Friday 29 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

Invitations to Devolution Day

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide a list of invitations issued by the department to individuals and groups, to attend the Devolution Day event at Parliament Buildings on 8 May 2007. (AQW 244/07) The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness):

The following people were invited to attend the Devolution Day event at Parliament Buildings on 8 May 2007.

Dr Ian Adamson Bobby Ballagh Rev Stanley Barnes Mr and Mrs J Beggs Fr Michael Canney Ms Wilma Carson Mr Stephen Cassells The Rt Rev Dr David Clarke David Cullinane Dr David Dobbin CBE Michael Doherty Lord Robin Eames Cllr John Finlay Mr Brian Foster Rev Harold Good Professor Peter Gregson Walter & Adelaine Hain Alderman Sam Hanna The Most Reverend Alan Harper OBE Mrs Reatha Hassan OBE Mr John Huddlestone Miss Lydia Huddlestone Mrs Sharon Huddlestone Sean Hughes Ambassador Priscilla Jana Reverend Ron Johnstone Minister Ronnie Kasrils & Mrs Eleanor Kasrils Declan Kearney Rt Hon Sir Brian Kerr Bridie Lynch Mr Andrew MacKinlay MP Mary McArdle Mr J McClure OBE Theresa McComb Mr Noel McCurdy Mary Lou McDonald Bernadette McDonnell Eilis McDonnell

Maura McDonnell Mrs Bertha McDougall Bronwyn McGahan Bernie McGuinness Emmett McGuinness Fiachra McGuinness Fionnuala McGuinness Geraldine McGuinness Grainne McGuinness Peggy McGuinness Enda McLaughlin Padraig McLochlann Gerard Lynch Mr Maurice Mills Mr Gary Mitchell Mr Drew Nelson Niall O’Dowd Mr and Mrs William O’Neill Baroness Eileen Paisley James Quinn Mr Eric Read Mr Samuel Ross Reed Fr Alex Reid Albert Reynolds Cllr Gareth Robinson Mr Robert Salters Mr Lawrie Sanchez Adnan Shahab Mr Kenneth Sharkey Mr Neil Shawcross Rosaleen Stagg-Doyle Ms Victoria Taylor Mr Mark Thompson Fr Aidan Troy Brian Tumelty Mr Trevor Turkington OBE Sir Nicholas & Rt Hon Rosie Winterton

Child Poverty

Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many children live in severe poverty in Northern Ireland; and what strategies are in place to reduce child poverty. (AQW 317/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: There are no official statistics that reflect a measure of severe poverty. The measurement of child poverty in Northern Ireland, which is consistent with United Kingdom and European measures, is derived from the proportions and numbers of children who live in households whose income is less than 60% of median household income. Government departments already deliver a wide range of initiatives and programmes that positively impact on child exclusion and poverty issues. Some of these policies are reserved matters in relation to financial support through Child Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Childcare Tax Credit and parental employment. Other measures include those set out in the ten year strategy for Children and Young People action plan as well as initiatives in health, education and for lone parents for example. ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Governments Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy outlines many of the current policies and strategies which will contribute to the reduction of Child Poverty. In the current Comprehensive Spending Review the Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy has been identified as a key cross-cutting priority. This means that Departmental spending plans and resources will be directly linked to the delivery of commitments within an Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy.
A copy of Lifetime Opportunities has been placed in the Assembly Library.

The two Junior Ministers in OFMDFM have a particular responsibility agreed by the Executive for children and young people, and tackling child poverty will be an urgent priority for the Junior Ministers and for the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Child Poverty

Mr Fred Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister whether Northern Ireland is on target to halve child poverty by 2010. (AQW 320/07)

Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Accurate data on child poverty is available only from 2002/03.

The percentage of children in relative income poverty in ;

2002/2003 was approximately 26% (114,000),

2003/2004 was unchanged

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

It is not possible, on the basis of the available data to determine reliably if we are on target to half child poverty by 2010. Tackling child poverty is an urgent priority for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. Junior Ministers in line with their responsibility for children and young people, will bring an early focus to this issue.

Shared Future Strategy

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to set out the operational responsibilities of the department, arising out of the 'Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan', to ensure that all government departments take into account within future public expenditure plans the content and conclusions of the OFMDFM-commissioned research report, 'Cost of Division - Shared Future Strategy'. (AQW 539/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Good Relations and Reconciliation Division of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister remains responsible for taking forward the policy on A Shared Future.

In regard the research undertaken by Deloitte we made it clear during question time on 11 June that this research is extremely important. We also made the point that how we deal with the issues in the report is even more important.

As we said on 11 June in this House our colleague, the Finance Minister, cautioned against plucking a figure out of the air. The issue is far more complex than simply reducing the research to a figure whatever that figure or range of figures might be. We are starting a journey, a long journey that will take time to overcome all of our problems and consign them to history. It is clear as we have said that division costs us all, socially, economically, physically. The Executive will consider the Cost of Division report carefully and fully along with this House and the Committee for the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister. We will publish the research shortly.

Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will ensure that resources allocated to the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will help to change the patterns of disadvantage and tackle inequalities; and, in particular, if he will comment on the extent to which the Strategy will address the needs of the ten most deprived wards in Northern Ireland. (AQW 667/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive will decide on the allocation of resources in the Investment Strategy in accordance with its agreed priorities, taking account of the Regional Development Strategy, identified need, access to services and statutory obligations. The Strategy will reflect the spending priorities agreed by the Executive in the Programme for Government. It will encompass the levels of investment directed at social transformation, economic development and other areas that the Executive agrees. As a high level strategy, the Investment Strategy will not identify expenditure within individual wards but it will be subject to an Equality Impact Assessment.

Gloria Choir

Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it has received an invitation to the Gloria choir concert at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, on Saturday 16 June 2007, and if the Junior Ministers will be in attendance at this event. (AQW 678/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: An invitation to a concert by the Gloria Choir in the National Concert Hall in Dublin on Saturday 16 June 2007 has not been received by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. No ministers from the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister are planning to attend this concert.

Victims' Commissioner

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the process for the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner; and to detail the number of candidates that have applied for the position. (AQW 740/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Article 4 of the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 makes provision for the Commissioner to be appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly. This is a regulated appointment falling within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland (OCPANI). Following public advertisement in January 2007, 46 applications were received. An initial eligibility sift process was applied to all applications to determine if sufficient evidence was provided against each of the essential criteria. As a result of that exercise, 14 applicants were invited for interview by a selection panel, consisting of two senior civil servants and an independent assessor appointed by OCPANI. The interviews were conducted over a three day period in March of this year. Following the interviews the panel prepared a list of candidates, who were considered suitable for appointment. This list was subsequently forwarded to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their consideration. The complete process was overseen and certificated by the independent assessor. An announcement is expected to be made before the Assembly rises.

Children's Issues

Mr Roy Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail which Minister is responsible for children's issues. (AQW 892/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We would refer the member to the reply given to Mr McGlone, the Member for Mid- Ulster, on 11 June 2007. [Official Report Vol 22, No 10 p374 Col 2].

Salaries Paid to OFMDFM Staff

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is the total annual amount paid in salaries to (a) full-time employees; (b) part-time employees; and (c) special advisers. (AQW 946/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The total annual amount paid in salaries to OFMDFM staff in 2006/07 was £14.4 million. Data on the total amount paid in salaries split between full-time and part-time staff is currently not held. The calculation of these figures would be a lengthy process and the cost of doing so would be disproportionate. There were no salaries paid to special advisers in the 2006/07 financial year. The total amount paid in salaries to OFMDFM staff in 2005/06 was £14.1 million. This included £61,000 for Special Advisers.

Prioritising Issues of Children, Young and Older People

Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline what steps junior Ministers have taken to prioritise the cross-cutting issues of children and young people, and older people, since their appointment. (AQO 140/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The First Minister set out the roles of the Junior Ministers in the response to the member for Mid-Ulster during question time on Monday 11th June. As well as assisting us they have particular responsibility for liaising with the Assembly on Executive business, for co-ordination of policy for young people and children’s issues, and for older people’s issues. We can assure you of our commitment to the rights and needs of our children and older people and that the co-ordination of issues for children and young people and older people will be a priority matter for both Junior Ministers following their recent appointment. Last week the Junior Ministers accompanied us in meeting the Commissioner for Children and Young People. The Junior Ministers also launched recently the Super Six comic as part of the 10 year strategy for Children and Young People. The Junior Ministers will also take the lead in reviewing and revising as necessary the 10 year strategy for Children and Young People. Finally, promoting the rights of children and young people and older people and addressing their needs will be key issues for both Junior Ministers.

Revitalisation of Omagh

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if Ministers will visit the Community House in Omagh; and if they will meet with local representatives of the community, business and voluntary sectors to discuss the ongoing revitalisation of Omagh. (AQO 171/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The deputy First Minister was in Omagh recently (30 May 2007) for the official opening of Omagh Further Education College with the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey. He saw for himself this significant investment which is a key location for future education and economic confidence. It is one of the important developments which have taken place in Omagh since the tragic bomb. Our colleague, Margaret Ritchie, the Minister for Social Development, was in Omagh on 13 June to celebrate the achievements of the Omagh 2010 Task Force and Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety visited the site of the new Omagh hospital on 14 June. We would like to put on record our personal tribute to all those involved in the Omagh Task Force. We have seen at first-hand the remarkable work of this partnership - a partnership between the community, business, elected representatives, local and central government. Their achievements are extremely impressive. They have succeeded in bringing £100m of new investment to Omagh, 500 new jobs created and a doubling of retail floor space. The new college, which the deputy First Minister had the pleasure of opening; the new arts centre and very significant environmental improvements to the town centre are also a fine testament to their exemplary dedication and commitment. We hope to visit Omagh and view all these commendable developments which are revitalising Omagh and building a future for this community.

Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide an update on the recommendations of the 'Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility'; and to detail the recommendations that have been implemented to date, and those which are outstanding. (AQO 138/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Significant progress has been made on the implementation of the recommendations of the “Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility.” In particular, work has progressed well on the development of a website, dedicated to providing information on cross border mobility issues and this will be operational in the Autumn. This is a joint project with the Irish Government and is being taken forward in the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC). A report on progress will be provided to the next meeting of the NSMC and, following this to the Assembly. We will then write to you providing further details.

Staffing in OFMDFM

Mr Samuel Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many staff are employed within the department; and how this compares with the Office of the Prime Minister; the Office of the First Minister of Scotland; the Office of the First Minister of Wales; the Office of the Taoiseach; and the President of the United States of America. (AQO 149/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: It is important to recognise that, as the responsibilities of the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister extend beyond those of the other Offices mentioned, a comparison of the numbers of staff is not appropriate. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister is a Department with a wide range of functions, many of them conferred on it by statute. Of the 415 staff currently working in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, 37 work in our joint private offices, providing advice and administrative support us and to our Junior Ministers. Most staff are engaged in other Departmental business areas; indeed, much of our work facilitates the business of the other Ministers and their Departments; for example, through the Office of the Legislative Counsel, the Executive Information Service, the Economic Policy Unit, our offices in Brussels and Washington, and through our support of the work of the Executive including the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council. It is worth pointing out that the number of staff currently working in our Department is very much in line with the number employed under the previous administration.

Lifetime Opportunities

Mr Fra McCann asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will confirm that consideration will be given to the evidence provided by Lifetime Opportunites, taken at meetings of the Committee on the Programme for Government, and if it will give a timescale within which this consideration will be undertaken. (AQO 137/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive Committee, in formally considering ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ Government’s Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy will have regard to the Conclusions and Recommendations issued by the Transitional Assembly’s Programme for Government Committee following its assessment of the strategy document. The process to obtain Executive Committee agreement on an anti-poverty strategy has begun. Proposals are currently being cleared at official level, with a view to Executive consideration over the summer period.

Departmental Expenditure on Equality

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what are the annual expenditure levels currently available to all departments, for equality programmes and measures. (AQO 139/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Equality is mainstreamed through a range of departmental spending programmes including through screening and equality impact assessment of policies. It is, therefore, difficult to identify separate expenditure lines across the range of departmental programmes and measures or to separate out expenditure that is unique to equality from overall programme expenditure. In the case of the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister it is more straightforward as there is a dedicated Equality Directorate with a budget for 2007/2008 of £32,675,000.

Linkages to Third World Countries

Mr John Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline its plans to encourage linkages with third world countries. (AQO 162/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: This is an issue that is being considered by the First Minister and deputy First Minister, as they look at how best to develop the international relations role of their Office.

Victims' Commissioner

Mr David Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what role it will have in the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner. (AQO 195/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The appointment of the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors will be made by us as provided for under Article 4 of the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006.

Discussions with First Minister of Scotland

Rev Dr Robert Coulter asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what discussions it has had with the First Minister of Scotland. (AQO 131/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We met the First Minister of Scotland on 18 June during his visit to Belfast. Following the meeting we issued a joint statement announcing our commitment to work together to enhance mutual understanding and friendship, to strengthen co-operation between the devolved administrations and to work together in a number of areas, including higher education, tourism and renewable energy.

New-Build Government Offices

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what proposals it has to maximise sustainable development within new-build government offices. (AQO 172/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We are committed to sustainable development for which we have lead responsibility. The Sustainable Development Strategy includes a target of achieving carbon neutrality on the government estate. The associated Implementation Plan commits Government to achieving a design standard BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating of ‘Excellent’ for new government buildings. The Minister of Finance and Personnel will take the lead on issues in relation to the government estate.

Independent Monitoring Commission

Mr David Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what liaisons it has had with the Independent Monitoring Commission, since the formation of the new Northern Ireland Executive. (AQO 145/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We have had no liaisons with the Independent Monitoring Commission in this period.

Maze / Long Kesh

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, with reference to statements made by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to this Assembly on 11 June 2007, if it will confirm that it 'would not wish to establish a shrine at the Maze site or support any proposal that would be offensive to victims of the Troubles'. (AQO 185/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: We can confirm that there are no proposals to establish a shrine” at the Maze/Long Kesh. This is no part of our intention. The Masterplan proposals for the regeneration of the site envisage a wide range of uses, including a multi sports stadium, an International Centre for Conflict Transformation, as well as provision for employment, leisure and housing – in addition to key transport and other infrastructure. The Masterplan proposals for the International Centre for Conflict Transformation reflected the unanimous recommendations of a multi-party consultation panel. The panel recommended that the Centre should provide a facility for research and education, and create the opportunity to contribute to the management, resolution and transformation of conflict on an international level.

Fair Employment Monitoring

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is its understanding of the terms 'Protestant community' and 'Catholic community', in the context of Fair Employment Monitoring, where they are used in a mutually exclusive way. (AQO 174/07) Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Monitoring under the Fair Employment and Treatment (NI) Order 1998 enables employers to determine whether those who belong to either the Protestant or Roman Catholic community enjoy fair participation in the workforce and is an essential step in implementing equal opportunities practices. The Fair Employment (Monitoring) Regulations (NI) 1999 require employers to determine the community background of their employees by reference to their answer to a direct question. This requires the employee or applicant to state in writing whether they belong to the Protestant or Roman Catholic community or belong to neither. Where persons state they belong to neither community, employers may make a determination of community background for monitoring purposes only. The Regulations set out a number of ways in which community background can be established. This entails consideration of any relevant information which employees or applicants have provided, in writing, about themselves. If the information tends to show that they have a connection with both communities, they are treated as belonging to the community with which, in general, it tends to show they have the stronger connection. Where neither method ascertains the community background, the employer shall treat a person as if the community background to which they belong cannot be determined.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Reintroduction of the Fox Bounty

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will consider reintroducing the 'fox bounty', to control the rise in fox numbers and their impact on wildlife. (AQW 627/07) The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): The fox bounty, which ended in the mid-seventies, had been introduced in circumstances which suggested that the culling of the fox population was necessary to reduce the levels of predation by foxes of farm stock. The measure proved to be ineffective in reducing numbers as evidenced in Dr James Fairley’s 1968 Report on the impact of bounty schemes, which noted that there is no case where bounty schemes have successfully controlled fox numbers. During the lifetime of the previous scheme, numbers were maintained at a constant level while in certain counties when the bounty was withdrawn, there was no indication of an increase. The conclusion drawn from the study was that fox mortality attributable to the bounty scheme failed the basic test for the control of any wild animal population in that the activity did not exceed natural mortality and thus was not having any impact on the standing population. It recommended that the bounty scheme be withdrawn. The question of reintroduction of the bounty scheme was raised in 2000. At that time my predecessor considered that she would not be justified in reintroducing a further scheme having considered the necessity, the probable level of effectiveness, the level of payment needed to encourage participation and the cost of resources required to ensure proper monitoring of the operation. Since 2000 the question of rising fox numbers has not been raised, either in the context of farm stock or of wildlife, so I conclude that there is no overriding need to reintroduce the “fox bounty”.

Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Scheme

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what steps she is taking to ensure that the aid to hill farmers encourages the adoption of environmentally beneficial farming practices. (AQW 685/07) Ms Gildernew: The Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Scheme requires farmers to maintain their land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). GAEC measures ensure that land is farmed according to good agricultural practices that do not damage the environment. There are six GAEC measures in relation to Soil Management, Supplementary Feeding, Overgrazing, Undergrazing, Field Boundaries, Protection of Habitats (Wildlife Areas), Archaeological Sites and Permanent Pasture. Inspections are undertaken on 5% of applications each year and Breaches of GAEC identified can result in a penalty reduction in the payment.

Flooding Task Force

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will (a) establish a permanent task force to identify flooding hotspots; (b) assess the impact of continuing development upon these areas; and (c) undertake to ensure that proposals regarding surface water run-off from roads are fully consulted upon, with particular reference to the impact on streams and salmonid rivers. (AQW 748/07) Ms Gildernew: a) DARD Rivers Agency already chairs an inter-Agency Flood Liaison Group which is supported by 2 regional Flood Liaison Groups, and includes representatives from Roads Service and NI Water. A main objective of these Groups is to identify flooding hotspots and allocate a lead Agency to investigate the cause and possible solutions to the flooding problem at each location. The lead Agency also takes lead responsibility for dealing with emergency response at each hotspot. b) As part of the overall planning consultation process the Agencies and NI Water assess the impact of continuing development including that impacting on identified flooding hotspots. c) Department of Regional Development, Roads Service consults with, and informs the public, at various stages of the design of major road improvements. This includes an environmental assessment and an Environmental Statement if considered necessary. In relation to all private street developments, Roads Service require developers to seek consent from NI Water for surface run-off into storm drainage systems. Also Department of Environment, Environment and Heritage Service is consulted at the design stage of road schemes in order to ensure pollution prevention.

Watercourse Maintenance

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how often the covering metal grids for water-courses are checked and cleared in (a) Ards Borough, and (b) Strangford. (AQW 819/07) Ms Gildernew: The grid or grille structures at the inlets to designated culverted sections of watercourses in Ards Borough and Strangford Council areas are generally inspected and maintained by DARD Rivers Agency 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. Grilles are also inspected and cleared if necessary during periods of continuous wet weather or on receipt of heavy rain warnings. Responsibility for clearing inlet grilles on undesignated watercourses rests with riparian landowners.

Farm Map Correction Letters

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (a) the number of farm map correction letters sent to the farming community, requesting that farmers ensure that any land on which there is a building or other permanent feature is not depicted as a field on maps; and (b) the total cost of sending these letters. (AQW 1046/07) Ms Gildernew: a) The number of correction letters issued was 15,307. b) The cost of sending the letters was £9,006.39

Single Farm Application Packs

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development why it was considered necessary to contact members of the farming community to ensure that any land on which there is a building or other permanent feature is not depicted as a field on current maps, given the fact that they were already made aware of this through the Single Farm Application Packs, which were issued in April. (AQW 1047/07) Ms Gildernew: It was necessary to contact those farmers on whose land full planning permission for a dwelling had been approved in the last six years. On the basis of a sample of such approvals, the Department estimated that maps had not been adjusted for a quarter of such dwellings. The response to the forms in the application packs was not sufficient. There was a need to target the relevant cases so as to help reduce the number of mapping variances being found during inspections. My objective in this exercise has been to help farmers reduce queries on their claims and to help speed their payment.

Inspection Process

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to explain the reasoning behind confining inspectors to departmental offices until 27 June 2007 and how this will help expedite the inspection process, given that the inspectors' workload in relation to visits has increased by 50%, but no additional staff have been recruited. (AQW 1048/07)

Ms Gildernew: Providing a farmer corrects his 2007 Single application for an irregularity, before that is identified and advised to him by the Department, no penalty need be applied to his 2007 application. Consequently inspections were held back so that farmers had the opportunity to make such corrections before being exposed to inspection and possible penalty. The Department is mindful of the pressure of increased inspections and is seeking to redeploy resources to meet that challenge.

Integrated Area Control System

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of departmental counter staff that were made available during the period 10-26 June, to assist farmers wishing to seek advice on maps or the 2007 Integrated Area Control System Single Application Form. (AQW 1049/07) Ms Gildernew: In addition to the normal administrative staff working in local offices, 33 Inspectors were available to deal with queries. This period also provided an opportunity for Inspectors to complete pre-inspection checks in relation to forthcoming inspections.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Civil Service Bonuses

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline how many non-pensionable bonuses were paid to staff in his department in each of the last three years; and what steps he has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 639/07) The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): Non-pensionable bonuses can be paid to staff at all grades to reward performance in two ways: as part of the annual pay round, or under the NICS special bonus scheme. The number of payments made under each scheme in the last three financial years is as follows:

year	performance-related	special bonus scheme
2004/2005	225	24
2005/2006	248	51
2006/2007	321	47

Performance-related bonuses are an important and integral element of the NICS 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.

Funding for Irish League Football

Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to (a) outline when the £8 million fund which was made available for the further development of Irish League football will be distributed, (b) detail how much of this money has been spent to date, (c) list the projects which have benefited from this fund, (d) detail the sums spent on each project, and (e) to detail all other expenditure from this fund. (AQW 679/07)

Mr Poots: The up to £8 million set aside under the Soccer Strategy for the development of football at all levels, including Irish League football, is currently being distributed by the Irish Football Association (IFA) with assistance from Sport Northern Ireland (SNI). Up to 31^st March 2007 SNI has provided a total of £2,575,258 to the IFA from Soccer Strategy monies. The projects which have benefited from this fund to date are Governance and Administration, UEFA Under-19 Championship Finals 2005 and Youth Football development. The sums spent on each project and expenditure is as follows:

Project	Expenditure (£)
Governance & Administration	1,098,988
Youth Football Development	866,270
UEFA U19 2005	610,000
	£2,575,258

Promotion of Gaelic Games

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to give a commitment to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) that he will provide the necessary funding and support for the promotion of gaelic games in the 2008-2009 financial year. (AQW 682/07) Mr Poots: Responsibility for the promotion of Gaelic Games rests with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) which is the governing body of Gaelic sports. Sport NI (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding, has made a commitment to invest £60,142 to assist the GAA promote Gaelic Games in NI in 2008/09. SNI also proposes to carry forward a projected underspend of approximately £249,000 from the £4.5m made available to GAA for the 3-year period 2005-2008.

Promotion of the Irish Language

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of the Irish language in each of the last five years. (AQW 691/07) Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of the Irish language is via organisations and projects such as Foras na Gaeilge, Colmcille and the Irish Language Broadcasting Fund. The amount of funding paid to these organisations by DCAL over the past five years is shown in the table below:

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	Comments
Foras na Gaeilge	£2.64m	£2.85m	£3.09m	£2.97m	£3.26m	DCAL payments to Foras na Gaeilge in each calendar year
	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
Colmcille	£177k	£180k	£180k	£180k	£180k	Colmcille funding is not solely for the promotion of Irish language projects.
Irish Language Broadcasting Fund	£63,394*	£11,730*	Nil	£2,999,874	£3,057,242	* Figures shown are for Pilot Broadcasting Training Courses

Promotion of Non-Language Ulster-Scots Culture

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of non-language Ulster-Scots cultural traditions, including highland dancing and pipe bands, in each of the last five years. (AQW 692/07) Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of Non-Language Ulster-Scots Cultural traditions is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company. The amount spent by these organisations over the past 5 years is shown in the table below:

	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	Comments
Ulster-Scots Agency	£1.44m	£1.67m	£1.81m	£1.94m	£2.23m	DCAL pays to the Agency in each Calendar year
	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
Arts Council for N.I	£914k	£650k	£846k	£365k	£357k

Northern Ireland Events Company – For events offered funding as part of the Community Festivals Fund, these are projects which included elements of Ulster Scots entertainment and celebration. Payments made in tranches 1 and 2 equates to £50k (2006-07) and £41k ( 2007-08).

Promotion of Non-Language Irish Culture

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of non-language Irish cultural traditions, including gaelic games and St. Patrick Day celebrations, in each of the last five years. (AQW 693/07) Mr Poots: Tables 1 and 2 below details funding provided by the Northern Ireland Events Company to Irish cultural festivals from the Community Festivals Fund in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Table 1 – Community Festival Awards – 2006/07

Festival Name	Amount offered
Armagh Festival of Traditional and Folk Song 2006	£12,000.00
Carlingford Lough International Currach Championships	£2,000.00
13th William Kennedy Piping Festival	£9,000.00
Rathlin Airs Annual Traditional Music Festival	£2,000.00
Fiddlers' Green Music and Arts Festival 2006	£9,000.00
TOTAL	£34,000.00

Table 2 – Community Festival Awards - 2007/08*

Festival Name	Amount offered
Fiddlers' Green Music and Arts Festival 2007	£11,800.00
Belfast Traditional Singing Festival	£3,000.00
TOTAL	£14,800.00

* N.B. This does not include Tranche 3 awards which have not yet been determined – closing date for applications is 22^nd June 2007. Tables 3 and 4 below details funding provided by the Northern Ireland Events Company from the Community Festivals Fund to festivals which contained elements of Irish cultural entertainment and celebration.

Table 3 - Community Festival Awards – 2006/07

Festival Name	Amount offered
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil 2006	£17,000.00
Feile an Phobail 2006	£45,000.00
Gasyard Wall Feile 2006	£8,000.00
Golden Link Festival 2006	£10,000.00
Greater New Lodge Community Festival	£13,000.00
TOTAL	£93,000.00

Table 4 - Community Festival Awards - 2007/08*

Festival Name	Amount offered
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil 2007	£25,000.00
Chaine Folk and Blues of Larne	£1,500.00
Feile an Phobail 2007	£65,000.00
Gasyard Wall Feile 2007	£10,242.00
Greater New Lodge Community Festival	£10,000.00
Heart of the Glens Festival 2207	£3,000.00
Roe Valley International Folk Festival	£5,000.00
TOTAL	£119,742.00

* N.B. This does not include Tranche 3 awards which have not yet been determined – closing date for applications is 22^nd June 2007. Table 5 details funding provided by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure to Irish cultural festivals in each of the last five years.

Table 5 – Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure funding

Festival	Funding Provided (£)
	2004/05 2005/06*	2006/07*
Feile an Phobail	20,000 20,000	75,000
Ardoyne Fleadh Cheoil	10,000 9,013	12,500
Greater New Lodge Community Festival	10,000 7,500	19,050

*This may not be the final amounts as the accounts have not yet closed Table 6 details funding provided by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland to Irish cultural projects in each of the last 5 years.

Table 6 – Arts Council funding

Financial Year	Funding Provided (£)
2002/03	747,976
2003/04	1,552,739
2004/05	811,400
2005/06	1,219,732
2006/07	860,825

Table 7 details funding provided by Sport Northern Ireland to Gaelic Games in each of the last five years. Table 7 – Sport Northern Ireland funding

Financial Year	Funding Provided (£)
2002/03	568,559
2003/04	217,111
2004/05	140,839
2005/06	1,004,081
2006/07	2,701,488

Funding for Promotion of Ulster- Scots Language

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail how much money the department has spent on the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language in each of the last five years. (AQW 694/07)

Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group. The amount spent by both these organisations on language promotion over the past 5 years is shown in the table below:

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Ulster-Scots Agency	£100k	£500k	£103k	£198k	£345k
Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group				05-06 £134k	06-07 £392k

Ulster-Scots Agency

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the members of the Ulster-Scots Agency; (b) when they were appointed; (c) how many meetings have been held since their appointments; and (d) how many meetings attended by each member. (AQW 810/07) Mr Poots: The table below shows the members of the Board of the Ulster-Scots Agency; the dates they were appointed; the number of meetings held since their appointments and how many meetings each member has attended.

Members Name	Date of Appointment	Number of Meetings since Appointment	Number of Meetings Attended
Jim Devenney	13.12.1999	65	60
Pat Wall	13.12.1999	65	54
Linde Lunney	13.12.1999	65	57
Eddie O’Donnell	07.12.2001	50	45
Alistair Simpson	13.12.2002	38	33
Ian Adamson	13.12.2002	34	30
Robert Stoker	01.09.2003	39	13
Mark Thompson	20.06.2005	19	18

International Matches at Windsor Park

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any of his officials have held discussions with Linfield Football Club or the Irish Football Association regarding the agreement between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association for the use of Windsor Park for international matches. (AQW 864/07) Mr Poots: My officials, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), are currently facilitating discussions between both Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association (IFA) regarding the agreement between the two organisations for the use of Windsor Park for international matches. These discussions are still on-going.

Upgrading of Sports Venues

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his Department has carried out an appraisal of the cost of upgrading (1) Windsor Park (2) Ravenhill and (3) Casement Park and if so, what are those costs likely to be. (AQW 866/07) Mr Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has not carried out an appraisal of the cost of upgrading (1) Windsor Park (2) Ravenhill and (3) Casement Park as this is primarily a matter for the owners of the venues, ie Linfield FC/Irish Football Association (IFA), the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU)/Ulster Rugby and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) respectively. However, DCAL, together with Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) and the Strategic Investment Board (SIB), is currently in discussion with the owners of these stadia about their future facility requirements and the related cost implications.

Potential Investment in Windsor Park

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any representative of his department has held discussions with representatives of Linfield Football Club regarding potential investment in Windsor Park and will he make such information available. (AQW 867/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with Linfield Football Club regarding potential investment in Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.

Potential Investment in Windsor Park

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he or any representative of his department held discussions with the Irish Football Association regarding potential investment in Windsor Park and will he make such information available. (AQW 869/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with the Irish Football Association (IFA) regarding potential investment in Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between the IFA and Linfield Football Club, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.

Rally Ireland

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure how much money his Department (i) offered, and (ii) paid to Rally Ireland for the following years: 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. (AQW 870/07) Mr Poots: No funding was offered or paid to Rally Ireland for 2004, as the initial pilot events in the bid for World Rally Championship status were held in October 2005 and March 2006. The Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) offered Rally Ireland up to £368,931.13 for its 2005 event and up to £647,953.20 for its 2006 event. NIEC is currently finalising payments to Rally Ireland for 2005 and 2006. To date Rally Ireland has received £321,869.75 for 2005 and £570,004.21 for 2006. No final decision has been made on the level of funding which will be offered for the 2007 World Rally Championship Rally Ireland event. However, the Department has so far made payments to Rally Ireland amounting to £200,000 for the 2007 event.

Rally Ireland

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if his department is satisfied that both the Rally Headquarters and Rally Service Park for Rally Ireland 2007, is based in the Republic of Ireland, and not Northern Ireland. (AQW 871/07) Mr Poots: It is anticipated that the cross-border 2007 World Rally Championship event will have both its Headquarters and Service Park in Sligo, but that Northern Ireland will host a Super Special Stage in the grounds of Stormont to open the Rally, with significant worldwide television coverage. Rally Ireland has also confirmed its commitment to a 50/50 split of the event either side of the border. A final decision on the amount of government funding to be provided for the 2007 event will be based on the potential benefits to Northern Ireland demonstrated through a fully-costed business case.

Ulster-Scots Academy

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm that, prior to the formal establishment of the Ulster-Scots Academy, the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group will have the role of standardising Ulster-Scots spellings, and that these should be used across the public sector. (AQW 911/07) Mr Poots: The remit given to the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group in 2005 included the resourcing without delay of specified projects within a Language Development Programme, including a spelling standardisation programme. It is intended that this spelling standardisation when completed and agreed should be used across the public sector.

Upgrading Windsor Park

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with Linfield Football Club regarding upgrading Windsor Park, with reference to its use as a national stadium. (AQW 963/07) Mr Poots: To date neither I nor any representative of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has held discussions with Linfield Football Club regarding the upgrading of Windsor Park. DCAL officials are, however, currently facilitating discussions between Linfield Football Club and the Irish Football Association, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, regarding Windsor Park as part of on-going negotiations between the two organisations on the contract for staging international football games at the stadium.

Funding for Repairs at Windsor Park

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether he has been approached to provide financial assistance towards repairing the roof of the north stand at Windsor Park. (AQW 964/07) Mr Poots: To date I have not been approached to provide assistance towards repairing the roof of the north stand at Windsor Park. The Irish Football Association (IFA), however, is currently developing a programme to help improve football grounds in Northern Ireland, including Windsor Park. Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport in NI including the distribution of funding, is assisting the IFA with the development of this programme.

Ulster-Scots

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what engagement the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group had with representative organisations, such as the Ulster-Scots Language Society and the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council, in preparing the last periodic report for the Committee of Experts (COMEX) for the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 969/07) Mr Poots: My Department provided a list of non-governmental organisation contacts to the European Charter Secretariat who issued invitations to all interested parties wishing to meet with the Committee of Experts (COMEX). According to the timetable for the visit both the Ulster Scots Language Society and Ulster Scots Heritage Council were scheduled to meet with COMEX on 5^th December 2005.

North-South Committee of the Arts

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure who are the members of the joint North-South committee of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and An Chomhairle Ealaíon; and from which of the two organisations are they nominated. (AQW 970/07) Mr Poots: The members of the joint North-South Committee of the Arts are: Tony Kennedy, Gearóid Ó hEara, Sharon O’Connor, Jaki Irvine, Noelle Campbell Sharpe and Rosaleen Linehan. Tony Kennedy, Gearóid Ó hEara and Sharon O’Connor were nominated by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Jaki Irvine, Noelle Campbell Sharpe and Rosaleen Linehan were nominated by An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Education

Pre-School Expansion Programme

Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education if she will provide details, for each Education and Library Board, of (a) the number of children who have not received a funded place under the pre-school expansion programme; and (b) her plans to address the shortage in funded places. (AQW 415/07) The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): The position is as recorded in my answer to Mr Bradley’s AQW 272/07, answered in the official record on 8^th June 2007. Education and Library Boards, who operate the admissions process, are now going through the re-allocation process. It is hoped that they will be in a position to confirm any shortfall in funded places in their respective areas by mid to end June. The Early Years Team in the Department is liaising closely with Education and Library Board officers to ensure that any shortfall is identified and appropriate action taken as soon as possible

Saintfield High School

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the over-subscription of pupils in 2007 for Saintfield High School. (AQW 419/07) Ms Ruane: There are no plans to increase the admissions and enrolment numbers of Saintfield High School beyond the long-term enrolment number of the school. The Department is in the process of incrementally increasing the school’s enrolment number to the long-term enrolment number of 340. The school’s admissions number of 68 is already in line with this. Saintfield High School is a popular school but there is no shortage of places available at alternative controlled post-primary schools within a reasonable distance of the Saintfield area.

Saintfield High School

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education if she will give an update on plans for a greenfield site to be identified for a new build for Saintfield High School. (AQW 420/07) Ms Ruane: A scheme for Saintfield High School was announced in 2003. In considering the appraisal options at the time, the South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) considered a Greenfield site option but no suitable sites were identified. The approved scheme was for the extension and refurbishment of the school building to replace sub-standard permanent accommodation and mobiles. Work is currently on site and is expected to be completed later this year. The SEELB had also submitted an addendum to the appraisal for the provision of a sports hall as part of the overall building project. Several site options were considered for this facility including Greenfield sites. The SEELB are now proposing to build the sports hall on the existing school site and the Department is considering the plans and costs associated with this option.

Conlig Primary School

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what are her plans to meet a delegation of parents from Conlig Primary School to discuss its potential transformation to integrated status, following the recent successful ballot of parents. (AQW 445/07) Ms Ruane: I have received an invitation from the Acting Principal of Conlig Primary School for a meeting with a group representing the school to discuss a proposal to transform to controlled integrated status. I have responded that once a development proposal is published, I would be happy to meet with the group as part of the consultation process, to hear their views.

Integrated Education in North Down

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the increased demand for integrated education at primary level within the North Down area. (AQW 446/07)

Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has a statutory duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education and also to have regard to the general principle that, so far as is compatible with the provision of efficient instruction and training and the avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure, pupils shall be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents. Proposals to increase places at integrated schools either through expansion of intakes at existing schools, or the establishment of new schools, are the subject of a statutory development proposal consultation process. Each such proposal is considered on its individual merits.

Donemana Primary School

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Education if she will detail her plans for the replacement of Donemana Primary School. (AQW 458/07) Ms Ruane: An Economic Appraisal for a replacement for Donemana Primary School was prepared by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) last year. The Department of Education has requested that it be reviewed to confirm that the scheme is required for the area.

Classroom Assistants

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Education how many classroom assistants are employed in (a) controlled; (b) maintained; (c) integrated; and (d) Irish medium secondary and primary schools in the Western Education and Library Board; and to state the pupil/classroom assistant ratio within each of these sectors. (AQW 475/07) Ms Ruane: The number of classroom assistants in each sector is detailed in the attached table and is based on information provided by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB). It relates to assistants employed by WELB in mainstream schools and therefore excludes those employed in special schools and those employed by the Boards of Governors of Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated schools.

There is no recommended pupil/classroom assistant ratio. The allocation of a classroom assistant to support children with special needs depends on the assessed needs of individual children and can range from a full-time assistant for one child to a part-time assistant providing support to a group of children within a class or school. In addition, the Department’s Making a Good Start Initiative provides funding directly to schools to provide a minimum of 10 hrs classroom support for all P1 classes and for P2 classes in schools with the lowest proportion of their pupils achieving the expected level for their age at Key Stage 2 Assessment. The information provided by WELB also includes details of the total pupil enrolment for each sector, the total number of classroom assistants employed and the full-time equivalent figure.

Sector	Total Enrolment	No of Classroom Assistants	Full Time Equivalents
Controlled Primary	9374	328	205
Maintained Primary	19757	625	391
Controlled Integrated Primary	43	1	1
Irish Medium Primary	429	13	9
Controlled Post Primary	3834	60	51
Maintained Post Primary	11033	162	148
TOTAL	44470	1189	805

Magherafelt High School

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the start date of the new build for Magherafelt High School. (AQW 479/07) Ms Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board have advised that they expect construction work on the proposed new school should start on site in spring 2008.

Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the start date for the new build for Rainey Endowed Grammar School, Magherafelt. (AQW 480/07) Ms Ruane: The Department of Education is currently examining an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the project which will confirm the appropriate procurement route, based on a value for money assessment. Once the outcome of the OBC has been established, planning of the scheme will be taken forward with the school. It is not possible to detail a start date at this stage until the work on the OBC has been completed.

Security and Personal Safety in Schools

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Education what steps will be taken to ensure that teaching and non-teaching staff in schools are adequately protected from, and supported when subject to physical assault and abuse from pupils and parents; and whether consideration has been given to adopting a similar approach and protocols, as are now operational in the health service. (AQW 487/07) Ms Ruane: My Department is currently reviewing existing guidance on security and personal safety in schools and the support available to staff. The Department has received representations from education stakeholders on this issue and, in continuing with this review, intends to examine the protocols of other organisations including those of the health service.

Donaghadee High School

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what discussions have taken place regarding the closure of Donaghadee High School, with (a) teachers and classroom assistants; (b) the Board of Governors; and (c) pupils and their parents; and if she will detail the outcome of these meetings. (AQW 494/07) Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (the Board) has commenced preliminary consultations with Governors, staff and parents at Donaghadee High School and Movilla High School, Newtownards, in relation to a potential rationalisation between the two schools. The Board advise that pupils were not specifically invited to the meeting with parents but were not excluded if they wished to attend. A formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term. The Board has advised that as of 12 June 2007 meetings have taken place as follows:

	Movilla High School	Donaghadee High School
Teachers and Classroom Assistants	6th June 2007	16th May 2007
Board of Governors	15th May 2007	15th May 2007
Parents	22nd May 2007 (2 meetings)	29th May 2007

The Board has advised that the meetings raised a variety of issues and that these will be considered fully as part of the consultation process.

Public Private Partnership Scheme

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to extend the Public Private Partnership scheme; and to detail which schools in each of the Education and Library Boards are currently engaged in the scheme. (AQW 496/07) Ms Ruane: In accordance with the requirements of public expenditure decisions, the procurement routes for capital projects are determined on the basis of value for money. Details of schools in each Education and Library Board area currently engaged in a PPP procurement phase are detailed in the table below.

Education and Library Board Area	School Cluster
Belfast Education & Library Board	Ashfield Girls’ High Belfast Boys’ Model Belfast Model School for Girls Grosvenor Grammar Orangefield Primary -at Preferred Bidder Stage
Western Education & Library Board	St Cecilia’s College St Mary’s College - at Final Business Case stage
Western Education & Library Board/Southern Education & Library Board	Loreto College Holy Trinity College - at Outline Business Case stage
North Eastern Education & Library Board	Coleraine College – scheme temporarily on hold following capital review earlier this year
	Ballymoney High School Rainey Endowed School – at Outline Business Case stage
North Eastern Education & Library Board/ South Eastern Education & Library Board	St Mary’s Primary School, Portglenone Our Lady & St Patrick’s College St Patrick’s Grammar School St Joseph’s Primary School - at Final Business Case stage
South Eastern Education & Library Board	Tor Bank School Lagan College - awaiting bids from bidders

Attacks on Teaching Staff

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to ensure that attacks on teaching staff are stopped. (AQW 505/07) Ms Ruane: My Department is currently reviewing existing guidance on security and personal safety in schools and the support available to staff. The Department has received representations from education stakeholders on this issue and, in continuing with this review, intends to examine the protocols of other organisations including those of the health service.

Review of Irish-Medium Education

Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Education if there is an indicative timeline for the department's review of Irish-medium education. (AQW 519/07) Ms Ruane: I intend to publish a report and recommendations for consultation in the late autumn of 2007.

Homophobic Bullying

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Education what percentage of secondary-level schools in Northern Ireland have policies in place to deal with homophobic bullying. (AQW 532/07) Ms Ruane: The Department does not hold the information requested. All grant-aided schools are required by law to have measures in place to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. The Department has issued guidance to schools on measures to address bullying for whatever reason, including homophobic bullying. The effectiveness of an individual school’s discipline policy is monitored through the regular cycle of school inspections undertaken by the Education and Training Inspectorate.

Disparity in Funding of Schools

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Education to explain the disparity in funding between primary and secondary schools in relation to (a) the controlled sector; (b) the maintained sector; and (c) the integrated sector. (AQW 554/07) Ms Ruane: Under the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula, schools with similar needs or characteristics receive similar funding, regardless of their location or management type. Grant-maintained integrated schools, together with voluntary grammar schools, face additional responsibilities and costs which, for controlled and maintained schools, are met centrally by Education and Library Boards. The funding formula therefore includes some factors specifically to meet the needs of those schools. The differential in funding for primary and post-primary schools reflects in large part the additional costs associated with delivery of the post-primary curriculum. I do intend, however, to look further at the opportunities for reducing the scale of the current differential in a way that would allow additional funding to go into primary schools without presenting difficulties for their post-primary counterparts.

Pre-School and Primary School Education in Derry/Londonderry

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education what future provision is being made for pre-school and primary education in the controlled sector for the Derry/Londonderry City Council area. (AQW 564/07) Ms Ruane: A new-build replacement school for Lisnagelvin Primary School was announced in 2004 and planning is well advanced. New schools to replace New Buildings, Eglinton and Ebrington Primary Schools were announced in 2006. The scheme for Ebrington includes the replacement of the existing nursery unit. A development proposal to establish Learning Support Centres within Foundation Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 at Lisnagelvin Primary School from 1 September 2007 or as soon as possible thereafter was published by the Western Education and Library Board on 25 May 2007. A decision on the proposal will be taken following the statutory 2-month consultation period which ends on 26 July 2007.

Sure Start Children's Centre

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education what plans are there for securing a SureStart Children's Centre in the Drumahoe area of Derry/Londonderry City Council to respond to local needs. (AQW 565/07) Ms Ruane: Sure Start works with parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of pre-school children - particularly those who are disadvantaged - to ensure they are well prepared for school and later life. In the North of Ireland, Sure Start currently covers the top 20% most disadvantaged wards. Drumahoe falls within the Altnagelvin ward which is ranked in the top 33% Most Deprived Wards and therefore it falls outside of the catchment area of the nearest Sure Start project in the Waterside.

Middletown Centre for Autism

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in the establishment of the All-Ireland Centre for Excellence for Autism at Middletown, Co. Armagh, announced in 2002 by the two education Ministers, for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 615/07) Ms Ruane: The Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Education and Science, is taking forward the arrangements needed in order to enable the Middletown Centre for Autism to begin offering services later this year. Considerable progress has been made in the last 6 months. A Holding company was set up in 2004 to purchase the property. A second company to operate the Centre, the Middletown Centre for Autism Ltd was incorporated as a company on 16^th March 2007. The appointments of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer for the Centre were announced in January 2007 and a recruitment process is currently underway for further senior management posts. An Integrated Design Team led by the two Departments is taking forward the refurbishment project, which includes a new building for the Learning Support Centre. It is planned that services will start to be phased in from late 2007, beginning with the training/advisory and information/research services. The educational assessment and learning support services will come on stream on a longer timescale when building works are complete at the end of 2008.

Primary School Enrolment in Coleraine Borough Council Area

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils on the roll in each of the primary schools in the Coleraine Borough Council area, in (a) 2001/02; (b)2002/03; (c) 2003/04; (d) 2004/05; (e) 2005/06; and (f) 2006/07. (AQW 619/07)

Ms Ruane: The enrolment at primary schools in the Coleraine Borough Council area from 2001/02 – 2006/07 was as follows:

	Enrolment in
School name	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
BALLYROCK PS	24	20	12	n.a.	n.a.	n.a.
PORTRUSH PS	317	315	308	288	268	246
BALLYTOBER PS	63	56	67	70	75	70
CARNALRIDGE PS	215	221	220	209	209	209
CULCROW PS	41	43	37	34	37	45
CULLYCAPPLE PS	54	42	43	42	44	45
DAMHEAD PS	130	139	143	162	173	167
HEZLETT PS	232	243	253	273	272	268
KILLOWEN PS	197	196	200	196	188	169
PORTSTEWART PS	369	347	326	312	298	295
MILLBURN PS	421	415	419	412	420	421
KILREA PS	101	104	101	102	93	93
D H CHRISTIE MEMORIAL PS	428	414	415	430	423	423
CASTLEROE PS	80	79	81	79	78	77
MACOSQUIN PS	110	125	124	126	135	141
HARPURS HILL PS	218	208	205	195	196	189
GORRAN PS	91	102	105	103	109	109
GARVAGH PS	152	157	151	141	135	136
BALLYSALLY PS	232	226	231	228	222	198
IRISH SOCIETY'S PS	452	448	449	440	434	420
ST PATRICK'S PS	101	106	106	106	110	107
BALLYHACKETT PS	49	47	55	54	54	57
ST COLUMBA'S PS	98	99	104	101	95	93
ST COLUM'S PS	189	184	189	195	195	196
ST MARY'S PS	29	28	28	20	19	n.a.
ST PATRICK'S AND ST JOSEPH'S PS	105	119	113	121	134	142
ST MALACHY'S PS	253	243	239	242	254	250
ST JOHN'S PS	238	225	215	209	196	185
ST COLUMBA'S PS	183	210	223	213	209	216
CARHILL INTEGRATED PS	48	43	41	45	43	44
MILLSTRAND PS	208	209	180	184	184	190

Note: ‘n.a.’ means school not open in that year.

Compensation Claims for Injuries

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education how much has been paid in compensation claims for injuries received by (a) pupils; and (b) teachers, (i) on school field trips; and (ii) while at school, in the last year. (AQW 644/07) Ms Ruane: I have been advised that £639,183k was paid out in compensation claims for injuries during the 2006/07 financial year. A breakdown of the amount paid out to pupils and teachers on school field trips and whilst at school is provided in the table below:

		2006/07 £
Pupils	Field Trip	21,933
	Injuries at School	503,000
Teachers	Field Trip	0
	Injuries at School	114,250

Special Needs Units at Secondary Schools

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the current provision of special needs units in the secondary sector in Bangor, Donaghadee and Millisle. (AQW 651/07)

Ms Ruane: I am advised by the Chief Executive Officer of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that the current provision of special needs units in the secondary sector in Bangor, Donaghadee and Millisle is as follows:

Donaghadee High School – 4 special units for pupils with moderate learning diffculty:

Year 8 8 pupils

Year 9 23 pupils

Year 10 18 pupils

There are no special needs units in the secondary sector in Bangor or Millisle.

Special Needs Unit at Donaghadee High School

Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education what provision will be made for the pupils currently catered for by the special needs units in Donaghadee High School. (AQW 657/07) Ms Ruane:

I am advised by the Chief Executive Officer of the South-Eastern Education and Library Board that there are presently 4 special units located at Donaghadee High School catering for pupils with moderate learning difficulties in Years 8-10. That provision will remain in place for the 2007/08 academic year. The parents of pupils in the units have been advised accordingly.

A preliminary consultation is underway regarding the possible amalgamation of Donaghadee and Movilla High Schools with effect from September 2008. Formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term. Any proposals the Board bring forward for the rationalisation of existing post-primary provision in the area will require the publication of a statutory development proposal.

The Board is writing to post-primary schools in the North Down/Ards area to seek expressions of interest to locate a special unit(s) at their school in the event of Donaghadee High School closing/amalgamating.

I have been assured by the Chief Executive that, whatever the outcome, the Board would wish to ensure that the special needs of those pupils in the units in September 2008 and thereafter are fully catered for.

Amalgamation of Donaghadee and Movilla High Schools

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education what is the rationale behind the proposed merger of Donaghadee High School and Moville High School; and what alternatives were considered prior to this decision being made. (AQW 670/07) Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board (the Board) published in March 2006 a Strategic Review of Provision in North East Ards, which includes Donaghadee. The purpose of the review was to provide a strategic framework in which to progress a prioritised programme of capital development schemes. The review consulted the options for post-primary provision in the area for Donaghadee HS and Movilla HS including the retention of the two schools, the amalgamation of the two schools and the possibility of developing a new school in Donaghadee which would cater for all age-groups, nursery, primary and post-primary. A copy of the review document can be viewed through the Board’s website. Following the Review, the Board commenced preliminary consultations with Donaghadee High School and Movilla High School in relation to a potential rationalisation between the two schools. Formal consultation by the Board is expected to commence during the forthcoming autumn term.

Armagh Integrated College

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of Education to detail the religious breakdown of pupils enrolled at Armagh Integrated College over the past 3 years. (AQW 674/07) Ms Ruane: The religious breakdown of pupils enrolled at Armagh Integrated College over the past three years was as follows: Year Protestant Catholic Other/Not specified Pupils 2004/05 # 30 * 50 2005/06 28 67 11 106 2006/07 41 92 20 153 Note: ‘*’ relates to less than 5 cases. ‘#’ means figure has been treated under rules of disclosure.

Ulster Scots

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education what guidance her department has received from the Inter Departmental Charter Implementation group as to what 'resolute action' it should take to promote the Ulster-Scots language in the sphere of education. (AQW 705/07) Ms Ruane: The Inter-Departmental Charter Implementation group, on which my Department is represented, has developed guidance for public servants to help them meet their obligations under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. This guidance is available on the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s web-site.

Special Educational Needs

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education how many children carry a statement of special educational needs in (a) Donaghadee High School; (b) Movilla High School; (c) Glastry College; and (d) Bangor Academy, broken down by year group.[R] (AQW 746/07) Ms Ruane: The number of children with a statement of special educational needs in (a) Donaghadee High School; (b) Movilla High School; (c) Glastry College; and (d) Bangor Academy, broken down by year group is shown below:

Children with a Statement of Special Education Needs by Year Group 2006/07
	Donaghadee High School	Movilla High School	Glastry College	Bangor Academy And 6th Form College
Year 8	13	*	9	6
Year 9	25	*	*	*
Year 10	20	*	*	#
Year 11	16	*	6	5
Year 12	12	*	*	5
Year 13	0	0	0	0
Year 14	0	0	0	0
Total	86	14	22	23

Note: ‘*’ relates to less than 5 cases. ‘#’ means figure has been treated under rules of disclosure.

Employment and Learning

Social Work Grants

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister Employment and Learning to detail what support is available to students from Northern Ireland who are studying for social work degrees in universities in other regions of the United Kingdom. (AQW 609/07) The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): Northern Ireland students undertaking degree courses including those in social work at institutions in other regions of the United Kingdom are entitled to receive support in accordance with the Education (Student Support) Regulations (Northern Ireland). Students who commenced study in the current academic year may apply through their Education and Library Board for support comprising a fee loan, a means-tested maintenance grant, a maintenance loan and supplementary grants.

Tuition Fees

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will carry out an assessment of the impact of tuition fees on university entrants; and, in particular, if he will examine the number of people from disadvantaged backgrounds who take up places at university. (AQW 633/07) Sir Reg Empey: A review of variable tuition fees is planned to take place in FY2008/09. Widening participation in higher education by students from those groups who are currently under-represented is one of my Department’s key strategic goals, in particular, students from disadvantaged backgrounds and students with learning difficulties and disabilities. The impact of the new arrangements, particularly on people from disadvantaged backgrounds, will be a key aspect of the review.

Migrant Workers

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline what steps will be taken to ensure that the skills of migrant workers are matched with existing job vacancies. (AQW 638/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Department offers access to a range of information, advice and guidance services aimed at assisting jobseekers to find suitable work through its network of local offices and through the JobCentre Online facility. A telephone interpretation service has been introduced to ensure that those customers whose first language is not English have full access to the services offered. Information leaflets have been translated into a number of languages, including basic Chinese, Portuguese, those relating to the majority of Eastern European countries. Job vacancies are displayed locally and throughout Northern Ireland, Europe and World-wide via the website www.JobCentreOnline.com. Potential migrant workers can therefore begin their jobsearch activity before arriving in Northern Ireland. Those migrants who are eligible to work in Northern Ireland, may apply for employment opportunities for which they have the skills and experience on equal terms with local job seekers.

School Leavers with Severe Learning/Physical Difficulties

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what assessment he has made of existing further education provision for young people aged 19 and over, with severe learning and/or physical disabilities, leaving special needs schools in Northern Ireland; and if he will seek to enhance that provision. (AQW 755/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Department offers access to a range of information, advice and guidance services aimed at assisting jobseekers to find suitable work through its network of local offices and through the JobCentre Online facility. A telephone interpretation service has been introduced to ensure that those customers whose first language is not English have full access to the services offered. Information leaflets have been translated into a number of languages, including basic Chinese, Portuguese, those relating to the majority of Eastern European countries. Job vacancies are displayed locally and throughout Northern Ireland, Europe and World-wide via the website www.JobCentreOnline.com. Potential migrant workers can therefore begin their jobsearch activity before arriving in Northern Ireland. Those migrants who are eligible to work in Northern Ireland, may apply for employment opportunities for which they have the skills and experience on equal terms with local job seekers.

Transitions Inter-Departmental Working Group

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm that a stakeholder forum has been established to support policy development and good practice in relation to transition processes and provision, as detailed in the report of the Transitions Inter-departmental working group; to detail the membership of the forum, and to outline when the forum has met to date. (AQW 756/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Transitions report was published in February 2006 and since then, my Department has been progressing a number of actions. The Careers Service is currently developing an all-age Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Strategy, jointly with the Department of Education. The overall aim of the proposed strategy is to develop effective career decision makers leading to increased participation in education, training and employment. The development of this strategy began in March 2006 with a consultation event involving almost 70 key stakeholders. The strategy will be issued for consultation in the near future and will include a clear commitment towards young people and adults who are vulnerable to social exclusion, including young people and adults with disabilities. In relation to the establishment of the specific stakeholder forum referred to in the Transitions Report, this has not yet been formally set up. However, work is on-going to develop appropriate stakeholder relationships with a view to establishing a formal stakeholder group to support the development and implementation of the actions within the Transitions Report, following publication of the Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance strategy, The Careers Service has introduced a Social Inclusion policy with a focus on addressing the needs of young people and adults who are facing or vulnerable to, social exclusion and excellent stakeholder engagement is firmly in place, at a local level. This is evidenced through the active role that Careers Advisers play in working with a range of professionals on the Transition Planning process of clients with Statements of Special Educational Need. In addition, since the publication of the Transitions Report, the Careers Service has hosted and participated in several stakeholder networking events, at local level throughout Northern Ireland. A list of participating organisations is attached. The Department will continue to progress all of the actions specified in the Transitions Report, for which it has lead responsibility.

Students with Learning Difficulties and or / Disabilities

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to widen access to further education colleges, to include leavers of special needs schools who are unable to access mainstream vocational training provision, such as Jobskills or Jobskills Access and specialist vocational training. (AQW 757/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Department provides a range of financial incentives to encourage Colleges to make provision for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including leavers of special needs schools. This includes dedicated provision. However, FE is not always suitable for those with severe learning difficulties who may require nursing and other personal care and attention. The Department, in co-operation with the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges (ANIC), is undertaking a review of the nature and extent of special needs provision throughout the FE network, to determine how best provision might be improved, within the terms of FE’s remit.

Funding for Post Graduate Diplomas in Legal Studies

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the total amount of all grants given by his department to students studying at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies, in relation to course fees, for each of the last five years. (AQW 783/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Department has not provided funding for postgraduate diplomas including legal practice courses at the Institute of Professional and Legal Studies, since 2005. The amounts of course fee grants paid to students at the Institute of Professional and Legal Studies for each of the 3 years prior to this were: 2002/03 £127K 2003/04 £144K 2004/05 £264K

Funding for Post Graduate Courses in Legal Studies

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to provide means-tested financial support to trainee solicitors and barristers, to aid their training and contribute towards their course fees at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. (AQW 784/07) Sir Reg Empey: Support for postgraduates has always been discretionary and subject to change to reflect wider Government priority. The Department is currently drawing up Terms of Reference for a Review of Postgraduate Policy and Funding which is due to commence in autumn 2007. The review will inform the way forward for the funding of postgraduate provision across all disciplines including the legal professions.

Access to Post Graduate Courses

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to take action to increase access to postgraduate courses to students from a less affluent background. (AQW 785/07) Sir Reg Empey: Widening participation in higher education by students from those groups who are currently under-represented is one of the key strategic goals of my Department. My Department has a widening participation strategy in place to ensure that participants in higher education are representative of society, which includes the target to increase representation of people from the lowest socio-economic classifications (SEC 5 to 7) among entrants to higher education. My Department increases access to all higher education through a number of broad policy directions and a range of specific actions including Foundation Degrees, funding premia and special project funding for the universities. Furthermore, my Department is now taking forward the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council (NIHEC) Expert Group report on proposals for the future direction of the Department’s widening participation policies. Work is underway to develop and implement a regional strategy to widen participation in higher education by groups who are currently under-represented. In the wider context, I am aware that an increase in the number of PhD places would be beneficial to the Northern Ireland economy. My Department has therefore bid for additional postgraduate places from the Chancellor’s Fund for Innovation. A review of Postgraduate Policy and Funding will be taken forward this autumn.

Funding of Places at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of places funded by his department for (a) solicitors; and (b) barristers, at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in Northern Ireland, for each of the last five years. (AQW 788/07) Sir Reg Empey: As autonomous bodies, the Northern Ireland universities are responsible for determining how the core teaching funding provided to them by the Department for Employment and Learning is allocated and which courses they provide. The Department has no locus in this area and does not allocate specific core funding for places at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies in the Queen’s University of Belfast.

Course Fees for Trainee Solicitors and Barristers

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the course fees charged to trainee solicitors and barristers at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies for each of the last five years. (AQW 789/07) Sir Reg Empey: According to the admissions office at the Institute of Professional and Legal Studies, the course fees charged in the last five years were as follows: in 2002/03 £5,150; in 2003/04 £5,640; in 2004/05 £6,000; in 2005/06 £6,500; and in 2006/07 £6,750.

Ulster-Scots

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what guidance his department has received from the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group, as to what 'resolute action' it should take to promote the Ulster-Scots language in the spheres of tertiary and community education. (AQW 968/07) Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning has received no specific guidance from the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group as to what action it should take to promote the Ulster-Scots language in the spheres of tertiary and community education.

Kilroot Power Station

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action is being taken to resolve the situation at Kilroot Power Station, where workers employed in the construction of the new desulphurisation plant have not been paid by the sub-contractor. (AQW 1069/07) Sir Reg Empey: It is the statutory duty of the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) “to improve industrial relations” and in doing so may assist the parties to a trade dispute to try and achieve a settlement. Until this question was asked the LRA were unaware that a dispute was taking place in Kilroot Power Station. The LRA have now been advised of this dispute and will try to contact the parties to assess the situation and try and achieve a settlement. Both parties can also independently seek the free services of the LRA, or indeed professional advice, for guidance on their respective positions and avenues of redress.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Ardboe Business Park

Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what strategic measures/investment his Department has to support business expansion & future job creation at Ardboe Business Park, Co. Tyrone (AQW 632/07) The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr Dodds): Invest NI’s strategic role is to deliver expertise and resources to accelerate the creation and growth of businesses committed to, and capable of, being entrepreneurial, innovative and international. To facilitate this work, Invest NI has developed a series of Business Development Solutions tailored to the needs of businesses to help them become more competitive and to enhance their exporting capability, leading to an increase in sustainable employment and wealth creation throughout Northern Ireland. For companies to be eligible for Invest NI support they must be engaged in manufacturing or internationally-traded services and demonstrate an ability to grow and compete in international markets. Invest NI recently undertook a business review with one of the companies based at Ardboe Business Park which concluded that it did not meet this criteria for support. However, Invest NI will now, through its regional office team, approach each of the other businesses located in the Park to establish whether they could qualify for any form of support under the Agency’s Business Development Solutions

Land for Industrial Use

Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the efforts being made by Invest NI to identify and secure additional land for industrial use within the Strabane District Council area, in order to facilitate opportunities for inward investment and the expansion of existing businesses within the area. (AQW 710/07) Mr Dodds: Invest NI continues to work closely with Planning Service to assist it to meet its obligation under the Regional Development Strategy to identify a generous and continuous supply of land for industrial use. It has contributed in detail to the West Tyrone Area Plan, which is expected to be published in draft form in 2008. As part of that consultation it has considered the needs of its clients and submitted representations to the various stages of the Plan process, including the issues paper of October 2005. It continues to engage with Planning Service on site specific matters. In addition to endeavouring to influence future zoning, Invest NI has also sought to protect existing industrial land. It has opposed planning applications, on the former Adria factory and Dublin Road Industrial estate, by objecting to planning applications for non-industrial uses. Strabane is one of four areas identified in the first phase of Invest NI’s current acquisition policy, which was adopted in August 2006. The Strabane acquisition project will move forward in due course, following a full economic appraisal and in line with the Area Plan process

Future of Manufacturing in Northern Ireland

Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the recommendations of the report 'The Future of Manufacturing in Northern Ireland', commissioned by his department in 2006; to detail the number of recommendations that were implemented; and to give an assessment of their success. (AQW 733/07) Mr Dodds: Information on the share of Gross Value Added¹ (GVA) accounted for by tourism is not available for the years 1996, 2001 and 2006. However, research commissioned by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment estimated that tourism’s direct contribution to GVA was 1.9% in 2003, and when indirect and induced effects are also included it contributed a total of 3.5% to Northern Ireland GVA. ¹ Regional Gross Value Added is now used instead of Gross Domestic Product

Visitors' Centre, Giant's Causeway

Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to explain the reasons for the delay in replacing the Visitors Centre at the Giants Causeway, and to state the plans and timetable for bringing the project to completion. (AQW 825/07) Mr Dodds: The detailed design for the replacement visitor facilities has reached an advanced stage of development. In committing public funds to the project my Department must take account of all material considerations which may impact on the development of the new facilities including a value for money assessment. Key issues which have delayed the project have been the resolution of car parking requirements and planning considerations. Consideration must be given to a planning application submitted to Planning Service for an alternative, private sector led visitors centre at the Giant's Causeway.

Performance of Invest NI

Mr Trevor Lunn asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if Invest NI is underperforming compared to the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in the Republic of Ireland. (AQW 879/07) Mr Dodds: Invest NI and the IDA cannot be compared directly as the agencies differ in terms of functional responsibility and product offering. Whereas the IDA is responsible solely for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Invest NI’s remit is significantly broader as its client base comprises both locally-owned and internationally-owned companies. In addition to attracting FDI to Northern Ireland, Invest NI supports local business starts and expansions by existing companies. It also encourages its client companies to embrace higher levels of Research and Development and Innovation to help increase their competitiveness, and supports the development of their exporting capability. Invest NI has performed strongly in FDI terms since it was set up in 2002. In the five years to March 2007 Invest NI has secured 169 inward investment projects, leveraging over £1 billion of investment, promoting over 13,200 new jobs and safeguarding almost 10,500 existing jobs. Directly equivalent information is not available from the IDA, which does not publish the number of jobs promoted with each project.

Economic Impact of Tourism

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to indicate the percentage of the Gross Domestic Product produced by tourism in (a) 1996; (b) 2001; and (c) 2006. (AQW 950/07) Mr Dodds: Information on the share of Gross Value Added¹ (GVA) accounted for by tourism is not available for the years 1996, 2001 and 2006. However, research commissioned by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment estimated that tourism’s direct contribution to GVA was 1.9% in 2003, and when indirect and induced effects are also included it contributed a total of 3.5% to Northern Ireland GVA. ¹ Regional Gross Value Added is now used instead of Gross Domestic Product

Environment

Golf Course at Gilford Castle

Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of the Environment if she is satisfied that all procedures have been applied properly in relation to the planning application to build a championship golf course and related works at Gilford Castle in Co. Down; if she recognises the benefits that this project will bring to the rural economy; and if she will commit herself to making a positive intervention in this case. (AQW 347/07)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs Foster): I am assured that this application was considered against all relevant planning policy and procedures applicable. I am fully aware of the benefits this scheme would bring to the Gilford area. However, the Craigavon Divisional Planning Office did not consider that the benefits of the scheme as currently framed would outweigh the planning policy constraints. The Divisional Office is holding the application following a request by Banbridge District Council for a decision to be deferred to allow the applicant to put forward amendments. Contact between this office and the developer’s agents is being maintained and there have been some discussions. Intervention by me in these circumstances would not be appropriate.

Possible Breaches of Planning Control

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how many of the 11,229 files opened in Omagh Divisional Planning Office, in relation to possible breaches of planning control, relate to (a) Omagh District Council area; (b) Fermanagh District Council area; (c) Strabane District Council area; (d) Cookstown District Council area; and (e) Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council area. (AQW 569/07) Mrs Foster: Of the 11,229 files opened on possible breaches of planning control in the last 3 years, some 1,680 were opened in the Omagh office. The breakdown by council area is as follows: (a) Omagh, 392; (b) Fermanagh, 382; (c) Strabane, 278; (d) Cookstown, 265; and (e) Dungannon & South

Unlicenced Waste Disposal

Mr Ian McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment if the Environment and Heritage Service responds to every complaint and/or referral it receives in regard to the unlicensed disposal of waste; and to detail the circumstances in which a referral might not be actioned. (AQW 576/07) Mrs Foster: Every complaint and/or referral received by the Environment and Heritage Service is individually risk-assessed. Investigative resources are limited, so waste disposal reports are prioritised for further action. Commercial-scale disposal, biodegradable wastes of a municipal-nature, hazardous wastes, and other wastes likely to cause significant environmental damage, are investigated as a priority. Consequently, reports of wastes falling outside these parameters are only actioned if resources permit.

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr Francie Molloy asked the Minister of the Environment if any planning applications which have been refused on the basis of 'Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside' will be reviewed, in light of possible changes to planning policy in the future. (AQW 604/07) Mrs Foster: In relation to planning applications which have been refused under PPS14, my Department will carefully consider the implications of any change in policy emerging from the Executive’s review along with the findings of the court in relation to the ongoing Judicial Review.

Development at Camperdown Garden Village, Comber

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to give an update on the proposals for development at Camperdown Garden Village, Comber. (AQW 616/07) Mrs Foster: A planning application (X/2000/0001/O) for a new village including a mixed-use centre, business park and housing on 123.4 hectare of land to the east of Belfast Road, Comber between Ballyrainey Road junction, 372 Comber Road, Belfast, Fairview 52 Greengraves Road, Dundonald and The Old House 77 Ballyrainey Road, Comber was received on 23 December 1999. The application was considered as a major planning application under Article 31. The applicants (Frazer Houses [NI] Ltd) in their submission refer to the application as Camperdown Garden Village. I can confirm that the application was withdrawn by the applicants on 4 May 2002. The Department is not aware of any subsequent contact or discussion in relation to this proposal.

Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the steps she is taking to ensure the conservation and preservation of Carnmoney Hill, Newtownabbey. (AQW 623/07) Mrs Foster: I am aware of the conservation importance of Carnmoney Hill particularly for its landscape, amenity and biodiversity value. In 2000, as part of the Northern Ireland Landscape Character Assessment, my Department’s Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) identified it as a unique landform and as an area of scenic quality.

Designation COU 1 of BMAP proposes extending the Metropolitan Area Green Belt to include Carnmoney Hill. Within the Green Belt, landscapes which are particularly sensitive because of their quality, or which need particular protection because of their location and the pressures for development on them, are afforded special protection by additional designations in the Plan. One such form of protection is the Area of High Scenic Value (AoHSV) designation.

BMAP designated Carnmoney Hill as an AoHSV. Policy COU 7 of the draft Plan proposes that planning permission will not be granted to development proposals that would adversely affect the quality, character and features of interest in designated AoHSVs. Proposals for mineral working would not be acceptable. All proposals must be accompanied by a Landscape Analysis to indicate the likely effects of the proposal on the landscape.

A significant part of the Carnmoney Hill is also designated as a Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance. Policy ENV2 protects such sites on the basis of their flora, fauna or earth science interest. Planning permission will not be granted for development that would be liable to have an adverse effect on nature conservation interests in such sites.

The proposals in the draft Plan seek to conserve the natural environment, protect the City’s natural setting and keep the slopes free from urban development.

EHS has provided grant aid to the Woodland Trust to produce a Biodiversity Management Plan for Carnmoney Hill and also for the creation of safe public access routes within the area.

Carnmoney Hill was also designated as a Local Nature Reserve by Newtownabbey Borough Council in 2006. EHS continues to support this initiative through the provision of grant-aid to two of the partnership bodies that are involved in the management of the site: the Woodland Trust and the Belfast Hills Partnership.

Water Pollution

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to outline, for each of the last three years, (a) the number of incidents of water course pollution investigated by the Environment and Heritage Service in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area; and (b) the number of cases brought to the Director of Public Prosecutions. (AQW 624/07) Mrs Foster: The data presented in tables below detail the numbers of pollution incidents investigated by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area. The incidents have been classified by Severity (the environmental impact of the pollution).

	Severity
Year	Low	Medium	High	Total No of Incidents
2004	43	9	0	52
2005	49	6	0	55
2006	43	8	3	54

The data presented in the table below detail the enforcement action taken by EHS with respect to water pollution offences in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

Year	To DPP	Absolute Discharge	Fine	Dismissal	Pending	Warning Letters
2004	2	1	0	1	0	2
2005	0	0	0	0	0	7
2006	1*	0	0	0	1	8

*To Public Prosecution Service EHS also undertakes Pollution Prevention Risk Assessments. The aim is to identify sites which have the potential to adversely affect water quality and, through education or enforcement, reduce the risk of these sites causing pollution. The data presented in the table below detail enforcement action in respect of these visits in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

	2005	2006	2007
Pollution Prevention visits	6	5	11
Water (NI) Order 1999 Notices	0	0	5

The Water (NI) Order 1999 gives EHS the power to issue legally binding Notices; which can be used where an offender is required to take prompt action to stop pollution or to remedy its effects, or to remedy a serious risk of pollution.

Water Course Pollution

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to outline, for each of the last three years, (a) the number of incidents of water course pollution investigated by the Environment and Heritage Service in the Antrim Borough Council area; and (b) the number of cases brought to the Director of Public Prosecutions. (AQW 625/07) Mrs Foster: The data presented in tables below detail the numbers of pollution incidents investigated by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) in the Antrim Borough Council area. The incidents have been classified by Severity (the environmental impact of the pollution).

	Severity
Year	Low	Medium	High	Total No of Incidents
2004	25	10	2	37
2005	33	4	0	37
2006	31	7	0	38

The data presented in the table below detail the enforcement action taken by EHS with respect to water pollution offences in the Antrim Borough Council area.

Year	To DPP	Absolute Discharge	Fine	Dismissal	Pending	Withdrawn	Sentence	Warning Letters
2004	3	0	2	0	0	0	1	7
2005	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4
2006	1*	0	0	0	1	0	0	8

*To Public Prosecution Service EHS also undertakes Pollution Prevention Risk Assessments. The aim is to identify sites which have the potential to adversely affect water quality and, through education or enforcement, reduce the risk of these sites causing pollution. The data presented in the table below detail enforcement action in respect of these visits in the Antrim Borough Council area.

	2005	2006	2007
Pollution Prevention visits	8	3	6
Water (NI) Order 1999 Notices	0	0	4

The Water (NI) Order 1999 gives EHS the power to issue legally binding Notices; which can be used where an offender is required to take prompt action to stop pollution or to remedy its effects, or to remedy a serious risk of pollution.

Waste Management Centre, Dungiven

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of objections that have been received to the planning application for a proposed industrial development to provide a waste management and recycling centre at Upper Dernalflaw, Dernalflaw Road, Dungiven. (AQW 645/07) Mrs Foster: The application was received in May 2007 and as at 19 June, some 112 objections have been received.

Impact of Penalty Points

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give her assessment of the success of the penalty point system in relation to reducing the speed of traffic, in order to prevent accidents and fatalities. (AQW 652/07)

Mrs Foster: There is no Northern Ireland research demonstrating a direct link between penalty points and reductions in traffic speed, collisions and fatalities. There are many factors that impact on safety on our roads and it is very difficult to attribute reductions in collisions or fatalities to any one single measure.

It is my view that penalty points are useful as part of a package of measures to reduce speeding.

Research to assess the impact of penalty points which were introduced in October 1997 showed that 70% of drivers reported a change in their driving behaviour with 34% indicating that they had slowed down and 46% driving more carefully as a result.

Illegal Dumping at Bonfire Sites

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made in preventing illegal dumping and fly-tipping at bonfire sites in the East Antrim area. (AQW 653/07) Mrs Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service has targeted the disposal of waste tyres on bonfires and continues to work towards reducing the number of tyres disposed of illegally. This has been achieved by auditing producers of waste tyres, and by enforcing waste legislation where evidence is obtained of illegal dumping from commercial premises. Some tyre dealers in the East Antrim area have been visited. Powers in relation to removing waste fly-tipped on bonfire sites lie with District Councils.

Governance Arrangements for Councils

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of the Environment if she will implement legislation immediately that makes it binding on local councils to share power with all political parties, on the basis of proportionality, in time for local council annual general meetings in 2008. (AQW 687/07) Mrs Foster: The development of governance arrangements for local councils will be informed by the review that I will be leading with Ministerial colleagues of the RPA decisions of the previous administration as they related to local government.

Drainage of Reservoir, Carrickfergus

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to give her assessment of the drainage of water of the reservoir at Raw Brae Road, Carrickfergus, and the potential impact on wildlife. (AQW 695/07) Mrs Foster: EHS has no historic information on the wildlife present at this location. It is believed that the impact on wildlife will have been minimal. Rivers regularly experience flood events and their wildlife usually recovers quickly. I am advised that DARD Rivers Agency has no statutory remit in the control of water in reservoirs or the potential impact on wildlife. Rivers Agency is aware of incidents when large quantities of water were discharged to the designated Slaughtersford-Water river from this small reservoir. However, it does not consider that these incidents have caused any lasting damage to the drainage function of the watercourse.

Water Framework Directive

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what is her assessment of the proposal to maximise public participation in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive; and to detail her plans to ensure full public participation in water management issues. (AQW 719/07) Mrs Foster: I received these proposals from the Freshwater Task Force and welcome the interest shown by it in Water Framework Directive implementation matters. The proposals are currently under consideration and will be responded to in due course. I am also aware that the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the Republic of Ireland is also considering the same proposal. My Department is committed to encouraging the active involvement of all interested parties in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Regular meetings take place of the WFD Stakeholder Forum, which includes representatives of a broad range of non governmental organisations; local-level Catchment Stakeholder Groups are being established, reports on important issues affecting our water environment are published and public consultation takes place on policy and legislation designed to protect and enhance our environment. The recent publication for public comment of the reports on Significant Water Management Issues is likely to serve as a catalyst for further active involvement by the public in WFD issues.

Eelgrass at Island Hill

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to explain the enhanced growth of eelgrass at Islandhill, near Comber, in the last year. (AQW 763/07) Mrs Foster: I am not aware of any enhanced growth of eelgrass at Island Hill. Environment and Heritage Service will conduct a condition assessment of all of Northern Ireland eelgrass beds in 2009 as part of its 6 yearly monitoring of Natura 2000 sites, of which this part of Strangford Lough is one. This will enable us to determine how far the Island Hill site has recovered utilising 2003 baseline data.

Motorcycle Track at Nutts Corner

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of the Environment what action she will take, with respect to the motorcycle track at Nutts Corner Road, that has recently been developed without planning permission. (AQW 806/07) Mrs Foster: This motor-cycle track is currently under investigation as a breach of planning control. The owners of the land have been identified and have been asked to rectify the breach of planning control. It could compromise any potential action through the Courts to provide further detailed information on the particular stage in the enforcement process which this case has reached.

Protection of Wild Birds

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment what measures she will introduce to stop trees being cut down during the nesting season, if there is the possibility that birds are nesting. (AQW 815/07) Mrs Foster: The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 already gives full legal protection to all wild birds and also protects them by making it an offence to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst that nest is in use or being built. The Wildlife Order is currently being reviewed and the effectiveness of the protection afforded to wild birds during the nesting season will be considered as part of this Review.

Pollution Caused by Burning Tyres

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to outline any information regarding the pollution caused by the burning of tyres; and if she has any plans to prevent tyres being burnt in public. (AQW 824/07)

0. Mrs Foster: Waste tyres are extremely combustible and produce thick clouds of sulphurous black smoke. This smoke results in high levels of particulate pollution and may contain up to fifty toxic components. Due to the poor combustion conditions when tyres are burnt in the open air, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins are also produced.

The Environment and Heritage Service has targeted the disposal of waste tyres on bonfires and continues to work towards reducing the number of tyres disposed of illegally, through auditing producers of waste tyres, and by enforcing waste legislation where evidence is obtained of illegal dumping from commercial premises. The Environment and Heritage Service does not have the powers to remove waste from bonfire sites. This falls within the remit of the District Councils, who are also responsible for the control of smoke emissions.

Environmental Protection Agency

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her response to the recent review calling for the setting up of an independent Environmental Protection Agency. (AQW 842/07) Mrs Foster: The independent Review of Environmental Governance was commissioned under Direct Rule. Its recommendations touch on the responsibilities of a range of Executive Ministers and other authorities. I will carefully consider my approach to environmental governance and make proposals to the Executive Committee. In so doing, I will take full account of the Review’s recommendations and of resource considerations. I will discuss the way forward with my Ministerial colleagues, the Environment Committee and other stakeholders. It is important to ensure that the right decisions are made and this will take some time. At present I remain open minded about proposals for an independent Environment Protection Agency.

Arthritis Treatment Centre

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of the Environment, further to her reply to AQW 655/07, to detail her position on the proposed amendment to the previously approved building, to include the arthritis treatment centre which will be the direct use of the renewable heat produced by the previously approved Biomass (CHP) system. (AQW 868/07) Mrs Foster: A refusal notice outlining the specific reasons for refusal was issued from the Ballymena Divisional Planning Office on 25^th May 2007. The Department does not deem the proposed use, even within the approved Biomass building, to be a use acceptable in the rural area. The sustainable aspects of the proposal have not been regarded as outweighing the other strict planning policies which exist to protect the countryside from unacceptable development or inappropriate use. The applicant does, of course, have the opportunity to appeal the decision with the Planning Appeals Commission within 6 months of the date of the refusal notice.

Illegal Dumping of Waste

Mr Tommy Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment if she is satisfied with the current arrangements for the remediation and removal of hazardous waste, arising from the illegal dumping of waste originating in the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 74/07)

Mrs Foster: Waste illegally dumped in Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland is mainly from households. It is not legally defined as ‘hazardous’ but nevertheless presents a high risk of pollution of the environment and a risk to human health.

There is already good co-operation between the authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. My officials are currently exploring with their counterparts the available mechanisms for the removal of this illegally deposited waste.

Road Traffic Laws

Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to outline progress in harmonising road traffic laws and penalties between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 187/07) Mrs Foster: While there is no specific programme of harmonisation of traffic laws and penalties between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the framework of road traffic and transport regulation in both jurisdictions is defined very largely by EC directives, and my Department is responsible for transposing these into domestic law. Work is ongoing to introduce mutual recognition of driving disqualifications, and a study on further opportunities for cooperation has been commissioned.

Marine Act

Mr Billy Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment what co-operation has taken place, and will take place in the future, between her department, Westminster departments and the other devolved governments in preparation for a Marine Act. (AQO 189/07) Mrs Foster: My officials have been working closely with other UK administrations in the development of the proposals for a Marine Bill and their possible application to Northern Ireland. I also had a meeting in London on 18 June with the Defra Secretary of State and Ministers from the other devolved administrations to discuss a wide range of issues including marine management.

Planning Service

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications submitted to the Planning Service in February and March 2006; and to detail the number of these applications which were not validated until 16 March 2006 or later. (AQO 161/07) Mrs Foster: 2,922 applications were received by the Planning Service during February 2006 and 4,279 during March. 1,393 applications were validated after 16 March 2006. Of these, 380 were received by the Planning Service on or before 16 March.

Identity Checks for Driving Tests

Mr Danny Kennedy asked the Minister of the Environment to outline what identity checks are in place for learner drivers sitting the driving theory and practical tests. (AQO 141/07) Mrs Foster: At check-in for the theory test, candidates are required to provide a photocard driving licence. If a candidate does not have or cannot produce their photocard driving licence, he or she MUST present both the licence paper counterpart AND one of the approved forms of photographic identification as follows: Passport, Employers Identity Card, Trade Union Card, Cheque Guarantee Card or Credit Card (containing a photograph); or A photograph signed by an approved person. The original documents must be presented as photocopies and faxes are not accepted. Driving licences are examined to establish authenticity and establish the identity of the candidate. The candidate’s signature is captured electronically and compared with the signature on their licence or approved form of identification. A candidate who does not provide the appropriate identification cannot sit the test. Practical Driving Test At the commencement of the practical driving test appointment, the candidate is asked to sign an insurance declaration. DVA’s driving examiner then examines the candidate’s driving licence and compares the signature on the licence with the signature on the declaration. If a licence is defaced or altered the test will not proceed. If a candidate does not have or cannot produce their photocard driving licence, other forms of acceptable identification are the same as I have outlined for the theory test. With all forms of acceptable ID the candidate must be clearly recognisable from the photograph presented. The original documents must be presented as photocopies and faxes are not accepted.

Processing Planning Applications of Economic Significance

Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment what assistance is in place to help businesses and foreign direct investors to speed up planning applications. (AQO 191/07) Mrs Foster: Over the last 4 years my Department has been engaged in a comprehensive reform and modernisation programme which has looked at all aspects of the planning system. This includes aligning structures within the Planning Service to improve delivery, working with consultees on improving performance, reforming planning legislation and developing new IT systems to support the process. One of the outcomes of this programme of reform and modernisation has been the creation within Planning Service of a new division to focus specifically on planning applications which are of social or economic significance to Northern Ireland. A further outcome has been the introduction of a protocol for dealing with such applications – a protocol which focuses on front-loading the planning process with constructive pre-application discussions and pro-active management of applications through the planning system. This protocol is already paying dividends, as experience with the Coca Cola and IKEA planning applications has demonstrated. All of these arrangements are of course a necessary but not quite a sufficient requirement for speeding up the processing of major planning applications. It is important to emphasise that an application can only pass through the planning process as quickly as the quality of the application and its supporting information will allow. To this end, there is clear onus on the applicant to ensure that any application is well prepared and that it is accompanied from the outset by all of the information that is necessary to determine it.

Advanced Driving Courses

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of the Environment if she is satisfied with the provision of advanced driving courses for those who have just passed their test. (AQO 175/07) Mrs Foster: The provision of advanced driver training throughout the UK is currently under review, along with all aspects of driver training and testing. Whilst there is currently no legislative requirement for advanced training in Northern Ireland, private initiatives such as the advanced driving tests conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists and ROSPA are available here. In addition a privately operated scheme known as Roadwise is available to encourage drivers to take advanced training. I have announced my intention to initiate a review of road safety and this is an issue I will wish to consider.

Open Cast Mining in Glenarm

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on the suitability of proposed sites for open cast mining in Glenarm, and other areas of the glens of Antrim which rely heavily on tourism. (AQO 154/07) Mrs Foster: In relation to minerals developments my Department applies the relevant policies contained in the Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland. In considering the suitability of sites within areas such as the Glens of Antrim Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Policy MIN 1 Environmental Protection and Policy MIN 2 Visual Implications are of particular relevance. The policies for mineral developments not only recognise that that it is a fact of geology that scenic areas such as AONBs contain workable reserves but also that mineral workings can have significant environmental impacts. My Department will therefore balance the case for a particular mineral working proposal against the need to protect and conserve the environment, taking account of all relevant environmental, economic and other considerations, including statutory designations and advice from other Departments, including DETI which has responsibility for the promotion of tourism. It should also be noted that minerals proposals, particularly those in sensitive locations will be subject to the Environmental Assessment Regulations.

Road Safety

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the nature of co-operation with the Minister for Regional Development on the issue of road safety. (AQO 169/07) Mrs Foster: My Department works closely with DRD and the PSNI to coordinate delivery of the road safety strategy, ensuring cohesive and complementary road safety education, enforcement and engineering activities. This partnership is working well and is making a significant contribution to casualty reduction. However, there is much more that we can do, and I have instructed officials to instigate a full review of the road safety strategy. I am meeting with the DRD Minister and the PSNI early next month to decide how the review should be taken forward.

Environmental Stewardship in Schools

Mr John McCallister asked the Minister of the Environment what measures she intends to put in place to ensure co-operation between herself and the Minister of Education in promoting responsible environmental stewardship in schools. (AQO 181/07) Mrs Foster: My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service, already promotes environmental stewardship in schools. Since 2002, the Environment and Heritage Service has delivered curriculum-based environmental education programmes to 5,300 school groups, comprising some 78,000 children at our various sites. EHS has contributed significantly to the revised Curriculum for Primary Schools, to be implemented from September 2007, which has the development of a young person as a contributor to the economy and the environment, as one of its three key objectives. EHS also works in partnership with many voluntary groups to deliver environmental education. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has been very active in this area; and I had the pleasure, only last week of seeing an outstanding presentation from a number of schools as part of the RSPB initiative. The Environmental Education Forum which includes officials from both my Department and the Department of Education, promotes environmental education. Last year, the Forum provided training for 650 trainee teachers in education for sustainable development. In addition, it is intended that 25% of our schools will achieve Eco-schools accreditation by 2009. This target was included in the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy, published last year.

Areas of Village or Townscape Character

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what proposals exist to ensure that all departments take account of Areas of Village or Townscape Character status, when carrying out public works. (AQO 166/07) Mrs Foster: Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS 6) - Planning Archaeology and the Built Heritage and its subsequent Addendum sets out my Departments policies for Areas of Townscape/Village Character. These policies together with the provisions of the development plan are material considerations in the determination of individual planning applications and appeals for proposed development, including public works, within an ATC/AVC. In processing planning applications within ATC/AVCs the key consideration for the Department will be to ensure that development proposals respect the appearance and qualities of each townscape area and maintain or enhance their distinctive character. My Department has no additional proposals in relation to Areas of Townscape/Village Character.

Plastic Bag Levy

Mr Willie Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what evaluation she has made of the impact of the plastic bag levy in the Republic of Ireland; and if she has had any discussions on this matter with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland. (AQO 152/07) Mrs Foster: I have not made any evaluation of the impact of the plastic bag levy in the Republic of Ireland although I am aware that, with effect from 1 July this year, the levy will increase from 15 cents to 22 cents per bag in an attempt to counteract a gradual increase in the use of bags over recent years. I have not had any discussions on this matter with my Republic of Ireland counterpart.

National Parks

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of the Environment if she intends to expand the number of National Parks in Northern Ireland. (AQO 142/07) Mrs Foster: There are currently no National Parks in Northern Ireland. I will consider the issue of National Parks very carefully before making any decisions.

Finance and Personnel

Staffing Levels at Rates Offices

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide details of staffing levels and case load at Rates Offices and to make a statement on performance pressures. (AQW 758/07) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): Housing Benefit applications are handled only in the Land & Property Services Agency’s Housing Benefit central unit based in Londonderry House, Belfast. At 1 April 2006 there were 36 staff employed in the central unit and by 31 March 2007 there were 60 staff in post. In the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 some 19,000 new applications for Housing Benefit were received, resulting in a total of some 52,000 owner occupiers entitled to Housing Benefit. The Agency has experienced performance pressures as a result of ongoing work necessary to implement a new IT system to handle rate collection together with Housing Benefit and rate relief, which has led to delays in issuing refunds of Housing Benefit. The Agency, in cooperation with its IT supplier, is working hard to resolve all outstanding difficulties and clear backlogs of benefit assessments and subsequent refunds.

Rate Rebate Applications

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide details of the number of outstanding rate rebate applications (a) per District Council area and/or constituency; and (b) per Rates Office; and if he will indicate the numbers of such cases which have taken longer than six months to process. (AQW 759/07) Mr Robinson: Applications for assistance with payment of rates are processed through the Housing Benefit scheme and are handled centrally in the Land and Property Services Housing Benefit central unit based in Londonderry House, Belfast. The number of outstanding Housing Benefit cases on a District Council basis, including those outstanding longer than six months, is set out in the table attached.

Council Area	Number Outstanding	6 Months plus
Antrim	130	10
Ards	224	13
Armagh	180	14
Ballymena	149	5
Ballymoney	68	7
Banbridge	111	7
Belfast	801	54
Carrickfergus	93	4
Castlereagh	163	19
Coleraine	154	15
Cookstown	97	6
Craigavon	189	18
Derry	306	19
Down	166	15
Dungannon	183	17
Fermanagh	167	13
Larne	101	6
Limavady	99	10
Lisburn	244	12
Magherafelt	149	8
Moyle	42	4
Newry & Mourne	341	28
Newtownabbey	197	14
North Down	146	13
Omagh	157	8
Strabane	129	9
TOTAL	4786	348

Heating in Stormont Estate

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the progress made in the installation of a Combined Heat and Power based heating system to heat buildings in Stormont Estate. (AQW 862/07) Mr Robinson: This project originated in late 2003 but did not proceed, pending development of Workplace 2010. A review of the proposal in February 2006, when the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund was launched, concluded that Combined Heat and Power was no longer viable due to changes in fuel prices. As an alternative, this review also identified opportunities for stand-alone biomass units around Stormont Estate and adjacent buildings, some of which are now being developed.

Revaluation of Non-Domestic Property

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel when he plans to carry out a re-evaluation of non-domestic property in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1168/07) Mr Robinson: The next revaluation will take effect in 2010. However, business ratepayers should be aware that this measure is not a reform of the system. There will be no change to the basis of valuation and the exercise will be revenue neutral.

EU Funding Compensation

Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he is seeking European Union funding, under EQUAL 2007-2013, to provide compensation to those unsuccessful in the recruitment competition for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as a result of the 50/50 recruitment policy. (AQO 133/07) Mr Robinson: There is no EU EQUAL Community Initiative Programme for 2007-13.

Meetings with other Finance Ministers

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to meet his Ministerial colleagues with responsibility for finance in other parts of the United Kingdom. (AQO 148/07) Mr Robinson: I recognise that it is beneficial to meet with Ministerial colleagues from other parts of the UK, as there are various issues of common interest and concern. In this context, I met with the UK Euro Ministers on the 6^th of June regarding the UK and its policy on the Euro. On the 9^th of July I will attend a meeting of Finance Ministers from the three devolved administrations with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. These meetings provide a regular forum discussion and consideration of issues of common concern. I am also planning to meet bilaterally with the Scottish Minister in the near future.

Financial Subvention to Northern Ireland

Mr Seán Neeson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to report on the scale of the current financial subvention to Northern Ireland from the UK Treasury. (AQO 170/07) Mr Robinson: Unfortunately because of the time-lags involved in obtaining data from HM Treasury, the most recent calculation of a subvention or fiscal deficit is for the 2003-04 financial year. This figure stood at £7 billion – the shortfall between total public expenditure attributed to Northern Ireland and revenue collected. However a consideration of the growth in public expenditure since 2003-04 would suggest that the fiscal deficit has increased to £8 billion by 2006-07

Sale of Land for Social Housing

Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will review arrangements for selling land, so that the proceeds of land sold by the Department for Social Development can be used for social housing. (AQO 193/07)

Mr Robinson: The proceeds from the disposal of assets, including land, by any department remain in NI for use on public services here. It is important that decisions on such reinvestment are taken collectively by the Executive, in the context of strategic priorities and available resources.

Civil Service Recruitment

Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide a breakdown of recruitment to the Civil Service, by religion and gender, for each of the Northern Ireland government departments, for each of the last five years. (AQO 153/07) Mr Robinson: I am placing in the Library a table providing the information requested. The figures include all permanent, temporary, non-industrial and industrial appointments. The breakdown by gender shows that more females than males have been appointed over the period. In terms of community background, fewer Protestants than Roman Catholics have been appointed over the last five years.

Regional Economic Strategy

Mr David Ford asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give an update on the development of the Regional Economic Strategy. (AQO 179/07) Mr Robinson: The formal consultation period on the draft Regional Economic Strategy concluded on 19 April 2007. There were 23 responses in total. Key issues flagged up included the need for local fiscal measures, a greater role for local government and the importance of dispersing economic activity beyond the greater Belfast area. The Strategy redrafting will now await the outcome of the Varney Review.

Additional Funding for Northern Ireland

Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will provide details of additional funding being received by Northern Ireland, over the next four years, as part of the political settlement. (AQO 143/07) Mr Robinson: Discussions on the content of the financial package are ongoing, and thus at this stage it is not possible to be specific as regards the final outcome. The latest position on offer from the Chancellor was set out in his Written Statement to the House of Commons on 8 May 2007. I have placed a copy of this in the Library.

Public Sector Share of GDP

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to comment on the public sector share of Northern Ireland's Gross Domestic Product. (AQO 176/07) Mr Robinson: Public sector spend in the local economy is estimated to be equivalent to 71 per cent of regional GDP in 2005-06 – higher than the UK average of 43 per cent However, it is important to note that the local public sector is not overly large when assessed as a proportion of the local population. It is the relatively small private sector that gives rise to the perception of a highly dominant public sector.

Decentralisation of Public Sector Jobs

Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to decentralise public sector jobs to areas west of the river Bann. (AQO 150/07) Mr Robinson: The consultation on ‘The Guiding Principles for the Location of Public Sector Jobs in Northern Ireland’ which closed on 30 April 2007 is the first step in developing a framework which would facilitate future decision-making on the location of public sector jobs. The analysis and summary of the consultation responses has now been completed and the next stage will be to discuss the matter further with the Executive Committee.

Take-Up of Rate Reliefs

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what are his plans to bring forward proposals to increase the take-up of existing rate reliefs. (AQO 147/07) Mr Robinson: I am very keen to make sure that all those entitled to get assistance with paying their rate bills are made aware of the help that is available through the various relief schemes and that they are encouraged and helped to make application. Work is already underway to encourage and increase the take-up of reliefs through a targeted public information campaign and continuation of the existing take-up strategy for Housing Benefit. To this end, Land & Property Services are working in partnership with a range of organisations including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Social Security Agency, the Department of Social Development and the voluntary and advisory sector. While it is too early at this stage to give a substantive report on take-up for 2007/2008 so far, this is being carefully monitored and will be reviewed as soon as possible to identify if, and where, additional steps may be needed.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to ensure that the content and conclusions of the OFMDFM report 'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy' are taken into account within the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review. (AQO 167/07) Mr Robinson: The Executive’s spending priorities and associated financial allocations for the period covered by the 2007 Comprehensive Review, 2008-09 to 2010-11, will be determined through the development of a draft Programme for Government and Budget which is due to be published in September for consultation. In terms of A Shared Future, OFMDFM commissioned research into the ‘Financial Cost of the Divide’ in April 2006. This is a very comprehensive and complex piece of research that the Executive will wish to take time to consider.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Health Centre, Sion Mills

Mr Allan Bresland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he will take to provide a fully resourced health care centre in Sion Mills, County Tyrone. (AQW 595/07) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): There are no plans to develop a Health and Care Centre in Sion Mills. There have been no proposals put to my Department to suggest this facility is required, or has a priority need.

Medical Cards

Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps, if any, have been taken to rationalise medical cards, so that those living in border counties can access the nearest available health facility. (AQW 607/07) Mr McGimpsey: There are currently no plans to rationalise medical cards; however, it remains a high priority for my Department to ensure that health facilities are accessible for all NI residents, including those living in border counties.

Funding for Health Care Assistants

Mrs Mary Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety when funding will be made available to allow health care assistants to be put in place for the new academic year, so that children with special needs can be admitted to schools. (AQW 610/07)

Mr McGimpsey: Funding has already been made available for the academic years 2006 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008 across all four Board areas to enable health care assistants to be put in place to support school children who have special needs.

Radiotherapists

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of radiotherapists per head of population, and (b) how this compares with the figure in each of the last three years. (AQW 680/07) Mr McGimpsey: The number of Radiotherapists (Clinical Oncologists) per head of population employed within the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Services as at March 2007 and in each of the previous 3 years is shown below.

	Radiotherapists per 100,000 Population
	Headcount	WTE
March 2007	1.51	1.51
March 2006	1.51	1.51
March 2005	1.40	1.39
March 2004	1.29	1.28

Source: Radiotherapists (Clinical Oncologists) Numbers – Belfast Health & Social Care Trust Population Figures – Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Civilian Population Mid-Year Estimate (MYE) Notes: WTE = Whole-Time Equivalent. Figures refer to Radiotherapists (Clinical Oncologists) employed at Consultant and Specialist Registrar Grades. The latest Civilian Population MYE figures are for 2005. These figures have therefore necessarily been used for 2006 and 2007. 2004 MYE figures have been used to determine the 2004 ratio.

Nurses Pay

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will explain the rationale for the upgrade from one nurses' pay scale to the next, in terms of experience and training, with reference to the Agenda for Change programme. (AQW 707/07) Mr McGimpsey: Under the Agenda for Change arrangements there is no automatic upgrade to a higher pay band for any staff group. However, nurses who have acquired the necessary qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience are eligible to apply for a job in a higher pay band whenever vacancies arise.

Ambulance Service Provision

Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the current levels of ambulance service provision, in terms of staffing, resources and cover, at the Strabane town and Castlederg facilities; and to outline whether this level of provision will be developed or contracted in the short, medium or long term. (AQW 711/07) Mr McGimpsey: The current level of ambulance service provision in terms of staff, resources and cover, for Strabane and Castlederg ambulance stations is as follows:

	STRABANE	CASTLEDERG
Staffing level	1 x Paramedic Supervisor 5 x Paramedics 4 x Emergency Medical Technicians	1 x Paramedic Supervisor 3 x Paramedics 4 x Emergency Medical Technicians
Resources	2 x A&E vehicles 1 x PCS vehicle	2 x A&E vehicles 1 x PCS vehicle
Cover	Mon – Sun: 24/7 1 x A & E crew	Mon – Sat: 0800 – 1700hrs 1 x A&E crew Mon – Sun: 2300 – 0800hrs 1 x A&E crew Cover is provided by Strabane/Omagh: Mon – Sat: 1700 – 2300hrs Sun: 0800 – 2300hrs

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) currently has no plans to alter the level of service provision in the Strabane and Castlederg areas. However, NIAS is constantly reviewing its service provision to ensure that adequate resources are in place to deal with emergency demand.

Fire Cover in Northern Ireland

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made of fire cover in Northern Ireland; and to detail any areas that would warrant further assessment, on the basis of economic growth and population movement. (AQW 720/07) Mr McGimpsey: In line with developments throughout the UK, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has reviewed the operational effectiveness of its service delivery since 2003 to take account of the changing demands of Northern Ireland’s public and business communities. This process has resulted in the development of: an annual review and update of its Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP); a 2007/08 IRMP Action Plan, which includes a review of fire station locations and resources in Belfast on the basis of social demographics and economic growth; and a Risk Assessment System which reflects nationally agreed standards. NIFRS also works closely with other agencies such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and the Valuation and Lands Agency to ensure that the data used is up to date and accurately reflects the demographics and building risks across Northern Ireland.

Malicious Calls to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of false alarm call outs to the Fire Service in the South Antrim constituency, for each of the last five years. (AQW 721/07) Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) does not collect operational data on a Westminster Constituency basis. However, the following figures have been collated from data provided by NIFRS stations in the South Antrim area.

Calendar Year	No of Malicious/False Alarms Calls
2002	263
2003	232
2004	243
2005	170
2006	140

Fire Related Casualties / Fatalities

Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, for each of the last five years, the number of (a) fire related deaths; and (b) non-fatal fire related casualties, recorded in the South Antrim constituency. (AQW 724/07) Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) does not collect operational data on a Westminster Constituency basis. However, the following figures have been collated from data provided by NIFRS stations in the South Antrim area. Accidental Dwelling Fires (Fatalities & Casualties) in South Antrim (2002 to 2006)

Year	Casualty	Fatality
2002	17	1
2003	15	-
2004	13	1
2005	22	-
2006	19	1
Total	86	3

Enniskillen and Omagh Hospital Projects

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will explain the reasons why the Sperrin Lakeland Trust and the Western Health and Social Care Trust have denied UNISON access to documentation (under Treasury rights) on the outline business case for the Enniskillen and Omagh Hospital projects; and why the Trust refuses to respond to UNISON's request for an equality impact assessment of these two projects. (AQW 737/07) Mr McGimpsey: The Outline Business Cases for both the South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Local Hospital Complex have been made available by the Western Health and Care Trust (and previously the Sperrin Lakeland Trust) to the public and trade unions, including Unison. In line with HM Treasury guidance only those sections which were judged commercially confidential, given the current procurement process underway, have not been made available. An Equality Impact Assessment (EQUIA) was completed by the Sperrin Lakeland Trust in 2005 and a further equality screening exercise was carried out by the Western Health and Care Trust in April 2007. As a result of this it was decided that a full EQIA should be conducted specifically on facilities management services at the Preferred Bidder stage in the procurement, when the details of facilities management arrangements proposed by the Preferred Bidder, and the effects on staff, will be known.

Omagh and Enniskillen Hospital

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that the deal to secure the building of the proposed new Omagh and Enniskillen Hospitals will include an undertaking from the successful private contractor to provide a guaranteed 25% reduction in whole-time equivalent posts. (AQW 738/07) Mr McGimpsey: A reduction in whole-time equivalent posts has NOT been stipulated as a tender requirement, either in the Outline Business Case or to the companies bidding to deliver the new facilities in the South West Acute and Omagh Local Hospital projects. Bidders are required only to put forward their detailed proposals for delivering the optimum facilities management services to meet NHS Standard Specifications. The Trust is assessing the best Value for Money from all bids, regardless of the labour complement within them. Bidder’s proposals are being shared with trade union representatives and will be subject to a rigorous value for money evaluation before any decision is reached regarding future service provision. Key to the evaluation will be the benefits for patients and choosing a service delivery method that provides the best support to deliver quality care.

Health Centre, Omagh

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are his plans to review, and potentially reverse, the decision by the Western Health and Social Services Board regarding the building of a new Health and Social Care Centre for Omagh; and if he will allow the new centre to be built in a central location, according to the wishes of local patients and health care professionals. (AQW 739/07) Mr McGimpsey: The inclusion of the Health and Care Centre in the Local Hospital Complex in Omagh is to provide core community services with the aim of achieving a more integrated service in terms of patients more easily accessing diagnostics, outpatients, and related services. After a detailed area search and analysis of site options, the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital location was selected as the most suitable. The decision was based on a robust appraisal of a range of options based on need and accessibility as part of the Outline Business case process, and involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. Following robust scrutiny of the Outline Business Case by my Department no evidence has been identified which would merit reconsideration of the decision on location for the new Health and Social Care Centre for Omagh.

Type 1 Diabetes

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people that have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in each of the past three years; and how many of those diagnosed have been under 18 years old. (AQW 742/07) Mr McGimpsey: Official estimates of the number of people who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes are not available. However, under the Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the General Medical Services contract, the total number of GP-registered patients aged 17 and over with diabetes mellitus is recorded. Table 1 shows the total number of people on the QOF diabetes register in the past three years.

	Number of patient on Diabetes Register (aged 17 and over)
As at 14 February 2005	51,541
As at 14 February 2006	54,950
As at 14 February 2007	56,924

Source: Payment Calculation and Analysis System (PCAS). In addition, a 2005 study¹ by Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory has made estimates of the expected number people with diabetes, that is, those diagnosed plus those undiagnosed. This study estimated that in Northern Ireland in 2005, the expected number of those aged 20 years and over with Type 1 diabetes was 4,776. The study also estimated that the expected number of the population aged 0-19 years with Type 1 diabetes, most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents, was 992. References: ¹ Making Diabetes Count: First Report of The Irish Diabetes Prevalence Working Group, Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO), Institute of Public Health in Ireland, April 2006. Available from www.publichealth.ie .

Leukaemia

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people that were diagnosed with leukaemia in each of the last three years. (AQW 743/07) Mr McGimpsey: The table below details the number of incidences of leukaemia (ICD-10 C91-C95) in Northern Ireland for the last three years available. Table 1: Incidence of leukaemia by year of diagnosis: 2002-2004

2002	2003	2004
178	122	145

This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.

Exemptions to Smoking Ban

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will outline the exemptions to the smoking ban in public places or places of work. (AQW 744/07) Mr McGimpsey: Smoke-free legislation applies to most enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces in Northern Ireland. Limited exemptions are available, primarily in premises which represent one person’s home, whether permanently or temporarily, and another’s workplace. The exemptions available include a designated bedroom in a hotel or guest house, and a designated room used as accommodation for persons aged 16 or over in a residential care home or nursing home. Prisons, young offenders’ centres and remand centres are also exempt but are covered by prison rules. The exemptions are set out in The Smoke-free (Exemptions, Vehicles, Penalties and Discounted Amounts) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, copies of which have been placed in the Assembly Library. The Health Promotion Agency’s “Space to Breathe” website www.spacetobreathe.org.uk contains helpful information about smoke-free legislation.

Type 2 Diabetes

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people that have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in each of the last three years; and how many of those diagnosed were under 18 years old. (AQW 745/07) Mr McGimpsey: Official estimates of the number of people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are not available. However, under the Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the General Medical Services contract, the total number of GP-registered patients aged 17 and over with diabetes mellitus is recorded. Table 1 shows the total number of people on the QOF diabetes register in the past three years.

	Number of patient on Diabetes Register (aged 17 and over)
As at 14 February 2005	51,541
As at 14 February 2006	54,950
As at 14 February 2007	56,924

Source: Payment Calculation and Analysis System (PCAS). In addition, a 2005 study ¹ by Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory has made estimates of the expected number people with diabetes, that is, those diagnosed plus those undiagnosed. This study estimated that in Northern Ireland in 2005, the expected number of those aged 20 years and over with Type 2 diabetes was 62,287. No estimates have been made of the expected number of the population aged 0-19 years with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in older people although it is becoming more common amongst younger people, partly due to lifestyle factors such as diet, lack of physical activity and obesity. References: ¹ Making Diabetes Count: First Report of The Irish Diabetes Prevalence Working Group, Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Population Health Observatory (INIsPHO), Institute of Public Health in Ireland, April 2006. Available from www.publichealth.ie .

Young Carers

Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what additional support he intends to put in place to support children who are acting as carers for their parents and/or guardians. (AQW 747/07) Mr McGimpsey: My Department has allocated an additional £400,000 per annum, from 2005/06, on a recurrent basis to Health and Social Services (HSS) Boards to be earmarked to provide flexible and responsive services for all carers. The HSS Boards have also submitted a proposal for an additional £0.5m from the Children and Young People funding package to bring consistency and uniformity in relation to assessments for, and services to, young carers through a new regional initiative. Additional allocations under the funding package will be considered by the Executive in due course in the context of its overall spending priorities.

Asylum Seekers and Illegal Immigrants

Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provisions are available through the National Health Service to protect the health of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants in Northern Ireland. (AQW 768/07) Mr McGimpsey: Immigration and Nationality is a reserved matter and therefore falls within the responsibility of the Home Office rather than my Department or the Northern Ireland Executive. The current position is that asylum-seekers are entitled to care under the health service while their application to remain in Northern Ireland is being processed. Should their application be unsuccessful then they would no longer be entitled to receive free health care. Any person who has overstayed their visa period or entered the country illegally is not entitled to free health care. There is, however, an exemption to this in relation to “emergency care” and any “immediately necessary care” to stop a condition becoming life-threatening. In addition, treatment for communicable diseases such as Tuberculosis can also be carried out free, because of their potential impact on public health.

Smoking Cessation Clinics

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, with reference to the smoking ban, the number of smoking cessation clinics available within the Ulster Community Hospitals Trust, in each of the last three years. (AQW 776/07) Mr McGimpsey: The number of clinics available within the former Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust in each of the last three years pre-dates the introduction of smoke-free legislation. The information requested is set out below. 2004/05: 20 clinics 2005/06: 22 clinics 2006/07: 49 clinics

Tuberculosis

Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps are being taken to screen all (a) staff; (b) visitors; (c) inpatients; and (d) outpatients, for the type of tuberculosis diagnosed in a member of staff at the Causeway Hospital, Coleraine. (AQW 791/07) Mr McGimpsey: Precautionary screening of all those who may have been in contact with the healthcare worker diagnosed as having Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis at Causeway Hospital is continuing to determine the likelihood that this infection has been transmitted to exposed individuals. This is in line with national guidelines. However current expert advice is that this is not an easy infection to catch. As part of this action, all patients and staff who may have been in contact with this healthcare worker have been contacted by telephone and/or letter. They have been advised of the risk and, if necessary, to make an appointment for screening. The Northern Trust is holding special clinics to facilitate testing. A helpline has been set up from Friday 8^th June for the immediate future from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week. This will enable those with concerns to speak to professionals, and where indicated to arrange appointments for screening. My Department is continuing to monitor the situation with the Northern Health and Social Services Board.

Testing for Tuberculosis like Symptoms

Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what funding will be made available for General Practitioners in the Causeway Hospital catchment area, to enable them to test anyone attending surgeries with tuberculosis-like symptoms. (AQW 792/07) Mr McGimpsey: Causeway Hospital is dealing with one case of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in a healthcare worker. This is not considered to be an outbreak and any additional costs arising from screening and testing of possible contacts will be met from within existing resources.

Tuberculosis Testing

Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will undertake to make additional funding available for tuberculosis testing, in light of the tuberculosis outbreak at Causeway Hospital. (AQW 793/07) Mr McGimpsey: Causeway Hospital is dealing with one case of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in a healthcare worker. This is not considered to be an outbreak and any additional costs arising from screening and testing of possible contacts will be met from within existing resources.

STARS Early Years Intervention Project

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if his department will provide funding to ensure that the pre-school service provided by the STARS early intervention project at Kilrea Health Centre is supported and safeguarded. (AQW 823/07) Mr McGimpsey: Stars early years intervention project will continue to be supported by the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety, through the Children’s Fund, until March 2008. Government spending plans after that date have yet to be agreed.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last three years; and to specify their age groups. (AQW 850/07) Mr McGimpsey: The table below details the number of incidences of breast cancer (ICD-10 C50) in females in Northern Ireland by age for the last three years available.

Table 1: Number of cases of female breast cancer by age group: 2002-2004

Age	Year of diagnosis
	2002	2003	2004
0 to 29	5	7	6
30 to 34	18	13	16
35 to 39	46	40	47
40 to 44	67	71	75
45 to 49	103	90	115
50 to 54	105	141	137
55 to 59	119	145	125
60 to 64	102	139	148
65 to 69	79	90	107
70 to 74	96	88	96
75 to 79	83	85	95
80 to 84	66	63	85
85 & over	56	63	65
Total	945	1,035	1,117

Notes: 1. Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a cancer diagnosed in Northern Ireland for a particular period. 2. There were 18 males diagnosed with breast cancer between 2002 and 2004. These are excluded from the above table for confidentiality reasons. This information was provided by the NI Cancer Registry and is the most up-to-date available.

Early Detection and Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the examinations and appointments that are available to those people with a family history of breast cancer, to enable early detection and diagnosis. (AQW 851/07) Mr McGimpsey: Patients with a family history of breast cancer, or a suspected family history, will have an initial assessment of the risk of their developing breast cancer undertaken in primary care prior to referral to appropriate breast care. Subsequent patient management reflects the assessed risk to the individual. Care may range from follow-up within the breast screening programme for those considered to be at no greater risk than the general population, an annual appointment at a specialist breast clinic for those considered to have an increased risk of breast cancer or, for those considered to be at high risk, testing for a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and annual review at a specialist breast clinic. Guidance on the referral of patients with suspected breast cancer or concerns about their family history has been issued to GPs and reflects best practice guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Availability of Dedicated Stroke Units

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many dedicated stroke units there are available in each of the health board areas, and what percentage of hospitals have on-site generic rehabilitation units which can be used for recovery. (AQW 852/07) Mr McGimpsey: Information on the number of dedicated stroke units available in each health board area, as of 1^st April 2007, is shown in the table below.

Health Board	Number of Dedicated Stroke Units Available
Eastern	6
Northern	0
Southern	3
Western	2
Northern Ireland	11

Source: Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Providers Of the 30 hospitals in Northern Ireland that provide services from the acute programme of care, 47% have on site generic rehabilitation units which can be used for recovery of stroke patients. This figure does not include the dedicated stroke units detailed above.

Support for Informal Carers

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what provision he is making to support carers, and in particular, to address the growing levels of care that is provided unpaid. (AQW 853/07) Mr McGimpsey: In recognition of the contribution made by informal carers, and taking into account future changes in demographics, my Department published a strategy for carers in January 2006, which aims to recognise, value and support the important role they play in our society. Carers are entitled to have their needs assessed and have access to a range of advice, training and practical support. In addition to the additional investment that has already been made, I shall be working to ensure that the needs of carers are reflected as a priority within the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Private Sector Involvement in the Provision of Public Health Service

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to cap private sector involvement in the provision of public health services, and to detail why no guarantees have been given to staff that there will be no compulsory redundancies. (AQW 854/07) Mr McGimpsey: There are no plans at present to cap the extent of private sector involvement. I consider that it is necessary and appropriate to make use of independent sector providers in some circumstances, for example as a short term measure to supplement local capacity to reduce waiting times for patients and the HSC system will continue to involve the private sector where that is in the public interest. It is not anticipated that contracts with the independent sector would lead to redundancies. On job reductions, I am currently considering the next steps that should be taken in respect of the HSC following the creation of the five new Trusts. There are no plans for compulsory redundancies, and every effort is and will be made by all HSC organisations to provide suitable alternative employment for those staff displaced through the reorganisation of services. However, I cannot at this stage rule out the possibility that compulsory redundancies may be needed. Further clarification will follow as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Agoraphobia

Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give an indication of the number of people who have been diagnosed with Agoraphobia in each of the Health and Social Services Board areas; and to outline what support services are provided for people with this condition. (AQW 856/07) Mr McGimpsey: Accurate figures are not available for the number of people suffering from Agoraphobia because they would normally be treated at primary care level. More severe cases may be referred to clinical psychologists or cognitive behavioural therapists. A diagnostic breakdown would only be made on admission to hospital. However, an admission to hospital, with Agoraphobia as a primary diagnosis, would be extremely rare.

Availability of National Health Dental Services

Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what emergency dental services are available to people not registered with a dentist under the National Health Service or private practices, particularly at weekends, and for those who cannot afford to pay. (AQW 857/07) Mr McGimpsey: General Dental Practitioners providing health service dentistry have a contractual obligation to ensure that a registered patient has access to urgent treatment outside of normal surgery hours. In addition, the Northern, Eastern and Southern Health and Social Services Boards run relief of pain clinics to provide out of hours emergency dental services for all patients at times when dental surgeries would not normally be open including weekends and public holidays. These services are available to the public whether they are registered with a Health Service dentist or not. In the Western Board area, all dental practices have answering machines which are activated when the practices are closed and these machines detail the arrangements for emergency care in their area. Many of the practices in the major towns participate in an emergency rota. Normally, dentists operating the rota do not discriminate between registered and unregistered patients. Normal Health Service charging arrangements apply for this service; however, those who are normally exempt from charges do not have to pay for treatment.

Withdrawal of Ear Nose and Throat Surgical Services from Omagh

Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what the reasoning was behind the withdrawal of children's ear, nose and throat surgical services from Omagh, given the lack of 24-hour paediatric cover in Tyrone County Hospital. (AQW 858/07) Mr McGimpsey: The recent NHS Clinical Governance Support Team’s review of services in the former Sperrin Lakeland Trust highlighted concerns about the level of paediatric cover at the Tyrone County Hospital (TCH). In implementing the recommendations from that review steps have been taken to ensure that if a child needs to remain in hospital overnight after an ENT procedure, as is often the case following a tonsillectomy, they should be admitted to a hospital that has appropriate paediatric cover. This ensures that if they develop a post-operative complication they are in a hospital that has the necessary facilities and trained staff to respond quickly and effectively. ENT services continue to be provided at TCH and this includes adult ENT cases, inpatient and daycase, as well children’s daycase procedures.

Future Plans for South Tyrone Hospital

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his future plans for the South Tyrone Hospital. (AQW 859/07) Mr McGimpsey: As set out in Developing Better Services, South Tyrone Hospital will play a key role as a local hospital, providing a broad range of services, including a minor injuries unit, high quality diagnostic services, day procedures, outpatient services, and intermediate care and rehabilitation beds. An Outline Business Case for the redevelopment of the South Tyrone Hospital site was received by the Department in March 2007. The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has been asked to review their proposals for the hospital with a view to establishing the requirements to maintain the existing services

Renal Dialysis Units

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (a) outline why patients in the Dungannon/South Tyrone area currently have to travel to Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, for dialysis treatment, (b) give his assessment of these arrangements, and (c) explain why this provision cannot be made available at South Tyrone Hospital. (AQW 860/07)

Mr McGimpsey: Renal Dialysis is provided in a number of units across Northern Ireland. These are, the regional unit in Belfast City Hospital, and local units in Tyrone County, Omagh; Daisy Hill, Newry; Antrim; Altnagelvin; and Ulster Hospitals. The Southern Health and Social Services Board commissions renal services for patients in the Dungannon/South Tyrone area. These patients are given the choice of accessing renal dialysis units in Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry and the Tyrone County hospital in Omagh.

Plans to increase dialysis capacity for the Northern Ireland population are based on the Renal Services Review 2002, which addresses estimated demand to 2010. Increased capacity is being facilitated by the provision of additional stations in existing units. Renal dialysis is a life-saving specialised treatment required by a relatively small number of patients, currently 666 patients across Northern Ireland. As a specialised service it cannot be provided at all hospital locations. The only new unit planned will be at the Causeway Hospital, although this will not be required for some years to come.

Junior Doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Erne Hospital

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to ensure that the required and appropriate number of junior doctors will be in place to provide sufficient cover for the maternity and obstetrics unit at the Erne Hospital post-August 2007. (AQW 861/07) Mr McGimpsey: Six junior doctors will take up speciality training posts in obstetrics and gynaecology in Erne Hospital on 1 August 2007. The number of junior doctors taking up post is in line with previous year’s arrangements and is considered to be sufficient to ensure the provision of maternity services.

Psychiatric Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital

Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to report on progress in relation to the building of the new psychiatric unit at the Craigavon Area Hospital, including an assessment of whether the expenditure is on target and within budget. (AQW 888/07) Mr McGimpsey: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is making excellent progress on the building of the new psychiatric unit, also known as the Crisis Resource Centre, at Craigavon Area Hospital. Construction work began in September 2006 and the Trust reports that the project is currently running two weeks ahead of schedule and is within budget. Work is on schedule to meet opening of the new facility planned for early in the Spring of 2008. .

Adoption and Fostering Placements

Mrs Dolores Kelly asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how many children and young people are currently awaiting (a) adoption (b) fostering placement, on a Trust by Trust basis, including age, gender and, how long each is waiting; what plans his department has to encourage more people to come forward to foster/adopt; and to indicate the waiting time for assessments of prospective parents by social services (AQW 890/07) Mr McGimpsey: The statistical information requested is not available centrally. In July 2006, my Department launched an adoption strategy which proposed a radical overhaul of adoption legislation and adoption services with a view to: ensuring that effective adoption support services are available for children and adoptive families throughout the process and after adoption;

building confidence in the adoption process by establishing an independent review mechanism for adoptive applicants who have had an unfavourable recommendation as to their suitability; and tackling delays in adoption. The Department is also consulting on ‘Care Matters in Northern Ireland’, a strategy also developed under the previous administration, that aims to further improve services for children in and on the edge of care and their carers through increased financial packages, greater assistance with educational and recreational needs, continued support for children up to 21 years of age, and increased parental responsibility for foster carers. Funding for the initiative is being considered as part of the CSR process. I will consider the implications of implementation of these new strategies in line with other pressures and commitments.

A Fostering Strategy, developed by four HSS Boards and Fostering Network, was commenced in June 2006. This was underpinned by additional funding of £4m in 2006/07 rising to £6m in 2007/08. £1.2m of this funding was used to increase foster care allowances in Northern Ireland in line with rates in Great Britain following a review carried out there. The strategy also involves the setting up of a regional service delivered by one provider from the statutory sector, responsible for the provision of:

a 24/7 telephone helpline for foster carers, staffed by experienced foster carers;

a regional recruitment/marketing service, which will work alongside Trusts; and

a regional training co-ordinator, to co-ordinate and, where appropriate, commission training for foster carers.

The Department also supports and participates in Foster Care Fortnight and National Adoption Week in association with HSC Boards and Trusts and the voluntary sector. High profile media campaigns take place during these promotional periods to raise the profile of adoption and fostering and increase the numbers of prospective adopters and foster carers.

Treatment of Patients Presenting Neurological Symptoms

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the procedures to be followed when a patient arrives at hospital with a suspected neurological condition. (AQW 894/07) Mr McGimpsey: The investigation and treatment of a patient with neurological symptoms is a matter of clinical judgement, and will depend on the patient’s condition, its severity and the range of treatments available to manage their particular symptoms. A patient presenting at hospital with a suspected neurological condition will be assessed, and if appropriate, may be referred to a consultant neurologist for a specialised opinion.

Where a patient has been assessed as possibly requiring neurosurgery they would normally be referred to the regional centre at the Royal Victoria Hospital for the specialised opinion of a consultant neurosurgeon.

Encephalomyelitis Cases

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of cases of encephalomyelitis diagnosed, in each year from 2000 to date. (AQW 895/07) Mr McGimpsey: The number of cases of encephalomyelitis diagnosed, in each year from 2000 to date is not available. However, the number of admissions to hospital, where the patient had a diagnosis of Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) is available and is detailed in the table below for each calendar year since 2000.

Year	Admissions1
2000	57
2001	79
2002	87
2003	93
2004	90
2005	87

Source: Hospital Inpatient System ¹ Discharges and Deaths are used as an approximation to admissions

Encephalomyelitis

Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the professional support services that are in place to provide information, guidance and support to those suffering from encephalomyelitis. (AQW 896/07) Mr McGimpsey: Encephalomyelitis is a rare neurological condition in which there is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord usually caused by viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic agents. The symptoms of this condition may come on quickly beginning with encephalitis-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. It may also damage brain tissue leading to neurological symptoms such as visual loss, weakness and paralysis, and difficulty coordinating voluntary muscle movements. The investigation and treatment of a patient with symptoms of encephalomyelitis is a matter of clinical judgement, and will depend on the patient’s condition, its severity and the range of treatments available to manage their particular symptoms. A patient suspected of suffering from encephalomyelitis will be assessed, and if appropriate, will be referred to a consultant in neurology. Treatment for encephalomyelitis is targeted at suppressing inflammation in the brain using anti-inflammatory drugs. Additional treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

Treatment of Private Patients

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what procedures are in place to ensure that Health and Social Care Trusts recover the full cost of privately provided treatment; and to advise whether these Trusts have a policy of checking with insurers to confirm that the private patient, and associated procedures, are covered. (AQW 900/07) Mr McGimpsey: Departmental guidance for the health service regarding the treatment of private patients is covered by its document “The Management of Private Practice in Health Service Hospitals”. Hospital consultants are required, under their code of practice, which is an agreement between consultants, the Department and the British Medical Association, to notify Trusts of any patients being treated privately. Private patients are also required to sign an undertaking to pay for the treatment they receive. Trusts have a designated Private Patient Officer, who checks with insurers that the private patient and proposed procedures are covered by his or her health insurance. Trusts set charges for private treatment individually in order to fully recover costs.

Waiting Time for Appointments

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average waiting time for (a) physiotherapy; (b) occupational therapy; (c) psychiatric treatment; and (d) children's behavioural clinics, broken down by parliamentary constituency. (AQW 904/07) Mr McGimpsey: Information on the average waiting time for physiotherapy is not collected centrally. Information is, however, collected on completed waiting times for a first outpatient appointment of an episode of care with a community physiotherapist, according to time band. This is shown in Table 1 below, for the position during the quarter ending 31 March 2007. The information is not collected according to parliamentary constituency, but is shown in respect of the relevant community or hospital Health and Social Services Trusts in operation at that date. Table 1: Number of Clients Attending First Outpatient Appointment, by Time Waiting for Appointment (Quarter Ending 31 March 2007)

Trust	Time waiting			All clients attending first appointment
	Less than 3 months	3-6 months	6 months or over
North and West Belfast	590	294	10	894
South and East Belfast	503	559	213	1,275
Belfast City Hospital	746	134	60	940
Ulster Community and Hospitals	714	343	1	1,058
Down Lisburn	1,960	547	50	2,557
Causeway	1,687	370	53	2,110
United Hospitals	1,954	719	279	2,952
Armagh and Dungannon	1,106	67	189	1,362
Craigavon and Banbridge	412	40	13	465
Newry and Mourne	1,984	234	14	2,232
Altnagelvin Hospital	1,296	603	8	1,907
Sperrin Lakeland	1,437	83	48	1,568
Northern Ireland Total	14,389	3,993	938	19,320

Source: Departmental Information Return CP3

Note: The service may be provided by either community or hospital Trusts. (b) Information on the average waiting time for occupational therapy is not collected centrally. Information is, however, collected on completed waiting times for assessment by an occupational therapist, in respect of those aged 19 and over, according to time band. Figures are categorised according to priority and non-priority cases. The figures are shown in Table 2 below, for the position during the quarter ending 31 March 2007. The information is not collected according to parliamentary constituency, but is shown in respect of the community Health and Social Services Trusts in operation at that date. Table 2: Number of Assessments Commenced by HSS Trust, Designation and Time from Referral (Quarter Ending 31 March 2007)

Trust	Priority Cases			Non-Priority Cases
	Number commenced within 2 weeks	All commenced	Number commenced within 3 months	All commenced
North and West Belfast	182	375	88	418
South and East Belfast	610	871	668	732
Ulster Community and Hospitals	219	368	346	552
Down Lisburn	394	763	73	442
Causeway	104	357	7	89
Homefirst	765	1,184	1,372	1,733
Armagh and Dungannon	395	447	83	172
Craigavon and Banbridge	227	392	0	0
Newry and Mourne	61	383	32	113
Foyle	85	225	130	433
Sperrin Lakeland	133	410	17	355
Northern Ireland Total	3,175	5,775	2,816	5,039

Source: Departmental Information Return CP4 Note: All of the assessments commenced by Craigavon and Banbridge Trust are in respect of priority cases. Information is not available on the average waiting time for psychiatric treatment. However, information is collected on inpatient and outpatient waiting times for a number of mental illness specialties. Waiting list information is collected by time band. It is therefore not possible to calculate the arithmetic mean (average) length of time waiting. The median waiting timebands for (a) outpatients who were waiting for their first appointment and (b) inpatients who were waiting for treatment, in the following specialties: Mental Illness, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Old Age Psychiatry for the quarter ending 31 March 2007 are shown in Tables 3(a) and 3(b) below. The information is not available by parliamentary constituency, but is shown in respect of the provider (hospital) Trusts in operation at that time. Table 3(a) Median Waiting Timeband for Initial Psychiatric Outpatient Assessment (31 March 2007)

Provider Trust	Specialty	Median Waiting Timeband
Armagh & Dungannon	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Armagh & Dungannon	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Belfast City Hospital	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Belfast City Hospital	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Belfast City Hospital	Psychotherapy	0-2 months
Causeway	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Causeway	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Craigavon & Banbridge	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Craigavon & Banbridge	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Craigavon & Banbridge	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Down Lisburn	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Down Lisburn	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Down Lisburn	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Foyle	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Foyle	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Foyle	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Homefirst	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Homefirst	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Homefirst	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Mater	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Newry & Mourne	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Royal Group	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Mental Illness	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Psychotherapy	0-2 months
Sperrin Lakeland	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Sperrin Lakeland	Forensic Psychiatry	0-2 months
Sperrin Lakeland	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Sperrin Lakeland	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months
Ulster Hospitals	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
Ulster Hospitals	Mental Illness	0-2 months
Ulster Hospitals	Old age Psychiatry	0-2 months

Source: Departmental Information Returns CH3 Parts 1 and 2 Table 3(b) Median Waiting Timeband for Initial Psychiatric Inpatient Treatment (31 March 2007)

Provider Trust	Specialty	Median Waiting Timeband
South & East Belfast	Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Forensic Psychiatry	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Mental Illness	0-2 months
South & East Belfast	Psychotherapy	0-2 months

Source: Departmental Information Returns CH1 Parts A& B (d) Information is not collected centrally on waiting times for children’s behavioural clinics.

Time spent on Counselling and Support Services

Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of hours of counselling services and support provided by each Health and Social Care Trust, broken down by parliamentary constituency. (AQW 905/07) Mr McGimpsey: Due to the wide range and diversity of counselling, collecting details of the number of hours counselling services and support provided by each Health and Social Care Trust could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Bamford Review

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline how the recommendations of the Bamford Review, in relation to service user involvement in the design and delivery of mental health services, are to be implemented. (AQW 913/07) Mr McGimpsey: There is increasing recognition through mental health services of the need to involve service users in design and delivery of services and service users are already involved in some aspects in some localities. It will be for the Inter-Departmental Task Force being set up to oversee the Government’s response to the Bamford review and subsequent implementation to determine how service user involvement can be firmly embedded throughout mental health services. The Mental Health and Learning Disability Board announced on the 15^th May 2007 will include service user and carer representation and will be another mechanism for giving service users and carers a voice in reforming and modernising mental health services.

Bangor Community Hospital

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that there is no intention to cut the services of, or to close, Bangor Community Hospital. (AQW 920/07) Mr McGimpsey: There no plans to cut services at, or to close, Bangor Community Hospital.

Funding for Patients and their Families required to travel outside Northern Ireland

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what funding is available to support patients and their families who have to travel to England for operations, particularly with regard to flights and accommodation. (AQW 924/07) Mr McGimpsey: Funding to support patients and their families who are required to travel outside Northern Ireland (NI) is only available to patients who have been referred outside NI for treatment (as opposed to those patients who choose to travel aboard to seek treatment and make their own arrangements). Assistance with such costs is the responsibility of the patient’s local Health and Social Services Board. Expenses covered include the following: Transport – this includes flight/ferry costs; mileage at public transport rate; tube; bus; rail; and train fares; Accommodation - A subsidy is paid towards the cost of accommodation. It is expected however, that patient hospital accommodation would be used when available; Subsistence - In the absence of alternative arrangements, e.g. provision of meal vouchers, the Boards will subsidise food or grocery expenses; Other expenses - Boards will consider other expenses necessarily incurred, upon evidence of receipts, e.g. car parking. The majority of flights are booked and paid for by the Boards/referring hospitals on the patients’ behalf in advance of their travel. If/when these arrangements are made prior to assessment/treatment taking place, staff endeavour to make as complete an arrangement as possible – to include air/ferry, accommodation, train and taxi journeys (when necessary) etc. Every effort is made to ensure a smooth transfer during what is already a stressful time for patients and their family or carers.

Support for Young Carers

Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assistance is currently provided for young carers; and what proposals he has to increase support for young carers. (AQW 926/07) Mr McGimpsey: The needs of young carers are assessed by HSC Trusts and a range of services are provided to meet those needs. There are a number of voluntary organisations, such as Carers Northern Ireland and Barnardo’s that also work for and on behalf of young carers. The range and extent of the information, support and services available from the statutory and voluntary sectors are contained in a useful A - Z Guide for Carers. A DVD for young carers, produced by Barnardo’s with financial assistance from my Department, is also available. My Department has allocated an additional £400,000 per annum, from 2005/06, on a recurrent basis to Health and Social Services (HSS) Boards to be earmarked to provide flexible and responsive services for all carers. £0.5m from the Children and Young People funding package has been made available in 2007/8 only to provide services to young carers across Northern Ireland. Future plans for these services will be considered as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Transportation of Patients

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to minimise delays in the transportation of patients between hospitals by the Ambulance Service, in particular to and from Whiteabbey Hospital, Antrim Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital. (AQW 931/07)

Mr McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has existing procedures in place to minimise delays in transporting patients between hospitals.

The new regional Non-Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (RNEMDC) at Altnagelvin co-ordinates and consolidates the management of non-emergency patient transport. This is augmented by a new non-emergency command and control system to assess non-emergency patients’ needs so that resources can be planned and deployed on a regional basis. The system will also capture and use clinical data to support transport prioritisation decisions based on clinical need and minimise delays for patients with greatest clinical need. The Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (REMDC) in Belfast ensures that emergency resources are used efficiently and effectively. REMDC prioritises incoming 999 calls on a clinical basis and targets rapid response to the most clinically urgent, life threatening calls. Protocols have been shared with hospitals for urgent transport requests to enable their staff to upgrade requests to emergency response in line with the clinical priority of the patient.

Tonsillectomy Operations at the Erne Hospital

Mr Tom Elliott asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to return tonsillectomy operations to the Erne Hospital on a permanent basis. (AQW 948/07) Mr McGimpsey: Recent paediatric tonsillectomy operations performed at the Erne Hospital were undertaken as part of a waiting list initiative. At present the Trust has no plans to repeat this, however outpatient clinics will continue to be held at the Erne Hospital. Adult ENT services, both in-patient and day case, and children’s day case procedures will continue to be provided at Tyrone County and Altnagelvin Hospitals.

Adoption

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to ensure that all those seeking to adopt children will be fairly assessed and treated on an equal basis; and to ensure that all those referred to under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 will have the right to adopt children. (AQW 973/07) Mr McGimpsey: HSC trusts welcome enquiries from all persons interested in adopting children and are mindful of their duties in relation to equality legislation. There is, however, no right for any person to adopt. It is the responsibility of adoption agencies to ensure that only those who are suitable to adopt are approved to do so. They also have a responsibility in law to ensure that any adoptive placement is in a child’s best interests. Ultimately, it is for the courts to decide whether to grant an adoption order.

Attacks on Emergency Services Personnel

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of members of staff in (a) the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; and (b) the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who were injured as a result of attacks upon them when responding to emergency calls, for the last three years. (AQW 974/07) Mr McGimpsey: The information requested is shown in the table below.

	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	Total
NIAS	10	12	30	52
NIFRS	9	7	7	23
Total	19	19	37	75

Attacks on Emergency Services Personnel

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of attacks upon staff of (a) the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; and (b) the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, when responding to emergency calls, for the last three years. (AQW 975/07) Mr McGimpsey: The information requested is shown in the table below.

	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	Total
NIAS	51	44	70	165
NIFRS	9	7	7	23
TOTAL	60	51	77	188

Attacks on Emergency Service Vehicles

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of vehicles operated by (a) the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service; and (b) the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, that were withdrawn from service as a result of attacks made upon them when responding to emergency calls, for the last three years. (AQW 977/07) Mr McGimpsey: The information requested is shown in the table below.

	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007	TOTAL
NIAS	4	2	1	7
NIFRS	5	9	7	21
TOTAL	9	11	8	28

Respite Care for those with Learning Disabilities

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust area, the number of respite care beds available to those with learning disabilities; and the number of these beds that are specifically allocated to those aged (a) 18 years and under; (b) 19-25; (c) 25-50; (d) 50 and above. (AQW 986/07) Mr McGimpsey: This information is not collected centrally. However, information is collected on the number of residential places available for those with learning disabilities, although these include places which are occupied on a long-term basis as well as those which may be used to provide respite care. The average number of places available in 2005/06 is presented in the table below. Average available residential places solely for people with a learning disability: 2005/2006

Health and Social Care Trust
Belfast	99
South-Eastern	266
Southern	247
Western	273
Northern	220
Total	1105

Respite Care for Young Adults with Learning Difficulties

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust area, the number of young adults aged 19-25 with learning disabilities, who have been assessed as requiring respite care, who have (a) received their full allocation of respite care; (b) received a partial allocation; and (c) received no respite care, in (a) 2005/06; and (b) 2006/07. (AQW 989/07) Mr McGimpsey: This information is not collected centrally.

Treatment of Alcohol Related Injuries/Illness

Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people under 18 that were treated for alcohol related injuries/illnesses at each hospital in Northern Ireland, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1026/07) Mr McGimpsey: The number of people under 18 that were treated for alcohol related injuries/illnesses at each hospital in Northern Ireland is not available. However, information on the number of admissions¹, for those aged under a18, to hospitals in Northern Ireland, where the primary or secondary diagnosis was an alcohol-related condition or a combination of an alcohol-related condition and an injury is available and is presented below, for 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 (the latest year for which data is available).

Hospital	Financial year
	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Altnagelvin	16	14	8
Antrim	18	15	12
Belfast City	17	13	20
Causeway	5	6	<5
Craigavon	17	21	20
Daisy Hill	12	15	12
Downe	12	6	<5
Erne	8	5	10
Lagan Valley	<5	<5	<5
Mater	19	8	<5
RBHSC	5	7	6
Royal Victoria	21	23	25
Tyrone County	9	7	<5
Ulster	18	27	20
Whiteabbey	<5	<5	0
Northern Ireland Total	182	181	155

 

Source: Hospital Inpatient System
Notes: ¹Discharges and Deaths are used as an approximation to admissions. It is possible that any individual could be admitted to hospital more than once in any year and will thus be counted more than once as an admission. Figures presented are for those aged 17 and under. Please note that cell sizes that have a value of less than 5 have been masked in order to help protect confidentiality.

Orthopaedic Treatment

Mrs Naomi Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of people on the waiting list for an appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant; (b) the waiting time for such appointments; and (c) the average time between the first appointment and referral for joint replacement surgery, for those patients so referred. (AQW 1045/07) Mr McGimpsey: Information on (a) the number of people on the waiting list for an appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant and; (b) the waiting time for such appointments are contained in the table below. Number of Patients in Northern Ireland waiting for a first outpatient appointment in the Trauma & Orthopaedics specialty at 31 March 2007

Waiting time (in months)	0-2	3-5	6-8	9-11	Total number of patients waiting
Number of patients waiting	7,285	3,471	0	1	10,757

Source- Departmental return CH3 Information on (c) the average time between the first appointment and referral for joint replacement surgery, for those patients so referred is not readily available and could only be complied at disproportionate cost.

Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of GPs in the Derry/Londonderry area who have taken up the training available under the Protective Life Strategy, which has a budget of £300,000 for the provision of such training, in order to address the need for more professional help in identifying people at risk. (AQW 1073/07) Mr McGimpsey: To date nine GPs in Derry/Londonderry have participated in the new GP Depression Awareness Training programme, which has been developed as part of the roll out of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy. In addition, a further 20 GPs have participated in this training programme from the wider Western Health and Social Services Board Area. The roll out of this training programme will continue as a matter of priority during 2007.

Regional Development

Funding for Roads in Donaghadee

Mr Alex Easton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail how much money has been spent on roads in Donaghadee over the last five years. (AQW 612/07) The Minister for Regional Development (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 an overall 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 council area, which in the case of Ards Borough Council incorporates the Donaghadee area. The table below provides details of spend in the Ards Borough Council area during each of the last five years for which information is available.

Council	Functional Area	2001/02 £k	2002/03 £k	2003/04 £k	2004/05 £k	2005/06 £k
Ards Borough	Capital	690	2,879	3,685	1,859	1,785
	Maintenance	3087	3,216	3,547	3,661	4,307
	Total	3,777	6,095	7,232	5,520	6,092

 

Strategic Road Improvement Programme

Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail additional strategic roads measures that are intended to support job creation/business expansion and increased housing development in the Ardboe, Moortown, Ballinderry, Loup, and Ballyronan areas of the Cookstown District. (AQW 631/07) Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the composition and delivery of it’s major works programme is consistent with the level of investment proposed under the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI), published in December 2005. The ISNI sets out a high level view of planned investment up to 2015 with proposals for up to £1.4 billion of strategic road improvement schemes. Around £1 billion of these schemes have already been identified and Roads Service is currently considering responses to a consultation exercise on a further £400million of major works proposals. The Strategic Road Improvement Programme is a key component of plans to improve our transport infrastructure and Road Service is focused on progressing these major works schemes which are a catalyst for economic development and provide the means for all citizens to access social and educational services as well as leisure activities. I can confirm that a scheme to construct a dual carriageway from Castledawson Roundabout to the Toome Bypass and from the Bypass to the start of the M22 at Randalstown is now being progressed through the statutory procedures. Furthermore, the Roads Service Forward Planning Schedule contains proposals for a bypass of Magherafelt and an Eastern Distributor Road for Cookstown, which will provide an alternative route for through traffic, avoiding the town centre.

Road Safety in Finis

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he will take to improve road safety in the Finis area of Lagan Valley; and, in particular, if he will consider placing gateway traffic calming measures on the approach roads to the area. (AQW 646/07) Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service identifies the need for improvements in road safety on an ongoing basis. Within Finis, during the current financial year, Roads Service plans to improve facilities for pedestrians by providing a section of footway, to complete a pedestrian link between Finis and Dromara. In addition, a scheme is programmed for 2009/10 to improve visibility on the Finis to Dromara road at its junction with Bridge Road, a short distance outside Finis village. In terms of traffic calming, Roads Service does not implement these measures for roads to which the national speed limit applies, as is the case at Finis. Typically, measures are considered for roads where speed limits of 30mph or 40mph are in place. Given the rural nature of Finis and the lack of development within the area, the existing national speed limit is considered to be appropriate and accordingly, Roads Service has no plans to introduce traffic calming in the area. Roads Service will, of course, continue to provide and maintain the appropriate road signs and markings required to warn, direct and inform road users.

Flooding at Station Road, Saintfield

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what steps he is taking to alleviate flooding at Station Road, Saintfield, following a site meeting on 12 March 2007. (AQW 672/07) Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that during a site meeting on 12 March 2007, attended by you and two local residents, officials agreed to arrange for a pipe to be laid under the road to alleviate flooding and that the work would be carried out during June 2007. I am further advised that, following subsequent detailed consideration, officials have concluded that directional drilling would be the best means of placing the pipe under the road. This will avoid the need for deep excavation in peaty ground and will keep traffic disruption to a minimum. Due to the limited availability of specialist contractor’s plant this will result in a slight delay in the commencement of the work. However, I am pleased to be able to advise that Roads Service anticipates that this scheme will be completed before the end of August 2007.

Distributor Road for Dungannon

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made on the provision of a distributor road for Dungannon. (AQW 718/07) Mr Murphy: Following a public inquiry into the Draft Dungannon and South Tyrone Area Plan 2010 in February 2003, the Planning Appeals Commission, having considered both the Department’s and the objector’s case for an Eastern Distributor Road, recommended that it should not be included in the Development Plan. Accordingly, the Dungannon and South Tyrone Area Plan 2010, adopted in 2004, does not contain any such road proposal. However, a number of measures to assist in relieving traffic congestion in Dungannon have been identified in the Sub Regional Transport Plan 2015, published on 11 June 2007. They include widening the A29 Moy Road as well as junction improvements at the Oaks Road roundabout, Circular Road at Northland Row and Ranfurly Road at Perry Street, all of which will be subject to the availability of resources.

Road Drainage System, Clonduff Drive

Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans are in place to upgrade existing drainage systems in Clonduff Drive, Belfast, in light of the fact that it has flooded four times in the last 17 years. (AQW 725/07) Mr Murphy: I should point out that the extreme flooding which occurred at a number of locations 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. With regard to Clonduff Drive, I am advised that the road drainage system was not the cause of the flooding experienced on 12 June 2007. The performance of the underlying drainage systems into which the road drainage system discharges at this location, which includes a storm sewer and the Loop River, are matters for Northern Ireland Water and DARD Rivers Agency respectively. I have therefore passed this reply to the Chief Executives of Northern Ireland Water and the Rivers Agency for their direct consideration.

Traffic Volume, Frances Street, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of vehicles using Frances Street, Newtownards, on a daily basis. (AQW 772/07) Mr Murphy: I should explain that my Department’s Roads Service collects traffic volume data 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. Unfortunately, Roads Service has no traffic census point located on Frances Street, Newtownards and therefore cannot provide the information you request.

Traffic Volume, Keystones Road, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of vehicles using the Kempstones Road between Newtownards and Dundonald, on a daily basis. (AQW 773/07) Mr Murphy: As you will be aware, my Department’s Roads Service collects traffic volume data 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. Unfortunately Roads Service does not have a traffic census point on the Kempstones Road. It does however have one closer to Dundonald on the Upper Newtownards Road, near the site of the old Quarry Inn. Two-way traffic flow information for the past three years from this site is shown in the table below.

ROAD No.	Location	Annual Average Daily Traffic
		2004	2005	2006
A20	Upper Newtownards Road	24270	23080	24214

Traffic Volume, Portaferry Road, Newtownards

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of vehicles using the Portaferry Road, Newtownards, on a daily basis. (AQW 774/07) Mr Murphy: As you are aware 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
	2004	2005	2006
A20 Portaferry Road, Newtownards	11,400	11,520	11,939

Companion Travel Scheme

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development, further to his reply to AQW 41/07, to provide the estimated annual cost of providing companion free travel, in cases where assistance is required by passengers who are eligible for free travel on public transport. (AQW 798/07) Mr Murphy: The cost of any companion travel scheme would depend critically on the eligibility criteria to be used and the definition of the circumstances in which assistance would be required. I therefore do not have an estimate.

Traffic Volume, A22 Belfast to Comber Road

Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an estimate of the daily volume of traffic along the A22 Comber to Belfast road. (AQW 800/07) 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 A22 Comber to Belfast Road 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
	2004	2005	2006
A22 Comber to Belfast Road	10,770	10,860	11,046

Improvement Scheme, Ballygawley Roundabout

Lord Morrow of Clogher Valley asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the starting date for (a) the new dual carriageway from Moygashel, Stangmore roundabout, to Ballygawley roundabout; (b) the improvements to the A5 Tullyvar road, and (c) the improvements to the A4 from Ballygawley roundabout to Annahilla. (AQW 837/07) Mr Murphy: The main A4 dualling from the M1 motorway at Moygashel, Stangmore Roundabout, to Ballygawley Roundabout is due to commence on site in spring 2008. The A5 Tullyvar and the A4 Annaghilla road improvement schemes will commence shortly afterwards.

Funding for Water Infrastructure Improvements

Mr Fred Cobain asked the Minister for Regional Development in the absence of an improved financial package, what plans, are in place to address funding for water infrastructure improvements. (AQW 883/07) Mr Murphy: In light of the Executive's decision to conduct a comprehensive review of the financing of water and sewerage services, I have announced terms of reference for an independent review chaired by professor Paddy Hillyard. The independent review will address, "the cost of water and sewerage services and how these will be funded". It will report on this aspect by Autumn. The scope of the review specifically includes the investment programme including, "the scale, structure and phasing of investment planned to meet requirements

Unfinished Roads, Bashfordsland, Carrickfergus

Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the unfinished roads at the Bashfordsland housing development in Carrickfergus. (AQW 932/07) Mr Murphy: I should explain that responsibility for bringing development roads to adoption standard rests with developers and when the roads and sewers are properly constructed to the Departments standards, Roads Service will complete the adoption. Although the developer is primarily responsible for completing the roads and sewers in a development and the Department has limited control over progress, where satisfactory completion of the roads and sewers is not effected within a reasonable time, the Department has powers under The Private Streets (NI) Order 1980 to enable it to complete the necessary work at the developer’s expense. Roads Service is aware of the situation at Bashfordsland and has been liaising with the developer to encourage completion of the works. In the absence of a positive response, enforcement action under the terms of the Private Streets Order was initiated in February 2007. Prior to appointing a Roads Service contractor to undertake the remedial works it is necessary to identify the nature and full extent of the works that are required. While road surfacing defects have been relatively easy to identify, initial investigations into the condition of the development’s sewers have revealed substantial damage and blockages that have prevented completion of the CCTV surveys. Roads Service staff are working closely with Northern Ireland Water colleagues to conclude the sewer investigations as quickly as possible. It is difficult to accurately predict a timescale for completion of the works at this time, as the full extent of the sewer repairs is not yet known. However, Roads Service is aiming to have a contractor on site immediately following the forthcoming July holiday period. Roads and sewers will be reconstructed as necessary and, under the terms of the Private Streets Order, the streets will be adopted upon completion of the works. The department will of course be pursuing the developer for the full costs of this work.

Sewage System in Kircubbin

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what are his intentions with regard to the continuation of the sewerage system a further 50-60 yards, towards 94 Rubane Road, Kircubbin. (AQW 958/07) Mr Murphy: As Minister for Regional Development, I have policy responsibility for water and sewerage, but the Water and Sewerage Services (NI) Order 2006 introduced by the previous administration transferred responsibility for the operational delivery of water and sewerage services to Northern Ireland Water (NIW). As the issues raised are operational matters, I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response to these questions.

Cullybackey Bypass

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will make a statement on the proposed Cullybackey bypass. (AQW 1025/07) Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) envisaged that major road improvements would be focussed on the Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTN) and it did not envisage any significant expenditure on major works schemes off the RSTN, so the affordability of schemes like a bypass for Cullybackey remains a difficult issue. The land needed for this bypass is currently protected and the adjoining land zoned for housing. Discussions have been ongoing for some time with a potential housing developer about how the land could be developed, while helping to deliver a portion of the bypass as part of the development. These discussions concluded recently with the issue of planning approval for a housing development to include a short section (200m) of the proposed new road. This represents approximately 20% of the overall scheme. Completion of the remainder of the route may only be considered on a priority basis and subject to the availability of land and financial funds. The scheme is not included in any current Roads Service programme.

Social Development

Social Housing

Ms Martina Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she is taking to address the differential experiences of members of the Protestant and Catholic communities in relation to access to social housing, as evidenced by waiting list statistics. (AQW 669/07)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms Ritchie): I am content that all social housing allocations made by the Housing Executive and Registered Housing Associations are made on the basis of need as determined by the points awarded under the Common Selection Scheme – a scheme that was equality proofed and subject to detailed and widespread consultation. Allocations cannot be made on any other grounds.

The Housing Executive formulates plans and programmes for social housing that take into account supply and demand issues. This effectively targets additional supply into areas with the greatest demand, ensuring that assessed need is met.

I recognise that due to supply and demand issues, people have differential experiences in accessing social housing.

Removal of Building Rubble

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to give a timescale for the removal of building rubble at no. 42 Windmill Road, Millisle, and to explain why it has taken over three years for this issue to be addressed. (AQW 673/07)

Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive undertook a Multi Element Improvement Scheme at 42 Windmill Gardens and it appears that rubble was left in the garden of the property following the completion of the work. The Housing Executive however received no complaints from the tenant and was not therefore aware that there was a problem. The site has now been inspected and the Housing Executive has instructed the contractor for the MEI scheme to cut back grass and remove any large debris, during this week.

Vesting Orders

Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of occasions that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has used its powers to vest land for social housing in each of the last ten years. (AQW 690/07)

Ms Ritchie: The number of occasions on which the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has used its powers to vest land for social housing in each of the last 10 years is as follows:

Year	Number
1997	1
1998	4
1999	3
2000	1
2001	1
2002	6
2003	4
2004	6
2005	5
2006	2
2007	2

Included in these 35 vesting orders were some 3,800 dwellings in addition to plots of land.

Bonfires

Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Social Development what action she will take to prevent the building and lighting of bonfires on Housing Executive land in Rasharkin, in order to protect property in close proximity. (AQW 753/07) Ms Ritchie: Rasharkin is within the Ballymoney Borough Council area and the local Community Safety Partnership Group has set up a bonfire sub-committee to review this issue. The committee comprises representation on an inter agency basis, including staff from the Housing Executive’s Ballymoney District Office. The Housing Executive also supports an annual safer bonfire competition to encourage awareness of the health and safety, and environmental, implications of bonfires. There are currently no bonfire sites situated on Housing Executive land in Rasharkin.

Purchase of Land in Calhame Park, Cloughey

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to explain the delay in processing the application to purchase land adjacent to 19 Calhame Park, Cloughey. (AQW 762/07) Ms Ritchie: The delay related to the fact that this is a small piece of land which the Housing Executive identified as having development potential as a site for residential housing. The Executive decided to retain the land and carry out a latent demand testing exercise this year to establish the level of social housing need in the area. The two parties interested in purchasing the land have been informed.

Neighbourhood Renewal Schemes

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each post supported under Neighbourhood Renewal Phase 2, (a) the nature of the post; (b) the geographical location; and (c) the National Joint Council scale for each post, in each of the Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in North Belfast. (AQW 808/07)

Ms Ritchie: The information requested is included in the table below. The National Joint Council (NJC) scale provided is the current scale for 2006/2007. (In some instances where the NJC scale does not apply, the relevant pay scale referred to is indicated e.g. NIPPA pay scales.)

(a) Nature of post	(b) Geographical Location Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA)	(c) NJC Scale (Point Band)
Community Development Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	SO2 (33-34)
Youth Work Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-27)
Community Centre Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 4 (19-20)
Youth Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-27)
Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	SO2 (32)
Youth Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-27)
Deputy Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 1(4-5)
Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	SO1 (32-33)
Administrator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (22-23)
Information Technology Tutor	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-27)
Childcare Manager	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	SO (31-32)
Childcare Supervisor	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale3 (16-17)
Childcare Asst	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale1 (6-8)
Childcare Asst	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale1 (6-8)
Administrator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 1 (1-4)
Director	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	PO3 (38-39)
Office Manager	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 4 (20-21)
Regeneration Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (28-29)
Youth & Community Development Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5(23-24)
Youth Dev Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 2 (13)
Youth Dev Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 2 (13)
Coordinator Childcare	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 4 (19-20)
Deputy Leader	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 1 (10-11)
Training Coordinator	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6(27-28)
Outreach Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (22)
Outreach Worker	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (22)
Project Manager	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	SO2 (32-33)
Trainer	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (22-23)
Information Technology Tutor	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (23-24)
Centre Projects Manager	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-27)
Parent Support Officer	Inner North Belfast N.R.A	Scale 5 (22-25)
Project Coordinator	Rathcoole N.R.A.	Scale 5 (22-25)
Development Worker	Rathcoole N.R.A.	Scale 5(22-25)
Managing Director	Ligoniel N.R.A	PO1(33-36)
Finance Manager	Ligoniel N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-28)
Admin Assistant	Ligoniel N.R.A	Scale 6(26-28)
Centre/Projects Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG II (32-34)
Centre Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	PO1(33-36)
Child Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Worker (1)	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Worker (2)	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-31)
Project Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG II (32-34)
Community Development Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-28)
Youth Project Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 2 (11-13)
Project Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	PO3(38-41)
Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Receptionist	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 1(5-11)
Project Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	PO3(38-41)
Therapeutic Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	PO.2 (35-28)
Youth Counsellor	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG 1(29-31)
Adult Counsellor	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1 (29-31)
Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG 1(29-31)
Outreach Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG II (18-21)
Director	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1(29-31)
Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 1(5-11)
Community Development Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1 (29-31)
Development Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1(29-31)
Development Manager	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	P01 (33-36)
Senior Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Senior Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Editor	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-28)
Administrator/Finance	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-28)
Programme Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1 (29-31)
Neighbourhood Renewal Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 6 (26-28)
Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 2 (11-13)
Senior Youth Worker	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Assistant	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 1 (5-11)
Youth Assistant	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 1 (5-11)
Project Coordinator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	SOG1 (29-31)
Administrator	Crumlin/Ardoyne N.R.A	Scale 3 (14-17)
Manager	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	SOG2(32-34 )
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	Scale 3 (14-17)
Community education coordinator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 6(26-28)
Project Co-ordinator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 6(26-28)
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 4(18-21)
Environmental Officer	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	minimum wage
Environmental Officer	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	minimum wage
Environmental Officer	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	minimum wage
Community development officer	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 4(18-21)
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	Scale 3(14-17)
Play Group Supervisor	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	NIPPA scale 23
Play Group Assistant	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	NIPPA scale 12
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	Scale 5(22-25)
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 1(5-11)
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 1(5-11)
Administrator	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 1(5-11)
Advice Worker	Ballysillan/Upper Ardoyne N.R.A.	scale 6(26-28)

North Belfast Community Action Unit

Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each post supported by the North Belfast Community Action Unit, (a) the nature of the post; (b) the geographical location; and (c) the National Joint Council scale. (AQW 809/07)

Ms Ritchie: The following table details the posts currently supported by the North Belfast Community Action Unit.

Nature of the post	Geographical location	NJC scale
Communication Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 6 (26-28)
Administrator/Finance officer	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 4 (18-21)
Outreach Capacity Building Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 4 (18-21)
Outreach Capacity Building Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 4 (18-21)
Co-Ordinator	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 6 (26-28)
Detached Part-time Youth Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 5 (22-25)
Detached Part-time Youth Worker	Ardoyne & Marrowbone	Scale 5 (22-25)
Community Development Worker	Cliftonville	Scale 6 (26-28)
Co-ordinator	Cliftonville	Scale 6 (26-28)
Administrator	Cliftonville	Scale 4 (18-21)
Youth Coordinator	Cliftonville	Scale 6 (26-28)
Communications Worker	Cliftonville	Scale 6 (26-28)
Co-ordinator	Greater Ballysillan	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator/Finance officer	Greater Ballysillan	Scale 3 (14-17)
Youth Worker	Greater Ballysillan	Scale 5 (22-25)
Fundraiser	Greater Ballysillan	Scale 5 (22-25)
Youth Co-Ordinator part time	Greater Greencastle	Scale 5 (22-25)
Youth Co-Ordinator part time	Greater Greencastle	Scale 5 (22-25)
Co-ordinator	Greater Greencastle	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator	Greater Greencastle	Scale 3 (14-17)
Community Development Team Leader	Greater New Lodge	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Communications Co-ordinator	Greater New Lodge	Scale 6 (26-28)
Capacity Builder Worker	Greater New Lodge	Scale 6 (26-28)
Youth Co-ordinator	Greater New Lodge	Scale 5 (22-25)
Administrator	Greater New Lodge	Scale 4 (18-21)
Co-ordinator	Ligoniel	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator	Ligoniel	Scale 3 (14-17)
Communications & Information Worker	Ligoniel	Scale 6 (26-28)
Co-Ordinator	Lower North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Youth Development Worker	Lower North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Administrator	Lower North Belfast	Scale 4 (18-21)
Detached Youth Hours	Lower North Belfast	Scale 4 (18-21)
Operational Manager	North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Strategic Operations Manager	North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator/Finance officer part time	North Belfast	Scale 3 (14-17)
Administrator/Finance officer part time	North Belfast	Scale 3 (14-17)
Money & Debt Advice Worker	North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Tribunal Worker	North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Development Officer	North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Development Officer	North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Co-ordinator	North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Youth Worker part time	North Belfast	Scale 6 (29-31)
Programme Director	North Belfast	Principal Officer 4 (41-44)
Senior Development Officer	North Belfast	Principal Officer 3 (38-41)
Senior Peace Building Advocate	North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Senior Peace Building Advocate	North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator/Finance officer	North Belfast	Scale 2 (11-13)
Co-ordinator	Rathcoole	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Community Support Worker	Rathcoole	Scale 5 (22-25)
Youth Development Worker	Rathcoole	Scale 5 (22-25)
Administrator	Rathcoole	Scale 3 (14-17)
Co-ordinator	Upper Ardoyne	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator/Finance officer	Upper Ardoyne	Scale 4 (18-21)
Community Development Support Officer	Upper North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Community Development Support Officer	Upper North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Youth Support Officer	Upper North Belfast	Scale 6 (26-28)
Senior Officer Community Development & Good Relations	Upper North Belfast	Senior Officer 1 (29-31)
Administrator/Finance officer	Upper North Belfast	Scale 4 (18-21)
Director	Upper North Belfast	Principal Officer 3 (38-41)

Social Housing in Ards Borough

Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development if she will initiate a strategy, involving the Housing Executive and Housing Associations, to provide new-build and social housing in the Ards Borough, as a matter of urgency. (AQW 816/07) Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has in place a number of robust planning mechanisms that establish locally and strategically the current and projected levels of housing need within each Council area and indeed within each settlement and catchment area. These mechanisms include a formal annual assessment of housing need which is used to develop the Social Housing Development Programme and to inform Planning Service under the remit of PPS12 of such needs so Area Plans and the Planning system can make land available. The annual District Housing Plans currently outline the extent of identified social housing need and the Social Housing Development Programme proposals for addressing that need. The Housing Executive has submitted formal objections to the Ards & Down and Belfast Metropolitan Area Plans, pointing out a general lack of zoning and provision for social and affordable housing within those plans

Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to ensure that any proposed review of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme will not prevent essential funding going to community groups in the Derry/Londonderry area post-30 June 2007; and to detail when the action plans agreed by the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards will be ready for full implementation. (AQW 880/07)

Ms Ritchie: Neighbourhood Renewal works across Government to tackle the root causes of deprivation by ensuring that the needs of the community come first. There are no plans to review this policy. The 6 Neighbourhood Action Plans in the North West have been agreed by the Neighbourhood Partnerships and extensive discussions with Government Departments and Agencies to take forward the implementation of these plans are underway. I expect that agreement to best address the needs identified in Action Plans will be reached well in advance of the end of this financial year. Meanwhile, all community groups, citywide or otherwise, currently funded by DSD providing key services in Neighbourhood Renewal areas will be eligible to seek extension funding. The key criteria will be that they are addressing priority needs in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.