Northern Ireland Assembly

Friday 22 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

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide figures for those waiting for a date to be set for a planning appeal to be taken in this calendar year; and to detail how many have been on the list for (a) 6 months, (b) 12 months, (c) 18 months, and (d) over 18 months. (AQW 269/07)

The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body, and we understand the Chief Commissioner has written to the honourable member in the following terms:

"I have been asked to provide you with information requested in the above Assembly Question.

The Commission currently has 2848 appeals for determination. Appeals are allocated as Commissioners are available to determine them. There are 20 full-time Commissioners and 3 Panel Commissioners, though 9 of the full-time Commissioners are currently engaged in development plan work and are unavailable to undertake appeal work. I would expect that approximately 800 appeals would be determined in this calendar year.

I have set out, in the following table, the total number of valid appeals received, categorised by waiting periods, which have yet to be determined.

Period	More than 18 months	18 Months or less	12 Months or less	6 Months or less
Number of Appeals	16	2832	2584	1113

I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out of this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable."

Eradicating Child Poverty

Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what progress has been made towards achieving the UK-wide target of eradicating child poverty by 2020; and what meetings it has had on this issue. (AQW 316/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The percentage of children in relative income poverty in 2002/2003 was approximately 26% (114,000).

The latest available figures for the number of children in relative income poverty for 2004/05 indicate approximately 24%(101,000).

During suspension, a Ministerial led Poverty and Social Inclusion Forum for Northern Ireland met for the first time on 8 March 2007 under the chairmanship of the Rt Hon David Hanson MP. An important aspect of the future work of this forum will be to monitor progress towards the eradication of child poverty. Any future meetings of this forum will be taken forward under Executive direction..

Targeting Social Need

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to list all wards in Northern Ireland that are presently designated with new Targeting Social Need status. (AQW 393/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: There is no designation of new Targeting Social Need status at ward level here.

The Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2005 (NIMDM 2005) identifies small area concentrations of multiple deprivation.

This information is available on the NISRA website at www.nisra.gov.uk

Children and Young People

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many consultation meetings were organised by the Children and Young Peoples Unit earlier this year, in relation to the Government's report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; to detail the date and location of each meeting; and to give a list of the organisations invited to attend. (AQW 524/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:

In keeping with recommendations by the UN Committee, consultations were held with both the NGO (Non Governmental Organisations) sector and with children and young people. Twenty-four meetings were carried out in total.

Consultation meetings were held with NGOs on the 14 February 2007 in the Glasshouse, Stormont Estate and on the 23 February 2007 in Castle Buildings.

A list of the organisations invited to attend is below.

Aware Defeat Depression

An Munia Tober

Ballymena & Larne Volunteer Bureau

Barnardo’s

Belfast Central Mission

Belfast City Council

Big Lottery Fund

British Association for Adoption & Fostering

Carew II
Family and Training Centre

Childline Northern Ireland

Children in Northern Ireland

Child Brain Injury Trust UK

Children’s Law Centre

Contact Youth

Derry Children’s Commission

District Childcare Partnership

Disability Action

Employers for Childcare

Extern

First Housing Aid

Family Caring Centre

Foyle Women’s Aid

Gingerbread Northern Ireland

Home-Start

Include Youth

Lifestart Foundation Ltd

Mencap

Multi-Cultural Resource Centre

National Deaf Children’s Society

NCH Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Childminding Association

Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities

Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust

Northern Ireland Womens Aid Federation

Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders

Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Northern Ireland Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Family Support Group

Northern Ireland Youth Forum

NIPPA

NSPCC

Opportunity Youth

Parent’s Advice Centre

PlayBoard

Probation Board Northern Ireland

Royal National Institute of Blind People

Royal College of Nursing

Save the Children

Sure-Start

Sustrans

The Fostering Network

Ulster Quaker Service Committee

Voice of Young People in Care

Whiterock Creche Association

Youth Com

Youth Council for Northern Ireland

Youth Justice Agency

Youth Net

A number of consultations also took place with children and young people throughout the month of February. An initial meeting was held with a consultant to discuss the children and young people’s perceptions about children’s rights in Northern Ireland, the draft UNCRC report and any changes they thought should be made. A second meeting was then held at which the children and young people discussed their key messages for Government with civil servants. Details of these consultations can be found below.

Organisation	Date of first meeting	Date of second meeting
Youth@CLC Children’s Law Centre Philip House 3rd Floor 123-137 York St, Belfast, BT15 1AB	Thursday 15th February, 5-7pm, CLC, Belfast	Thursday 22nd February, 5-7pm, CLC, Belfast
GLYNI (Gay and Lesbian Youth Northern Ireland) 64 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2GT	Monday 5th February, 7-8pm, GLYNI	Monday 12th February, 7-8pm, GLYNI
Leaving Care Project Somerset House, 234 Ormeau Rd, Belfast, BT7 2FZ	Wednesday 7th February, 6-8pm, 7 Annadale Avenue, Belfast	Wednesday 14th February 4-5pm with DH, 5-6pm with civil servant, 7 Annadale Avenue, Belfast
6th Sense Project The Children and Young People’s Centre, Dobbin St, Armagh, BT61 7QQ	Saturday 20th January, 10-12pm, Children and Young People’s Centre, Dobbin St, Armagh	Saturday 10th February, 10-11am with DH, 11-1pm with civil servants, Children and Young People’s Centre, Dobbin St, Armagh
Generation Y Chinese Welfare Association, 133-135 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HQ	Saturday 3rd February, 10.30-12.30pm, Great Victoria Street Church, Belfast	Saturday 17th February, 10.30-11.30am (10-14s); 11.30-12.30pm (15-18s), Great Victoria Church, Great Victoria St, Belfast
NewStart Alternative Education Project, Newstart Education Centre, Unit 13/1, Blackstaff Mill Complex, 77 Springfield Rd, Belfast, BT12 7AE	Friday 2nd February, 10.45-12.30pm, New Start, Belfast	Thursday 22nd February, 10.45-11.30am with DH, 11.30-12.30pm with civil servants, New Start, Belfast
School Age Mothers Project Education Welfare Service, 93 Cliftonville Rd, Belfast, BT14 6JQ	Tuesday 6th February, 11.15-12.45pm, Loughshore Educational Resource Centre, Shore Rd, Belfast	Tuesday 13th February, 11.15-11.45am with DH, 11.45-12.45pm with civil servants, Loughshore Educational Resource Centre
Young Voices Project Include Youth Alpha House, 3 Rosemary St, Belfast, BT1 1QA	Thursday 8th February, 1-3pm, Include Youth, Belfast	Thursday 15th February, 2-4pm, Include Youth, Belfast
Oakgrove Integrated Primary School - Share Project, 19 Limavady Road, Londonderry Foyle View Special School - Share Project (met at Oakgrove School) Troy College, Belmont House Special School, 17 Racecourse Road, Londonderry Traveller After School Group, 141 Racecourse Road, Ballyarnett Park, Londonderry Organised through: Derry Children’s Commission, 26-28 Bishop Street, Londonderry, BT48 6PP	Tuesday 30thJanuary 11-12pm ‘Share’ Project: Foyleview Special School & Oakgrove Integrated Primary School Wednesday 31st January 1.15-2.15pm Troy College, Belmont House Special School Wednesday 31st January 5.45-7.00pm, Traveller’s After School Group	Wednesday 21st February 11-12pm ‘Share’ Project, Oakgrove School Wednesday 21st February 1.15-2.15pm, Troy College Wednesday 21st February 5.45-7.00pm, Traveller’s After School Group

We understand the Member has already raised the issue of the Ulster-Scots community taking part in consultations. Officials have offered to forward a submission from him to DFES for consideration in the UK composite report.

Civil Service Bonuses

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline how many non-pensionable bonuses were paid to staff in each of the last three years; and what steps it has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 641/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Non-pensionable bonuses can be awarded to staff in two ways: (a) as part of the annual pay round and (b) under the special bonus scheme. The number of payments made in the last three financial years is as follows:

year	performance-related bonus	special bonus scheme
2004/2005	257	9
2005/2006	282	32
2006/2007	338	39

Performance-related bonuses are an important and integral element of the Northern Ireland Civil Service reward strategy and are used as part of the annual pay round to acknowledge and reward higher performing staff;

The special bonus scheme is designed to reward members of staff for exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks.

The award of bonuses is therefore regarded as being complementary to, rather than a substitute for, the award of consolidated pay increases.

Please note that information can be provided only in relation to staff currently employed by the Department.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Agri-environment Schemes

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what measures are in place to increase uptake of agri-environment schemes among the farming community; and what further strategies are in place to increase diversity and population numbers of local wildlife, and to protect natural habitats on farms. (AQW 438/07)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): The agri-environment programme, which has over 13,000 participants, will re-open to further applications after the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme ("NIRDP") (2007–2013) is approved by the European Commission and the appropriate local legislation is made.

The goal of the DOE-sponsored Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy is to increase and protect local wildlife. This is achieved through the Strategy’s Habitat and Species Action Plans. The NIRDP has been aligned with these Action Plans and is recognised as a key delivery mechanism.

Civil Service Bonuses

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline how many non-pensionable bonuses were paid to staff in her department in each of the last three years; and what steps she has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 642/07)

Ms Gildernew: Non-pensionable bonuses can be awarded to staff at all grades to reward performance in two ways: (a) as part of the annual pay round and (b) under the NICS special bonus scheme.

Performance related bonuses are an important and integral element of the NICS reward strategy, and as such are used as part of the annual pay round to acknowledge and reward higher performing staff.

The special bonus scheme is designed to reward staff for exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks.

The award of bonuses is therefore regarded as being complementary to, rather than as a substitute for, the award of consolidated pay increases.

The number of payments made in the last three financial years is as follows:

Year	Performance-related	Special Bonus Scheme
2004/2005	3577	224
2005/2006	2515	224
2006/2007*	74	135

* The pay award including performance-related bonus for this year was not paid until the 2007/2008 year.

Rural Divisions Payments

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons for centralising the Rural Division Payments processing, currently being undertaken at the three district offices in Newry, Ballymena and Omagh, to Dundonald House, and the implications for the staff currently carrying out that work in these district offices. (AQW 683/07)

Ms Gildernew: There is currently a duplication of effort and resources with regard to payments processing across the local Rural Development Offices. Utilisation of a Central Payment Unit will provide a speedier more effective service for the rural customer. This will mean a small reduction in posts in Newry, Ballymena and Omagh. There will be no job losses. Staff concerned will be redeployed to other Civil Service offices.

Organic Production

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what assistance is provided for farmers seeking to convert to organic production. (AQW 684/07)

Ms Gildernew: Subject to the European Commission’s approval of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, I hope to offer a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production. This new Scheme will offer conversion support to the organic cereal and horticulture sectors as well as to the organic livestock sector.

Capital Grant Programme

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will detail any available grants for the construction, or conversion of, a shed for agricultural use. (AQW 706/07)

Ms Gildernew: There may be scope for capital grant support within the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (NIRDP). However, negotiations are ongoing with the European Commission and I hope to announce more detailed information after the NIRDP has been approved.

Loop River

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how often the Loop River and its tributaries within East Belfast are cleaned. (AQW 726/07)

Ms Gildernew: Designated open watercourse sections of the Loop River and its tributaries are routinely inspected and maintained on an annual basis, or more frequently if necessary, to ensure free flow. The culverted sections have manhole inspections every 3 years to ensure free flow. The grille structures at the inlet to these culverted sections are inspected and maintained on a weekly or monthly basis depending on their criticality in the context of the risk to life and property in the event of a flood.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Maps Produced by Waterways Ireland

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will take steps to ensure that the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is clearly visible on all maps and graphics produced by Waterways Ireland. (AQW 293/07)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): Waterways Ireland advise me that the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has been marked on all mapping produced by them with the exception of their angling guides where the function of the map is to provide directions to a particular site from the major access points on the island.

I have asked Waterways Ireland to ensure that all future maps and graphics produced by them have the border clearly marked.

Funding for North West 200

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to state what support, including financial support, has been given to the North West 200 over the past five years; and what financial support it will receive from his department in 2007. (AQW 399/07)

Mr Poots: Over the last five years the North West 200 (NW200) has received financial support as follows:

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB)

2002

£43,904.90

2003

£37,016.70

2004

£2,257.30

2005

£8,302.87

2006

Nil

Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC)

2002

Nil

2003

£42,000

2004

£50,000

2005

£78,179.60

2006

Nil

Sport Northern Ireland (SNI)

In 2003, SNI made available to the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland £73,784 towards venue improvements at four circuits in Northern Ireland, including the NW200.

These figures do not include financial assistance obtained by the NW200 through private sponsorship deals or directly from the governing body, the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG).

In 2007, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, through SNI, provided an additional £150,000 funding to the 2&4 Wheel MSG. Of this, approximately £40,000 went directly to the NW200 event for the upgrading of health and safety at the site. £100,000 was used to purchase safety equipment such as bales, pole protectors and safety fencing which is available for use by any of the motorsport organisations. SNI is currently assisting 2&4 Wheel MSG with the preparation of a business case setting out further funding requirements.

Funding for the Ulster Grand Prix

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to state what support, including financial support, has been given to the Ulster Grand Prix over the past five years; and what financial support it will receive from his department in 2007. (AQW 400/07)

Mr Poots: Over the last five years the Ulster Grand Prix (UGP) has received financial support as follows:

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB)

2002

£5,000.00

2003

£3,500.00

2004

£3,514.56

2005

Nil

2006

Nil

Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC)

2002/03

Nil

2003/04

£30,000

2004/05

£40,000

2005/06

£50,000

2006/07

Nil

Sport Northern Ireland (SNI)

In 2003, SNI made available to the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland £73,784 towards venue improvements at four circuits in Northern Ireland, including the UGP.

These figures do not include financial assistance obtained by the UGP through private sponsorship deals or directly from the governing body, the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Limited (2&4 Wheel MSG).

In 2007, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, through Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), provided an additional £150,000 funding to the 2&4 Wheel MSG. Of this, approximately £100,000 was used to purchase safety equipment such as bales, pole protectors and safety fencing which is available for use by any of the motorsport organisations. SNI is currently assisting 2&4 Wheel MSG with the preparation of a business case setting out further funding requirements.

Funding for Arts and Culture

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps will be taken to ensure that investment in arts and culture in Northern Ireland is increased to a more sustainable level; and whether consideration will be given to funding parity with neighbouring regions. (AQW 486/07)

Mr Poots: I recognise that funding, for the arts in particular, 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 arts and culture along with other priorities as I negotiate the Department’s budget for the period 2008/09 to 2010/11 in the Comprehensive Spending Review

Antrim Library

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will give a timescale for the commencement of the new build Antrim Library on Railway Street, Antrim. (AQW 492/07)

Mr Poots: The North Eastern Education and Library Board is currently seeking planning permission to build a new library in Antrim and subject to approval it expects the work on site to begin in November/December 2007.

Irish Language Act - Consultation

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the number of replies that have been received in relation to the consultation on the proposed Irish Language Act. (AQW 495/07)

Mr Poots: In the region of 11,000 individual written responses were received in relation to the most recent consultation on the proposed Irish Language Act which ended on 5th June 2007. A number of petitions have also been received, which contain in total 629 signatures.

A previous consultation, from December 2006 – March 2007, resulted in 676 responses. During that consultation, my Department also received 1,266 postcards and a petition with 2,500 signatures supporting legislation, and a press advertisement, placed in two newspapers by POBAL (the Irish language umbrella group), contained 800 signatures.

Smithsonian Lottery Programme

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (a) which organisations or groups were included on the list, circulated at the Arts Council meeting on 20 July 2006, of potential applicants for the Smithsonian Lottery Programme; (b) which organisations or groups were on the expanded list, circulated at the meeting on 21 September 2006; and (c) which organisations or groups were eventually funded through the programme. (AQW 525/07)

Mr Poots: The information given below relates to applicants for the Re-discover Northern Ireland Arts and Culture.

(a) The Arts Council approved the following list of potential applicants on 20th July:
Camerata Ireland
Queen’s University
Moving on Music
Belfast Print Workshop
Seacourt Print Workshop
Artscare
Francis McPeake School of Music
Cahoots NI
Opera Theatre Company
Golden Thread Gallery

(b) The expanded list of potential applicants approved by the Council on 21st September was as follows:
Camerata Ireland
Queen’s University
University of Ulster
Moving on Music
Belfast Print Workshop
Seacourt Print Workshop
Artscare
Sonic Arts Research Centre
Foras na Gaelige
Ulster Scots Agency
Belfast Exposed
Golden Thread Gallery
Ormeau Baths Gallery
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Open House Traditional Arts Festival
Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission
Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission
Nerve Centre
Verbal Arts Centre Derry
Young at Art
Cahoots
Opera Theatre Company
Linenhall Library
Press Photographers Association of Northern Ireland
Tinderbox Theatre Co
Washington Ireland Program/Belfast City Council
Francis McPeake School of Music
c) The following organisations were funded through the programme:

Organisation Name	Grant Amount (£)
Craft Northern Ireland	35,000
Golden Thread Gallery	50,000
Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission	25,000
Belfast Exposed Photography	27,560
Cahoots NI Ltd	19,981
Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission	30,000
Queen’s University Belfast	1,940
University of Ulster	770
Visiting Arts	30,000
The Queen’s University of Belfast	17,450
Tinderbox Theatre Company	31,620
Moving on Music	3,775
Camerata Ireland	63,000
Belfast Print Workshop	30,000
Sonorities Contemporary Music Festival (Queen’s University)	9,980
Verbal Arts Centre	17,500
Ulster Orchestra Society	17,080
ArtsCare	27,134
Opera Theatre Company	20,470
Tinderbox Theatre Company	6,010
Open House Traditional Arts Festival Ltd	25,350
The Nerve Centre	7,000
Moving on Music	46,000
Northern Ireland Press Photographers Association	7,500

The organisations listed above managed aspects of the programme delivery, including payments to individual artists and sub-contracted organisations.

Arts Council Northern Ireland / An Chomhaírle Ealaíon

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give the dates on which North-South plenary meetings of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and An Chomhairle Ealaíon were held in (a) 2005; (b) 2006; and (c) 2007; the dates on which North-South committee meetings were held in each of these years; and to explain the difference between plenary meetings and committee meetings. (AQW 526/07)

Mr Poots: The plenary meetings of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Arts Council/ An Chomhairle Ealaíon were held during the years 2005-2007 on the following dates:

2005 24 January, 2005

2006 25 April, 2006

2007 2 April, 2007

North-South committee meetings were held during the years 2005-07 on the following dates:

2005 11 October, 2005

2006 31 January, 2006; 25 April, 2006; 12 October, 2006

2007 2 April, 2007

Plenary meetings are open to members of both Councils, are held once per calendar year and are hosted by rotation in Belfast and Dublin by the respective bodies.

The North-South Committee comprises nominated members of each Council and meets inter-plenary to bring-forward matters of co-operation and mutual interest.

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) when the contract to prepare the business case for the Irish language film and television fund was awarded; (b) to which company it was awarded; and (c) when the business case was completed. (AQW 545/07)

Mr Poots: The contract for the business case for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund was awarded to Peter Quinn Consultancy Services on 20th March 2003. The final business case was received on 13th October 2003.

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (a) who were the original members of the committee of the Irish language film and television fund; and (b) when the first meeting of the committee was held. (AQW 546/07)

Mr Poots: The original members of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund Investment Committee were Peter Quinn (Chair), Kieran Hegarty, Pádhraic Ó Ciardha, Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, Aedín Ní Ghradhra and Fionntán de Brún. The Committee first met on 30 November 2004.

Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the Irish language film and television fund was opened for applications. (AQW 547/07)

Mr Poots: The Irish Language Broadcast Fund opened its first round of funding in March 2005 but funding was not awarded to successful applicants until after 8 June 2005 when the European Commission granted State Aid approval.

Irish and Local Studies Library, Armagh

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the total cost of removal and storage of stock, dismantling and removing shelving, and replacing flooring at the Irish and Local Studies library in Armagh. (AQW 553/07)

Mr Poots: The Southern Education and Library Board incurred a total ‘one off’ expenditure of £8,800 on this project as follows:

Staff cost for removal was approximately £3,500;

Dismantling of shelving £2,000;

Removal of shelving to Library Headquarters £300; and

Repairs to flooring £3,000.

The annual estimated storage cost of the re-located material is £5,500.

European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps his department has taken to ensure that the European Charter of Regional and Minority Languages is implemented as part of the Good Friday Agreement. (AQW 688/07)

Mr Poots: At the time of signing of the Good Friday Agreement the UK Government gave a commitment to sign up to the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

The UK Government fulfilled its commitment by signing up to the Charter on 7 March 2000. This was ratified on 27 March 2001 and came into force on 1 July 2001.

European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will put in place measures to ensure that local authorities will implement the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. (AQW 689/07)

Mr Poots: Decisions on the practical implementation of the European Charter by District Councils rest first and foremost with the Councils themselves.

Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the last meeting of the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation group was held and when the next meeting will take place. (AQW 701/07)

Mr Poots: The last meeting of the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group took place on Friday, 27th April 2007. No date has been set for the next meeting, but it will probably be held in the autumn.

Irish and Ulster-Scots Translation

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail, of the £70,000 spent on Irish and Ulster-Scots translation in 2005-2006, how much of this amount related to the Irish language, and how much to the Ulster-Scots language. (AQW 704/07)

Mr Poots: The amounts paid by Northern Ireland Government Departments in relation to translation costs for the 2005/06 year were:

Irish

£64,554.85

Ulster Scots

£9,326.27

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Mr Paul Maskey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the rationale behind the omission of the West Belfast Féile an Phobail festival from the programme of events relating to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC, and from other festival programmes. (AQW 749/07)

Mr Poots: At its annual Folklife Festival, the Smithsonian Institution focuses on the individuals who represent cultural traditions through performance or demonstration of a skill rather than the organisations for whom they work (if any). The Smithsonian Folklife Festival does not invite promoters or organisers of other festivals, only those individuals who are ‘tradition bearers’. It does not incorporate the work of other festivals as this could lead to "a festival within a festival". For this reason, the Smithsonian did not feature the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland’s programme in 2003, nor the Calgary Stampede in the Alberta programme in 2006.

The Community Festivals Fund

Mr Paul Maskey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will outline the ways in which his department and the Community Festival Fund are developing and providing stable growth to festivals, such as Féile an Phobail. (AQW 750/07)

Mr Poots: The Community Festivals Fund (CFF) was introduced from April 2006 to improve the capacity of community festivals, to make them more sustainable and less reliant on public funding.

In 2006/07 the CFF provided financial support to 42 festivals across Northern Ireland, helping existing festivals to grow and emerging festivals get off the ground.

The CFF also provides a programme of training and support on a range of issues, to enhance the knowledge and expertise of Festival organisers.

Education

Funding for Independent Christian Schools

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education what she is doing to address funding issues for independent Christian schools. (AQW 340/07)

The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The Department is required to keep a register of all independent schools, and this is open to public inspection. Before final registration the Department has to satisfy itself, through inspection by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) that the school premises are adequate and safe and that efficient and suitable instruction is being provided.

Any independent school that wishes to acquire grant-aided status must publish a development proposal in accordance with Article 14 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (as amended).

The Department, on considering the proposal, will assess any such application against a number of statutory and other requirements which all grant aided schools must meet.

To date the Department has not received any proposals from Independent Christian schools.

Pay Parity between Secondary and Further Education Sectors

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will give her assessment of pay parity between the secondary and further education sectors. (AQW 397/07)

Ms Ruane: The pay of teachers in grant-aided schools in the north of Ireland is negotiated locally through the Teachers’ Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee (Schools). The pay of further education (FE) lecturers in the north of Ireland is also negotiated locally, but through separate collective bargaining arrangements. There are no links between the pay of schoolteachers and the pay of FE lecturers.

Artigarvan Primary School

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Education if she will detail her plans for the replacement of Artigarvan Primary School. (AQW 457/07)

Ms Ruane: Funding for the provision of a new 7 classbase school and nursery unit for Artigarvan Primary School was announced in March 2006. Planning of the project is currently being taken forward by the Western Education and Library Board. The Board have estimated that construction work on the new school should start on site in the summer of 2008 with an estimated completion date of May 2010.

Balmoral High School

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for the future of Balmoral High School when it closes in August 2008; and if she will investigate the future use of playing facilities associated with the school, with a view to ensuring that the local community can avail of their use. (AQW 471/07)

Ms Ruane: No decision has yet been taken on the future use of the facilities when Balmoral High School closes in August 2008. The Department and the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) will be seeking an alternative use and the use of the playing facilities will also be considered as part of this process.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education if a decision has been taken to close Donaghadee High School and, if so, when will this take place. (AQW 529/07)

Ms Ruane:

No decisions on the future of Donaghadee High School have been made. 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.

Funding for Iontaobhas na Gaelsolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education (a) when Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta was established; (b) how much funding it has received from the Department of Education in each financial year since it was established; and (c) and how much money it has received from other sources since it was established. (AQW 551/07)

Ms Ruane: The funding provided by the Department of Education to Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2000/01	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1,250,000	500,000	500,000	450,000	420,000	75,000	200,000

Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta is an independent charitable Trust. Under its Declaration of Trust it can ‘raise and co-ordinate the raising of funds and invite and receive any contributions (solicited or otherwise) or payments or other assets of any kind from any person or persons whomsoever’ so long as this is for the furtherance of the purpose of the Trust. The Department of Education does not gather information on external contributions to the Trust.

The membership of the Board of Trustees is as follows:

Board Member	Representing
Liam Ó Cuinneagain	Department of Education
Seán Mag Uidhir (Chair)	Department of Education
Dónall Ó Baoill	Department of Education
Seán Ó Coinn	Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
Séamus de Napier	Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
Seán Mac Goill	Co-optee
Muireann Ní Mhóráin	Department of Education
Roise Ní Bhaoill	Department of Education

There is currently one vacancy.

Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust the Department of Education has the right of appointment for six trustees, and the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta two trustees.

Trustees of Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education who are the trustees of Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta, the trust fund for Irish medium education, and how they were appointed. (AQW 552/07)

Ms Ruane: The funding provided by the Department of Education to Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta since its establishment is as follows:

2000/01	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005//06	2006/07
£	£	£	£	£	£	£
1,250,000	500,000	500,000	450,000	420,000	75,000	200,000

The membership of the Board of Trustees is as follows:

Board Member	Representing
Liam Ó Cuinneagain	Department of Education
Seán Mag Uidhir (Chair)	Department of Education
Dónall Ó Baoill	Department of Education
Seán Ó Coinn	Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
Séamus de Napier	Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta
Seán Mac Goill	Co-optee
Muireann Ní Mhóráin	Department of Education
Roise Ní Bhaoill	Department of Education

There is currently one vacancy.

Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust the Department of Education has the right of appointment for six trustees, and the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta two trustees.

Glastry College

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education (a) which land has been identified for the new build at Glastry College, and (b) to confirm if this land is currently owned by the South Eastern Education and Library Board and, if not, when will the conveyance be completed.[R] (AQW 563/07)

Ms Ruane: The land at the rear of the existing school has been identified as the site for the replacement school for Glastry College. The land is not in the ownership of the South Eastern Education and Library Board at the present time. Negotiations for the purchase of the land are currently ongoing between the Valuation and Lands Agency, who are acting for the Board, and the landowner. Subject to the outcome of negotiations the Board hope to complete the acquisition of the land within the current financial year.

Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations (NI) 2007

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to confirm that, prior to the commencement of the Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, her department will issue guidance on the new provisions; specifically, on how to make referrals to the department and on the process to be followed for discretionary barring cases. (AQW 581/07)

Ms Ruane: Guidance on the Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 will be issued to the relevant employing authorities including the Education and Library Boards, CCMS, and the Board of Governors of Voluntary Grammar, Integrated and Irish Medium schools. The Guidance will include the procedure on how to make referrals to the Department and the decision making process.

Teaching of Scientific Explanations for Origins

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education if she will bring forward proposals to ensure that scientific explanations for origins, other than Darwinian evolution, are taught in schools as scientific explanations. (AQW 637/07)

Ms Ruane: I have no plans to bring forward such proposals. The revised curriculum provides greater flexibility for schools to include teaching of alternative theories to evolution and in Science there will be greater scope for pupils to explore other views about how the world came into existence.

Pupil Enrolment at Armagh Integrated College

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to detail the pupil enrolment figures at Armagh Integrated College for the past three years. (AQW 676/07)

Ms Ruane: The enrolment at Armagh Integrated College over the past three years was as follows:

Year Pupils

2004/05 50

2005/06 106

2006/07 153

Funding Parity between Primary and Secondary Sectors

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education what assessment she has made as to the prospects for establishing parity of funding between the primary and secondary sectors. (AQO 96/07)

Ms Ruane: I accept that the funding differential should be smaller than it is currently. I do recognise the many challenges facing primary principals and also fully accept the vital role of early intervention in reducing later difficulties. I will be reviewing the relative share of funding for primary and post-primary schools following the budget settlement for education for the Comprehensive Spending Review period and, in doing this, will be looking at the scope for action to rebalance the primary and post-primary weightings in the current funding arrangements. In doing so the challenge will be to reduce the differential in a way which recognises the value of primary education yet does not create difficulties for the post- primary sector, and which also recognises the difference in the costs involved in delivery of the curriculum in each phase.

School Building Programme

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the school building programme announced by her department on 21 March 2007. (AQO 110/07)

Ms Ruane: Maria Eagle announced on 21 March that 84 schools should proceed with their building schemes. This followed a review of previously announced schemes which were at various stages of planning, to assess their consistency with the recommendations of the Bain Review. Eight schemes were stopped, and six schemes were put on hold pending further examination. My department is working with the relevant school authorities to progress those schemes which were confirmed as proceeding. The Department is also assessing the six schemes on hold so that the position can be confirmed shortly

Expenditure on Consultancy Services

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Education how much money has been spent by the department in each of the last five years on (a) public relations consultants; and (b) other consultancy services. (AQO 101/07)

Ms Ruane: Over the last five years, the department has had no expenditure on public relations consultancies. Over the same period the department has spent £658,000 in 2002-03, £828,000 in 2003-04, £856,000 in 2004-05, £704,000 in 2005-06 and an estimated £874,000 in 2006-07 on other consultancies.

The amounts quoted for 2006/07 are estimated, pending completion of the department’s resource accounts.

Essential Subjects

Mr John McCallister asked the Minister of Education to identify those subjects which she believes are essential to enable young people to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. (AQO 94/07)

Ms Ruane: All areas of the curriculum are important, which is why they form part of the statutory provision, but it is essential in particular that all young people should have a high level of functional competence in the areas of literacy, numeracy and the use of ICT.

The revised curriculum, being introduced on a phased basis from September 2007, has literacy and numeracy at its core. The curriculum provides for a broad and balanced education and focuses on developing skills as well as teaching knowledge through the wide spectrum of curricular areas. The cross-curricular skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT are statutory from Foundation to Key Stage 4 for all pupils.

In addition, the Entitlement Framework will allow for the introduction of a greater variety of vocational courses to school pupils, equipping them with the professional and technical skills that business and industry needs. It will guarantee all pupils access to a much wider range of courses, irrespective of the school they attend.

To support pupils in making their choices and decisions about their futures, we are also working closely with colleagues in DEL to develop high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance.

Also in conjunction with DEL and the business community, we are reviewing provision here of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I am clear this work needs to look at the importance of STEM to society and the economy and review the opportunities currently available for young people.

Primary School Principals

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education to report on any meetings she has held with primary school principals, to discuss issues pertaining to that sector. (AQO 73/07)

Ms Ruane: I have spoken at a conference in Armagh on 24th May organised by my Department in response to issues being raised by primary school principals. Over 600 primary principals attended.

I have also held three specific meetings and two dinners with groups of primary principals covering a range of issues.

I have attended various events, presenting the ECO schools certificates, attended the GTC publication event. I have spoken at the INTO, NASUWT, TUI, ASTI and ATL conferences and have made a number of visits to schools, included those in the Extended Schools Programme. I attended a major perfomance at the Waterfront Hall performed by schools from the Shankill. I have attended an event in Newry which included 4 schools from Bessbrook and Newtownhamilton area and have met with delegations from primary schools. These have provided me with various opportunities to discuss issues with primary principals and allowed me to see the issues on the ground first hand.

Physical Education in Primary Schools

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's strategy for physical education in primary schools; and if she will give a commitment that the department will employ specialist physical education teachers in primary schools. (AQO 67/07)

Ms Ruane: My Department fully recognises the importance of a healthy lifestyle to all our young people and Physical Education is a compulsory part of our curriculum for all pupils at every Key Stage, from age 4 to 16. Schools are free to determine how much time is devoted to PE, but they are encouraged to provide children with opportunities for at least two hours physical activity per week.

On the question concerning specialist PE teachers in Primary schools, it is a matter for individual schools to make decisions on the desired size of their teaching complements and on the designation of teaching posts within their delegated budgets.

There are currently 8154 full time and pro rata teachers in the Primary School Sector, all of whom have taken Physical Education studies as part of their teacher training.

I am putting in place a sports programme to develop sports in schools, which will be supported through the use of peripatetic teachers and we are also working with the GAA and Irish Football Association, with 20 coaches from each. This will promote participation in sports activities and confidence an enjoyment of "getting out there".

I have met Michael McGimpsey to discuss the Healthy Living agenda across our departments, and the Fit Futures framework in particular. I am also looking at current provision for PE within teacher training courses.

Modern Languages

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Education what steps she has taken to improve the learning of languages in schools. (AQO 80/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department encourages schools to offer a wider range of modern languages and the revised curriculum provides them with greater flexibility to do so. Instead of being limited to offering 1 of only 5 languages as previously, schools are now able to choose any of the languages of the 25 EU member states to meet the minimum requirement, and any other additional languages they wish.

The Department has commissioned the universities to develop a languages strategy by March 2008, which will include recommendations on how we can build on the number of languages taught in schools and how best to introduce language learning at primary level as is common practice elsewhere in Europe. As an increasingly multi – cultural society, the languages of new arrivals in the country will also provide an opportunity to extend language learning.

There are now 3911 children and young people with English as an Additional Language (representing 354 different language groups). The largest language groups are Polish, Lithuanian, Cantonese/Mandarin and Portuguese. The Ethnic Minority Achievement Service has been established in the Education and Library Boards and it will be creating new services to support EAL pupils, their parents and teachers in February 2007. They have already set up interpretation and translation of documents services, which are aimed at helping parents communicate with teachers.

In the short term, I am exploring measures to support primary schools that want to introduce or extend language learning for their pupils.

Revised Curriculum

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to addressing the concerns of teachers about the introduction of the revised curriculum. (AQO 79/07)

Ms Ruane: The implementation of the revised curriculum is phased over three years commencing in September 2007 and I have told schools that the first year will be a transitional year. Schools can continue to use their existing lesson plans to teach– the key is that the curriculum is in place in June 2010.

I am providing an additional £3m for resources to support the Foundation Stage. I have also informed principals that an additional 20,000 laptops will be provided across primary and post-primary schools during the next school year.

In terms of assessment, teachers will have further training on the diagnostic assessment tool, INCAS. Schools will not be required to report the outcomes formally to parents, nor will the centre collect them, in the first year. The first year is about schools getting used to running the INCAS assessment.

Irish Medium schools will have access to INCAS. The Department is currently exploring the development of the INCAS through the medium of Irish, and will not be testing the children until this is developed.

There will be ongoing training for principals and teachers to build on what has been delivered already. Principals were invited to put forward views on how they would like to see this support delivered next year.

North-South Co-operation

Mr Mickey Brady asked the Minister of Education to detail how she will develop and expand education as an area of north-south co-operation. (AQO 99/07)

Ms Ruane: I have already met Mary Hanafin, and I look forward to future meetings with the new Education Minister.

There has already been a great deal of progress in a number of areas such as Special Educational Needs, for example the development of the Middletown Centre for Autism.

I am very keen to build on the progress made. In the Middletown project, for example it is expected that the Centre will begin offering the "training and advisory service" and the "autism research and information service" later this year, followed by the "educational assessment service".

Among others are the:

North/South Ministerial Council

The aspects of North/South co-operation in Education that were agreed for initial consideration by the North/South Ministerial Council were education for children with special needs; educational under-achievement; teacher qualifications; and school, youth and teacher exchanges.

Special Education Co-Ordination Group

Two significant initiatives in relation to the production of resources (CD-ROMs and videos) in respect of autism and dyslexia were undertaken on a joint basis by the two Departments of Education. These were issued to all schools and other relevant professionals in Ireland.

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Cross Border Professional Exchange Programme

Funded by Peace II with a grant of € 590,000, enabled teachers, principals and educational psychologists, from the North and the border counties of the South to participate in professional exchanges between December 2004 and May 2006. Very valuable resources for schools were produced as a result.

EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE 2)

DE and DES were the Joint Implementing Body and Accountable Department for Measure 5.5 ---Education, Cross-border School and Youth Co-operation.

14 projects were approved and the eligible expenditure incurred by those projects, €4,048,000, was split 50/50 between the two Departments

Employment of Young Teachers

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to outline her proposals to help the 5,000 young teachers who have been unable to secure full-time employment in Northern Ireland. (AQO 91/07)

Ms Ruane: I do not recognise the figure of 5,000 young teachers referred to by John Dallat. The number quoted may relate to those teachers registered on the Substitute Teacher Register, on which there are now 5,400 teachers registered. However, it is important to note that the register includes not only young teachers but also: teachers of all ages who wish to be employed on a substitute teacher basis; and, teachers who no longer wish to be full-time members of the teaching profession.

My Department recognises the impact which demography is having, and will have, on the number of teachers that we need here. The approved intake numbers to the initial teacher education institutions have been reduced over the past four years and we will, as part of the annual initial teacher education approval process, be carefully considering the number of teachers needed in future years.

However, the recruitment of teachers is the responsibility of teachers’ employers and my Department is committed to maximising the amount of funding which we distribute to schools under the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula arrangements. In addition, my Department has issued guidance to employers advising them that preference should be given 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, ways will be explored by which newly qualified teachers employed in grant-aided schools can have greater stability in employment during their early years of teaching.

Numeracy and Literacy

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Minister of Education to ensure that Derry/Londonderry is included in the development of any programme to tackle poor numeracy and literacy levels. (AQO 78/07)

Ms Ruane: The new school improvement policy and revised literacy and numeracy strategy, both of which will be available for consultation later this year, will aim to improve the levels of literacy and numeracy of pupils in all schools.

Alongside this, we are committed to develop a programme targeted at the socially disadvantaged in Belfast. I have identified a need for this programme to be extended to Derry based on the objective need.

PEAG Places

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to outline the procedures in place for allocating pre-school education advisory group (PEAG) places available to pre-school children, and to consider a review of the number of PEAG places, with a view to increasing the number of free places available to pre-school children. (AQO 75/07)

Ms Ruane: Department Circular Number: 2006/10 entitled "Open Enrolment in Nursery Schools: Arrangements for September 2007 Admissions" advises Principals and Board of Governors of the arrangements for the application of open enrolment procedures to admissions to nursery schools and nursery classes in primary schools which will apply for the 2007/08 school year.

The Department also issues a guidance note, based on the Circular issued to nursery schools and units, to voluntary and private providers within the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme (PSEEP).

In determining the admissions criteria the Department of Education specifies some priorities, that is:

Children in their final pre-school year;

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.

When pre-school settings are oversubscribed they must then set their own criteria to select children down to the last available place. These include a range of factors such as proximity to the school or the previous attendance of siblings and are entirely at the discretion of the individual school/playgroup.

In 2006/07 there are 21,154 children in funded pre-school education: 14,158 in nursery schools or nursery classes in primary schools; 658 in reception classes/groups; and 6,338 in funded places in voluntary and private pre-school education centres.

The actual number of children enrolled in Primary 1 for the 2006/07 school year was 21,497. The school projection model predicts 21,442 P1 pupils in September 2007. This would indicate that the pre-school phase overall level of provision is running at 98%. Previous experience tells us that not every parent wants to avail of a pre-school place for their child.

There is currently a review of Irish Medium Education and one of the areas the review is examining is the number of pre-school places in Irish Medium settings.

However, the Early Years Team in the Department is liaising closely with Education and Library Officers to ensure that any shortfall is identified and appropriate action taken as soon as possible.

Shared Buildings for Rural Schools

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the future of shared buildings for rural schools. (AQO 111/07)

Ms Ruane: The sharing of buildings and facilities can offer a sensible and effective way to deliver education, particularly for rural communities. At a time of falling rolls, school authorities should be exploring options which would best meet the needs of children and take account of local circumstances, and these options should include consideration of shared buildings, and collaboration between schools on the use of facilities.

English as an Additional Language

Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education what proposals exist to secure funding for classroom assistants specialising in helping pupils whose first language is not English. (AQO 109/07)

Ms Ruane: Schools use a variety of ways to teach English to children whose first language is not English and it is for schools to decide the action they need to take. Schools must have the flexibility to determine what is the best way to teach English to each child.

Schools are provided with £943 per English as an additional language (EAL) child and they have access to advice and guidance from the Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS) which is operated by the Education and Library Boards. EMAS, on receiving an invitation from a school, can provide a range of services, including discussing with them ideas on teaching strategies and providing interpreting and translation of documents services, which can help the school communicate with parents who do not speak English. The total funding for EMAS for 2007/2008 is £888,000.

Future Viability of Schools

Mr Trevor Lunn asked the Minister of Education what proposals exist to ensure that pupil numbers is not the sole factor in assessing the future viability of schools. (AQO 107/07)

Ms Ruane: Pupil numbers are clearly an important factor in assessing the future viability of schools though they should not be the sole factor. The previous administration issued a consultation document on a Policy for Sustainable Schools which sets out six proposed criteria for helping assess the viability of schools. My Department is currently analysing the responses to that consultation exercise. The over-riding consideration must be the quality of education for the children that a school provides.

Employment and Learning

New Deal Programme

Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of people resident in South Belfast who are on the New Deal programme, and who have previously participated in the programme. (AQW 588/07)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): Within the South Belfast constituency 159 people are currently participating in the suite of New Deal programmes, with 61% of these having participated previously.

Courses for Trainee Interpreters

Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will report on the progress that has been made towards establishing local training courses for trainee interpreters. (AQW 589/07)

Sir Reg Empey: I am pleased to report that progress on the "Enhancement of the supply of British and Irish Sign Language Tutors and Interpreters" has been made in the following areas:

My Department is currently examining a proposal for a pilot project to involve key educational providers including Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (BIFHE), in delivering a range of provision.

Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) officials attended a meeting of the Sign Language Partnership Group on 23 May 2007 where the proposal was discussed and welcomed by members of that group.

DEL officials have already met with colleagues in Wales to look at their apprenticeship scheme with a view to introducing appropriate proposals in Northern Ireland. A further meeting has also been arranged in July to learn more about their plans for evaluation of the current scheme and plans for future provision.

My Department has now secured funding from the Skills and Science budget for the first year to fund training provision for British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) tutors and interpreters and a bid has also been made via the Comprehensive Spending Review to fund training provision in subsequent years.

BIFHE are currently working on costed proposals for appropriate training provision and will shortly be submitted to my Department for consideration.

I hope this information reassures you that action is being taken to address the shortage of suitably qualified Sign Language tutors and interpreters in Northern Ireland.

Leisure Learning Courses

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will publish the results of screenings for adverse impact on the grounds of age, as required by the department's equality scheme, that were undertaken in respect of the department's decision that it would no longer fund leisure learning courses in further education colleges. (AQW 659/07)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has made no such decision. Leisure learning courses will continue to be subsidised by the Department, although this type of provision has always been subject to a lower level of funding. While colleges are encouraged to deliver courses, including leisure courses, that lead to accredited qualifications, there is still scope for colleges to be funded for other types of leisure courses. In addition, colleges can, and do, charge learners for some leisure 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. A key element of the new policy will be to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved between provision that supports the economy and provision that promotes social cohesion, and to ensure that learners are supported as appropriate throughout their lives. Final policy decisions resulting from the review of curriculum will not be made until a full Equality Impact Assessment and proper consultation have been carried out, later this year. Any new curriculum policies would then be implemented from the start of the 2008/09 academic year.

Funding for Training and Education Courses

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much funding was allocated by his department for all training and education courses in the academic years 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06 and 2006/07; how much was spent on leisure learning courses in the academic years 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06 and 2006/07; and what is the anticipated budget for 2007/08 and 2008/09 for (a) total training and education courses; and (b) leisure learning courses. (AQW 660/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The funding allocated to Further Education Colleges for training and education provision which includes a component for leisure courses is detailed in the table below.

Academic Year	Total Funding Allocation (inc Leisure)	Leisure Learning
Academic Year	Total Funding Allocation (inc Leisure)	Leisure Learning
2002-03	£110,012,245	£8,443,108
2003-04	£123,381,243	£9,375,681
2004-05	£131,736,336	£9,703,185
2005-06	£143,491,462	£9,161,827
2006-07 *	£142,242,953	£10,185,509

* This figure includes the Essential Skills allocation to 31 March 2007 only, as further in-year claims have yet to be processed.

Allocations for 2007/08 have not yet been determined, and the anticipated budget for 2008/09 will be subject to the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Leisure Learning Courses

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his department's current policy with regard to the funding of leisure learning courses for the next academic year; and what are his plans to consult on the future of leisure learning courses. (AQW 661/07)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has policy for the entire curriculum offered by colleges, including leisure provision. As part of the implementation of the "Further Education Means Business" strategy, the Department is developing a new policy for curriculum delivered by colleges. A key element of the new policy will be to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved between provision that supports the economy and provision that promotes social cohesion, and to ensure that learners are supported as appropriate throughout their lives. Final policy decisions resulting from the review of curriculum will not be made until a full Equality Impact Assessment and proper consultation have been carried out, later this year. Any new curriculum policies would then be implemented from the start of the 2008/09 academic year.

The Higher Education Institutions are legally independent of government and have complete autonomy for their own policies and practices, including those relating to course provision and content. The Department for Employment and Learning does not sanction any courses at university level, therefore, has no remit or locus in individual course provision, including leisure learning courses.

Leisure Learning Course

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the total number of leisure learning courses taken in the academic years 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06 and 2006/07; and how many leisure learning courses were taken by (a) 55's to 65's; and (b) over 65's, in the academic years 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06 and 2006/07. (AQW 662/07)

Sir Reg Empey: While the Department sets the strategic direction for the further education sector in Northern Ireland, and channels its funding accordingly, each college is responsible for its own curriculum offer. Colleges hold the information on the number of courses they deliver, but this could not be provided in the timescale required. The Department holds information on non-vocational enrolments in Further Education colleges, and this is provided in the Table below for the years 2002/03 to 2005/06. Information is not yet available for 2006/07.

Academic Year	Total Enrolments	Age 55 to 65	Age 65 & Over
2002/03	62,924	11,353	14,184
2003/04	71,998	13,043	15,551
2004/05	74,688	13,433	15,566
2005/06	73,926	12,791	14,645

Notes:

Source: Further Education Statistical Record (FESR)

Data relates to enrolments(not students) over the whole academic year.

The enrolments relate to non-vocational courses at the Northern Ireland Further Education colleges, which is the closest proximity to leisure provision.

Age is at 1st July for the relevant academic year and the Age 65 & Over age group includes those of unknown age.

The Department does not hold information on the number of students on non-credit bearing/leisure courses at the NI HEIs for the academic years listed

Leisure Learning Courses

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if his department's decision that it would no longer fund leisure learning courses in further education colleges was screened for adverse impact on grounds of age, as required by the department's equality scheme. (AQW 663/07)

Flags and Emblems in Further Education Colleges

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the steps he is taking to ensure that the new merged further education colleges will not display the Union Flag or any other flag, wholly associated with one community; and what policies will be put in place to ensure that all students will be taught in a neutral and welcoming environment. (AQW 671/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Further education colleges in Northern Ireland, as independent, incorporated bodies determine their own policy in matters relating to flags and emblems. FE Colleges must, however, comply with any legislation in respect of this matter.

My Department has taken a number of steps to ensure that all students are taught in a neutral and welcoming environment through its support for Cultural Diversity and Good Relations best practice, as identified through a number of recent FE pilot programmes.

Funding for Legal for Practice Courses

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to make a statement on access to post-graduate funding for legal practice courses, for Northern Irish students studying in both Northern Ireland and Great Britain. (AQW 769/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Support for postgraduate study has always been discretionary and subject to change to reflect wider Government strategy. The Department for Employment and Learning reviewed its priorities in light of the Government’s 2002 Science, Engineering and Technology Strategy and decided that its postgraduate support budget should be redirected to fund Masters and PhD courses at the higher levels recommended in that report. As a consequence, funding for postgraduate diplomas, including those for legal practice, was withdrawn in 2004.

Financial Assistance for Legal Practice Courses

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what financial assistance is available to Northern Irish students from low-income backgrounds, to help pay the fees for post-graduate legal practice courses in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. (AQW 770/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning no longer provides funding for postgraduate diplomas including those for legal practice courses. For students with particular financial difficulties, support may be available directly from the Northern Ireland institutions’ support funds which are provided by the Department, or from the Access to Learning Fund for institutions in the rest of the UK.

Postgraduate Law Bursaries

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what proposals exist to ensure that bursaries available to postgraduate law students are available equally to everyone in Northern Ireland, regardless of the county of residence. (AQO 119/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning no longer provides funding for postgraduate diplomas including those for legal practice courses. It funds universities for research and certain approved courses of full-time study leading to higher degrees (Masters and PhDs). These awards are available to eligible students regardless of their county of domicile.

Careers Education

Mr Basil McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what consideration he has given to a review of the provision of careers education. (AQO 76/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The post graduate diploma in Careers Guidance, delivered by the University of Ulster, is the main qualification for careers guidance practitioners in Northern Ireland. The course is reviewed at the end of each academic year by the University, the Careers Service, the Institute of Careers Guidance and external verifiers. The qualification was externally revalidated in October 2006 and was approved to run for a further 5 years.

'Brain Drain'

Mr David Ford asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline what his department considers to be the primary reasons for Northern Ireland's 'brain drain'. (AQO 112/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The principle reasons for the ‘brain drain’ are varied. My Department has recently commissioned research that will examine the decision making process of pupils in order to assess the factors underpinning decisions to study in Northern Ireland and decisions to leave Northern Ireland for undergraduate study.

Apprenticeships

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps have been taken to ensure that proper placements are available for all apprenticeships. (AQO 82/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Apprenticeships are demand led and all apprentices follow a training framework approved for delivery and developed in conjunction with the relevant industry. To maintain both quality and relevance of content, Sector Skills Councils and Standard Setting Bodies are required to take the views of employers into consideration when developing training frameworks.

Needs of Migrant Workers

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to state what special measures have been taken in further education colleges to address the language and skills needs of migrant workers. (AQO 72/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Further Education colleges have taken various steps to improve the language and skills of migrant workers in Northern Ireland. In particular, all colleges offer provision in ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ (ESOL). The sector also ensures that the full range of college courses, including skills training are fully accessible to all communities in Northern Ireland, including migrant workers. In many instances migrant workers have a very high level of skills; it is their English which is a barrier.

Pay Parity for Further Education Staff

Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether he agrees that many staff in further education are underpaid, and what proposals he is bringing forward to address this. (AQO 117/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Restrictions imposed under UK-wide public sector pay policy have prevented the equalisation of pay for further education lecturers with schoolteachers in Northern Ireland. Compared with the pay of school-teachers, the overall remuneration package for FE lecturers in Northern Ireland tends to be lower, though, at an individual level, the differential can vary widely. I support pay parity in principle for FE lecturers and would like to see movement towards parity when conditions permit. The pay of most of the non-lecturing staff in further education is determined through national pay agreements applicable to those occupational groups throughout the UK. No such nationwide pay arrangements apply to FE lecturers.

Pay Parity for Further Education Staff

Mr Trevor Lunn asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans exist to equalise pay for further education staff with that of colleagues elsewhere in the sector. (AQO 115/07)

OFMDFM visit to Omagh College

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to make a statement about his recent visit, with the deputy First Minister, to Omagh College. (AQO 68/07)

Sir Reg Empey: I was privileged to be invited to perform the official opening, together with the deputy First Minister, of Omagh College on the 30th May. This state of the art facility will provide access to a wide range of professional and technical training opportunities for the people of Omagh and the surrounding area.

Consultancy Services

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning how much money has been spent by the department in each of the last five years on (a) public relations consultants; and (b) other consultancy services. (AQO 102/07)

Sir Reg Empey: The total expenditure by the Department for Employment and Learning on public relations consultants was: in 2002/03 nil; in 2003/04 £21,000; in 2004/05 £29,000; in 2005/06 £21,000; and in 2006/07 £26,000.

The total expenditure by the Department for Employment and Learning on other consultancy services was: in 2002/03 £410,000; in 2003/04 £430,000; in 2004/05 £420,000; in 2004/05 £620,000 and in 2006/07 £570,000.

Invest NI 'Go For It' Campaign

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning whether he believes graduates are the best target group for Invest Northern Ireland's 'Go for It' campaign. (AQO 118/07)

Sir Reg Empey: Graduates are a key target market within Invest NI’s ‘Go for It’ campaign which is playing an important role in raising the level of start-ups and in creating a culture and society structure geared towards embracing entrepreneurship. Those with a doctorate qualification, for example, are around 4½ times more likely to be entrepreneurially active compared to those who have no qualifications.

Science and Technology Students

Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to ensure that more students go on to study science and technology at third level education. (AQO 93/07)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department and the Department of Education are jointly carrying out a review of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to produce a strategy for the development of STEM through schools and Further Education colleges. This will identify progression routes to higher education and employment and, emphasise the links to the skills and innovation needs of the wider economy. My Department also provides funding for the Step-Up programme which encourages pupils from secondary schools in the North West and Belfast to study science at university.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Economic Impact of Flight Cancellations between NI and UK

Mr Leslie Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the economic impact of the number of low cost airline flight cancellations between Northern Ireland airports and the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 442/07)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr Dodds): No assessment of the economic impact 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 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 airlines are impacting negatively on the Northern Ireland economy.

Inward Investment

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of foreign direct investment, by constituency, secured by Invest Northern Ireland, for each year that Invest Northern Ireland has been in existence. (AQW 540/07)

Mr Dodds: Table 1 presents the amount of assistance offered by Invest NI to inward-investment projects in each of the last five years by Parliamentary Constituency Area. The total planned investment, which represents the total costs of supported projects, is also included.

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 area boundaries. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas, although it 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 INWARD INVESTMENT BY PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA FROM 2002/03 TO 2006/07

PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY	2002/03		2003/04		2004/05
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY	Assistance (£m)	Total Investment (£m)	Assistance (£m)	Total Investment (£m)	Assistance (£m)	Total Investment (£m)
BELFAST EAST	0.0	0.0	8.8	33.6	8.3	10.6
BELFAST NORTH	0.0	0.0	1.3	14.2	0.2	0.5
BELFAST SOUTH	1.2	4.0	7.8	41.3	9.2	34.8
BELFAST WEST	0.4	3.0	3.6	9.7	6.4	21.4
EAST ANTRIM	1.6	5.4	0.2	0.9	1.1	8.0
EAST LONDONDERRY	0.0	0.0	0.2	1.1	0.0	0.0
FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE	2.1	7.9	1.4	3.9	0.7	3.8
FOYLE	10.3	92.0	3.8	11.7	2.5	37.1
LAGAN VALLEY	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	1.1
MID ULSTER	0.1	1.4	0.0	0.0	3.8	23.1
NEWRY & ARMAGH	0.4	0.9	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
NORTH ANTRIM	0.0	0.0	2.7	14.4	2.0	6.5
NORTH DOWN	0.2	1.6	0.6	1.2	1.0	5.3
SOUTH ANTRIM	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.0	3.8	16.4
SOUTH DOWN	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
STRANGFORD	0.4	2.8	0.0	0.0	0.1	0.8
UPPER BANN	9.0	37.9	1.8	12.8	6.0	36.0
WEST TYRONE	2.4	9.3	1.2	4.4	1.2	4.4
TOTAL	28.1	166.7	33.5	149.4	46.4	209.7
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY	2005/06		2006/07
	Assistance (£m)	Total Investment (£m)	Assistance (£m)	Total Investment (£m)
BELFAST EAST	1.7	11.6	11.1	41.1
BELFAST NORTH	2.6	25.1	0.2	2.8
BELFAST SOUTH	8.1	55.7	9.6	51.3
BELFAST WEST	0.1	0.3	0.0	0.0
EAST ANTRIM	11.7	47.8	0.0	0.0
EAST LONDONDERRY	7.7	17.8	0.0	0.0
FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE	0.7	3.8	4.9	32.2
FOYLE	19.1	72.6	6.3	25.9
LAGAN VALLEY	7.0	66.3	0.0	0.0
MID ULSTER	0.2	4.2	0.0	0.0
NEWRY & ARMAGH	6.4	23.4	2.1	7.5
NORTH ANTRIM	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
NORTH DOWN	0.0	0.0	0.9	4.0
SOUTH ANTRIM	2.1	12.0	0.0	0.0
SOUTH DOWN	3.0	9.4	0.0	0.0
STRANGFORD	0.0	0.0	0.9	9.0
UPPER BANN	0.1	2.0	0.0	0.0
WEST TYRONE	0.9	10.3	0.3	1.6
TOTAL	71.4	362.2	36.3	175.3

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. Figures include both first-time inward investments and reinvestments by existing externally-owned clients.

4. Some differences in table totals may arise due to rounding.

Jobs in Coleraine

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will establish a task force to attract new jobs to the Coleraine area, to replace those lost in Motor Taxation, Customs & Revenue, Social Services and the Ministry of Defence. (AQW 643/07)

Mr Dodds: Invest NI is already strongly committed to the area and the agency’s Coleraine office works closely with the Council supporting a number of initiatives to promote economic activity in the borough and the North West region as a whole.

The Driver Vehicle Agency, Her Majesty’s Customs & Revenue and the Ministry of Defence are working to minimise any compulsory redundancies and many of those affected have been offered alternative employment.

The Department for Employment & Learning (DEL), through the local Jobs & Benefits Office in Coleraine, can offer advice on job vacancies and training and employment opportunities. DEL can also waive normal eligibility criteria for programmes such as New Deal for people who have been made redundant.

Investment in Western Counties of Northern Ireland

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline three key 'unique selling points' that Invest Northern Ireland should use to promote the western counties of Northern Ireland as an investment location. (AQO 127/07)

Mr Dodds: Generally Invest NI’s sales message is based on:

Skills quality and availability

Competitive costs

Excellent infrastructure including property, transport and telecoms

Specifically Northern Ireland’s unique selling points will depend on the potential investor and the other locations competing for the investment. Whilst Invest NI is concerned to see a spread of investment across the region its primary role is to promote Northern Ireland as an entity. In the period 2002-2007, Invest NI made 4148 offers to companies and offered £155m assistance in respect of projects in the western counties."

Ultimately the location decision rests with the investor. If the investor seeks information on a regional basis, such as the western counties, then Invest NI will work with stakeholders to best promote the area.

New businesses in West Belfast and Greater Shankill

Mr Paul Maskey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide full details of his department's plans to attract new businesses into West Belfast and Greater Shankill areas. (AQO 86/07)

Mr Dodds: In the last 5 years Invest NI has made 307 offers to companies in West Belfast & Greater Shankill areas leveraging £84m in planned investment. This includes 6 offers of assistance to internationally owned companies leveraging £34m in investment. There were 977 new jobs promoted through the inward investment projects. In addition, Invest NI has supported around 550 new locally-owned business starts in the area.

Whilst Invest NI is concerned to see a spread of investment across the region its primary role is to promote Northern Ireland as an entity. Ultimately the location decision rests with the investor. If the investor seeks information on specific areas within Northern Ireland then Invest NI will work with the local stakeholders to best promote the area.

Supporting Economic Development

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will work closely with the Minister of the Environment to ensure that Planning Service will adopt a proactive approach to enable and support local economic development. (AQO 71/07)

Mr Dodds: An effective planning system is essential to growing our economy. My Department is already working closely with the Departments of the Environment and Regional Development to ensure that planning policy takes full account of the needs of businesses and the economy. I have also had initial contact with my colleague the DoE Minister in relation to some planning issues.

Performance of Invest NI

Mr Trevor Lunn asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether he believes Invest Northern Ireland is underperforming compared to the Industrial Development Agency (IDA Ireland) in the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 123/07)

Mr Dodds: Invest NI is not directly comparable to the IDA either in terms of functional responsibility or product offering. For example IDA focuses solely on foreign direct investment whereas Invest NI’s clients comprise both locally and internationally owned companies. However, since 2002, Invest NI has performed strongly in the FDI area, supporting 169 inward investment projects; leveraging over £1 billion of investment; promoting over 13,200 new jobs and safeguarding almost 10,500 existing jobs.

Investment and Jobs in East Londonderry

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of Invest Northern Ireland's performance in relation to attracting new investment and new jobs to the East Londonderry constituency. (AQO 90/07)

Mr Dodds: In the last five years Invest NI has made 506 offers to companies in East Londonderry leveraging £75.3m in planned investment. This includes 3 offers of assistance to internationally owned companies leveraging £18.9m assistance. There were 811 new and safeguarded jobs promoted through the inward investment projects.

However, given that the benefits of FDI transcend constituency boundaries it is probably better to assess Invest NI performance as the regional level.

Between April 2003 and January 2007 Northern Ireland, with 2.8% population share, secured 7% of contestable projects into the UK. This market share increases to 14% if the projects locating in SE England are excluded.

Broadband for Rural Business

Mr Kieran McCarthy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether he believes availability of broadband gives rural businesses a competitive advantage in Northern Ireland, and whether this competitive advantage will be retained into the next decade. (AQO 122/07)

Mr Dodds: Broadband availability gives rural businesses the same advantages as businesses in urban areas and avoids a broadband divide. Gaining a competitive advantage now and in the next decade depends on how businesses use broadband. A recent survey undertaken by NISRA indicates that the take up of broadband in rural areas is on a par with urban areas.

New Businesses for North Belfast

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide full details of his department's plans to attract new businesses into the North Belfast area. (AQO 85/07)

Mr Dodds: In the last 5 years Invest NI has made 388 offers to companies in North Belfast leveraging £110.4m in planned investment. This includes 10 offers of assistance to internationally owned companies leveraging £42.5 investment. There were 508 new and safeguarded jobs promoted through the inward investment projects. In addition, Invest NI has supported around 400 new locally-owned business starts in the area.

West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline his plans to implement the recommendations of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Review. (AQO 97/07)

Mr Dodds: DETI is giving careful consideration to the review recommendations. Officials will meet with community representatives later this month to discuss issues relevant to this Department, such as economic development sites, small business development and tourism, with a view to agreeing detailed actions which can be taken forward quickly. DETI retains its oversight role for the Initiative and, in this regard, is looking to other Northern Ireland Departments, including DEL, DE and DSD, to take similar actions to facilitate development of a composite Action Plan.

Innovation Statistics

Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what proposals his department has to adapt its statistics to recognise that innovation goes well beyond research and development of products, and includes innovation in marketing, recruitment and management. (AQO 125/07)

Mr Dodds: The statistics produced by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment are consistent with the Oslo manual’s internationally recognised guidelines for collecting and interpreting innovation data. These go beyond the research and development of products to reflect the full range of changes that firms make to improve performance, and include innovation in marketing, training and management.

Inward Investment

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action Invest Northern Ireland is taking to ensure that inward investment is being actively promoted in areas beyond the greater Belfast area, particularly in East Londonderry. (AQO 63/07)

However, given that the benefits of FDI transcend constituency boundaries it is probably better to assess Invest NI performance as the regional level.

North Down Business Village

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline what restrictions Invest Northern Ireland has placed on companies seeking to operate on land owned by the North Down Business Village; and if he will give reasons for the existence of such restrictions.[R] (AQO 124/07)

Mr Dodds: Invest NI owns the land designated as North Down Business Village and it is therefore held for its client companies with a demonstrable immediate business need. Sites are however available on first refusal for clients brought to Invest NI by North Down Business Village.

Uses are limited to industrial or commercial, to ensure continued industrial use.

In line with Government policy and Invest NI’s enabling legislation, uses such as retail, entertainment and housing, are precluded.

Consultancy Costs

Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment how much money has been spent by the department in each of the last five years on (a) public relations consultants; and (b) other consultancy services. (AQO 103/07)

Mr Dodds: DETI’s expenditure on public relations consultants has been £207,000 in 2002-03, £218,000 in 2003-04, £378,000 in 2004-05, 253,000 in 2005-06 and £195,000 in 2006-07

DETI’s expenditure on other consultancy services has been £3.4million in 2002-03, £3.7million in 2003-04, £2.8million in 2004-05, £2.8million in 2005-06, and an estimated £3.2million for 2006-07.

Environment

Planning Applications in Ards and Strangford

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications submitted in this calendar year are still to be determined for (a) Ards Borough Council area; and (b) Strangford area. (AQW 161/07)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs Foster): In the Ards Borough Council area, the number of applications validated this calendar year and still to be determined is 419. The corresponding figure for Strangford is 346.

Delays in Processing Planning Applications

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment how long it took to process outline planning applications for (i) single houses in the countryside; (ii) housing developments; and (iii) business proposals, from the date the application was received until a decision notice was issued, in each of the last three years in (a) Ballymena; (b) Belfast; (c) Coleraine; (d) Craigavon; (e) Downpatrick; (f) Enniskillen; (g) Derry; and (h) Omagh planning offices; and what action she intends to take to reduce any delays which there may be in the system. (AQW 184/07)

Mrs Foster:

The figures for single houses and housing developments are set out in the table below. It is not possible to produce a meaningful average in the business proposals category because of the relatively small number of applications each year in each Division.

These figures are calculated as the number of working weeks between the date the application is deemed valid and the date the decision notice is issued.

I am in the process of reviewing with my officials a range of measures aimed at streamlining the development control process. The emphasis will be on requiring more pre-application discussions, improving the quality of applications, reducing the time allowed for consideration and consultation after proposals are received, reducing the burden on the system by, for example, examining the scope for more extensive use of permitted development rights for small scale, routine, non-contentious applications. I intend bringing forward proposals for consideration during the next Assembly session.

In the meantime, work is continuing on the implementation of a comprehensive ICT system (e-PIC) that will allow the Planning Service to deliver a more open, effective and transparent service to all the citizens of Northern Ireland. I have also recently announced the setting up of a Divisional Support Team to help in addressing workload pressures on the development control side, starting in Craigavon.

My officials are also critically examining working practices, for example, in the handling of planning appeals and in the processing of reserved matters applications, with a view to making improvements that will ensure that the recovery from the current pressures is sustained.

Planning Applications in Ards and Strangford

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning applications were approved in each of the last three years, in the Ards and Strangford sections of the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office. (AQW 208/07)

Mrs Foster:

The number of planning applications approved, refused and submitted to the Ards and Strangford sections of the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office in each of the last 3 years are set out in the attached table.

Area	Financial Year	Approved	Refused	Submitted
Strangford	2004/05	1,255	266	1,740
	2005/06	1,057	75	1,345
	2006/07	757	37	1,181
Ards	2004/05	1,112	263	1,570
	2005/06	914	61	1,168
	2006/07	800	39	1,193

Breakdown by Division of the average length of time (in working weeks) to process an Outline application

Division	Single Houses in Countryside			Housing Developments
	04/05	05/06	06/07	04/05	05/06	06/07

Ballymena	37.53	48.90	53.94	56.56	64.49	61.99
Belfast	37.95	29.60	34.87	71.11	53.31	66.40
Craigavon	36.64	47.27	68.62	68.20	65.00	94.79
Downpatrick	34.35	57.13	67.68	58.19	57.00	62.94
Londonderry	34.04	35.55	45.15	46.95	50.55	53.56
Omagh	18.89	25.63	42.61	56.70	48.66	52.00

Planning Applications in Ards and Strangford

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many applications were refused in the Ards and Strangford sections of the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office, in each of the last three years. (AQW 209/07)

Mrs Foster:

Answer:

Area	Financial Year	Approved	Refused	Submitted
Strangford	2004/05	1,255	266	1,740
	2005/06	1,057	75	1,345
	2006/07	757	37	1,181
Ards	2004/05	1,112	263	1,570
	2005/06	914	61	1,168
	2006/07	800	39	1,193

Planning Applications in Ards and Strangford

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many applications have been submitted to the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office for the Ards and Strangford areas in each of the last three years. (AQW 210/07)

Mrs Foster:

Area	Financial Year	Approved	Refused	Submitted
Strangford	2004/05	1,255	266	1,740
	2005/06	1,057	75	1,345
	2006/07	757	37	1,181
Ards	2004/05	1,112	263	1,570
	2005/06	914	61	1,168
	2006/07	800	39	1,193

Fermanagh Area Plan

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment when work will commence on a new Fermanagh Area Plan. (AQW 223/07)

Mrs Foster: Within the current business year, Planning Service is giving priority to the preparation of the draft development plans for Antrim, Ballymena and Larne and for West Tyrone. There are currently no plans to begin work on the review of the Fermanagh Area Plan. This situation will however be kept under review in the light of competing work demands and other business plan objectives.

Land for Industrial Use in Ards Borough Council Area

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment what plans are in place for increasing the amount of land available for industrial use in the Ards Borough Council area. (AQW 249/07)

Mrs Foster:

The draft Ards & Down Area Plan identifies land for industrial use within the Ards Borough Council area comprising 60 hectares of existing zonings as well as an additional 54 hectares within Newtownards, Comber and Donaghdee. Objections to some 28 hectares of the proposed zonings were considered by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) at a Public Inquiry. The PAC Inquiry Report is expected by the end of 2007.

There are, therefore, no proposals to increase or modify the amount of industrial land zonings in advance of the receipt and consideration of that Report.

Staffing in Downpatrick Divisional Office

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment how many planning officials are currently employed in the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office in the Strangford and Ards Council sections. (AQW 267/07)

Mrs Foster: Planning Service is unable to provide the information in the format requested. The areas serviced by the Planning Service development control and enforcement sections are co-terminus with the District Council boundaries. Strangford is contained within the Down District Council area.

The following details relate specifically to the Ards and Down Council Areas and include both professional (P&T) and administrative staff working in the development control and enforcement teams:

Ards

Development Control Team:

1 Principal Professional Officer (PPTO) (50%); 9 P&T full-time, 3 Administrative Officers full-time and 1 Administrative Officer (25%);

Enforcement Team:

1 PPTO (25%); 2 P&T full-time and 1 Administrative Officer (50%).

Wind Turbines within School Grounds

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what powers are in place to regulate the placing of wind turbines within the grounds of a school; and if there are restrictions on the height, or proximity to nearby dwellings, of such structures. (AQW 309/07)

Mrs Foster: Wind turbines placed within school grounds require formal planning approval. Applications are assessed in the context of Planning Policy PSU12 contained in A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland, ‘Renewable Energy’ which seeks to balance provision of renewable energy sources with necessary protection of the environment including the amenity of residential property. Other material considerations in the assessment of such proposals include the responses of statutory consultees such as the Environmental Health Department of the District Council and any third-party representations. There is no specific policy or guidance relating to the height of wind turbines or proximity to other dwellings for proposals within school grounds or any other locations.

Gocean Lodge Development, Killyleagh

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if she will provide the latest position on the Gocean Lodge development in Killyleagh; and if she will give a timescale for the commencement of the development. (AQW 323/07)

Mrs Foster: Objections to the exclusion of the lands surrounding Gocean Lodge from the settlement limit for Killyleagh have been heard by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) as part of the Public Inquiry into the draft Ards & Down Area Plan which ended on Wednesday 17 January

Until the Department receives and considers the PAC Inquiry Report which is expected at the end of 2007, it will not be in a position to advise on the acceptability or otherwise of development at Gocean Lodge. I am therefore unable to advise on a timescale.

Planning Applications in the Lagan Valley

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment to give details of how many planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside in the Lagan Valley constituency have been (a) approved; and (b) refused, since the introduction of Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside. (AQW 429/07)

Mrs Foster: Details of the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside (a) approved and (b) refused in the Lagan Valley constituency since 16 March 2006 are as follows:

Outline

Full

New Dwelling

Replacement Dwelling

New Dwelling

Replacement Dwelling

Approval

Refusal

146

These figures include an unspecified number of applications received prior to 16 March 2006 but decided after that date.

Compulsory Display of Insurance Cover

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her plans for the compulsory display of evidence of insurance cover on all motor vehicles used on public roads. (AQW 437/07)

Mrs Foster: My Department has, in the past, taken up the issue of requiring vehicles to show evidence of being insured, by means of a windscreen insurance disc, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The ABI believes its central insurance database, established in May 2001, which gives on-line access to the police for enforcement purposes, offers a more effective enforcement system than the display of insurance discs.

While there are no plans to introduce a compulsory car insurance disc in Northern Ireland, my Department is, however, planning to introduce a scheme of continuous enforcement of motor insurance requirements from the record. This will make it possible to prosecute for having control of an uninsured vehicle without first having to detect the person using it on a road.

The primary legislation – the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 – is already in place. It is hoped to consult on the detail of the scheme later in the year and to introduce the new arrangements, which require subordinate legislation, during 2008.

Mullaghglass Landfill Site

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment if she will ensure that enforcement action is taken against the owners of Mullaghglass landfill site if they refuse to comply with condition 20 of their planning permission. (AQW 470/07)

Mrs Foster:

Planning permission for Mullaghglass landfill site was granted subject to a number of conditions, among them condition 20 requiring that a footway be constructed before the site becomes operational along a section of the Mullaghglass Road fronting the site and adjacent properties.

The footway has not been constructed and the operators sought, by way of a planning application in November 2006, approval to operate the landfill without providing the footway. Planning Service brought an opinion to Lisburn Borough Council that the application should be refused. The Council concurred with that view and Planning Service will shortly formally refuse planning permission.

However, mindful of the likely outcome to the application described above, the operator submitted a further planning application in March 2007 seeking approval to construct the footway. This application remains under consideration with Planning Service.

It would not be expedient for Planning Service to pursue enforcement action in this particular case when it is actively considering a planning application for works which would resolve the current breach of planning control.

However, Planning Service continues to monitor and review activities on this site and will resort to enforcement action should the need arise.

Planning Application for Landfill Site at Garvagh

Mr Adrian McQuillan asked the Minister of the Environment what criteria will be used in assessing the planning application for a landfill site at Belraugh Road, Garvagh; whether article 31 procedures will be applied; and whether a public inquiry will take place. (AQW 490/07)

Mrs Foster: The planning application for a landfill site at Belraugh Road, Garvagh will be considered on its individual planning merits, taking account of all material planning considerations. Such considerations would include the relevant area plan provisions, regional planning policy guidance, waste management policy as it applies to Northern Ireland and to the sub-region of the North west, consultee advice and views expressed through the public consultation exercise.

The Planning Service is currently considering whether Article 31 procedures should be applied to this application.

The processing of the planning application is at a very early stage. It would be impossible and indeed inappropriate to comment at this stage on the possibility of a public inquiry taking place.

Planning Applications, Dunmurry

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment if she will carry out a review in relation to the increase in planning applications in the Dunmurry area; and, in particular, if she will look at the number of planning applications for apartments in the Dunmurry area. (AQW 543/07)

Mrs Foster: Planning Service is aware of the development pressures in Dunmurry and public concern about the increasing number of planning applications for apartments. All such applications are dealt with in the context of current planning policies and development plans, including the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP).

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside, received by Planning Service prior to 16 March 2006, which were assessed under 'Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside'; the total number of these applications that have been refused; and the figures for the total monies collected from the planning fees for all such applications that have been refused to date. (AQW 548/07)

Mrs Foster: Any application for a single dwelling in the countryside received on or prior to 16 March 2006 but found to be incomplete or invalid, and resubmitted as valid after 16 March, would be assessed under Planning Policy Statement 14. To date, 153 such applications have been determined. Of these, 71 have been refused, 82 have been approved. The total sum collected as fees for the 71 applications which were refused is £36,000.

Review of Public Administration

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment if she will consider awarding Civil Service status to local government employees, post Review of Public Administration. (AQW 573/07)

Mrs Foster: Under the Review of Public Administration local government functions are not transferring to the Northern Ireland Civil service and, therefore, it would not be appropriate to give local government employees civil service status

Review of Public Administration

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment if she will ensure that, post Review of Public Administration, all local government staff will have the same terms of employment as those transferred from the Northern Ireland Civil Service. (AQW 574/07)

Mrs Foster: Any changes to the terms and conditions for staff in the new councils will be a matter for the new councils

and will have to comply with the requirements of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)

Regulations 2006.

All staff being transferred to new employers as a result of RPA decisions, whether

the transfer is from the Northern Ireland Civil Service to the new councils or from

the existing councils to the new councils, will have their terms and conditions protected by these Regulations. In addition their pensions will be protected in accordance with the principles outlined in the Treasury’s guidance on a Fair Deal for Staff Pensions.

Any move by the new councils to achieve harmonisation in the terms and conditions for staff post-transfer can only be undertaken in limited circumstances using normal industrial relations machinery.

Unlicensed Waste Disposal

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment what action she is taking to address unlicensed waste disposal in Northern Ireland, particularly in regard to the fly-tipping of (a) household waste; (b) commercial waste; (c) hazardous waste; and (d) agricultural waste, including dead animals. (AQW 575/07)

Mrs Foster:

Reports of unlicensed waste disposal are prioritised for further action. Where sufficient evidence is obtained, and the circumstances merit it, a file is passed to the Public Prosecution Service for its consideration.

During 2006-07, there were 110 successful convictions in the courts for waste offences, 11 of which were in the Crown Court. Convictions in 2006-07 have resulted in over £200,000 in fines and 4 prison sentences of up to 12 months’ imprisonment. The Environment and Heritage Service has also referred cases to the Assets Recovery Agency.

The term ‘fly-tipping’ is normally used to describe largely domestic, low quantity incidents. Such small-scale cases are generally dealt with by District Councils but the Environment and Heritage Service is currently implementing the Flycapture software used by the English Environment Agency, in order to facilitate a consistent approach to the impact of fly-tipping.

Unlicensed Waste Disposal

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to give additional legislative powers, and the necessary resources, to enable District Councils to address small-scale unlicensed waste disposal and fly-tipping. (AQW 577/07)

Mrs Foster: It is essential that my Department and district councils should work together to address the illegal deposit of waste. My officials are currently engaged with local government representatives in a joint working group to explore how this can best be achieved. The group is expected to make recommendations in the near future, and I will then consider any legislative and resource implications.

Processing of Tax Discs and Drivers Licences

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment how many motor tax discs and driver licences have been processed through each DVLNI/DVA local office, in each of the past five years. (AQW 591/07)

Mrs Foster: The table below sets out the number of motor tax discs processed in each of the DVLNI/DVA local offices in each of the past 5 financial years. Driver licence applications are all processed centrally in Coleraine but the local offices provide a service to enable applicants required to prove their identity to produce their supporting documents for checking locally. The table below sets out the numbers of applicants who used this facility in each of the local offices in each of the last five years.

ax Discs Issued

Local Office	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Armagh	70039	71903	58941	57862	59564
Ballymena	75539	76433	62197	61403	58880
Belfast	159421	171145	147945	117368	117619
Coleraine	59861	62910	50862	50843	49492
Downpatrick	63427	63872	51471	48733	46760
Enniskillen	38027	37211	32187	33507	33183
Londonderry	50389	52295	44327	43768	43947
Omagh	49765	51408	44144	42717	42765

Driver Licence ID Checks

Local Office	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Armagh*	0	0	1514	6432	7467
Ballymena	959	1937	2913	7525	7908
Belfast	3670	7772	11412	22660	24560
Coleraine^	0	0	0	0	0
Downpatrick	968	1779	2633	7034	7381
Enniskillen	689	1329	1751	3661	3917
Londonderry	212	1204	2387	5492	6130
Omagh*	0	0	836	3229	4083

* Service introduced in Armagh and Omagh from July 2004

^ Service in Coleraine is provided by the Driver Licensing Office, which is located in Coleraine

Processing of Motor Tax and Drivers Licences

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment how many applications for (a) motor tax and renewals; and (b) driver licences; have been processed through means other than local DVLNI/DVA offices in each of the past five years, including online and by telephone. (AQW 592/07)

Mrs Foster:

The table below sets out the number of applications to register and licence a vehicle and the number of tax disc renewals processed by post, by the post offices and by telephone in each of the past 5 financial years. Online licensing is not available in Northern Ireland. A very limited telephone service was introduced on a pilot basis but it was not developed and is not promoted. The Automated First Registration and Licensing (AFRL) system, introduced in 2004/05, enables dealers to register and license new vehicles from their own premises. Driver licence applications are all processed centrally in Coleraine but the local offices provide a service to enable applicants required to prove their identity to produce their supporting documents for checking locally. The table below sets out the numbers of driver licences issued by the Driver Licensing Office in Coleraine over the past five years.

Motor Tax & Renewals

Medium	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Post	199,546	188,781	173,515	173,484	178,284
AFRL			27,786	60,366	64,036
Telephone	4,914	5,741	3,988	3,599	5,186
Post Offices	301,001	390,638	448,457	531,977	561,853

Driver Licences Issued

Medium	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Post	158,806	173,227	171,159	286,988	286,661

Issue of Tax Discs and Drivers Licences

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment how many motor tax discs and driver licences have been issued in each District Council area, in each of the past five years. (AQW 593/07)

Mrs Foster:

The numbers of tax discs and driver licences issued are not recorded by District Council area. I refer Mr Durkan to my previous answers, AQW 591/07 and AQW 592/07, which set out the numbers of discs issued by each local office and through other channels.

Closure of DVA Offices

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of the Environment what criteria have been applied in order to determine which DVA offices should close on 6 June 2007, as announced by her department. (AQW 594/07)

Mrs Foster:

Answer:

The criteria used to assess possible locations were:

The optimum location to serve the maximum possible number of customers (as defined by vehicle ownership) within a 30 mile radius of the selected locations.

The optimum location to ensure, as far as possible, that 90% of the population are located within a 30 mile radius of a local office or the enquiry office at Coleraine.

The optimum location to ensure that 95% of the population are located within 5 miles of a local office or a licensing Post Office.

The optimum location to service the maximum number of vehicle dealers (defined as holders of trade licences) within a 30 mile radius of the selected location.

Based on these criteria, DVLA, on whose behalf my Department undertakes vehicle licensing work in Northern Ireland, have determined that the optimum location for the local offices should be Belfast, Armagh and Enniskillen, together with a customer enquiry office at DVA Licensing headquarters in Coleraine.

Although planned IT systems integration will be completed in November 2008 and the alternative delivery channels through the post offices, online and by telephone will be available then, DVLA have agreed closure of offices should be phased in and that, it could take up to 18 months before all 5 local offices are closed. Detailed implementation planning will determine the phasing of office closures but it is anticipated that the first offices will close early in 2009.

DVLA’s decision to centralise vehicle licensing, including the impact on the local office network, will be the subject of both an equality impact and rural proofing assessment.

Conservation of the Red Squirrel

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her strategy to enhance the protection of, and increase the red squirrel population in Northern Ireland. (AQW 613/07)

Mrs Foster: The native Red Squirrel population in Northern Ireland is declining in numbers and distribution.

It is widely accepted that the presence of the Grey Squirrel is the biggest threat to the conservation of the Red Squirrel.

A Species Action Plan (SAP) for the Red Squirrel is currently being prepared by officials and should be issued for public consultation later this year.

One of the measures likely to be recommended in the SAP is the creation of Red Squirrel Reserves which will be defended against the ingress of the Grey Squirrel.

Arthritis Treatment Centre, Randalstown

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of the Environment if she will outline her position on the planning application for an Arthritis Treatment Centre in Randalstown, with particular reference to the use of the heat produced by a previously approved Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system. (AQW 655/07)

Mrs Foster: Given that planning application T/2006/0289/F (Construction of Arthritis Treatment Centre) is subject to an impending Article 33 Planning Appeal, the deemed refusal opinion, and associated reasons for refusal, are matters best left to the Planning Appeals Commission to consider within the scope of the future appeal hearing. This will include the location of the proposal relative to the Biomass Combined Heat and Power system and the use of heat produced by it.

Councillors' Allowances

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment if she will investigate Lisburn City Council’s decision not to allocate the new councillors’ allowances, in relation to Special Responsibility Allowance, equally across all political parties on the Council, in accordance with her department’s directive instructing Councils to adopt the the guidance on councillors’ allowances as good practice. (AQW 664/07)

Mrs Foster: It is for Lisburn City Council to decide how it wishes to distribute its Special Responsibility Allowance, within the maximum amount determined by the Department. A directive did not issue about safeguards to ensure a fair distribution of this allowance across a representative sample of political parties. However, in its Guidance on Councillors’ Allowances issued in April 2007, the Department encouraged councils to consider adopting, as good practice, this recommendation which was made by the Councillors’ Remuneration Working Group. There is no statutory requirement for councils to adhere to it, at present.

Finance and Personnel

Industrial Rates

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he plans to announce a decision in relation to industrial rates. (AQW 417/07)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): My Department has engaged the Economic Research Institute NI to undertake a study into the effectiveness of the policy. This is expected to be completed in September 2007 and I will be reporting back to the Executive with my assessment as soon as possible thereafter. If a change of policy is considered necessary and a priority of the Executive, such a decision will have to be made by the end of the calendar year to ensure the necessary legislative change can be made before billing next April.

Obesity-Related Premature Deaths

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide an estimate of the number of people who die prematurely as a result of obesity-related illness. (AQW 491/07)

Mr Robinson: In 2006P there were 28 deaths where obesity1 was mentioned on the death certificate and in 25 of those deaths the deceased was aged under 75 years of age at the time of death.

Of these cases, obesity was the underlying cause of death on, respectively, 9 occasions and 8 occasions.

1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code E66.

P Provisional data.

Findings of the Public Accounts Committee

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what measures are currently in place within his department, to ensure that findings of the Public Accounts Committee are fully acted upon by all departments concerned. (AQW 518/07)

Mr Robinson: Departmental commitments to the findings of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are set out in the DFP Memorandum of Reply (MOR) which is the formal Government response to the PAC report. It is the responsibility of the relevant department to honour the commitments in the MOR. DFP has developed a database to facilitate departments with the monitoring of commitments made to the PAC. DFP conducts an annual exercise whereby departments update the action taken and confirm if the commitment has been completed. DFP reports annually to the Permanent Secretary Group on the progress in completing all outstanding commitments. DFP routinely follows up with responsible departments.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people have died of non-hodgkins lymphoma in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 561/07)

Mr Robinson: In Northern Ireland in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006P respectively, there were 111, 117 and 105 deaths registered where the primary cause of death was non-hodgkins lymphoma1.

1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes C82-C85.

P Provisional data.

Bowel Cancer Deaths

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people have died of bowel cancer in each of the last 3 years. (AQW 562/07)

Mr Robinson: In Northern Ireland in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006P respectively, there were 430, 435 and 412 deaths registered where the primary cause of death was bowel cancer1.

1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes C18-C21.

P Provisional data.

Central Transfer Lists for Civil Servants

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is the number of civil servants currently awaiting transfer to the Derry/Londonderry City Council area. (AQW 590/07)

Mr Robinson: The question referred to the Derry/Londonderry City Council area. The central transfer list (CTL) is operated by location i.e. town/ city and the information provided relates to Derry/Londonderry city.

Three hundred and ninety five (395) civil servants have requested to transfer to Derry/Londonderry.

Credit / Debit Cards for Senior Civil Servants

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what facility is available for senior civil servants to use (a) credit cards; and (b) debit cards provided by their department. (AQW 634/07)

Mr Robinson: At present there are no credit or debit cards issued to senior civil servants in the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Recruitment and Promotion of Staff Aged 55 or Over

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many people aged 55 or over have been (a) recruited; and (b) promoted by departments in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, in each of the last three years. (AQW 635/07)

Mr Robinson: Figures are based on all those who were aged 55 or over at the time of their recruitment into or promotion in the 11 NI Departments of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Number of Staff Aged 55 and Above Promoted or Recruited into the 11 NI Departments 2004, 2005 & 2006 Figures are for all staff (permanent, casual and industrial)
	Promotion	Recruitment
2004	25	37
2005	10	55
2006	12	23

Consultancy Services

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his department's spend on consultancy services in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 654/07)

Mr Robinson: Based on the most recent estimate the expected 2007-08 spend for the Department of Finance and Personnel on consultancy services is £6.6million.

General Register Office

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm that all General Register Offices have the facility to print fadas, when issuing death and birth certificates to members of the public. (AQW 771/07)

Mr Robinson: The General Register Office and all District Registration Offices in the 26 local authority areas have the facility to print fadas on birth, death, marriage, adoption and civil partnership certificates issued to the public.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Costs of Premature Mortality from Obesity

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give the cost to the Northern Ireland economy, with particular reference to the direct costs to the health service, of temporary or long term absence from work and premature mortality arising from obesity. (AQW 426/07)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): I am not in a position to provide the precise cost to the Northern Ireland economy or to the Health Service of temporary or long term absence from work and premature mortality arising from obesity.

However, Investing for Health, the public health strategy for Northern Ireland (March 2002), reported that obesity was estimated to be causing 450 deaths each year: the equivalent of over 4000 years of lost life. It is also estimated that, in Northern Ireland, obesity was resulting in 260,000 working days lost each year and was costing the economy £500 million. A mid-term review of the Investing for Health Strategy is due in 2008.

Cross-Border Health Service Provision

Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the impact of cross-border health service provision, in terms of the scope and quality of services that can be provided for all patients. (AQW 500/07)

Mr McGimpsey: It makes sense to pursue co-operation where it is in the mutual interests of the population on both sides of the border. The Belfast Agreement recognises this and the inaugural Plenary meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in December 1999 agreed the following five matters for co-operation on health – Accident and Emergency Services; Planning for major emergencies; Co-operation on high technology; cancer research and health promotion with an outline work programme on these aspects. Work to progress this has been taken forward at NSMC meetings in the Health Sectoral format and, through meetings of Ministers and officials, North and South. In addition, my Department has been working closely with colleagues in Dublin on Pandemic Flu and Cancer Research and Co operation and Working Together (CAWT) has done a lot of good work in taking this agenda forward.

These are the types of initiatives which I endorse as there are major benefits to be gained for the population of Northern Ireland. To ensure that these benefits are maximised my Department has recently embarked on an exploratory study in conjunction with colleagues in the Republic of Ireland to identify the potential of further areas of North South co-operation that could help improve the health and wellbeing and access to services for our population.

National Health Service Dentists in East Antrim

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his plans to provide more National Health Service dentists in the East Antrim area; and, in particular, the Carrickfergus area. (AQW 510/07)

Mr McGimpsey: In recent years access to Health Service dentistry has been increasingly difficult for patients across Northern Ireland. This includes the areas of East Antrim and Carrickfergus. To alleviate this problem, the Northern Health and Social Services Board (NHSSB) Dental Department have recently secured funds from the Department to enable the employment of a salaried Dental Practitioner. Their role will be to provide health service dentistry specifically for patients who cannot currently avail of such a service locally.

The new salaried dentist and team will be based at the recently opened Dalriada Urgent Care centre on the Larne Road, Ballymena. Sufficient funding has been secured to provide a "state of the art" dental facility, which will allow up to date treatments and procedures to be carried out. Emphasis will be placed on high standards of infection control, quality of care and easy access for patients.

Patients will soon be able to receive emergency and urgent care during normal working hours at the centre. They will then actively be encouraged to attend a "high street" General Dental Practitioner (GDP) in their area; after any urgent treatment has been carried out.

This is seen as a benefit to both patients and practitioners alike. Patients will soon not have to worry about being able to see a health service dentist, and practitioners who are accepting new health service patients will have a new source of referrals from the centre helping them grow their practices.

In addition to the above, the NHSSB, which includes the Carrickfergus area, is in the process of securing funding for a second salaried dentist. This will also help to alleviate access to dentistry problems in the NHSSB area.

Respite Care Provision in the North West

Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he can confirm that there is only one respite bed available in the North West area, from Strabane to Coleraine; and if he will take steps to provide adequate respite provision in that area as soon as possible. (AQW 517/07)

Mr McGimpsey: Respite bed provision is provided by Nursing Homes across the northern sector of the Western Health and Social Care Trust. The availability of beds is subject to local demand. However, the Trust has not found it necessary to contract specifically for respite beds given this existing capacity. In addition, there are six dedicated respite beds available in Spruce House, Altnagelvin, for people with a physical disability and these beds are used on an ongoing basis. Respite bed provision will be addressed by the Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy which my Department is currently developing.

Out of Hours GP Service

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to ensure that out-of-hours doctor facilities are made more widely available, and more accessible. (AQW 530/07)

Mr McGimpsey: In 2005 the Department commissioned the 4 Health and Social Services Boards to review the current Out of Hours GP Service and to develop options to establish a regional approach for the delivery of Out of Hours services from April 2008. Work on this is ongoing at the present time.

Riverside Health Practice, Strabane

Mrs Claire McGill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the envisaged timeframe for the extension of services, such as radiology, to the Riverside Health Practice in Strabane; and what steps are being taken to ensure that this development takes place. (AQW 541/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Services Board is currently working with local Trusts to put in place a significant capital development, which is known as the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure Programme.

The aim of the programme is to put in place a modern fit for purpose infrastructure that will provide enhanced accessibility and greater responsiveness to a wider range of service provision in the community, close to where people live. The Strabane Health and Care Centre is part of this programme.

The Western Health and Social Services Board is currently finalising a Business Case for projects in the first phase of the programme in the Board area.

The Business Case is expected by July 2007 for approval in the Autumn of 2007.

Provision of Hospital Services

Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is the reason for the delay in the outreaching of certain hospital services, such as radiology, to health centres in the Western Health and Social Services Board area. (AQW 542/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Services Board is working closely with local Trusts to put in place significant capital development, through the Primary and Community Care Infrastructure Programme.

The programme aims to provide enhanced accessibility, greater flexibility, and a wider range of services in the community, by putting in place modern facilities. In the main, this will be provided through a network of Health and Care Centres, located in main towns and cities across Northern Ireland.

Plans to deliver a range of enhanced primary care services, and some services previously only available in hospitals, are being developed as part of the Business Cases for each project.

Although each Health and Care Centre will deliver similar services, each Centre will be designed to meet local population needs. In determining these services, Board colleagues are taking into account key factors such as: population demographics, sustainability of services, optimum utilisation of technologies, and securing Value for Money.

Each Business Case expected imminently will be considered by the Department and on approval, which is likely to be by the Autumn of this year, each project will progress to design and subsequent procurement.

Speech and Language Therapy Services

Mrs Claire McGill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what steps are being taken to address the deficits in the provision of speech and language therapy services in the Foyle Trust area; and what specific provision is envisaged to tackle the waiting list for such provision in the Strabane District Council area. (AQW 544/07)

Mr McGimpsey: I refer you to the Assembly debate about Speech and Language Therapy which took place on 5 June 2007 in which I described the steps being taken to address waiting lists for Speech and Language Therapy throughout Northern Ireland.

There are 28.1 whole-time equivalent Speech and Language Therapists and 4 whole-time equivalent Technical Instructors employed within the Derry, Limavady and Strabane Council area.

In order to address waiting times in the Strabane District Council area, a further 4 temporary Speech and Language Therapists have been engaged. The waiting lists will be addressed beginning with those waiting longest and this approach will be delivered throughout the former Foyle Trust area to ensure that those waiting longest are dealt with first.

As a result of these initiatives, the longest waiting time for assessment has reduced from 6 months at March 2006 to 20 weeks at March 2007, and in terms of treatment, numbers waiting have reduced from 1488 (March 2006) to 565 (March 2007)

Smoking Information Packs

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety how many information packs, which included no smoking signs, were issued by the Health Promotion Agency to businesses in Cookstown and Magherafelt prior to, and since, the smoking ban came into effect on 30 April 2007. (AQW 556/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The company responsible for issuing the packs, which included sample signage, distributed 2,078 in Magherafelt and 1,746 in Cookstown. Advertisements were also placed in the main newspapers on 23 April informing employers who had not received packs that they could be obtained from their district council’s Environmental Health Department.

The advertisement also stated that the pack, signage and information on smoke-free legislation was available for downloading from the Health Promotion Agency’s "Space to Breathe" website - www.spacetobreathe.org.uk

Magherafelt District Council issued 10 packs on request, post-30 April, while Cookstown District Council did not record the number of requests received.

Respite Care

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many places are available for respite care, catering for the needs of those with severe learning and/or physical disability, broken down by Health and Social Services Board area. (AQW 557/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The following table sets out the number of places currently available for respite care, in terms of available beds, for those with severe learning and / or physical disability, broken down by the four Health and Social Services Board areas.

BOARD AREA	CURRENT PLACES
NHSSB	66
WHSSB	29
SHSSB	109
EHSSB	60

Each place represents respite provision for many clients, depending on their individual level of need. Respite care can also be provided in different settings, including family based and domiciliary respite services. In all the Board areas additional respite provision is purchased as necessary.

Risk Assessment of the Mid-Ulster Hospital

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will carry out a risk assessment of the Mid-Ulster hospital, in light of the removal of maternity services and night-time A&E services. (AQW 558/07)

Mr McGimpsey: In spring 2005 the former United Hospitals Trust and the NHSSB commissioned an independent assessment of the risks associated with the maintenance of key acute services at Mid Ulster Hospital. In November 2006, following a period of public consultation, the Trust approved proposals for changes to services which included the transfer of obstetric services to Antrim Area Hospital and a reduction of Mid Ulster Accident and Emergency opening hours.

No further risk assessment is currently planned. The Northern Trust will continue to monitor service provision at the Mid Ulster Hospital to ensure safety and sustainability of services during its transition to a local hospital as set out in Developing Better Services.

Future Plans for Mid-Ulster Hospital

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will detail the future plans for the Mid-Ulster Hospital. (AQW 559/07)

Mr McGimpsey: As set out in Developing Better Services, Mid Ulster Hospital will become a local hospital providing a wide range of services including a minor injuries service, day surgery, diagnostics and outpatient services. It is also expected to include inpatient beds for assessment and rehabilitation.

In June 2006 the Department approved the Outline Business Case Stage 1 for all the proposed changes required within the Northern Board area. This included the building of a new local hospital at Mid Ulster. The Northern Trust is currently working on Stage 2 of this Business Case.

Treatment for Multiple Myeloma

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he plans to adopt for Northern Ireland the recommendations, made with respect to England and Wales, of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, to make bortezomib (Velcade) accessible to National Health Service patients suffering from multiple myeloma; and if he will outline the proposed timeframe for the implementation of such plans. (AQW 566/07)

Mr McGimpsey: All guidance published by NICE from 1 July 2006 is reviewed locally for its applicability to Northern Ireland and, where appropriate, is endorsed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for implementation in the Health and Social Care sector.

NICE is currently assessing Velcade for use in a new indication which would see patients being treated with the drug at an earlier stage of the disease. The Institute has not indicated a date for publication of final guidance on Velcade, however, it is likely that the review process will not be completed until the autumn. The Department will issue advice on the status of the final guidance in Northern Ireland shortly after it is published by NICE for England and Wales.

General Practitioners

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give figures for the ratio of General Practitioners per head of the population, for each of the Westminster constituencies in Northern Ireland; and if he will outline how this compares with figures for the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 579/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The number of general practitioners (GPs) per 10,000 resident population for each Northern Ireland parliamentary constituency and in other UK countries is given in Table 1. However, it must be noted that since the introduction of the General Medical Services contract in April 2004, it has not been a requirement for general practices to declare all GPs working in the practice, although most do. The average list size per GP within each constituency has also been provided in Table 1 to show the numbers of patients actually served by each GP and to help illustrate that many patients will not be registered in the constituency in which they live. It follows, therefore, that those constituencies which happen to have most GPs per resident population do not necessarily have the smallest registered list sizes and vice versa.

Table 1 shows that Northern Ireland has more GPs per 10,000 population (6.5) than in England (5.8) and Wales (6.1), but less than in Scotland (7.5). It is important to note that the Northern Ireland figure is not precisely equivalent to the other UK countries as it only includes unrestricted GPs and is more up-to-date.

Table 1

Parliamentary Constituency	General Practitioner Head count per 10,000 population 1 2	Average Registered list size per General Practitioner 1 3
Belfast East	8.4	1470
Belfast North	10.9	1590
Belfast South	7.8	1409
Belfast West	6.7	1655
East Antrim	4.7	1650
East Londonderry	6.2	1663
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	7.4	1601
Foyle	6.7	1656
Lagan Valley	5.4	1643
Mid Ulster	5.1	1790
Newry & Armagh	6.7	1712
North Antrim	7.4	1463
North Down	5.2	1849
South Antrim	4.8	1822
South Down	5.4	1640
Strangford	5.8	1597
Upper Bann	6.6	1715
West Tyrone	6.0	1757
NORTHERN IRELAND	6.5	1635
ENGLAND 4	5.8	Not available
WALES 4	6.1	Not available
SCOTLAND 4	7.5	Not available

Source: Medlist database - Central Services Agency; National Health Applications and Infrastructure Services system (NHAIS) - Central Services Agency; Mid-year estimate of population - Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Notes:

1 The head count of general practitioners is at 1st June 2007. Only unrestricted principals are included. Head count of general practitioners has been used as whole time equivalent is no longer recorded.

2 The population figures are the 2005 mid-year estimate of population (latest available).

3 The general practice registered list size is as at April 2007.

4 The general practitioner counts used for each country (other than Northern Ireland) include both unrestricted and principal equivalents (UPEs) and restricted GPs as it is no longer possible to distinguish from these in the GP census. They relate to 2005.

Dentists Accepting National Health Service Patients

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give details, broken down by each Westminster constituency, of the ratio of dentists accepting National Health Service patients; and if he will make a statement on how this compares with the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 584/07)

Mr McGimpsey: Table 1 provides information on the percentage of dentists registered to provide Health Service dentistry in each constituency at December 2006 who have had new Health Service (HS) patient registrations in the previous year. However, note that this does not mean that those dentists will continue to accept Health Service registrations, nor that other dentists will not have Health Service registrations in the future. Information cannot be given on the percentage of dentists in England, Wales or Scotland accepting NHS patients, as the information is not held centrally

Table 1

Parliamentary Constituency	Percentage of HS dentists 1 2 3 with new Health Service patient registrations 4
Belfast East	95.3%
Belfast North	90.2%
Belfast South	91.2%
Belfast West	97.6%
East Antrim	96.9%
East Londonderry	97.6%
Fermanagh and South Tyrone	91.8%
Foyle	86.4%
Lagan Valley	97.4%
Mid Ulster	93.5%
Newry and Armagh	89.4%
North Antrim	81.5%
North Down	93.8%
South Antrim	97.3%
South Down	97.4%
Strangford	89.2%
Upper Bann	92.6%
West Tyrone	97.6%
NORTHERN IRELAND	92.4%

Source: Central Services Agency

1 Includes Principal dentists only - excludes assistants and Vocational Dental Practitioners.

2 Dentist numbers taken from the list of all dentists registered to provide Health Service dentistry in December 2006.

3 Should a dentist work in more than one practice within a constituency then they have only been counted once within that constituency but if they work across constituencies then they have also been counted once in each relevant constituency.

4 Includes HS dentists with registered Health Service patients at December 2006 who were not registered at January of the same year (i.e. new registrations).

Assaults Against Hospital Staff

Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of cases of assault against staff within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, broken down by hospital. (AQW 596/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (HSC) was established on 1 April 2007 and therefore figures are not available in the format requested.

The number of cases of assault against staff for the year 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2007 recorded by the legacy Trusts who form the Belfast Trust totalled 1427; 347 verbal and 1080 physical; each incident however may have involved more than one member of staff.

	Verbal	Physical	Total
Belfast City Hospital	72	66	138
Green Park	8	9	17
North and West Belfast 1	54	608	662
Royal Group	135	120	255
South and East Belfast	78	277	355
TOTAL	347	1080	1427

1These figures include the figures for Muckamore

Community Commissioning Associations

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give an assurance that elected representatives will be invited to become members of the Community Commissioning Associations of the Health and Social Care Trust for the Ards Borough Council area. (AQW 601/07)

Mr McGimpsey: I am currently considering a proposal regarding the operating framework for devolved commissioning and the establishment of Community Commissioning Associations (CCAs) is one element of this. Working through the Local Commissioning Groups (LCGs) we intend to invite applications from local health and social care professionals and groups over the coming months to establish pilot CCAs.

The LCGs will assess the suitability of these proposals against essential criteria which includes a requirement to demonstrate that membership is representative of the local population. While elected representatives will not hold a position by right on any of the new health and social care bodies, members of the public resident in the CCA catchment area will be given the opportunity to become members.

Physical Disability Strategy

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety at what stage are her department's plans to develop a physical disability strategy. (AQW 605/07)

Mr McGimpsey: My Department is working in partnership with user and carer groups, the statutory, voluntary, and community sectors to develop a Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy. Regional working groups have been established to review the provision of wheelchair and sensory impairment services. Further working groups will be established as required to address other key strands of the strategy. The findings of the working groups will inform the development of the draft strategy, which is expected to be ready for consultation by March 2008.

All-Ireland Ambulance Service

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the case for an all-Ireland ambulance service, including helicopter service, has been established; and what plans he has to take this matter forward. (AQW 606/07)

Mr McGimpsey: I am not aware of any work being undertaken at present to establish a case for an all-Ireland land-based and helicopter ambulance service.

Social Work Studies

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of students who applied to the Northern Ireland Social Care council for a social work bursary in 2004, 2005 and 2006; and to also detail the number of places available for social work studies in Northern Ireland in each of these years. (AQW 608/07)

Mr McGimpsey: No students applied to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council for a social work bursary in 2004, 2005 or 2006. My Department administers an Incentive Scheme for social work students who are domiciled and studying in Northern Ireland.

In 2004:300 places were available for social work students in Northern Ireland

In 2005:300 places were available for social work students in Northern Ireland

In 2006:300 places were available for social work students in Northern Ireland

Reduction of Waiting Time at A+E Altnagelvin Hospital

Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will explain what he intends to do to reduce waiting times at the Accident and Emergency department at Altnagelvin Hospital. (AQW 617/07)

Mr McGimpsey: A target has been set that, by March 2008, patients will be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours of arrival at an Accident and Emergency department, other than in exceptional circumstances where clinical reasons would not make this appropriate.

A programme of reform is underway to ensure the achievement of this target.

This programme is focused on the complete patient pathway, beginning with the

ambulance journey, if required, continuing through the emergency care department and the hospital system itself and ending when the patient is discharged.

I am fully committed to ensuring that waiting times across all Accident and Emergency departments are reduced. My Department will continue to monitor performance on a weekly basis to ensure that satisfactory progress is made towards this target.

Screening and Immunisation Programme for Tuberculosis

Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he will take with regard to the introduction of a full screening and immunisation programme for tuberculosis, taking into account the 25% rise in infection rates in the United Kingdom. (AQW 618/07)

Mr McGimpsey: There is no evidence of a similar increase in TB rates here. The Centre for Communicable Disease Control Northern Ireland monitors TB rates in Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis. In Northern Ireland the rate is 5 per 100,000 of the population, which is substantially less than the rates in the rest of the UK.

New entrants from countries of high prevalence of TB are screened at UK entry, usually Heathrow and where appropriate port health notifies the relevant Health Board in Northern Ireland. Occupational health departments screen new healthcare workers.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the Department of Health in relation to current vaccination and immunisation programmes and on the development of new programmes. The current policy for selective BCG vaccination for those at high risk in Northern Ireland is in line with policy in the rest of the UK and there are no plans to introduce a full screening and immunisation programme

Additional Day Care Places

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to create additional day care places in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area. (AQW 626/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Health and Social Services Board is working closely with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust to examine ways in which day support services can be reformed and modernised to meet the needs of their local population. A number of proposals for additional day support places for adults are at various stages of the planning process across the full range of adult programmes of care. These include proposals for the provision of respite day support placements.

Occupational Therapy Assessments

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people waiting for an Occupational Therapy Assessment (a) in Northern Ireland and (b) in each of the Health and Social Services Board areas. (AQW 629/07)

Mr McGimpsey: At 31 March 2007, 7,345 people were waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists in Northern Ireland. At this time, the EHSSB (3,040) had the highest number of people waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists, 1,472 in the NHSSB, 1,466 in the SHSSB, and 1,367 in the WHSSB.

Delayed Discharge from Antrim Area and Whiteabbey Hospitals

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of delayed discharge at Antrim Area Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital for each of the six months, and (b) what steps he is taking to reduce that number. (AQW 630/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The number of delayed discharges at both Antrim Area Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital for the 6 month period from November 2006 to April 2007are as follows:

Month End	Antrim	Whiteabbey
Nov-06	19	18
Dec-06	19	22
Jan-07	16	26
Feb-07	17	22
Mar-07	15	26
Apr-07	10	14

Source: Departmental Return, DD1.

Notes:

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

Information is currently provisional and subject to change.

To reduce this number an Emergency Care Reform Programme is currently being taken forward by my Department which will improve emergency access for all patients in Northern Ireland. The improvements will focus on the entire patient journey beginning with the ambulance journey and ending when the patient is discharged.

To monitor progress relating to timely discharge, targets have been implemented that from April 2007, 50% of complex discharges from an acute setting should take place within 72 hours of the patient being declared medically fit, and all other discharges within 12 hours of the patient being declared medically fit. By 31 March 2008 all complex discharges will be within 72 hours and non-complex within 6 hours.

Regional Development

Free Transport for Disabled People

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he has given to extending the categories of disabled people who are in receipt of free public transport. (AQW 386/07)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Murphy): I can confirm that, following a review of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme, I have asked that bids be made as part of the Budget 2007 process to extend the Concessionary Fares Scheme in a number of ways, including an element to extend free travel to disabled persons who are currently eligible for half fare concessions. Any extension of the scheme would be dependent upon securing the necessary resources. This means that the case for extending the scheme will need to be considered alongside the many other spending priorities which will be put before the Executive later this year.

Traffic Attendants

Mr George Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development if Roads Service traffic attendants have daily, weekly or monthly targets; and if they are rewarded with a financial bonus for attaining these targets. (AQW 409/07)

Mr Murphy: I should explain that Traffic Attendants are employed by National Car Parks (NCP) Services (Ltd), who are contracted to my Department’s Roads Service, to provide parking enforcement and car park management services. I have assumed that when you refer to "targets", you mean this in relation to the number of penalty charge notices traffic attendants issue.

I can advise that in the contract Roads Service has with NCP Services (Ltd), traffic attendants do not have daily, weekly or monthly quotas to meet for the number of tickets they issue. I can further advise that neither NCP Services (Ltd) nor individual Traffic Attendants receive a financial bonus based on the number of tickets issued.

My Department’s aim is to encourage motorists to park properly and if motorists comply with the parking regulations then traffic attendants will not be able to issue penalty charge notices.

Distribution of Car Parking Revenue

Mr George Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline (a) which organisation receives the money raised through car parking fines; and (b) what the revenue from car parking fines is spent on. (AQW 411/07)

Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service receives and retains the revenue derived from all parking penalties. This income, along with income from other sources, is offset against the expenditure Roads Service incurs in maintaining and developing the roads network.

Traffic Accidents on the Randalstown Road

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will indicate what precautions are being taken regarding the series of traffic accidents on the main Randalstown Road, between Randalstown and Antrim, over the past five years. (AQW 493/07)

Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has monitored the collision history of this route over a number of years. On average, between 2002 and 2005, there were two collisions per year involving personal injury. In 2006, however, there were eight such collisions and up to March this year, there were four. A number of these collisions involved fatalities. Many of the latest collisions were associated with a series of bends between the Rugby Club and the entrance to Shane’s Castle.

Collision remedial measures for this route between Randalstown and Antrim have been included in the programme of Local Transport and Safety Measures for the current financial year. The scheme provides high friction surfacing, additional central hatching, coloured surfacing to hatched areas, extension of a double white line system and improvements to warning signage. This work is well advanced and the warning signage will be erected in the near future.

Over the past five years, Roads Service has included providing edge of carriageway road markings and has constructed a shared use cycle route and footway, which also served to improve road markings and provided areas of central hatching near road junctions and bends. I have asked officials in Roads Service to continue to monitor the number of collisions on this road.

Roads Service Funding

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail how much money has been allocated to Roads Service for use in Magherafelt and Cookstown, in each of the last three years. (AQW 512/07)

Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that some elements of its operational budget including resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc. are allocated on a Section Office basis. However these figures do not give a realistic indication of actual spend within the section as sizeable elements of the budget are allocated either on a Divisional basis, or indeed on a province-wide basis. These include major and minor improvement works, traffic management, and street lighting.

Roads Service does, however, undertake an analysis of actual spend during the preceding financial year in each District Council area, which in the case of Magherafelt District Council and Cookstown District Council coincides with the respective Magherafelt and Cookstown Section Areas.

The table below provides details of spend in the Magherafelt District Council and Cookstown District Council areas during each of the last three years for which information is available.

District Council	Functional Area	2003/04 £K	2004/05 £K	2005/06 £K
Magherafelt	Capital	637	1964	1344
	Maintenance	3449	3029	3242
	Total	4086	4993	4586
Cookstown	Capital	673	948	975
	Maintenance	3282	3026	2605
	Total	3955	3974	3580

Additional Funding to Roads Service

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the additional funding that was made available to Roads Service for use in Magherafelt and Cookstown, in each of the last three years. (AQW 513/07)

Mr Murphy: As I advised in my reply to your Assembly Question AQW 512/07, while my Department’s Roads Service allocates a portion of its operational budget to Section Offices, which are coterminous with district council boundaries, sizeable elements of the budget are allocated on either a Divisional or province-wide basis.

It is not possible, therefore, to calculate meaningful initial budgets for district council areas that would permit a comparison with spend at year-end and thereby identify the level of additional in-year funding that you sought.

Crown Immunity

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what exemptions are granted to Northern Ireland Water through crown immunity. (AQW 514/07)

Mr Murphy: Northern Ireland Water is not granted any exemptions through crown immunity.

Waste Water Treatment Infrastructure

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail Cookstown's position on the priority ranking matrix for an upgrade to its waste water treatment infrastructure. (AQW 515/07)

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 this question.

Waste Water Infrastructure System, Cookstown

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will make available the necessary funding for the upgrade of the waste water infrastructure system in Cookstown. (AQW 516/07)

Phosphoric Acid

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister for Regional Development what quantity of phosphoric acid is used annually in the drinking water of Northern Ireland. (AQW 528/07)

Blue Badge Holders

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to review the policy relating to disabled parking, to allow blue badge holders to avail of more flexible parking times and allocations in pedestrian zones. (AQW 531/07)

Mr Murphy: The policy for the issue and management of Restricted Zone Access Permits was last reviewed by my Department’s Roads Service in June 2006. At that time, careful consideration was given to the competing needs of achieving safe and largely vehicle free areas for pedestrian movement, with the requirements of road users with disabilities. As a result a balance has been largely achieved through the use of standardised procedures and guidance governing access to Pedestrian Zones throughout the North. Under this guidance, Roads Service officials may make special arrangements for disabled road users with particular or exceptional needs.

In these circumstances, I do not propose to carry out a further review at present.

Flooding in Lower Ormeau

Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the steps taken by Northern Ireland Water to prevent the recurrence of flooding in the lower Ormeau area. (AQW 549/07)

Mr Murphy: The issues raised are operational matters for Northern Ireland Water (NIW) and I have asked its Chief Executive (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response.

However, I am disappointed that out-of-sewer flooding has occurred again in the Lower Ormeau area and I fully sympathise with residents who have had to endure flooding on this and previous occasions. I immediately requested a report into what had happened and I have since received this report. I shall place a copy of the report in the Library. I have also written to the Chief Executive to emphasise how I wish to see continued engagement between NIW and the local community and their representatives to address the issue of flooding in the area.

Flooding in Lower Ormeau

Mr Alex Maskey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail at what stage of the weekend of 2/3 June 2007 it became apparent to Northern Ireland Water that there was potential for flooding in the lower Ormeau area; and what remedial steps were put in place by Northern Ireland Water. (AQW 550/07)

Mr Murphy: The issues raised are operational matters for Northern Ireland Water (NIW) and I have asked its Chief Executive (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response.

Dungiven By-Pass

Mr Francis Brolly asked the Minister for Regional Development whether work on the Dungiven by-pass, currently part of the proposed 30km of dualling of the A6 from Derry/Londonderry towards Belfast under the Regional Strategy Transport Plan 2015, will be prioritised and commenced as soon as possible, to relieve the current traffic congestion in Dungiven. (AQW 555/07)

Mr Murphy:

Proposals for a bypass of Dungiven have been merged with plans to dual the A6 from east of Dungiven to Derry. I am advised by my Department’s Roads Service that, from a practical perspective, it will be necessary to take forward the development of the bypass in conjunction with the adjoining sections of road.

I am further informed that, work on the development of the scheme has progressed and that an initial report on the various corridor options has been completed. Roads Service is currently examining the findings and it is proposed to commission consultants in the near future, to expand on this work and to bring forward a preferred route. It is envisaged that it may take several years to complete the statutory procedures and, ultimately, the timing of the scheme will be dependant on the availability of funding. However, the scheme is currently planned to commence in the latter part of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan period, which ends in 2015.

Craigantlet Hills Road Network

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans are being considered to realign the road network over the Craigantlet hills, namely the Ballysallagh Road, Whinney Hill and the Ballymiscaw Road, in order to address the weight of traffic and to better reflect the flow of traffic. (AQW 567/07)

Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has investigated the feasibility of a number of schemes for improving the flow of traffic on the road network over the Craigantlet Hills. The preferred option currently being considered involves the provision of a roundabout at the junction of Craigantlet Road/Whinney Hill Road/Dunlady Road/Holywood Road and a further roundabout at the Whinney Hill Road/Ballymiscaw Road junction.

Roads Service will now proceed to the initial design stage. I would, however, advise that commencement of the works will be dependant on the satisfactory outcome of an economic appraisal, of the statutory procedures and the availability of funding through the normal budgetary process.

There are no further plans to improve other parts of this route in the immediate future.

Residents' Parking Schemes

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will reconsider the proposed charge of £80 per household, for the purchase of an annual permit as part of residents' parking schemes, taking into account the impact of planning decisions that have contributed to parking issues in residential areas close to city and town centres. (AQW 570/07)

Mr Murphy: Following the completion of a public consultation exercise in February 2007, my Department’s Roads Service is currently finalising a new policy which will facilitate the introduction of Residents’ Parking Schemes.

I am aware that the level of charge for permits was raised in a significant number of responses to the consultation and Roads Service is considering these, along with all other responses, in drafting the final policy.

I anticipate that the final policy will be completed and sent to me shortly for approval. I note your concern and will bear this in mind in making a final decision on the policy.

As regards the impact of planning decisions, the amount of parking required in any development is negotiated with developers according to the specific characteristics of the development and its location having regard to the Planning Service’s published standards. Lesser provision may be acceptable in some inner urban locations and other high density areas. Proposals should not prejudice road safety or significantly inconvenience the flow of traffic.

Transport Schemes

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm the criteria for (a) door to door transport schemes; and (b) community rural transport schemes. (AQW 602/07)

Mr Murphy: The door to door transport scheme provides transport services for people with disabilities or who find it difficult using mainstream public transport and who reside in an urban area, which is defined as an area with a settlement population of 10,000 or greater.

The rural community transport scheme, supported by my Department’s Rural Transport Fund, provides transport opportunities for people with reduced mobility in rural areas, which are defined as settlements with a population of less than 10,000 and the open countryside.

Transport Schemes

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm that persons using the door to door transport scheme are excluded from using the community rural transport scheme. (AQW 603/07)

Mr Murphy: The schemes serve residents of different places and, therefore, a member of the door to door scheme cannot be a member of the rural community transport scheme.

Sustrans Cycle Route

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will give a timescale for the work to be done to the Sustrans cycle route between Comber and Dundonald. (AQW 622/07)

Mr Murphy: The proposed cycle route between Comber and Dundonald is being co-ordinated by Sustrans, (a charity whose aim is to promote cycling and walking). It is scheduled to be completed by September 2008.

Use of Hard Shoulder

Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will consider opening up the hard shoulder on main arterial routes, for use by slow moving vehicles. (AQW 648/07)

Mr Murphy: I should explain that the Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1997 precludes road users from using the hard shoulder of a carriageway as a running lane unless they are specifically directed to do so by authorised signs. Such hard shoulders are intended for emergency use only. They are not normally constructed to carry the weight of traffic, especially slower moving traffic, which may invariably consist of a high proportion of HGVs.

My Department’s Roads Service has experimented with the provision of a lane designated specifically for slower moving traffic on the A4, near Ballygawley and on the A6, near Dungiven. Short sections of the hard shoulder were upgraded and signed for slower vehicles to use, thus allowing faster following traffic to overtake them. Monitoring of these lanes has indicated that they have been of little value in improving traffic flow as the slower moving vehicles are reluctant to use the facility because they experience difficulty merging into faster moving traffic when attempting to re-join the carriageway.

The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan identifies a £1.6 billion programme of improvements to the strategic road network including new dual carriageways and widened single carriageways with overtaking facilities. As well as improving journey times and reducing driver frustration through the provision of additional passing opportunities, these investments should also considerably improve road safety.

Railway Line between Ballymena and Derry/Londonderry

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps are being taken to upgrade and improve the rail line and service between Ballymena Borough Council area and Derry/Londonderry City Council area. (AQW 677/07)

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 carrying out of an appraisal which assessed the merits of a range of options for future railways provision the Department is bidding for additional funding to upgrade the Derry line as part of the second Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Translink have recently submitted to the Department an economic appraisal of options in support of a £12.0m project to deliver track life extension on parts of the Ballymena to Derry Line. This is currently with the Department’s Economists who are carrying out an evaluation of the business case before it is forwarded to DFP for approval. It will then be considered in the light of the approach being taken in relation to the overall railways appraisal.

In the meantime, problems have arisen on the line close to Ballymoney where wet beds are leading to deterioration of the track. This requires urgent attention to avoid speed restrictions or possibly closure. The Department has approved capital grant of £489,000 to enable this to be addressed.

A network-wide programme of upgrading and improving railway stations and halts in accordance with Translink’s New Rail Vision project and Disability Discrimination Legislation requirements is underway. Stations and halts between Derry and Ballymena will benefit from this work.

Drain Cleansing in Clarawood Estate

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the last date on which drain cleansing teams were working in the Clarawood area of Belfast, and, in particular, in Clara Park. (AQW 727/07)

Mr Murphy: Roads Service aims to inspect, and clean where necessary, all gullies in urban areas twice each year. Gullies in rural areas are inspected, and cleaned if necessary, once each year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels.

Within the Greater Belfast area, there are 136,000 storm water road gullies and so it requires considerable resource on an ongoing basis to inspect and clean the entire network of gullies and road drains.

The storm water road gullies in the Clarawood area were cleaned in October/ November/ December 2006. The gullies in Clara Park were cleaned on 31 October 2006.

I should point out that the extreme flooding which occurred in the afternoon of 12 June 2007 was not caused by any failure to maintain the operational effectiveness of the storm water gullies or road drains. The gullies, road drains and watercourses were overwhelmed by the deluge of rain which fell within a 2 hour period.

Drain Cleansing in Clonduff Estate

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the last date on which drain cleansing teams were working in the Clonduff area of Belfast, and, in particular, in Clonduff Drive. (AQW 728/07)

Mr Murphy:

My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that it aims to inspect, and clean where necessary, all gullies in urban areas twice each year. Gullies in rural areas are inspected and cleaned, if necessary, once each year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels. I can confirm that the storm water gullies in the Clonduff area of Castlereagh were cleaned between 29 December 2006 and 3 January 2007. Those in Clonduff Drive were cleaned on 2 January 2007 and 3 January 2007.

The extreme flooding which occurred in the afternoon of 12 June 2007 was not caused by any failure to maintain the operational effectiveness of the storm water gullies or road drains. The gullies, road drains and watercourses were overwhelmed by the deluge of rain which fell within a 2 hour period.

Drain Cleansing in Cregagh Area

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the last date on which drain cleansing teams were working in the Cregagh area of Belfast, and, in particular, in Ardgowan Street. (AQW 729/07)

Mr Murphy: My Department’s Road Service has advised me that it aims to inspect and clean where necessary, all gullies in urban areas twice each year. Gullies in rural areas are inspected and cleaned if necessary, once each year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels. I can confirm that the storm water road gullies in the Cregagh area were cleaned in January/February 2007. The gullies in Ardgowan Street were cleaned on 1 February 2007.

Drain Cleansing in East Belfast

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the rota system that is employed, and the frequency of drain cleansing, for each drain in the East Belfast area. (AQW 730/07)

Mr Murphy:

Roads Service aims to inspect and clean where necessary, all gullies in urban areas twice each year. Gullies in rural areas are inspected and cleaned if necessary, once each year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels.

Within Eastern Division there are 136,000 storm water road gullies and so it requires considerable resource on an ongoing basis to inspect and clean the entire network of gullies and road drains. 29,231 gullies are located in East and South Belfast.

Gullies on the main roads in East Belfast are cleaned on a 6 monthly cyclical basis (twice annually) and the remaining gullies are cleaned every 12 months (annually).

Drain Cleansing in East Belfast

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development how many drain cleansing teams and vehicles operate in the East Belfast area, at any one time. (AQW 731/07)

Mr Murphy:

Gullies on the main roads in East Belfast are cleaned on a 6 monthly cyclical basis (twice annually) and the remaining gullies are cleaned every 12 months (annually).

Drain Cleansing in Castlereagh Area

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the last date on which drain cleansing teams were working in the Castlereagh area of Belfast, and, in particular, in Ladas Drive. (AQW 732/07)

Mr Murphy: I understand that the storm water road gullies in the Ladas Drive area were last cleaned in February 2007.

My Department’s Roads Service aims to inspect and clean, where necessary, all gullies in urban areas twice each year. Gullies in rural areas are inspected and cleaned, if necessary, once each year. This policy ensures that a reasonable level of maintenance is carried out to drainage systems, taking account of the Department’s finite funding and staff resource levels.

Within Eastern Division there are 136,000 storm water road gullies and so it requires considerable resources, on an ongoing basis, to inspect and clean the entire network of gullies and road drains.

Traffic Volume on Bangor Road, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide figures on the daily numbers of vehicles that use the Bangor Road, Newtownards. (AQW 760/07)

Mr Murphy: I should explain that traffic volume data is collected by my Department’s Roads Service by means of 273 automatic census points strategically located across the road network. The information is recorded either for 365 days per year or for one week in each quarter during the year and an annual average calculated. The results are published in Roads Service’s annual Traffic and Travel Information Report, which presents the traffic volumes in a variety of formats for each site.

Roads Service has a traffic census point located on the A21 Bangor Road, Newtownards and the annual average daily two way traffic flow information for the last three years at this census point is shown in the table below.

Location	Annual Average Daily Traffic
Location	2004	2005	2006
A21 Bangor Road, Newtownards	21,080	21,260	22,370

Social Development

Switchboard Services in the Housing Executive, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will give details of the answering service for the Housing Executive office in Newtownards, in relation to (a) the location of the answering service for transferred/unanswered calls; and (b) delays in answering transferred calls. (AQW 433/07)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms Ritchie): Telephone calls to the Newtownards District and the Area Office in Newtownards are answered either through a switchboard operator based in the Newtownards District office; or through direct lines to individual members of staff.

a. In the absence of the switchboard operator, calls are handled by switchboard services in the Housing Centre in Belfast. This change has been introduced in recent weeks and is part of a major upgrade to the telephony switchboard services. When a call is received by the switchboard operator, irrespective of the location of the operator, the calls are transferred to the appropriate officer, or, if that person is not available, to a member of staff within the department.

b. There should be no delay in answering transferred calls.

Reduction of Error and Fraud within the Benefits System

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development what action her department has taken to reduce error and fraud within the benefits system, with reference to the costs to the taxpayer of up to £400,000 a day in 2005/06. (AQW 464/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Department has a robust strategy for tackling fraud and error in the social security system wherever it occurs. The strategy focuses on prevention, detection, correction of errors and where appropriate prosecution of fraudsters.

Activities include a comprehensive programme of reviewing cases; Accuracy Improvement Plans, staff training, systems modernisation, a counter fraud publicity campaign and where appropriate, investigation of suspected fraudulent cases.

Housing Benefit Expenditure

Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of money spent on payment of Housing Benefit in each of the years 2001/02; 2002/03; 2003/04; 2004/05; 2005/06; and 2006/07 for (a) Housing Executive tenants (respective number of claimants; (b) Housing Association tenants (respective number of claimants); and (c) private sector tenants (respective number of claimants). (AQW 468/07)

Ms Ritchie: The information is not available in the format requested. The following tables detail housing benefit expenditure by housing tenure for the period requested and the total number of housing benefit claimants by housing tenure respectively.

Housing Benefit Expenditure by housing tenure

Year	Public	Private*	Total
2001-2002	£199.6m	£127.5m	£327.1m
2002-2003	£199.1m	£152.9m	£352m
2003-2004	£192.4m	£154.6m	£347m
2004-2005	£195.0m	£176.5m	£371.5m
2005-2006	£195.1m	£191.0m	£386.1m
2006-2007	£195.5m	£209.9m	£405.4m

* Includes Housing Associations.

Total number of Housing Benefit Claimants by housing tenure

Year	Public (NIHE)	Housing Association (HA)	Private Landlord**	Total Private (HA & Landlord)	Grand Total
2001/2002	85,958	*n/a	*n/a	42,361	128,319
2002/2003	81,844	*n/a	*n/a	47,543	129,387
2003/2004	75,322	*n/a	*n/a	50,732	126,054
2004/2005	72,641	17,177	38,284	55,461	128,102
2005/2006	71,536	17,070	41,272	58,342	129,878
2006/2007	68,681	17,880	43,417	61,297	129,978

* Data is not available for this period.

** Private landlord cases include those where only the rates element of the Housing Benefit claim is paid.

Asbestos in Housing Executive Properties

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Housing Executive properties in Cookstown and Magherafelt where asbestos has been identified. (AQW 481/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has commissioned surveys covering 294 of its dwellings in Cookstown, and 375 in Magherafelt to identify the presence of asbestos.

The surveys carried out to date have highlighted the presence of asbestos in 52 dwellings in the Coolnafranky Estate in Cookstown which requires remedial work to be carried out.

Preliminary results from survey reports for the Greenvale and Ratheen estates in Cookstown indicate that a further 38 dwellings will require similar remedial work.

No properties within the Magherafelt area have yet been found to require such remedial work.

A special scheme for asbestos remedial work to the affected dwellings in Coolnafranky Estate has been tendered. Work will commence in July 2007 and should be completed within three months.

Subsequently the Coolnafranky scheme will be extended to include any remedial work required to dwellings at Greenvale and Ratheen.

Asbestos in Housing Executive Properties

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what plans she has to facilitate the removal of asbestos within Housing Executive properties in Cookstown and Magherafelt; and if she will give a timescale for the completion of this work. (AQW 482/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has commissioned surveys covering 294 of its dwellings in Cookstown, and 375 in Magherafelt to identify the presence of asbestos.

The surveys carried out to date have highlighted the presence of asbestos in 52 dwellings in the Coolnafranky Estate in Cookstown which requires remedial work to be carried out.

Preliminary results from survey reports for the Greenvale and Ratheen estates in Cookstown indicate that a further 38 dwellings will require similar remedial work.

No properties within the Magherafelt area have yet been found to require such remedial work.

A special scheme for asbestos remedial work to the affected dwellings in Coolnafranky Estate has been tendered. Work will commence in July 2007 and should be completed within three months.

Subsequently the Coolnafranky scheme will be extended to include any remedial work required to dwellings at Greenvale and Ratheen.

Housing Waiting List, Down District

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will outline the number of people on the waiting list for housing in Down District Council area (a) in priority housing need; and (b) on the transfer list. (AQW 506/07)

Ms Ritchie: At 31 March 2007 there were 663 applicants who were deemed to be in housing stress (ie who had been awarded 30 or more housing need points) in the Down District area. There are 250 current NIHE and housing associations tenants on the transfer list.

Housing Waiting List, Ards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will outline the number of people on the waiting list for housing in Ards Borough Council area (a) in priority housing need; and (b) on the transfer list. (AQW 507/07)

Ms Ritchie: At 31 March 2007 there were 880 applicants who were deemed to be in housing stress (ie who had been awarded 30 or more housing need points) in the Ards Borough area. There are 392 current NIHE and housing associations tenants on the transfer list.

Housing Waiting List, Castlereagh

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will outline the number of people on the waiting list for housing in Castlereagh Borough Council area (a) in priority housing need; and (b) on the transfer list. (AQW 508/07)

Ms Ritchie: At 31 March 2007 there were 641 applicants who were deemed to be in housing stress (ie who had been awarded 30 or more housing need points) in the Castlereagh Borough area. There are 302 current NIHE and housing associations tenants on the transfer list.

Surplus Land and Property Assets

Mr Fra McCann asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the property and land assets of her department; the value of these assets; any assets identified as surplus; the value of surplus land and property assets; and to identify all land and property assets that have not been valued. (AQW 538/07)

Ms Ritchie: My Department has property and land assets valued at £539 million. I am currently considering which of these lands could be used for social or affordable housing. The bulk of the assets listed are held for development purposes and none have therefore been identified as surplus. Details of all these assets are as follows:

Description	Valuation
Urban Regeneration & Community Development Group	£
RATHENRAW INDUSTRIAL EST	1,000.00
NURSERY PK BELFAST RD BMENA	12,000.00
184 NORTH QUEEN ST BELFAST	25,000.00
232 NEWTOWNARDS ROAD	35,000.00
17-21 BATTENBERG ST BELFAST	300,000.00
15-15a GREENLAND ST BELFAST	300,000.00
102 MAYO STREET	950,000.00
FORMER NICHOLL ENGINEERING	850,000.00
20-32 ORMEAU RD BELFAST	600,000.00
275 ALBERTBRIDGE RD BELFAST	50,000.00
2-6 BELLEVUE ST &1A SUGERFIELD	100,000.00
SEAGOE WASTEWATER WORKS	12,500.00
LAND AT 23 CARBET RD PDOWN	235,000.00
LAND ADJ 22 CARBET RD	615,000.00
LAND ADJ 88 KERNAN GDS	1,500.00
50-58 YORK RD BELFAST	80,000.00
30-34 OLDPARK RD BELFAST	100,000.00
277 ALBERTBRIDGE RD BELFAST	50,000.00
FRANKLYN PK LURGAN	8,320.00
COOKE ST/RIVER TERRACE BELFAST	0.00
CARLISLE PASS STEPS	2.00
8 CASTLEREAGH STREET	15,000.00
286-294 SHANKILL RD	350,000.00
P1 PORTADOWN RD/BALLYNAMONEY	13,000,000.00
DERPROB BD 93-107 SHANKILL RD	150,000.00
LAND AT 294-296 CRUMLIN RD	200,000.00
72-74 SHORE RD NEWTOWNABBEY	200,000.00
378/380/382/384/386 SHANKILL Road	370,000.00
178-180 SHANKILL ROAD	200,000.00
VENNEL CAR PARK, BANGOR	550,000.00
LAND AT WILLOW STREET	18,257.00
LONSDALE ROAD, ARMAGH	172,141.00
PLOT 55 BALLEE	12,480,000.00
PLOTS 5A AND 30 BALLEE	16,800,000.00
PLOTS 13 A & B BALLEE	1,120,000.00
BALLEE ROAD LINK BALLYMENA	1.00
PLOT 16, 23 & 49 BALLYMENA	7,360,000.00
PLOT 39 BALLEE	3,680,000.00
PLOT 24B GALGORM	7,360,000.00
BALLYKEEL HOUSE	19,550,000.00
PLOT 11 BALLEE	1,440,000.00
PLOT 45E BALLYMENA	1,840,000.00
58 NEW LODGE ROAD	230,000.00
NEW LODGE ROAD ANTRIM	7,000.00
PLOTS 3, 4 5C AND 22 TOOME RD	38,400,000.00
PLOT 39A ANTRIM RD BALLYMENA	11,600,000.00
ANTRIM RD ROUNDABOUT	920,000.00
PLOT 45 BALLTLESSON	12,000,000.00
PLOT 41A BALLYMENA	1,120,000.00
PLOTS 11B 33 & 34 BALLEE ROAD	20,480,000.00
PLOTS 45A AND 45C BALLEE	6,080,000.00
NIBLOCK ROAD	25,600,000.00
PLOT 6 BALLYMENA	14,000,000.00
BELFAST ROAD 61A	320,000.00
PLOT B CASTLE ROAD	3,750.00
PLOT A CASTLE ROAD	1,250.00
PLOT 47B NIBLOCK ROAD	960,000.00
PLOT 14 BIRCHILL ROAD	50,000.00
PLOT 34C ACC MOYLENA RD	600,000.00
PLOTS 15, 16, 1 & 2 IRISHTOWN	14,800,000.00
PLOTS 12 & 13 BIRCHILL ROAD	23,200,000.00
PLOTS 42A & 42B NIBLOCK ROAD	14,400,000.00
SPENCER ROAD/LOWER FOUNTAIN HILL	68,310.00
ST AUGUSTINE'S SITE	614,790.00
CITY HOTEL SITE	2,732,400.00
NORTH BRADLEY'S PASS	492,538.43
LAND AT WILLIAM STREET	17,078.00
BOGTOWN GLEN	714,840.00
COLIN WAY AMENITY SITE	6,325.00
LAUREL GLEN	18,975.00
STEWARTSTOWN ROAD	1,895,929.00
LAND ADJACENT TO PINEBANK	170,016.00
ST KIERAN'S SITE	32,603.00
LAND ADJACENT TO OLD COLIN WOOD	125,902.00
LAND ADJOINING DAIRY FARM	358,628.00
LANARK WAY FRONTAGE LAND	104,328.00
LAND AT HENRY PLACE	130,410.00
LAND AT BALLYGOMARTIN ROAD	39,123.00
WOODVALE CAMPUS SITE	352,107.00
LAND AT BRITTONS PDE/MICA DR	130,410.00
LAND AT SPRINGFIELD AVE/DR	37,950.00
LAND AT SPRINGFIELD DRIVE	29,342.00
284 - 296 SHANKILL ROAD	52,164.00
LAND AT ALLIANCE DRIVE	260,820.00
SPRINGFIELD DAM	75,900.00
LAND AT MILLFIELD	939,517.19
LAND AT SAMUEL STREET	181,426.31
PANI SITE SPRINGFIELD PARADE	1,043,280.00
PAISLEY PARK	0.00
LAND AT FORTHRIVER VALLEY	6,521.00
LAND AT MEADOWBANK	1.00
LINENHALL ST BALLYMONEY	229,522.00
PLOT 37A BALLEE ROAD WEST	22,800,000.00
CULNAFEIGH GREEN, ANTRIM	40,000.00
4 BALLYCRAIGY ROAD, ANTRIM	224,000.00
PLOT 34B, MOYLENA RD 27B-BELMO	21,600,000.00
BALLINACOR PORTADOWN	137,871.00
LISNISKEY PORTADOWN	64,000,000.00
CARBET ROAD PORTADOWN	2,192,000.00
10 BALLYNAMONEY LANE CRAIGAVON	278,970.00
BALLINACOR PORTADOWN	149,500.00
45 DRUMGOR LANE, PORTADOWN	368,000.00
57 CARBET ROAD, PORTADOWN	108,397.00
120 LURGAN ROAD, PORTADOWN	1,280,000.00
31 CLANROLLA ROAD, PORTADOWN	763,931.42
34 BALLYNAMONEY LANE, CRAIGAVO	800,000.00
KNOCKMENAGH, PORTADOWN	40,000,000.00
WESTACRES, CRAIGAVON	2,080,000.00
TANNAGHMORE NORTH ROAD	62,500.00
OLD/NEW CHARLESTOWN ROAD	2,800,000.00
OLD CHARLESTOWN ROAD, PORTADOWN	129,408.22
P2 DRUMNAGOON ROAD PORTADOWN	661,250.00
P1 DRUMNAGOON ROAD PORTADOWN	155,250.00
ADJACENT TO DRUMGOR PARK, CRAIGAVON	1.00
KILVERGAN ROAD/CARBET ROAD, PO	62,500.00
CARBET ROAD, BALTEAGH	558,750.00
CARBET ROAD, PORTADOWN	230,000.00
ADJ TO ARDOWEN ESTATE, CRAIGAV	1,280,000.00
LAND BETWEEN 8-11 MASSERENE ST	160,000.00
PLOT 9 TOOME ROAD, BALLYMENA	640,000.00
PLOT 9A TOOME ROAD, BALLYMENA	4,320,000.00
PLOT 45B BALLEE ROAD EAST	1,600,000.00
164 TOOME ROAD, BALLYMENA	160,000.00
WYNCROFT 18, ANTRIM ROAD, BALL	40,000.00
23 STEEPLE ROAD, ANTRIM	48,000.00
23 STEEPLE ROAD, ANTRIM	240,000.00
GATEWAY SITE STRABANE	204,930.00
GALLIAGH LINEAR PARK	1.00
LAND AT 366-372 SHANKILL ROAD	50,208.00
PROPERTY AT 499/501 CRUMLIN RD	65,205.00
118-120 ANTRIM ROAD - DERELICT FORMER HOTEL	247,779.00
181 DUNCAIRN GARDENS BELFAST	10,433.00
172 NORTH QUEEN STREET	15,649.00
BACKLAND/MAIN ST C'DERG	172,141.00
LANDS FRONTING KERNAN GDNS	402,500.00
PROPERTY 128-138 PETERS HILL	123,890.00
UPPER NORTH ST, CARRICK HILL	35,863.00
BANKMORE STREET	1.00
WRITERS SQUARE BELFAST	1.00
BLACKSTAFF SQUARE BELFAST	1.00
COALISLAND	22,952.00
48 HIGH STREET, ANTRIM	143,750.00
DUBLIN ROAD, ANTRIM	240,000.00
DUBLIN/LOUGH ROAD, ANTRIM	1,000,000.00
DUBLIN ROAD ANTRIM	200,000.00
LARNE ROAD, BALLYMENA	1.00
MOYLENA ROAD, ANTRIM (28078)	240,000.00
LAND AT MUCKAMORE, ANTRIM	1,150.00
M1/M12 MOTORWAY	517,500.00
308 SHANKILL ROAD, BELFAST	19,562.00
312 SHANKILL ROAD, BELFAST	19,562.00
310 SHANKILL ROAD, BELFAST	19,562.00
CAR PARK, COLERAINE	65,205.00
34 UNION PLACE, D'GANNON	2,142.00
EDEN STREET, ENNISKILLEN	100,416.00
11 MARKET SQUARE, D'GANNON	1.00
5 SITES AT UNION ST, D'GANNON	127.00
AMENITY LAND, DERVOCK	822.00
WALLS SITE, STRABANE	1.00
MAIN ST, CARRICKMORE	86,071.00
MAIN STREET, BELLEEK	1.00
CAR PARK AT CLIFF ROAD	86,071.00
SLATERS CROSS, BELLEEK	1.00
OLD CUSTOMS POST, TULLYHOMMON	1.00
THE DIAMOND, CASTLEDERG	1.00
PLUMBRIDGE, CO TYRONE	1.00
RODGERS QUAY, CARRICKFERGUS	1.00
CAR PARK, CORNMILL	229,522.00
ROADWAY, STEWARTSTOWN	1.00
FOOTPATH MAIN STREET, CLOGHER	1.00
TULLYHOMMON	1.00
SUBSTATION, CASTLE ST ANTRIM	124.00
BANK SQUARE, BELFAST	1.00
RICHMOND CHAMBERS	3,961,980.00
ROE STREET, BELFAST	8,477.00
TULLYGARLEY ROAD	57,500.00
RIVERSIDE WALK	1.00
BELMONT RD AREA ANTRIM	1.00
CUNNINGHAM WAY ANTRIM	600,000.00
BELFAST ROAD ANTRIM	5,000,000.00
BELFAST RD/FOUNTAIN HILL	0.00
VACANT BUILDING	45,644.00
CASTLE ST ANTRIM	115.00
MONBRIEF RD DRUMGASK	19,562.00
183-191 BEERSBRIDGE RD	189,095.00
2A ADAM ST BELFAST	94,547.00
FORT GEORGE FORMER ARMY BASE	14,904,000.00
COMMUNITY GARDEN POLEGLASS	1.00
FORMER COLLEGE TEMPLEMORE	65,205.00
301-303 DONEGALL ROAD	371,669.00
211-217 BEERSBRIDGE RD	97,808.00
357-361 DONEGALL RD BELFAST	208,656.00
MERKLAND PLACE / CUPAR WAY	32,603.00
LAND AT AVONDALE MANOR	5,750.00
MOYRAVERTY CRAIGAVON	8,000,000.00
LAND AT ALLIANCE RD / GLENBRYN	1.00
339-343 DONEGALL RD BELFAST	776,250.00
KWIK-FIT (NI) LTD N/ARDS RD	521,640.00
25 RYDALMERE ST BELFAST	372,600.00
CLOONEY L/DERRY	14,904,000.00
CLOONEY L/DERRY	974,970.00
10 CASTLEREAGH ST BELFAST	18,630.00
124-130 SANDY ROW 39-49 ALBION	953,235.00
CARRICK MARITIME	86,940.00
2,4 & 6 CASTLEREAGH STREET	69,000.00
10 YORK ROAD	20,700.00
52/56 CLANDEBOYE STREET	184,000.00
139/141 ALBERTBRIDGE ROAD	129,375.00
174 NORTH QUEENS STREET	13,800.00
130-138 CASTLEREAGH ST & 62-64CLANDEBOYE STREET	258,750.00
MIDDLEPATH ST/N'ARDS RD BFAST	3,450.00
LAND AT BALLYSILLAN PARK	71,875.00
DERELICT BUILDING SHANKILL RD	164,450.00
92 KILVERGAN RD, CRAIGAVON	531,250.00
374A SHANKILL ROAD	49,163.00
519 FALLS ROAD	460,000.00
188-194 NORTH QUEENS STREET	304,750.00
ARMAGH HOUSE, ORMEAU ROAD	1,150,000.00
RAVENHILL REACH	575,000.00
22-28, 40 OLD PARK ROAD	23,000.00
42-44 OLD PARK ROAD	59,800.00
SS NOMADIC	171,353.94
12 YORK ROAD,BELFAST	34,500.00
GIRDWOOD ARMY BASE	8,337,500.00

Total Urban Regeneration & Community Development Group	525,989,955.51



Social Security Agency

BUILDING	1,330,714.34
28 Temple Road
Lisahally
Londonderry

BUILDING	9,531,041.50
Plaza Buildings
31 - 41 Chichester Street
Belfast

BUILDING	68,228.52
28 Temple Road
Lisahally
Londonderry

LAND
Lisahally	2,152,500.00

Total Social Security Agency	13,082,484.36

TOTAL DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT	539,072,439.87

Water Damage to Housing Executive Property

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will explain why water damage to 29 Mill Street Court, Newtownards, caused by leakages in October 2005 from the flat above, has not yet been addressed; and why the elderly tenant has been using temporary electrical fittings since that time. (AQW 571/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive received a report of water damage to an owner occupied property at 29 Mill Street Court on 24 November 2005, caused by a leak from one of its properties above. Arrangements were made for the Response Maintenance Contractor to make an immediate call-out to the affected Housing Executive property to remedy the defect. The work involved the replacement of taps and copper piping. No further work is outstanding at the property.

The Housing Executive is not liable for any damage to the owner occupied property or responsible for electrical fittings used by the occupier.

Requests for the Purchase of Housing Executive Land / Property

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the number of requests from tenants wishing to purchase Housing Executive land and/or property in the (a) Ards Borough Council area; and (b) the Strangford constituency, that have been with the department for (a) 6 months; (b) 12 months; (c) 18 months; and (d) 24+ months. (AQW 572/07)

Ms Ritchie: There are no applications with the Department for the purchase of land/property from the Housing Executive in these areas.

Maintenance of Housing Executive Property

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will give a timescale within which the Housing Executive will clear and clean the grass area, clear the builders' rubble and put in top soil at the front and rear of the bungalows at Halifax Way, West Winds, Newtownards, taking into account that repeated requests have been made and, to date, no action has been taken. (AQW 580/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has instructed the Contractor responsible for the relevant scheme to ensure that the requested work is completed within one week, from 15 June 2007.

Car Parking in West Winds, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will give a date for commencement of the extra car parking provision at the rear of the bungalows at Halifax Walk, West Winds, Newtownards, in light of the fact that the scheme was agreed 4-5 months ago. (AQW 583/07)

Ms Ritchie: A Multi Element Improvement scheme is currently onsite in the West Winds estate. Provision for car parking was not initially included within this scheme but following your representations on behalf of the residents, the Housing Executive agreed to provide a small number of extra parking spaces on an unused green area. As this work was additional to the original contract, negotiations had to take place with the contractor undertaking the scheme. Appropriate Planning and Roads Service approvals had to be obtained. An Architect’s Instruction was issued to the contractor to include the proposed amendments to the scheme and work has commenced.

For Health & Safety reasons, the work could not have commenced sooner as the improvement works to the dwellings had to be completed first.

Public Meetings with Village Residents

Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development if she will provide details of any public meetings between departmental officials and residents in the Village area of South Belfast, that have taken place in the last six months; and if she will detail how residents were made aware of these meetings. (AQW 586/07)

Ms Ritchie: No public meetings have taken place in the last six months between departmental officials and residents in the Village area of South Belfast.

Housing Waiting List, South Belfast

Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development if she will provide details of the number of people on the waiting list for housing in the South Belfast area, who are in priority housing need. (AQW 587/07)

Ms Ritchie: At 31 March 2007 the waiting list for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive South Belfast district office area contained 1,126 applicants who were deemed to be in housing stress (i.e. any applicant who has been awarded 30 or more housing need points).

Purchase of Single Houses in Strangford

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development how many single houses in the Strangford constituency have each of the Housing Associations purchased, to use for rented accommodation, in the last twelve months. (AQW 600/07)

Ms Ritchie: In the past 12 months 2 registered housing associations have purchased a total of 14 individual houses in the Strangford constituency to use for rented accommodation.

Bangor Social Security Office

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister for Social Development if she will outline her plans for the future provision of services at Bangor Social Security Office. (AQW 611/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Agency remains committed to the rollout of a Jobs & Benefits office in Bangor to ensure that clients benefit from the same enhanced work-focused service which is available elsewhere in the province. The Agency has advertised twice in the European Journal and local press to identify potential sites for the new office but without success. Efforts continue to secure an appropriate site for the new Bangor Jobs & Benefits office.

Social Housing Needs in Portadown

Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she is taking to address the social housing shortage in Portadown, and to look into the viability of vesting the empty dwellings in Water Street in Portadown, for a possible social housing project (AQW 628/07)

Ms Ritchie: Over the short to medium term the projected need in Portadown will be largely met through the allocation of the additional properties being provided through the development programme and relets of existing social stock. In the financial year to 31 March 2007, 193 such properties were allocated to applicants on the waiting list.

The Housing Executive has concluded that it is not currently necessary to vest dwellings in Water Street on the basis of housing need. However on the wider housing front in Northern Ireland I have asked the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to start work on an Empty Homes Strategy to reduce the number of empty dwellings.

Child Support Agency

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the average waiting time between a complaint being referred to (a) the chief executive of the Child Support Agency, and (b) the independent case examiner for the Child Support Agency; and the commencement of the investigation into that complaint. (AQW 681/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Child Support Agency does not measure the waiting time between a complaint being referred to the Chief Executive and the commencement of an investigation. The Agency does however monitor and measure the time taken to send a full reply to a complainant. The Agency aims to have a reply in at least 90% of cases within 20 working days of the date of receipt of the complaint.

In the 2006/2007 business year, the Northern Ireland Child Support Agency replied to 97% of complaints addressed to the Chief Executive within 20 working days of receipt.

Upon accepting a complaint for consideration, the Independent Case Examiner initially seeks to resolve issues through mediation. If this cannot be achieved, cases are then allocated to Investigation Officers as quickly as possible.

For the 12 months ending 30 May 2007, the average waiting times for Northern Ireland Child Support Agency cases were:

From receipt to the start of the mediation process – 2.75 weeks

From receipt to the start of a full examination of the papers –18.03 weeks.

The aim is to clear complaints within an average of 34 weeks from receipt.

2002	£43,904.90
2003	£37,016.70
2004	£2,257.30
2005	£8,302.87
2006	Nil

2002/03	Nil
2003/04	£30,000
2004/05	£40,000
2005/06	£50,000
2006/07	Nil