Ards | 276 | 92.6 | (89.4,95.7) | 158 | 95.7 | (91.4,100.0) |
| Armagh | 194 | 97.6 | (93.7,101.6) | 103 | 94.5 | (89.3,99.8) |
| Ballymena | 223 | 91.8 | (88.3,95.2) | 126 | 93.3 | (88.6,98.1) |
| Ballymoney | 94 | 91.0 | (85.7,96.3) | 51 | 88.5 | (81.5,95.6) |
| Banbridge | 145 | 95.4 | (90.9,99.9) | 74 | 88.2 | (82.3,94.0) |
| Belfast | 1,294 | 109.7 | (108.0,111.4) | 775 | 116.0 | (113.6,118.4) |
| Carrickfergus | 143 | 100.3 | (95.6,105.1) | 82 | 105.2 | (98.6,111.8) |
| Castlereagh | 292 | 98.3 | (95.1,101.6) | 160 | 96.0 | (91.7,100.3) |
| Coleraine | 224 | 99.1 | (95.4,102.8) | 122 | 96.3 | (91.4,101.3) |
| Cookstown | 102 | 88.4 | (83.5,93.4) | 55 | 86.6 | (80.0,93.2) |
| Craigavon | 289 | 98.1 | (94.8,101.4) | 150 | 93.4 | (89.1,97.7) |
| Derry | 350 | 110.6 | (107.2,113.9) | 198 | 118.5 | (113.8,123.3) |
| Down | 235 | 98.5 | (94.9,102.1) | 127 | 96.1 | (91.3,101.0) |
| Dungannon | 167 | 96.9 | (92.6,101.1) | 87 | 92.0 | (86.4,97.6) |
| Fermanagh | 221 | 95.9 | (92.3,99.6) | 120 | 92.4 | (87.6,97.2) |
| Larne | 136 | 104.0 | (98.9,109.0) | 74 | 102.1 | (95.3,108.8) |
| Limavady | 96 | 95.9 | (90.3,101.4) | 51 | 95.1 | (87.5,102.6) |
| Lisburn | 366 | 95.5 | (92.6,98.3) | 193 | 92.6 | (88.8,96.4) |
| Magherafelt | 129 | 95.3 | (90.6,100.1) | 68 | 91.3 | (85.1,97.6) |
| Moyle | 69 | 103.3 | (96.3,110.4) | 36 | 95.7 | (86.6,104.7) |
| Newry & Mourne | 317 | 106.5 | (103.2,109.9) | 175 | 108.4 | (103.8,113.1) |
| Newtownabbey | 319 | 100.3 | (97.2,103.5) | 173 | 99.2 | (94.9,103.4) |
| North Down | 335 | 95.5 | (92.5,98.4) | 179 | 89.4 | (85.6,93.2) |
| Omagh | 153 | 91.4 | (87.3,95.6) | 77 | 83.0 | (77.7,88.4) |
| Strabane | 127 | 95.9 | (91.1,100.7) | 70 | 97.7 | (91.1,104.3) |
| Unknown | 6538 | |||||
| Total | 6,519 | 100.0 | 3,609 | 100.0 | ||
- Both the standardised incidence and mortality ratios permit comparisons between regions and over time by taking into account differences in population structure. The ratio is of observed to expected incidence or deaths, multiplied conventionally by 100. Thus if mortality levels are higher in the population being studied than would be expected, the SIR or SMR will be greater than 100.
- Figures in brackets represent the 95% confidence interval which is the range of values within which there is a 95% probability of finding the true value for the incidence or mortality rate.
This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.