NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY
Friday 03 August 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
Investigation of Public Authorities
Mr Paul Butler asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many investigations the Equality Commission has generated into public authorities; and to provide details of all those investigations and their outcomes. (AQW 428/07)
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister (Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness): We are advised by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland that it has conducted the following Investigations involving public authorities.14 Investigations have been authorised under Schedule 9 of s. 75 of the Northern Ireland Act. Of these, 10 have been in respect of complaints under Paragraph 10 of the Schedule, as follows:
Leeson & Dept. of Finance and Personnel. Outcome 8/9/04 - Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme
McCartney & Northern Ireland Office. Outcome 23/6/04 - Failure not established to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Allen & Fire Authority for Northern Ireland. Outcome 27/10/04: Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Beattie & Fire Authority for Northern Ireland. Outcome 27/10/04: Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Children’s Law Centre & Northern Ireland Office. Outcome 27/04/05: Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Finlay & Dept. Regional Development. Outcome 27/04/05: Failure not established to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Allen & Fire Authority for Northern Ireland. Outcome 30/06/05: Complaint withdrawn
Butler & Lisburn City Council. Outcome 28/06/06: Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Marshall & Omagh District Council. Outcome 28/02/07: Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme.
Steer & Queen’s University Belfast. - Investigation in progress.
In addition, 4 investigations have been authorized under Paragraph 11 of Schedule 9 to s. 75 of the Northern Ireland Act into potential failures to comply with approved Equality Schemes:
Belfast Education and Library Board. Outcome –Failure to comply with approved Equality Scheme. (Lack of consultation on closure of an educational establishment).
Dept. of Social Development Outcome – Failure not established to comply with approved Equality Scheme. (Screening of criteria for funding).
Northern Ireland Office. Outcome - Failure not established to comply with approved Equality Scheme. (Time allowed for consultation on ASBOs).
Dept of Finance and Personnel. Investigation in progress. (Consultation and whether EQIA needed for legislative proposal on reasonable chastisement of minors).
The Equality Commission has also conducted Formal Investigations under anti-discrimination legislation; in particular:
A general investigation under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, into the Accessibility of health information, is currently under way, and focuses on public health service providers.
In 2005, the Equality Commission concluded an investigation under Article 71(3) of the Fair Employment and Treatment Order into the exception from the Order of employment as a teacher in a school, and made recommendations.
Completed Section 75 investigation reports (including recommendations made where failure established) are available on ECNI web-site at http://www.equalityni.org/sections/default.asp?cms=Publications%5FStatutory+duty_investigation+reports&cmsid=7_43_50&id=50&secid=8
The report of the Investigation into the schoolteachers’ exemption from the fair Employment and Treatment Order is available on the ECNI website athttp://www.equalityni.org/archive/word/TeacherExceptionInvestigation1003.doc
North West Gateway Initiative
Mr Pat Doherty asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) the projects undertaken to date by the North West Gateway Initiative; and (b) how these projects are being resourced. (AQW 620/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The North West Gateway Initiative was taken forward by the British and Irish Governments during Direct Rule and was intended to provide a strategic approach to encouraging a more integrated and joined up approach to economic growth in the North West region.The initiative has helped to encourage practical co-operation from existing Departments and agencies in developing a range of projects for the benefit of the region including; an Integrated Spatial Planning Development Framework, a cross-border tourism framework, the establishment of the North West Workforce Development Forum, and a number of cross border health initiatives.The financial resources for these projects are provided from within existing Departmental budget allocations.The recent agreement in the NSMC about funding for a major roads programme to provide dual carriageway standard on the route serving the North West area will also have a major impact by improving roads infrastructure in the region.
North West Gateway Initiative
Mr Pat Doherty asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the efforts that have been made to date by the North West Gateway Initiative to identify and develop specific projects between Strabane District Council and Donegal. (AQW 621/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The North West Gateway Initiative was taken forward by the British and Irish Governments during Direct Rule and was intended to provide a strategic approach to encouraging a more integrated and joined up approach to economic growth in the North West region.It aimed to encourage economic growth and development for the mutual benefit of both jurisdictions including those living in the Strabane and Donegal Council areas. There have to date been no specific proposals for projects between Strabane and Donegal though the recent agreement in the NSMC about funding for a major roads programme to provide dual carriageway standard on the route serving the North West area will of course have a major impact by improving roads infrastructure in the region.
Ulster Defence Regiment Memorial
Mr Paul Butler asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps the Equality Commission has taken to investigate Lisburn City Council's decision to erect an Ulster Defence Regiment memorial on land owned by the Council. (AQW 647/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: As this is an operational matter for the Equality Commission, I have asked the Chief Executive to respond to you directly. I understand that the Chief Executive will respond in the following terms:
The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has passed to the Equality Commission for reply your question (AQW 647/07) asking what steps we have taken to investigate Lisburn City Council’s decision to erect an Ulster Defence Regiment memorial on land owned by the Council.When you raised concerns about this with the Commission last year you were advised of the procedure for taking a formal complaint. While no such complaint has since been received the issue remains on file as a potential investigation on which we have provided advice. The Commission had sought clarification from Lisburn City Council in relation to the issue you raised as it related to the Council’s Equality Scheme.The Commission, conscious of its powers to initiate an investigation of its own volition under Paragraph 11 of Schedule 9 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, has kept the issue of a potential failure to comply with an approved scheme under consideration.The Commission is also writing to Lisburn City Council requesting an update on this matter.
Anti Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy
Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what is it's assessment of the disproportionate number of people from the Catholic community experiencing poverty and disadvantage. (AQW 665/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The government’s anti-poverty and social inclusion strategy "Lifetime Opportunities" is based on an analysis of disadvantage wherever it occurs.This analysis illustrates the risks faced by different types of household and shows that age, gender, marital status, qualifications, location, tenure, family size, health, disability and other factors are associated with disadvantage.It is known that the risks are higher among the Catholic population but also that significant proportions of both communities face disadvantage. "Lifetime Opportunities" acknowledges that these risks need to be addressed within both communities.
Equality Impact Assessment
Ms Martina Anderson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will explain the failure to apply to high level decision making, such as spending priorities, the Review of Public Administration and the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, the equality requirements of section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 666/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:In the early stages of implementation of Section 75, the full seven stage Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) process was not applied to some high level policies, including spending priorities, Review of Public Administration and the Investment strategy for Northern Ireland. In the case of the Review of Public Administration and Priorities and Budget high level EQIAs were carried out, along with consultation with relevant stakeholders.Departments involved in the implementation of RPA decisions are mainstreaming their statutory obligations arising from Section 75 into their decisions, through screening and EQIA, where appropriate. OFMDFM is continuing to work with Departments to promote a coordinated approach to mainstreaming equality and other considerations into RPA implementation.In relation to inherited spending priorities, a high level EQIA was carried out on spending allocations from the 2006-2008 budget process prior to restoration, using a high level impact assessment (HLIA) process agreed with the Equality Commission. This included pre-consultation and formal consultation with key stakeholders, including representatives of groups across Section 75 categories. A similar exercise was conducted in late 2006 in relation to the current 2007 budget process.Work is currently under way to produce a new programme for Government for this Executive which will set policy and spending priorities for 2008 and beyond, and to prepare a ten-year Investment Strategy which will be published for consultation in the Autumn and forwarded to the Assembly for consideration in December 2007. In line with Section 75 obligations, full consideration and due regard will be given to the need to promote equality of opportunity in all decisions taken in these two areas. This will involve an EQIA or HLIA process, as appropriate, and full consultation with key stakeholders and the Equality Commission.
Slavery Booklet
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how the text of the booklet 'Slavery: marking the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act' was produced. (AQW 863/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The booklet was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland prior to the restoration of devolution, and was produced jointly by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and the Northern Ireland Office as a contribution to the UK-wide commemoration of the bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act on 25 March 2007.
The text of the booklet was based on original material provided by the historian, Dr Nini Rodgers, an acknowledged expert on this topic. The material was edited to make it suitable for a target audience of children of Key Stage 3 age.
North West Gateway Initiative
Mr John McCallister asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what work is being done to develop the Strabane-Lifford Gateway and what assessment it has made to the potential impact this initiative will have on the North-West Region; and to detail which groups and individuals have been consulted. (AQW 886/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:The North West Gateway Initiative was taken forward by the British and Irish Governments during Direct Rule and was intended to provide a strategic approach to encouraging a more integrated and joined up approach to economic growth in the North West region which includes Strabane/Lifford.The initiative has helped to encourage practical co-operation from existing Departments and agencies in developing a ranges of initiatives for the benefit of the region including; an Integrated Spatial Planning Development Framework, a cross-border tourism framework, the establishment of the North West Workforce Development Forum, and a number of cross border health initiatives. It has also helped to identify a range of potential cross-border roads infrastructure projects and has supported the establishment of a communications link between the North West Institute of Technology and the Letterkenny Institute of Technology.The recent announcement of the funding to provide dual carriageway standard on routes within Northern Ireland and in particular the route serving the North West Gateway area will of course have a major impact by improving roads infrastructure in the region.The joint group of officials responsible for taking the Initiative forward consulted a wide range of stakeholders during the development of the initiative, including with representatives of the four Councils, the North West Stakeholders Alliance, the North West Region Cross Border Group, the Ilex Urban Regeneration Company, the Strabane Employment Taskforce and representatives of local political parties.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail whether an environmental impact study has been carried out on the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium at the Maze, and, if so, if this will be made available to elected representatives. (AQW 923/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: An environmental impact assessment of the potential implications of the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan, published last year, is currently being undertaken. This will be available to elected representatives as and when any planning application is submitted for the regeneration of the former prison site.
Default Retirment Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what facility exists, at present, for members of staff in the department to continue to work in their existing post beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 934/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:Since 1 October 2006 staff wanting to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
Maze Stadium Business Case
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how many hours the staff of the Strategic Investment Board have devoted to preparing a business case for a multi-sports stadium at the Maze. (AQW 972/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The outline business case for a Multi Sports Stadium at Maze/Long Kesh is the responsibility of the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. The Strategic Investment Board’s (SIB) contribution to the preparation of the outline business case for the stadium has comprised some 1000 hours.
Monitoring Reports on Human Rights Instruments
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will ensure that there is full engagement with the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council and the Ulster-Scots community in any future consultations on monitoring reports, for international human rights instruments that contain cultural rights. (AQW 995/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Monitoring reports on the United Kingdom's implementation of international human rights instruments are, of course, matters for the UK Government. Consultations on these reports are conducted either by the lead UK government department or by the lead department here, or both. In any case we would hope to ensure that they consult all key stakeholders.
We will seek to ensure that the Department for Culture Arts and Leisure liaises, as appropriate, with the relevant United Kingdom or Northern Ireland department so that account is taken of the views of all interested parties here, including the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council and the Ulster-Scots community.
United Nations Convention
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister how the 57 non-governmental organisations invited to attend the consultation meetings at Stormont on 14 and 23 February 2007, on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, were selected. (AQW 996/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The organisations selected to attend the consultation meetings on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, were drawn mainly from a list of key children’s and young people’s groups and those representing their interests that make up the membership of the All Party Group on Children and Young People. That generic consultee list was approved by direct rule Ministers in August 2005 for the purposes of discussing matters of interest to children and young people. Any groups wishing inclusion on the OFMDFM mailing list should contact the Department.
Young People Advisory Forum
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail (a) when the Young People's Advisory Forum was established; (b) what is the role and remit of the forum; (c) which organisations are on the list of nominating organisations to the forum; and (d) how many members are on the forum. (AQW 997/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Young People’s Advisory Forum was established on a time-limited basis in October 2002 and ran until June 2004, when it was considered that it had fulfilled its remit. It had two key roles. First, to help in the appointment process for the first Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams, who took up office in October 2003. Second, to contribute ideas to and assist in the consultation on a ten-year strategy for children and young people. The latter was published on 20 June 2006.The ten year strategy makes clear our intention to embed a culture of engaging with children and young people and involving them in decision-making. As part of the implementation of the strategy a participation network has been established. Its aim is to support statutory agencies, local and central government and fulfil their duties to effectively engage children and young people in public decision making.It is our intention, in accordance with Articles 3 and 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that children and young people are routinely involved in the public decision making process.
Anti-Poverty Strategy
Mrs Mary Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if it will formally take ownership of the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Strategy, and its targets to halve child poverty by 2010, on the way to eradicating child poverty by 2020; and to oversee the development and implementation of a cross-departmental approach to achieve those targets. (AQW 1000/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Section 16 of the Northern Ireland St Andrews Agreement Act 2006 places a statutory obligation on the Northern Ireland Executive Committee, to adopt a strategy setting out how it proposes to tackle poverty, social exclusion and patterns of deprivation based on objective need.The process to obtain Executive Committee agreement on an anti-poverty strategy has begun, however the Executive Committee has still to formally consider the adoption of ‘Lifetime Opportunities’ - Government’s Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy for Northern Ireland, together with its associated priorities, objectives, goals and targets, including child poverty reduction targets.In adopting an Anti-Poverty Strategy the Executive Committee will also consider monitoring and reporting arrangements. This would be to ensure that all Departments take due cognizance of the issues of poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland in planning their own Programmes, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of Government in tackling these issues.
British - Irish Council
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what east-west meetings have been held by the department, either independently or through the British-Irish Council, since 8 May 2007. (AQW 1072/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: In the ten weeks since restoration, Government Departments have continued to work on East West issues across a range of sectors of mutual interest and benefit. Within OFMDFM, officials have had a series of meetings with participating administrations about the work of the British-Irish Council leading to our hosting the 9th BIC Summit meeting in Belfast on 16 July. A copy of the Summit communiqué has been placed in the Library.In addition, seven BIC sectoral meetings have been held covering the range of BIC activities. In June we had a meeting with the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond and had separate discussions with the Prime Minister and the heads of the other administrations during the BIC Summit in Parliament Buildings in July.
Staffing in the Planning Appeals Commission
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to ensure that additional commissioners are employed in the Planning Appeals Commission; and also to ensure that the nine commissioners working on development plans and other issues are redeployed to help clear the backlog of appeals. (AQW 1080/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:In recognition of the growing backlog of planning appeals facing the Planning Appeals Commission, we have agreed with the Department of Finance and Personnel to commission a review of the Commission’s funding and pressures. This review will inform future decisions on levels of support for the Commission. The Chief Commissioner is aware of the position and has been fully involved in developing terms of reference for the review.As the Commission is an independent tribunal, the deployment of Commissioners is a matter for the Chief Commissioner to determine and I understand she has written to the member on this issue. A copy of her response has been placed in the Assembly Library.
Good Relations
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to report on the amount of resources allocated to each District Council for good relations programmes, for the 2007/08 financial year. (AQW 1105/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The table below provides the detail of resources made available to district councils in support of community relations and good relations programmes in 2007/08 and in each of the five previous financial years.
COUNCIL |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANTRIM |
66,670 |
68,294 |
54,451 |
54,595 |
46,004 |
46,050 |
ARDS |
55,206 |
59,450 |
55,080 |
52,673 |
56,123 |
56,300 |
ARMAGH |
93,163 |
88,916 |
82,875 |
84,000 |
83,794 |
83,800 |
BALLYMENA |
75,519 |
68,004 |
67,798 |
67,519 |
65,685 |
73,520 |
BALLYMONEY |
74,250 |
78,125 |
73,724 |
72,285 |
72,272 |
72,282 |
BANBRIDGE |
83,274 |
85,011 |
81,847 |
85,883 |
75,046 |
75,063 |
BELFAST |
Non participant |
229,985 |
235,991 |
261,401 |
329,918 |
302,650 |
CARRICKFERGUS |
51,024 |
64,201 |
57,043 |
57,674 |
48,408 |
48,725 |
CASTLEREAGH |
77,166 |
81,633 |
74,866 |
70,221 |
64,623 |
64,670 |
COLERAINE |
81,725 |
76,199 |
70,829 |
69,996 |
69,233 |
69,295 |
COOKSTOWN |
69,975 |
72,300 |
67,792 |
73,917 |
73,919 |
73,930 |
CRAIGAVON |
6,180 |
54,464 |
49,949 |
38,574 |
32,625 |
37,530 |
DERRY |
122,699 |
121,147 |
117,988 |
120,225 |
124,654 |
138,310 |
DOWN |
84,474 |
83,624 |
84,251 |
87,898 |
86,729 |
86,771 |
DUNGANNON |
80,255 |
84,973 |
80,564 |
78,062 |
77,886 |
77,933 |
FERMANAGH |
62,925 |
63,230 |
58,802 |
66,008 |
83,859 |
63,932 |
LARNE |
60,991 |
64,437 |
61,301 |
52,388 |
52,035 |
52,045 |
LIMAVADY |
68,088 |
71,590 |
74,396 |
75,960 |
58,227 |
58,260 |
LISBURN |
55,405 |
56,467 |
51,405 |
45,225 |
47,934 |
48,005 |
MAGHERAFELT |
72,739 |
74,655 |
73,727 |
74,959 |
74,992 |
75,005 |
MOYLE |
57,542 |
59,466 |
54,922 |
55,793 |
50,185 |
50,447 |
NEWRY & MOURNE |
70,645 |
68,331 |
66,762 |
67,014 |
81,189 |
82,001 |
NEWTOWNABBEY |
68,728 |
Non participant |
52,817 |
68,217 |
67,668 |
67,725 |
NORTH DOWN |
56,453 |
64,472 |
61,072 |
55,013 |
53,250 |
53,295 |
OMAGH |
75,977 |
71,911 |
70,945 |
47,579 |
45,000 |
45,005 |
STRABANE |
85,122 |
85,545 |
76,165 |
77,363 |
75,045 |
75,085 |
TOTAL |
1,756,195 |
1,996,430 |
1,957,362.00 |
1,960,442 |
1,996,303 |
1,977,634 |
Good Relations
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to report on the amount of resources allocated to each District Council for community relations programmes, for the last five financial years. (AQW 1106/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The table below provides the detail of resources made available to district councils in support of community relations and good relations programmes in 2007/08 and in each of the five previous financial years.
COUNCIL |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANTRIM |
66,670 |
68,294 |
54,451 |
54,595 |
46,004 |
46,050 |
ARDS |
55,206 |
59,450 |
55,080 |
52,673 |
56,123 |
56,300 |
ARMAGH |
93,163 |
88,916 |
82,875 |
84,000 |
83,794 |
83,800 |
BALLYMENA |
75,519 |
68,004 |
67,798 |
67,519 |
65,685 |
73,520 |
BALLYMONEY |
74,250 |
78,125 |
73,724 |
72,285 |
72,272 |
72,282 |
BANBRIDGE |
83,274 |
85,011 |
81,847 |
85,883 |
75,046 |
75,063 |
BELFAST |
Non participant |
229,985 |
235,991 |
261,401 |
329,918 |
302,650 |
CARRICKFERGUS |
51,024 |
64,201 |
57,043 |
57,674 |
48,408 |
48,725 |
CASTLEREAGH |
77,166 |
81,633 |
74,866 |
70,221 |
64,623 |
64,670 |
COLERAINE |
81,725 |
76,199 |
70,829 |
69,996 |
69,233 |
69,295 |
COOKSTOWN |
69,975 |
72,300 |
67,792 |
73,917 |
73,919 |
73,930 |
CRAIGAVON |
6,180 |
54,464 |
49,949 |
38,574 |
32,625 |
37,530 |
DERRY |
122,699 |
121,147 |
117,988 |
120,225 |
124,654 |
138,310 |
DOWN |
84,474 |
83,624 |
84,251 |
87,898 |
86,729 |
86,771 |
DUNGANNON |
80,255 |
84,973 |
80,564 |
78,062 |
77,886 |
77,933 |
FERMANAGH |
62,925 |
63,230 |
58,802 |
66,008 |
83,859 |
63,932 |
LARNE |
60,991 |
64,437 |
61,301 |
52,388 |
52,035 |
52,045 |
LIMAVADY |
68,088 |
71,590 |
74,396 |
75,960 |
58,227 |
58,260 |
LISBURN |
55,405 |
56,467 |
51,405 |
45,225 |
47,934 |
48,005 |
MAGHERAFELT |
72,739 |
74,655 |
73,727 |
74,959 |
74,992 |
75,005 |
MOYLE |
57,542 |
59,466 |
54,922 |
55,793 |
50,185 |
50,447 |
NEWRY & MOURNE |
70,645 |
68,331 |
66,762 |
67,014 |
81,189 |
82,001 |
NEWTOWNABBEY |
68,728 |
Non participant |
52,817 |
68,217 |
67,668 |
67,725 |
NORTH DOWN |
56,453 |
64,472 |
61,072 |
55,013 |
53,250 |
53,295 |
OMAGH |
75,977 |
71,911 |
70,945 |
47,579 |
45,000 |
45,005 |
STRABANE |
85,122 |
85,545 |
76,165 |
77,363 |
75,045 |
75,085 |
TOTAL |
1,756,195 |
1,996,430 |
1,957,362.00 |
1,960,442 |
1,996,303 |
1,977,634 |
Integrated Schools
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail whether a target has been set for the expansion of the percentage of children attending integrated schools, as part of the series of indicators for assessing the health of good relations. (AQW 1108/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The good relations indicators baseline report January 2007 does not set targets. Rather, as the title of the report suggests, the intention is to monitor progress against a number of general and specific indicators. These include:
number and proportion of first preference applications to post-primary integrated schools that do not result in admissions;proportion of people who would send their children to mixed schools;proportion of people who believe government is actively encouraging integrated schools;of pupils enrolled at grant aided schools, the proportion enrolled at integrated schools;proportion of pupils enrolled in Catholic managed schools who are Protestant, andproportion of pupils enrolled in controlled schools who are Catholic.Finally, all schools have an important role to play in promoting good relations.
Good Relations Proofing of Policies
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to report on the good relations proofing of policies. (AQW 1110/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:Section 75 (2) of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) places a duty on public authorities in carrying out their functions to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group.The Equality Commission has a duty to offer advice to public authorities and others in connection with the statutory equality and good relations duties under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998). The Commission is also required to keep under review the effectiveness of these duties.The Commission has a statutory duty under the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order (1997) to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.The equality proofing mechanism (through the existing process of screening and equality impact assessment) is intended to ensure that equality and good relations are mainstreamed into all levels of decision making as set out in guidance provided by the Commission. It regards the two duties of Section 75 as complementary.The screening process specifically asks policy makers to consider whether there is an opportunity to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations by altering the policy or working with others in Government or in the larger community.Because of the difficulties in subjecting high level strategies and policies to equality impact assessment, a high level equality impact assessment process was designed specifically to mainstream equality, good relations and other considerations into the Priorities and Budget process. This process was agreed by the Equality Commission.The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is committed to a shared future and to racial equality and supports Departments to mainstream good relations in the development of their policies and specific intervention. Ministers have given a commitment that the Executive and the Assembly will wish to consider carefully the progress to date and bring forward detailed plans, consistent with the pledge of office, to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society.The mainstreaming of the good relations duty and the practical outworking of actions to support good relations interventions are evidenced by the Commissions publication of(a) annual implementation reports;(b) ‘Good Relations in Practice’ and ‘Section 75, Keeping it Effective’;(c) the Equality Impact Assessments and screening outcomes; and(d) the forthcoming ‘outcomes report’ on implementation of a shared future and the racial equality strategy action plans. This will be published by the Department for consideration by Ministers, the Executive and the Assembly.
Equality Impact Assessments
Mrs Naomi Long asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give a commitment that all equality impact assessments for future policies will take into account those people who do not align with the two main religious or political traditions. (AQW 1113/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Equality Impact Assessments currently carried out by all the Northern Ireland Departments follow the Equality Commission’s guidance on implementing the duties under Section 75, which defines religious belief and political opinion more broadly than the two main religious or political traditions in Northern Ireland. Future EQIAs will also adhere to this guidance and its definitions.
Devolution of Policing and Criminal Powers
Mr Seán Neeson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to report on any discussions it has had with the Northern Ireland Office or Treasury, regarding the financial arrangements and implications of the devolution of policing and criminal justice powers to the Assembly. (AQW 1124/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Officials from the relevant Departments including OFMDFM, have begun consideration with NIO on the full range of implications of the potential devolution of criminal justice and policing to the Northern Ireland Assembly. However, no specific or substantive discussions have at this stage taken place on the financial arrangements and implications.
Good Relations Indicators
Ms Anna Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if targets have been set for decreasing the number of people living within segregated housing areas, as part of the series of indicators for assessing the health of good relations. (AQW 1156/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness:The good relations indicators baseline report [January 2007] does not set targets. Rather, as the title of the report suggests, the indicators are designed to measure progress over time towards achieving the priority outcomes that link directly to the aims and objectives of a shared future and the racial equality strategy.
In that regard it has established ‘that Northern Ireland is a place where people of all backgrounds work, live, learn and play together’ as one of its priorities. Under this priority our department will monitor progress against a number of general and specific indicators. These include:
proportion of people living in mixed / segregated areas;
number of housing executive transfer requests due to: (i) intimidation (ii) fear without violence;
number of homes purchased by the housing executive because of sectarian intimidation of the occupants: (ii) number of houses purchased and cost; (iii) number of applications;
number of houses protected under the protection of private property initiative (POPPI);
proportion of children (age 16) who think relations between Protestants and Catholics are better than they were five years ago;
Proportion of adults who think relations between Protestants and Catholics are better than they were five years ago;
proportion of people who would prefer to live in a mixed neighbourhood;
proportion of people who would accept minority ethnic people as residents in their area;
proportion of people who would define the neighbourhood where they live as a ‘neutral’ space;
proportion of people who define their local shops as a ‘neutral space’;
proportion of people in favour of greater mixing in sports / leisure activities;
number of mixed marriages;
proportion of people who would mind if a close relative married someone of a different religion; and (ii) proportion of people who think other people would mind if one of their relatives married someone of a different religion;
proportion of people who would accept minority ethnic people as relatives by marrying a member of their family;
proportion of people who have friends of the same religion;
proportion of people who believe that better relations will come about through more mixing;
proportion of people who believe that the government is actively encouraging shared communities where people of all backgrounds can live, work, learn and play together.
Economic Growth
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to confirm that economic growth is a priority for the department. (AQW 1166/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Executive is determined to deliver a better future for all our people. We recognise the need for the creation of a dynamic and competitive economy if we are to deliver a prosperous and stable society which benefits everyone. In this context, addressing the economic challenges we face and providing the conditions for economic growth will be a key priority for the Executive. The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will play its part in delivering the Executive’s priorities.
National Stadium
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if alternative plans for the use of the Maze/Long Kesh site have been considered, if the National Stadium is not to go ahead. (AQW 1179/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The current proposals for the Maze/Long Kesh are rooted in the unanimous report of the multi-party Maze Consultation Panel. Masterplanners appointed under direct rule to explore the potential to turn the Panel’s vision into reality considered a number of options based on the report’s central recommendations for a multi-sports stadium and an international centre for conflict transformation.
Cross Border Reconciliation
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister if there are any plans to improve cross-border reconciliation, in addition to the recommendations of the 'Study of Obstacles to Cross Border Mobility', by addressing matters such as the recovery of the bodies of the 'disappeared'. (AQW 1180/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: Responsibility for the recovery of the bodies of the ‘disappeared’ lies with the Northern Ireland Office and not with OFMDFM.
Cross-Border Projects
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give an update on the projected spend that is to be made available from the Republic of Ireland’s National Development Plan, with specific reference to cross-border projects; and to detail the projects that will receive such funding. (AQW 1183/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The North South Ministerial Council discussed this matter at its recent Plenary meeting in Armagh, and a copy of the Joint Communiqué setting out the agreed position has been placed in the Library.
Breach of Ministerial Code
Mr David Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, with reference to recent comments made by the deputy First Minister in an interview with broadcaster Stephen Nolan on 30 May 2007, what is the department's assessment of whether or not this constitutes a breach of the Ministerial Code. (AQW 1256/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The First Minister and deputy First Minister are fully committed to the Ministerial Code and see no need for any assessment of the remarks.
Community Relations Funding
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the amount of community relations funding the department has provided to the Community Relations Council, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1351/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The table below provides details of the amount of community relations funding provided by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to the Community Relations Council in each of the last five financial years. These figures are confirmed, with the exception of 2006/2007, in the Council’s published audited financial statements.
Financial Year |
Amount |
|---|---|
2002/03 |
£2,708,587 |
2003/04 |
£3,111,523 |
2004/05 |
£3,111,670 |
2005/06 |
£3,107,019 |
2006/07 |
£3,249,250 |
Good Relations and Reconciliation Programme
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide a breakdown of the allocation of the contributions made by the Good Relations and Reconciliation Division to each of the District Councils in 2006/2007; and to outline the proposed allocation for the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1376/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The table below provides the detail of resources made available to district councils in support of community relations and good relations programmes in 2006/2007 and 2007/08 financial years.
COUNCIL |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|
ANTRIM |
46,004 |
46,050 |
ARDS |
56,123 |
56,300 |
ARMAGH |
83,794 |
83,800 |
BALLYMENA |
65,685 |
73,520 |
BALLYMONEY |
72,272 |
72,282 |
BANBRIDGE |
75,046 |
75,063 |
BELFAST |
329,918 |
302,650 |
CARRICKFERGUS |
48,408 |
48,725 |
CASTLEREAGH |
64,623 |
64,670 |
COLERAINE |
69,233 |
69,295 |
COOKSTOWN |
73,919 |
73,930 |
CRAIGAVON |
32,625 |
37,530 |
DERRY |
124,654 |
138,310 |
DOWN |
86,729 |
86,771 |
DUNGANNON |
77,886 |
77,933 |
FERMANAGH |
83,859 |
63,932 |
LARNE |
52,035 |
52,045 |
LIMAVADY |
58,227 |
58,260 |
LISBURN |
47,934 |
48,005 |
MAGHERAFELT |
74,992 |
75,005 |
MOYLE |
50,185 |
50,447 |
NEWRY & MOURNE |
81,189 |
82,001 |
NEWTOWNABBEY |
67,668 |
67,725 |
NORTH DOWN |
53,250 |
53,295 |
OMAGH |
45,000 |
45,005 |
STRABANE |
75,045 |
75,085 |
TOTAL |
1,996,303 |
1,977,634 |
Planning Appeals
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the backlog of planning appeals at the end of June 2007, in (a) the Omagh District Council area; and (b) the Strabane District Council area; and to detail the number and percentage of these planning appeals that were successful in the 2006/2007 year. (AQW 1377/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body, and I understand the Chief Commissioner has written to the member in the following terms:
"At the 30th June 2007 there were 199 appeals outstanding which relate to the Omagh District Council area and 172 outstanding for the Strabane District Council area.
From 1st April 2006 to 31st March 2007 there were 11 successful appeals out of the 28 decisions made in the Omagh District Council area, which equates to a success rate of 39%. During the same period there were 3 successful appeals out of the 27 decisions made relating to the Strabane District Council area, this equates to a success rate of 11%.
I would be happy to provide any further information you require arising out this response or to meet with you to discuss the matter if that would be more suitable."
North South Ministerial Council
Mr Alex Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (a) if it intends to produce a new work programme for the North-South Ministerial Council; (b) to outline the proposed timescale for this; and (c) what additional initiatives are being proposed on a North-South basis. (AQW 1437/07)
Rt Hon Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness: A Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) took place on 17 July 2007 in Armagh, at which Ministers agreed a schedule of NSMC meetings for the period July to December 2007. The Joint Communiqué from the Plenary meeting is attached. This provides details of decisions on a range of issues which Ministers agreed at the meeting.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Water Level at Shrigley
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on whether a minimum water level was agreed for the Claylakes at Shrigley, Killyleagh, in light of the agreement on a maximum water level. (AQW 1151/07)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms Gildernew): The historic agreement between the then Ministry of Agriculture and the undertaking at the Clea Lakes provided only for maximum water levels in the Lakes and did not specify a minimum water level. The agreement was aimed at ensuring a balance between the needs of the previous industrial Tannery operation for water, and avoidance of flooding of surrounding land. I am aware that environmental concerns have been raised about lower water levels in the lakes and officials in Rivers Agency have recently met with officials of DOE Environment and Heritage Service and local landowners, to discuss a possible way forward. The position is that, if agreement can be reached to transfer responsibility for maintaining the maximum water levels to Rivers Agency, subject to availability of funding , they will undertake remedial work to the existing control structures in the Clea Lakes. If that proves possible, the exceptional minimum levels currently being experienced, due to leaking structures, will be significantly improved. However, it should be noted that it is impossible to guarantee a minimum level for the lakes as this is dependent on weather conditions. Neither Rivers Agency nor EHS has any statutory responsibility to maintain minimum water levels.
Sheep Industry
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has for the marketing of Northern Irish lamb, to enable it to compete with the market for New Zealand and Welsh lamb. (AQW 1173/07)
Ms Gildernew: I am committed to supporting local produce and can advise that my Department is actively involved in work to assist our sheep industry. The Department and industry stakeholders have formed a Red Meat Task Force to develop a long term strategy for the local beef and sheepmeat industry. The consultants appointed in April to carry out this work are due to report later this year and will provide an action plan for this important sector. In addition, under the European Protected Food Names Scheme, the LMC has produced an application to register ‘Northern Ireland Lamb’ as a Protected Geographical Indicator (PGI). The Red Meat Task force will also examine how best to utilize a PGI. The aim is to position NI lamb in the market where returns can be maximised. Furthermore, in October, lamb will be included in LMC’s programme of activities at Anuga (the international food and drink exhibition in Cologne attracting international traders). LMC also conduct market research and provide pricing and marketing information to assist our industry in remaining competitive.
DARD Consultancy Services
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's projected spend on consultancy services, in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1176/07)
Ms Gildernew: The estimated projected spend for the financial year 2007/08 is £781,450.
Voluntary Modulation
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of stakeholders that were consulted prior to her announcement on voluntary modulation; and to detail the number of those consulted who made proposals that were later reflected in her decision to increase the current rate of modulation. (AQW 1190/07)
Ms Gildernew: I consulted the Assembly’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and met with 12 organisations representing environmental, agri-food and wider rural interests. I also received two written submissions.
All of the organisations expressed a view on the level of voluntary modulation rates - ranging from maintaining the higher Voluntary Modulation rates set by David Cairns to having no Voluntary Modulation at all. In making my decision to reduce the rates set by David Cairns, I took into account the full range of views.
Sustrans Scheme
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the Sustrans scheme for safety at schools; and to provide details of (a) the primary schools involved in the scheme; and (b) the funding that each school will receive. (AQW 1203/07)
Ms Gildernew: Sustrans have been awarded £936,531 under Measure 4.9 of the EU Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity (PBSP) of the Rural Development Programme through DARD. This funding allows for the development and implementation of a project known as the Rural Safe Routes to School Project. The total cost of the Project is approximately £1.25m and is being delivered in partnership with other key stakeholders/match funders including the Department of Regional Development, Roads’ Service, the Department of Education and the Department of Environment, Road Safety Unit.
Cattle Exports
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the progress made on marketing since the removal of the live exports ban; and to outline the short-term and long-term prospects of the live export trade. (AQW 1236/07)
Ms Gildernew: Since the lifting of the European Commission’s ban on live cattle exports in May 2006, 2,648 consignments totalling 51,900 animals have been exported from the North of Ireland to Member States.
These figures demonstrate that there is a significant demand in Europe for cattle from here.
In the short-term, I am planning to meet key stakeholders at the end of July to discuss a range of trade issues.
In the longer term, I will be working closely with the industry and my counterparts in GB, to ensure industry concerns are raised with the Commission and to secure a level playing field across Europe.
I will also be engaging with my Ministerial colleague in the south of Ireland, to explore ways of securing the freer movement of animals on the island of Ireland within the framework of the All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.
Capital Expenditure on Opening Forests
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's capital expenditure on opening up forests for leisure and recreation, for the last five years; and to detail the proposed capital expenditure for the next financial year. (AQW 1237/07)
Ms Gildernew:
| 2002/03 | £169k |
| 2003/04 | £268k |
| 2004/05 | £12k |
| 2005/06 | £24k |
| 2006/07 | £6k |
| 2007/08 | No expenditure budgeted for recreation activities. |
The main areas of capital expenditure included development of the Walkway at Glenarrif Forest and improvements to shower and toilet facilities in forest parks.
Countryside Management Scheme
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that the Countryside Management Scheme, or a similar scheme, will be introduced in the near future. (AQW 1251/07)
Ms Gildernew: The Northern Ireland Rural Development Plan (NIRDP) 2007 - 2013 may be approved by the European Commission in late July 2007. Local legislation will follow, but is unlikely to come into operation before October 2007. The proposed Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS) in the North of Ireland is an integral part of the NIRDP. I can confirm that this scheme will be introduced in the near future; however it is unlikely that this will be in 2007.
Single Farm Payment Land Inspections
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the total number of land inspections associated with Single Farm Payments, that were carried out in the month ending 31 May 2007. (AQW 1254/07)
Ms Gildernew: There were no land inspections, associated with the 2007 Single Farm Payment, carried out in the month ending 31 May 2007.
Import of Cattle from Scotland
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to make a statement on the import of cattle from Scotland to processing plants in Northern Ireland, with specific reference to the impact of the price paid by Northern Ireland Meat Plants for Scottish cattle, when compared to Northern Irish cattle; and what plans she has to address this issue. (AQW 1281/07)
Ms Gildernew: During the year from 3 May 2006 to 14 May 2007 9,820 cattle were imported from Great Britain for direct slaughter at Meat Plants in Northern Ireland.
I acknowledge the valuable contribution that the red meat sector makes to the local economy. With regards to pricing, you will be aware that prices paid for cattle are a commercial matter between Meat Processing Plants and their customers and government cannot interfere with normal market forces.
The situation suggests that there may be over capacity across Meat Processing Plants in the North and this is an area that needs to be addressed. My Department is currently involved in a wide ranging review of the red meat sector along with key stakeholders representing both Producers and Processors interests and this is one of the areas that will be addressed in that review. It will also look at the long-term future of this important sector, help to bring together a fragmented industry and clarify priorities for both the industry and government providing a much needed focus on how public money could be used most effectively to support the industry and aid sustainability.
Sustrans Scheme
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to roll out the Sustrans scheme for cycle paths in rural towns and villages. (AQW 1336/07)
Ms Gildernew: There are currently no plans for the Department to roll out this project throughout rural towns and villages.
The Safe Routes to Schools project is led by Sustrans, the Sustainable Transport Charity. It is funded under Measure 4.9 of the EU Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity (PBSP) of the Rural Development Programme through DARD.
As part of the project an evaluation will be carried out towards the end of 2008. If this evaluation is positive, it is anticipated that Sustrans will be well placed to pursue further funding opportunities to develop this type of work in both rural and urban schools across the North of Ireland.
Review of Planning Applications
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what discussions she has had with the Minister for Regional Development regarding a review of the criteria to be applied to planning applications for single homes in the countryside from farmers and those involved in the agricultural industry. (AQW 1362/07)
Ms Gildernew: I have discussed Planning Policy Statement 14 with the Minister for Regional Development on a number of occasions, including at the Executive Committee Meeting on 5 July
As a representative on the inter-Ministerial group on this issue, I will continue to ensure that the rural issues related to PPS14, including the criteria to be applied to farmers and the agriculture industry, are taken into account.
Common Agriculture Policy
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the effect that the decision of EU Ministers to simplify and improve the Common Agricultural Policy's cross-compliance system will have on farmers in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1383/07)
Ms Gildernew: The proposals, as presented by the Commission and considered by the Council, will be a helpful contribution to simplifying the system of cross compliance. There will be benefits for farmers in Northern Ireland, such as the non application of penalties which fall below €50, the possibility of a points system for cases of non compliance, and 14 days advance notice of some inspections. Simplification of the ten month rule will be welcome provided it delivers an easier system. The use of warning letters for minor breaches is already deployed in Northern Ireland. The proposals represent modest gains and I would have liked more to have been delivered.
Maintenance of Water Levels at Clay Lakes
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to maintain the water levels in the Clay Lakes at Shrigley, Killyleagh. (AQW 1403/07)
Ms Gildernew: Responsibility for maintenance of maximum water levels in the Clea lakes currently rests with the private owners of the water rights and DARD Rivers Agency has no statutory responsibility. In response to environmental representations about lower water levels, recent meetings were held involving Rivers Agency and DOE Environment and Heritage Service officials, local land owners and businesses and a further meeting has been arranged for later in July.
If agreement to transfer responsibility for water level management can be reached, Rivers Agency, subject to the availability of funding and Drainage Council approval, will undertake remedial works to the existing control structures. It is hoped that these would curtail leakage which is occurring at present and improve maintenance of water levels in the Lakes. It should be noted that it is not possible to guarantee a minimum level for the Lakes as this is dependent on weather conditions.
Illegal Trade of Exotic Wildlife Products
Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to revise the current list of regulated plants and animals, to help prevent growth in the illegal trade of exotic wildlife products; and to detail the number of seizures of regulated flora and fauna, intended for illegal trade, that have taken place in the last five years. (AQW 1457/07)
Ms Gildernew: My Department does not have a remit covering measures to prevent the illegal trade of exotic wildlife products. I am aware that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the UK Management Authority for CITES, (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). The Department of the Environment is responsible for prohibitions on the trade or sale of a limited number of species of animals and plants that are of European importance. I have been informed by DOE that there is no significant incidence of illegal trade of these species in the North. DOE have noted that they have never prosecuted anyone in the North of Ireland for sale of European protected species and, as such, there are no figures available on levels of incidence.
Indigenous Bee Population
Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (a) what estimate her department has made of the indigenous bee population of Northern Ireland; (b) if any assessment has been made of the threat of Colony Collapse Disorder against the indigenous bee population of Northern Ireland; and (c) what measures her department has put in place to safeguard Northern Ireland's native bee colonies against Colony Collapse Disorder. (AQW 1460/07)
Ms Gildernew: My Department does not monitor the indigenous bee population in the North of Ireland and has not therefore made any assessment of the threat to it from Colony Collapse Disorder. Consequently, my Department has not considered measures to safeguard native bee colonies. My inspectors check "managed" bees for certain notifiable diseases. While Colony Collapse Disorder is not recognised as a disease in the UK or Ireland, unexplained colony collapse is investigated to ascertain the cause. There is no evidence that Colony Collapse Disorder is present in the North of Ireland.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Funding for Ulster Gran Prix
Mr David Burnside asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to state what support, including financial support, has been given to the Ulster Grand Prix over the past five years; and what financial support it will receive from his department in 2007. (AQW 400/07)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr Poots): In 2007, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, through Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), provided an additional £150,000 funding to the 2&4 Wheel MSG. Of this, £50,000 was made available to the NW200 for the upgrading of health and safety at the site and £100,000 was used to purchase safety equipment such as bales, pole protectors and safety fencing which is available for use by any of the motorsport organisations. SNI is currently assisting 2&4 Wheel MSG with the preparation of a business case setting out further funding requirements.
Gaelic Language Network
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the Northern Ireland members on the board of the Gaelic language network Colmcille; and to explain how they were they recruited and appointed. (AQW 1031/07)
Mr Poots: I am aware that this question was due for answer on 9th July and I apologise for the delay.
There are currently three Northern Ireland Board members. Risteard MacGabhan serves as an ex-officio member due to his position as Chair of the Northern Ireland Regional Committee of Colmcille. At the time of the formation of the Board in April 2002, Aódan Mac Póilín served as NI Regional Committee Chair, resulting in his appointment as a Core Director of the Board. Róise Ní Bhaoill was appointed as DCAL’s nomination to the Board.
Ulster-Scots Agency
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (a) the recruitment process used to appoint the second interim chief executive of the Ulster- Scots Agency; (b) when he took up the appointment; and (c) when he left the position. (AQW 1033/07)
Mr Poots: Following the resignation of the first Interim CEO of the Ulster-Scots Agency in August 2001, a second interim CEO was appointed. An advisor working with the Agency was appointed with the Board’s approval as the second interim CEO. He was informed of the CEO’s responsibilities on 3 September 2001 and advised of the Accounting office role of the CEO on 20 September 2001. The Board of the Ulster-Scots Agency terminated his contract on 28th March 2002 on the grounds of non-availability.
Promotion of Ulster-Scots Linguistic Projects
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount his department has spent on Ulster-Scots linguistic projects activity, on a project-by-project basis, in the last five years. (AQW 1071/07)
Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of the Ulster-Scots linguistic projects activity is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group. The amount spent by both these organisations on linguistic projects 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 |
There would be a disproportionate cost to show these figures over the past 5 years on a project-by-project basis.
Promotion of Non-Linguistic Ulster-Scots Projects
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the amount his department has spent on non-linguistic Ulster-Scots projects activity, on a project-by-project basis, in the last five years. (AQW 1082/07)
Mr Poots: DCAL’s expenditure on the promotion of non-linguistic Ulster-Scots projects is via organisations such as the Ulster-Scots Agency, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Events Company. The amount spent/allocated 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. *The 2007 amount is the allocated figure in line with the business plan. |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
||
Arts Council for N.I |
£914k |
£650k |
£846k |
£365k |
£357k |
Under the Community Festivals Fund administered by the Northern Ireland Events Company, projects which including elements of Ulster Scots entertainment and celebration have received payments of £50k in 2006-07 and £41k in 2007-08 (tranches 1 and 2 only).
If required the Ulster Scots Agency could supply details of its funding in relation to a specific project, however, there would be a disproportionate cost to show these figures over the past 5 years on a project-by-project basis. The table below shows a breakdown of the Ulster Scots Agency’s expenditure/allocation on non-linguistic projects under its four main strategic themes over the past five years as defined in its business plans.
Strategic Theme |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Culture |
£610k |
£627k |
£650k |
£493k |
£590k |
Education |
£280k |
£288k |
£482k |
£547k |
£430k |
Public Awareness |
£200k |
£205k |
£200k |
£180k |
£325k |
Corporate Affairs |
£350k |
£481k |
£479k |
£672k |
£886k |
Rural Community Festivals
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what strategy there is to ensure future sustainability of community festivals in rural areas of Northern Ireland. (AQW 1138/07)
Mr Poots: The Community Festivals Fund (CFF) policy and guidance framework came into operation on 1 April 2006. The aim of the policy is to improve the capacity of community festivals, to make them more sustainable and less reliant on public funding.
In 2006/07 the CFF provided financial support to 42 festivals, which were from both urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland, helping existing festivals to grow and emerging festivals get off the ground.
CFF staff regularly attend information sessions throughout Northern Ireland to promote the Fund. They also provide an extensive package of training to build capacity amongst festival organisers.
The current arrangements apply for 2007/08. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure will bring forward proposals in respect of policy arrangements for community festivals later this year.
Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what engagement the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG) has had with representative organisations, such as the Ulster-Scots Language Society and the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council, in regard to the preparation of the content of the Northern Ireland element of the periodic report for the Committee of Experts, for the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (AQW 1161/07)
Mr Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) acting on behalf of the Interdepartmental Charter Implementation Group (ICIG) Secretariat, as part of the periodic report, identified to the Committee of Experts (COMEX) organisations that had an interest in Ulster-Scots Language issues. The Ulster Scots Language Society and the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council were referred and invited to meet with COMEX on 5th December 2005.
DCAL Spend on Consultancy Services
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's projected spend on consultancy services, in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1178/07)
Mr Poots: The projected spend on consultancy services within DCAL in the 2007/08 financial year is as follows:
Projected expenditure Amount £000’s |
|
|---|---|
Arts |
35 |
Museums |
27 |
Libraries |
200 |
Languages |
9 |
Waterways and Fisheries |
150 |
Sports |
45 |
Multi Sports stadium |
2800 |
Internal Governance |
252 |
Total DCAL projected Consultancy spend |
3518 |
Safety at Sports Ground Programme
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding that has been provided as part of the Safety at Sports Grounds programme, and to list those in receipt of such funding. (AQW 1202/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the provision of funding under the Stadia Safety Programme. The following details the amounts of funding and those in receipt under the Stadia Safety Programme up to 31 March 2007.
TOTAL FUNDING PROVIDED PER PROGRAMME |
|
|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Ground |
£4,704,483 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
£5,124,756 |
TOTAL FUNDING PROVIDED PER GOVERNING BODY |
|
|---|---|
Irish Football Association |
£4,604,828 |
Ulster Council GAA |
£3,278,420 |
UB Irish Rugby Football Union |
£1,945,991 |
Summary: Interim Safe Sports Grounds & Stadia Safety Funding by Soccer Club
Ards Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
August 2003 |
40,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£40,000 |
Armagh City Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
September 2002 |
15,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
November 2001 |
15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£30,000 |
Ballyclare Comrades Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
January 2002 |
463 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£463 |
Ballymena United Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 August 2003 |
200,000 20,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected August 2003 |
161,636 |
TOTAL |
£406,636 |
Bangor Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
July 2002 April 2004 |
14,807 14,663 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£29,470 |
Carrick Rangers Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2002 |
15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£15,000 |
Cliftonville Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 |
250,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
November 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2008 |
800,000 |
TOTAL |
£1,075,000 |
Coleraine Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
May 2002 June 2004 |
130,000 70,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
January 2002 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£225,000 |
Crusaders Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
September 2001 June 2002 |
5,000 77,450 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
January 2002 |
23,156 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£105,606 |
Derry City Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
December 2002 |
9,724 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£34,724 |
Dungannon Swifts Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
August 2002 January 2003 |
13,233 12,133 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£25,366 |
Glenavon Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 August 2003 |
235,000 70,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£330,000 |
Glentoran Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 December 2002 |
217,000 25,597 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2002 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£267,597 |
Institute Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
September 2002 September 2002 August 2003 |
18,000 12,000 11,900 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£41,900 |
Larne Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
January 2001 |
15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£15,000 |
Limavady United Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
May 2002 September 2002 |
15,000 15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£30,000 |
Linfield Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 August 2003 |
150,000 85,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 |
23,941 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£258,941 |
Lisburn Distillery Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 |
12,384 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£12,384 |
Newry City Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
September 2002 November 2002 |
250,000 27,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
November 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£302,000 |
Omagh Town Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
October 2002 |
199,201 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 |
23,290 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£222,491 |
Portadown Football Club
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 August 2008 June 2003 |
5,000 245,256 65,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 |
21,994 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2008 |
800,000 |
TOTAL |
£1,137,250 |
TOTAL AWARDS FOR SOCCER £4,604,828
Interim Safe Sports Grounds & Stadia Safety Funding by GAA Club/County Ground
Antrim GAA County Board
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
June 2003 |
65,650 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
January 2002 February 2002 September 2002 September 2002 |
25,000 15,000 24,650 15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£145,300 |
Armagh GAA County Board
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
August 2001 January 2001 June 2003 |
40,000 60,000 100,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 February 2002 August 2002 September 2002 |
25,000 15,000 15,000 25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£280,000 |
Derry GAA County Board
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 |
210,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 September 2002 |
25,000 15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£250,000 |
Down GAA County Board
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 |
235,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
December 2001 January 2002 September 2002 |
25,000 15,000 15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2007 |
800,000 |
TOTAL |
£1,090,000 |
Fermanagh GAA County Board/Enniskillen Gaels GAA
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2001 August 2003 |
210,000 65,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
July 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2008 |
349,350 |
TOTAL |
£649,350 |
Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 |
15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£15,000 |
St Colms GAC
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
N/A |
Nil |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 |
15,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
N/A |
Nil |
TOTAL |
£15,000 |
Tyrone GAA County Board
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
August 2003 August 2003 |
100,000 40,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
February 2002 February 2002 August 2002 September 2002 |
15,000 25,000 15,000 25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2007 |
613,770 |
TOTAL |
£833,770 |
TOTAL AWARDS FOR GAA: £3,278,420Summary: Interim Safe Sports Grounds & Stadia Safety Funding by Rugby Club
UB Irish Rugby Football Union
Programme |
Completion Date |
Grant Awards (£) |
|---|---|---|
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (MW) |
November 2002 December 2002 June 2003 |
220,991 10,000 90,000 |
Interim Safe Sports Grounds (UW) |
November 2001 |
25,000 |
Stadia Safety Programme |
Expected 2008 |
1,600,000 |
TOTAL |
£1,945,991 |
TOTAL AWARDS FOR RUGBY: £1,945,991
Safety at Sports Ground Programme
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the budget for the Safety at Sports Grounds programme. (AQW 1206/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the administration of the Stadia Safety Programme. The programme’s current operating budget from 2005/06 to 2007/08 is £8.1m. This is broken down as follows:
| 2005/06 | £4,660,335 |
| 2006/07 | £1,888,003 |
| 2007/08 | £1,597,773 |
| TOTAL | £8,146,111 |
World Pipe Bands Championship
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration he has given to North Antrim as a suitable venue for the World Pipe Bands Championship. (AQW 1262/07)
Mr Poots: I plan to meet with representatives of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association next week to discuss the possibility of bringing the World Pipe Band Championships to Northern Ireland.
In the event that the Championships were to be held in Northern Ireland, I would hope that North Antrim would be considered as a possible venue. However, this would be a decision for the organisers of the event to take after giving careful consideration to the area’s capacity to host the event.
World Pipe Bands Championship
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what efforts he is making to bring the World Pipe Bands Championship to Northern Ireland. (AQW 1264/07)
Mr Poots: I plan to meet with representatives of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association next week to discuss the possibility of bringing the World Pipe Band Championships to Northern Ireland.
Castle Gardens Site, Newtownards
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of car parking spaces that will be available at the new library for Newtownards, at the Castle Gardens School site. (AQW 1308/07)
Mr Poots: The Castle Gardens School site option in the draft Economic Appraisal, which is currently under consideration by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, indicates that on site parking can be accommodated. The number of car parking spaces will be determined as the project proceeds to planning and design stage.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail whether his department consulted the Ulster Council of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival; and whether any attempts were made by his department to involve and include CCE in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. (AQW 1319/07)
Mr Poots: A number of performers invited to the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival are members of CCE and they were consulted as individuals by the Smithsonian in terms of the programme of performance that they would present at the Festival to explain their performing traditions. These performers are from Armagh, Down, Antrim and Fermanagh. The Festival focuses on the individual participants rather than the organisations to which they belong.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of grant aid or financial assistance provided by his department to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 2006/2007. (AQW 1320/07)
Mr Poots: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure does not directly fund Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The Department is aware that Foras na Gaeilge, the Irish Language Agency, which is co-sponsored by DCAL and Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in the Republic of Ireland, has approved sponsorship of €15,000 for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 2006 and for the same amount in 2007. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland awarded funding through the Awards for All programme to Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in 2006/07 totalling £19,780.
Athlete Support Programme
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of how the grants paid by Sport Northern Ireland, as part of the Athlete Support Programme, compares to those paid by equivalent sports bodies in the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 1329/07)
Mr Poots: The grants paid by Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), as part of the Athlete Support Programme, differ significantly to those paid by equivalent sports bodies in the rest of the United Kingdom (UK). Unlike SNI, equivalent bodies in the UK do not invest in individual athletes. SNI grants are not the same as those paid by equivalent bodies and are also intended to help Northern Ireland athletes reach a level to be eligible for UK Sport investment.
Stadia Safety Programme
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the recipients of grants paid out under (a) phase one; and (b) phase two of the Stadia Safety Programme; and to detail the amount of funding paid to each recipient. (AQW 1330/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the payment of grants under the Stadia Safety Programme. The following details the recipients of grants paid out under (a) phase one; and (b) phase two of the Stadia Safety Programme and the amount of funding paid to each up to 31 March 2007.
Architecture and Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he has selected candidates for the new Architecture and the Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group, announced by his direct rule predecessor; and if he will list these candidates. (AQW 1334/07)
Mr Poots: Interviews have recently taken place for the selection of candidates for the Ministerial Advisory Group. The outcome of the selection has not yet been finalised.
Default Retirement Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what facility currently exists for members of staff in his department to work in their current post, beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 1343/07)
Mr Poots: Since 1 October 2006 staff wanting to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
Irish Language Act
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, further to his answer to AQW 372/07, to outline the timescale for completion of the analysis of responses to the consultation on the proposed Irish Language Act. (AQW 1349/07)
Mr Poots: It is my intention to bring a paper on this issue to the Executive in the autumn.
Understanding Cultural Traditions
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding made available by his department to help promote understanding of cultural traditions in Northern Ireland; and the amount of this funding that was allocated to single identity initiatives, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1350/07)
Mr Poots: Expenditure on the promotion of understanding of cultural traditions in Northern Ireland by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure is shown in the tables below:
Funding made available for promotion of the Irish language:
Calendar Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Foras na Gaeilge |
£2.64m |
£2.85m |
£3.09m |
£2.97m |
£3.26m |
Financial Year |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
Colmcille* |
£177k |
£180k |
£180k |
£180k |
£180k |
Irish Language Broadcast Fund |
£63,394 |
£11,730 |
Nil |
£2,999,874 |
£3,057,242 |
*Colmcille funding is not solely for the promotion of Irish Language projects
Funding made available for promotion of the Ulster-Scots language:
Calendar Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
£100k |
£500k |
£103k |
£198k |
£345k |
Financial Year |
05-06 |
06-07 |
|||
Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group |
£134k |
£392k |
Funding made available for promotion of non-language Irish cultural traditions:
Financial Year |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland Events Company Community Festivals Fund (for Irish cultural festivals and festivals containing elements of Irish Culture) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
£127,000 |
Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure transitional funding for festivals |
N/A |
N/A |
£40,000 |
£36,513* |
£106,550* |
Arts Council of Northern Ireland funding for Irish cultural projects |
£747,976 |
£1,552,739 |
£811,400 |
£1,219,732 |
£860,825 |
Sport Northern Ireland funding for Gaelic Games |
£568,559 |
£217,111 |
£140,839 |
£1,004,081 |
£2,701,488 |
*This may not be the final amounts as the accounts have not yet closed
Funding made available for promotion of non-language Ulster-Scots cultural traditions:
Calendar Year |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ulster-Scots Agency |
£1.44m |
£1.67m |
£1.81m |
£1.94m |
£2.23m |
Financial Year |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
Arts Council of Northern Ireland |
£914k |
£650k |
£846k |
£365k |
£357k |
Northern Ireland Events Company Community Festivals Fund (for festivals containing elements of Ulster Scots Culture) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
£50k |
Funding made available for Orange cultural activity:
Financial Year |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure |
N/A |
N/A |
£35,000 |
£50,165 |
£30,000 |
Northern Ireland Events Company Community Festivals Fund (for Orange cultural festivals) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
£26,000 |
Arts Council of Northern Ireland (Art of Regeneration Fund through - Belfast City Council) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
£6,333 |
Funding made available for the Maiden City Festival:
Financial Year |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05 |
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure |
N/A |
N/A |
£50,000 (through NI Events Company) |
£50,000 |
N/A |
In addition to this the Department provided funding to support the promotion of Cultural Diversity through the Diversity 21 Initiative and other programmes, but a breakdown of this funding is not readily available.
Funding for Coleraine and Limavady Councils
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to list the level of funding for events made available to (a) Coleraine Borough Council; and (b) Limavady Borough Council, in the last five years. (AQW 1357/07)
Mr Poots: The level of funding for events made available to Coleraine Borough Council and Limavady Borough Council for events in the last five years is detailed in the tables below.
Coleraine Borough Council – Funding made available by the Arts Council |
||
Year |
Detail |
Amount of funding offered |
|---|---|---|
02/03 |
Annual support for Organisations Programme |
£5,400 |
03/04 |
Annual support for Organisations Programme |
£8,000 |
04/05 |
Annual support for Organisations Programme |
£12,000 |
05/06 |
Multi Annual Programme |
£18,100 |
06/07 |
Multi Annual Programme |
£18,100 |
06/07 |
Craft Start Up Support and Residency |
£22,500 |
Coleraine Borough Council Applications – Funding made available by Northern Ireland Events Company |
||
Year |
Detail |
Amount of funding offered |
|---|---|---|
03/04 |
Coleraine Choral Festival |
£4,000* |
04/05 |
Coleraine International Choral Festival |
£3,600* |
04/05 |
NI D-Day Air Spectacular |
£30,000* |
06/07 |
NI International Air Show |
£30,000* |
The level of funding for events made available to Limavady Borough Council by the Northern Ireland Events Company since 2005 is detailed in the table below.
Limavady Council Applications - Funding made available by Northern Ireland Events Company |
||
Year |
Event /Detail |
Amount of funding offered |
|---|---|---|
05/06 |
Danny Boy Festival |
£18,000* |
06/07 |
Danny Boy Festival |
£15,000* |
* Note these amounts are indicative of applications made directly from each council for funding from the Northern Ireland Events Company .
2012 London Olympic Games
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the impact that the increased lottery funding for the 2012 London Olympic Games will have on the amount of money available for lottery grants, to be distributed in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1360/07)
Mr Poots: An additional contribution from the Lottery of £675m is required over the four years 2009 to 2012 for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
In Northern Ireland this means a direct loss to the non-Olympic good causes of £26.6m over the period 2009-2012. Each distributor will, based on the existing share of Lottery proceeds, contribute:
| Big Lottery Fund | £19.1m |
| Heritage Lottery Fund | £ 2.7m |
| Arts Council of Northern Ireland | £ 2.5m |
| Sport Northern Ireland | £ 2.3m |
People Registered at Rugby Clubs
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of people registered at rugby clubs in Northern Ireland, as amateur and professional players, in (a) youth teams; (b) men's teams; and (c) women's teams. (AQW 1368/07)
Mr Poots: The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) does not retain information on the number of people registered at rugby clubs in Northern Ireland, nor is such information available, except at disproportionate cost.
Ulster Cycling Federation
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what meetings he has had, or plans to have, with the Ulster Cycling Federation. (AQW 1398/07)
Mr Poots: I have had no meetings to date, nor have I currently any plans to meet with Cycling Ulster. However, Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, meets regularly with Cycling Ulster.
Financial Support for Cycling
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of financial support he has given to (a) the sport of cycling; and (b) individual cycling clubs and organisations, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1399/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has provided financial support to (a) the sport of cycling and (b) individual cycling clubs and organisations, in each of the last five financial years as follows:
Sport of Cycling |
Individual Clubs/ Organisations |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Financial Year |
Exchequer (£) |
Lottery (£) |
Exchequer (£) |
Lottery (£) |
Total (£) |
2002/03 |
Nil |
63,340 |
Nil |
5,000 |
68,340 |
2003/04 |
70,892 |
35,880 |
Nil |
Nil |
106,772 |
2004/05 |
Nil |
117,140 |
Nil |
35,590 |
152,730 |
2005/06 |
40,666 |
31,500 |
Nil |
Nil |
72,166 |
2006/07 |
58,650 |
151,850 |
Nil |
Nil |
210,500 |
Northern Ireland Cycling Federation
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of grants awarded by his department to the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1400/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of grants to sports organisations. SNI has made no awards to the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation (NICF) in each of the last 5 years as it currently recognises Cycling Ulster as the governing body of cycling in Northern Ireland and as the NICF is now represented within Cycling Ulster.
Grants to the Ulster Cycling Federation
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of grants awarded to the Ulster Cycling Federation, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1401/07)
Mr Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. SNI has provided the following grants to Cycling Ulster, in each of the last five financial years:
Financial Year |
Exchequer (£) |
Lottery (£) |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
2002/03 |
Nil |
63,340 |
63,340 |
2003/04 |
70,892 |
20,880 |
91,772 |
2004/05 |
Nil |
101,640 |
101,640 |
2005/06 |
40,666 |
17,100 |
57766 |
2006/07 |
58,650 |
131,450 |
190,100 |
Northern Ireland Cycling Federation
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what meetings he has had, or plans to have, with the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation. (AQW 1402/07)
Mr Poots: I have had no meetings, nor do I plan to meet with, the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation (NICF) as the Federation agreed in December 2006 to amalgamate with Cycling Ulster. The NICF is now represented within Cycling Ulster and Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding, meets regularly with Cycling Ulster to monitor investment in cycling in Northern Ireland.
Funding to Feile an Phobail
Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the amount of funding that is outstanding, from the funding allocated last year by his department to Feile an Phobail. (AQW 1456/07)
Mr Poots: Last year the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure awarded up to £100k transitional funding to Feile an Phobail. £25k of this funding is still outstanding.
Education
Post-Primary Integrated Education
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the current provision of integrated education in the secondary sector in Bangor, Donaghadee and Millisle. (AQW 650/07)
The Minister of Education (Ms Ruane): There is no post-primary integrated provision in Bangor, Donaghadee or Millisle. The nearest post-primary integrated provision for the towns in question is:
Priory College, Holywood; and Strangford Integrated College, Carrowdore.
The enrolment at St Columbanus the Catholic Maintained post primary school in Bangor includes over 30% Protestants.
Provision of School Meals
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures being taken to ensure the delivery of healthy menus in school canteens. (AQW 712/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the provision of healthy school meals, I shall reply to these together.
My Department has worked, in conjunction with the Education and Library Boards, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Health Promotion Agency and the Food Standards Agency, to develop compulsory new Nutritional Standards for school meals and to ensure that these standards are reviewed regularly in light of the latest information on nutrition and health. These were originally published in the document, "Catering for Healthy Lifestyles". This booklet is at present being updated to take account of the new standards.
Healthy menus were first introduced through a pilot scheme in almost one hundred schools. Thereafter, a roll-out programme encompassed all schools.
The standards are now being extended to other sources of food in schools such as tuck shops and vending machines.
School canteen staff are presently being trained in the delivery of healthy menus. Also, nutritional co-ordinators have been appointed to advise canteen staff and schools on menu-planning and nutrition-related matters.
The implementation of healthy menus is being monitored by the Education and Library Boards and other school authorities. Schools are also being checked for compliance with the standards by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Provision of School Meals
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the methodology used to monitor the implementation of government policy regarding the delivery of healthy school meals. (AQW 713/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the provision of healthy school meals, I shall reply to these together.
My Department has worked, in conjunction with the Education and Library Boards, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Health Promotion Agency and the Food Standards Agency, to develop compulsory new Nutritional Standards for school meals and to ensure that these standards are reviewed regularly in light of the latest information on nutrition and health. These were originally published in the document, "Catering for Healthy Lifestyles". This booklet is at present being updated to take account of the new standards.
Healthy menus were first introduced through a pilot scheme in almost one hundred schools. Thereafter, a roll-out programme encompassed all schools.
The standards are now being extended to other sources of food in schools such as tuck shops and vending machines.
School canteen staff are presently being trained in the delivery of healthy menus. Also, nutritional co-ordinators have been appointed to advise canteen staff and schools on menu-planning and nutrition-related matters.
The implementation of healthy menus is being monitored by the Education and Library Boards and other school authorities. Schools are also being checked for compliance with the standards by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Provision of School Meals
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the methodology used to introduce healthy options on to school menus in the past; and how this is to be expanded in the future. (AQW 714/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the provision of healthy school meals, I shall reply to these together.
My Department has worked, in conjunction with the Education and Library Boards, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Health Promotion Agency and the Food Standards Agency, to develop compulsory new Nutritional Standards for school meals and to ensure that these standards are reviewed regularly in light of the latest information on nutrition and health. These were originally published in the document, "Catering for Healthy Lifestyles". This booklet is at present being updated to take account of the new standards.
Healthy menus were first introduced through a pilot scheme in almost one hundred schools. Thereafter, a roll-out programme encompassed all schools.
The standards are now being extended to other sources of food in schools such as tuck shops and vending machines.
School canteen staff are presently being trained in the delivery of healthy menus. Also, nutritional co-ordinators have been appointed to advise canteen staff and schools on menu-planning and nutrition-related matters.
The implementation of healthy menus is being monitored by the Education and Library Boards and other school authorities. Schools are also being checked for compliance with the standards by the Education and Training Inspectorate.
Referral of Children for Statutory Assessment
Dr William McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children referred to the North Eastern Education and Library Board to be assessed for a statement of special educational needs, in each of the last three years. (AQW 723/07)
Ms Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board report that the number of children referred for statutory assessment in each of the last three financial years is as follows:
| 2004/05 | 360 |
| 2005/06 | 327 |
| 2006/07 | 338 |
Post-Primary Transfer
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Education if she will ensure that the Craigavon-based Dickson Plan is preserved in any proposed replacement of the existing transfer test system. (AQW 734/07)
Ms Ruane: The arrangements for post-primary transfer that will succeed those currently in operation have not yet been decided. I have made clear that I am not in favour of academic selection.
Budget Performance of South Eastern ELB
Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister of Education to confirm the reported savings of £4.5 million in the South Eastern Education and Library Board's 2006/07 budget; and to outline where the savings were made. (AQW 765/07)
Ms Ruane: The unaudited Annual Accounts of the South Eastern Education and Library Board for 2006/2007, submitted to the Department of Education on 1 June 2007, report that the Board lived within the budget allocated to it for this period whilst also meeting the agreed 2006-07 repayment target of £4.5m.
The Board tells me that this was achieved in part through the application of stringent budget management disciplines and also by giving effect, following a comprehensive review of services, to proposals designed to secure greater efficiencies in service provision.
South Eastern Education and Library Board Maintenance Budget
Mr Jimmy Spratt asked the Minister of Education to give details of the deficit, to date, in the maintenance budget allocated to the South Eastern Education and Library Board. (AQW 766/07)
Ms Ruane: Education and Library Boards receive allocations to cover the delivery of the full range of services that they provide. It is a matter for each Board to determine how much of its centre allocation is spent on maintenance. In 2006/07, the Board has advised that it spent £3,935k on maintenance; an increase of 123% on the previous year.
School Vending Machines
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to name the schools that provide tuck shops or vending machines in the South Eastern Education and Library Board. (AQW 777/07)
Ms Ruane: The following schools in the South-Eastern Education and Library Board area provide vending machines in their canteen/dining areas:
Down Academy, Downpatrick
Dundonald High School
Knockbreda High School
Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn
Regent House School, Newtownards
Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle
St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan
Information relating to the schools which provide tuck shops or vending machines outside the school canteen is not available.
From September 2007 my Department’s nutritional standards initiative will be extended to all sources of food in schools. This means that only healthy options will be available in vending machines and tuck shops etc.
Pupil Behaviour Maintenance
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number and type of schemes currently in existence to prevent school exclusions; and what is the level of funding allocated to these schemes. (AQW 794/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education allocates earmarked funding to the Education and Library Boards, which they can augment from their block grant, for a range of interventions to maintain pupils with challenging behaviour in school. Funding for this financial year is as follows:
|
Area |
Allocation (£k) |
|---|---|
|
Behaviour Support Teams |
1,002 |
|
Pupil Referral Units |
1,212 |
|
Education Otherwise Than at School |
3,229 |
|
School Behaviour Schemes |
250 |
|
Total |
5,693 |
Each Education and Library Board decides how to allocate this funding to best meet the needs of the young people in their area.
Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to advise of current departmental policy in relation to 'rolling exclusions'; and how this policy is enforced. (AQW 795/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education does not have such a policy.
All schools are required to have a scheme for the suspension and expulsion of pupils, in which the procedures to be followed are set out.
A pupil can be suspended only by the School Principal for up to five
school days and this can only be extended with the prior approval of the Chair of the Board of Governors. A pupil can only be suspended for a maximum of 45 school days in a school year. The Principal must immediately give notice of a suspension to the parent of the pupil, the Chair of the Board of Governors, the relevant Education and Library Board and, as appropriate, to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools.
Education and Library Boards are responsibility for monitoring pupil suspensions.
Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the advice currently given to schools in relation to suspension and exclusion tariffs; and what guidance is provided to ensure that they operate on an equivalent basis in all schools. (AQW 796/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department’s current advice to schools, on sanctions for breaches of discipline and the use of suspension and expulsion, is set out in "Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour" published in June 2001.
The Education Order (NI) 2006 sets out new arrangements for the suspension and expulsion of pupils, including the introduction of a common scheme for all grant-aided schools. The scheme will be the subject of wide consultation later this year. Following this, the Department will issue the agreed common scheme and associated guidance to all schools. This will ensure consistent practice across all schools and to allow equity of treatment for all pupils irrespective of the school they attend.
Funding of School Meals Service
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated for the provision of school meals at primary schools that is used for other purposes in (a) the controlled sector; (b) the maintained sector; and (c) the integrated sector, in each Education and Library Board area. (AQW 801/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the funding of the school meals service, I shall reply to these together.
Education and Library Boards receive allocations to cover the delivery of the full range of services that they provide, including school meals. It is a matter for each Board to determine how much of its centre allocation is spent on school meals. However, the Initial Resource Allocation Plans submitted to my Department by the Boards indicate that they have allocated the following expenditure in relation to the school meals service for 2007/08 in respect of maintained and controlled schools:
|
Belfast |
£5.906 million |
|
|---|---|---|
|
North-Eastern |
£6.574 million |
|
|
South-Eastern |
£4.427 million |
|
|
Southern |
£6.581 million |
|
|
Western |
£7.087 million |
|
|
Total |
£30.575 million |
(A breakdown of this expenditure between school types and sectors is not available.)
My Department is also providing funding of £1.5 million to grant-maintained integrated schools and £2.5 million to voluntary grammar schools for the provision of their school meals service.
Additionally, my Department is providing a further £3 million to Boards in the current financial year which is ring-fenced and must be used to improve the quality of food in schools. This additional funding is mostly to ensure that expenditure on the food and nutritional content value of school meals amounts to at least 50p in nursery, primary and special schools and 60p in post-primary schools. The remaining funding supports the implementation of the standards, including the recruitment of five Nutritional Co-ordinators to advise schools, training arrangements for the many hundreds of canteen staff and assistance with additional staff costs and preparation time.
Funding of School Meals Service
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail how much funding is allocated to secondary schools for the provision of school meals in (a) the controlled sector; (b) the maintained sector; and (c) the integrated sector, in each Education and Library Board area. (AQW 802/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the funding of the school meals service, I shall reply to these together.
Education and Library Boards receive allocations to cover the delivery of the full range of services that they provide, including school meals. It is a matter for each Board to determine how much of its centre allocation is spent on school meals. However, the Initial Resource Allocation Plans submitted to my Department by the Boards indicate that they have allocated the following expenditure in relation to the school meals service for 2007/08 in respect of maintained and controlled schools:
|
Belfast |
£5.906 million |
|
|---|---|---|
|
North-Eastern |
£6.574 million |
|
|
South-Eastern |
£4.427 million |
|
|
Southern |
£6.581 million |
|
|
Western |
£7.087 million |
|
|
Total |
£30.575 million |
(A breakdown of this expenditure between school types and sectors is not available.)
My Department is also providing funding of £1.5 million to grant-maintained integrated schools and £2.5 million to voluntary grammar schools for the provision of their school meals service.
Additionally, my Department is providing a further £3 million to Boards in the current financial year which is ring-fenced and must be used to improve the quality of food in schools. This additional funding is mostly to ensure that expenditure on the food and nutritional content value of school meals amounts to at least 50p in nursery, primary and special schools and 60p in post-primary schools. The remaining funding supports the implementation of the standards, including the recruitment of five Nutritional Co-ordinators to advise schools, training arrangements for the many hundreds of canteen staff and assistance with additional staff costs and preparation time.
Funding of School Meals Service
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail how much funding is allocated to primary schools for the provision of school meals in (a) the controlled sector; (b) the maintained sector; and (c) the integrated sector, in each Education and Library Board area. (AQW 803/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked a number of related questions concerning the funding of the school meals service, I shall reply to these together.
Education and Library Boards receive allocations to cover the delivery of the full range of services that they provide, including school meals. It is a matter for each Board to determine how much of its centre allocation is spent on school meals. However, the Initial Resource Allocation Plans submitted to my Department by the Boards indicate that they have allocated the following expenditure in relation to the school meals service for 2007/08 in respect of maintained and controlled schools:
|
Belfast |
£5.906 million |
|
|---|---|---|
|
North-Eastern |
£6.574 million |
|
|
South-Eastern |
£4.427 million |
|
|
Southern |
£6.581 million |
|
|
Western |
£7.087 million |
|
|
Total |
£30.575 million |
(A breakdown of this expenditure between school types and sectors is not available.)
My Department is also providing funding of £1.5 million to grant-maintained integrated schools and £2.5 million to voluntary grammar schools for the provision of their school meals service.
Additionally, my Department is providing a further £3 million to Boards in the current financial year which is ring-fenced and must be used to improve the quality of food in schools. This additional funding is mostly to ensure that expenditure on the food and nutritional content value of school meals amounts to at least 50p in nursery, primary and special schools and 60p in post-primary schools. The remaining funding supports the implementation of the standards, including the recruitment of five Nutritional Co-ordinators to advise schools, training arrangements for the many hundreds of canteen staff and assistance with additional staff costs and preparation time.
Funding for Primary and Secondary Schools
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to narrow the gap between funding for primary and secondary schools. (AQW 807/07)
Ms Ruane: The rationale behind the differential in funding for primary and secondary schools reflects the greater cost demands which arise for secondary schools in the delivery of the curriculum. I am, however, committed to reducing the current funding differential and I will therefore be looking very carefully, within the resources I can secure for education under the Comprehensive Spending Review, at how we can improve the current balance to allow more investment in early years, without creating difficulties for the post-primary sector.
School Vending Machines
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education how many schools provide tuck shops or vending machines, by school type and Board area. (AQW 873/07)
Ms Ruane: The number of schools providing vending machines in their canteen/dining areas is as follows:
|
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
TOTAL |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CONTROLLED |
2 |
0 |
5 |
1 |
3 |
11 |
|
MAINTAINED |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
12 |
|
GRANT-MAINTAINED INTEGRATED |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
VOLUNTARY GRAMMAR |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
4 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
13 |
26 |
Information relating to the schools which provide tuck shops or vending machines outside the school canteen is not available.
From September 2007 my Department’s nutritional standards initiative will be extended to all sources of food in schools. This means that only healthy options should be available in vending machines and tuck shops.
School Meals Service
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to name the schools that provide school dinners where food is prepared, in the South Eastern Education and Library Board Area. (AQW 874/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked two related questions concerning the school meals service in the South-Eastern Education and Library Board area, I shall reply to these together.
The schools that provide school dinners where food is prepared on site are as follows:
Controlled Schools
|
Abbey PS Academy PS Anahilt PS Andrews Memorial PS Ballymacash PS Ballymagee PS Ballynahinch PS Bangor Central IPS Bloomfield Road PS Brooklands PS Cairnshill PS Carrowdore PS Carryduff PS Castle Gardens PS Clandeboye PS Cumran PS Comber PS Donaghadee PS Downpatrick PS Downshire PS Dundonald PS Fort Hill PS Grange Park PS Harmony Hill PS Kilcooley PS Killinchy PS |
Killowen PS Kilmaine PS Knockmore PS Largymore PS Lisburn PS Londonderry PS Lower Ballinderry PS Meadowbridge PS Moira PS Newcastle PS Newtownards Model PS Old Warren PS Pond Park PS Rathmore PS Riverdale PS Seymour Hill PS Spa PS St Brigid’s PS Tonagh PS Towerview PS Tullycarnet PS Victoria PS Westwinds PS Beechlawn Special School Killard House |
Knockevin Special School Longstone Special School Parkview Special School Ballynahinch HS Bangor Central Kitchen Bangor Academy (Castle) Bangor Academy (Clanmorris) Comber HS Donaghadee HS Down Academy Down HS Dundonald HS Dunmurry HS Fort Hill College Glastry HS Glenlola Collegiate Knockbreda HS Laurelhill HS Lisnagarvey Boys HS Lisnasharragh HS Movilla HS Newtownbreda HS Priory College Regent House Saintfield HS |
Maintained Schools
|
Christ the Redeemer PS Convent of Mercy PS Good Shepherd PS Legamaddy PS Sacred Heart PS St Aloysius PS St Colmcille’s PS St Joseph’s PS, Carnacaville St Joseph’s PS, Carryduff St Joseph’s PS, Killough St Joseph’s PS, Lisburn St Kieran’s PS St Luke’s PS St Malachy’s PS, Bangor St Malachy’s PS, Castlewellan St Mark’s PS |
St Mary’s PS, Kircubbin St Mary’s PS, Newcastle St Mary’s PS, Portaferry St Nicholas’ PS St Patrick’s Boys’ PS, Downpatrick St Patrick’s PS, Ballyhinch St Ita’s PS De La Salle Secondary School, Downpatrick St Colman’s HS, Ballynahinch St Colmcille’s HS, Crossgar St Colm’s HS, Twinbrook St Columba’s HS, Portaferry St Columbanus’ College, Bangor St Malachy’s HS, Castlewellan St Mary’s HS, Downpatrick St Patrick’s HS, Lisburn |
Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools
Loughview PS
Lagan College
Shimna College
Strangford College
Voluntary Grammar Schools
Assumption GS, Ballynahinch
Bangor Grammar School and Preparatory Department
Friends’ School, Lisburn and Preparatory Department
Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
St Patrick’s GS, Downpatrick
Sullivan Upper School, Holywood and Preparatory Department
Wallace HS, Lisburn and Preparatory Department
The schools that serve school dinners but do not prepare them on site are as follows:
Controlled Schools
|
Bangor NS Barbour NS Braniel NS Brooklands NS Castlereagh NS Downpatrick NS Glenbrook NS Knockbreda NS Kings Road NS Newtownards NS Pond Park NS Alexander Dickson PS All Children’s IPS Annsborough IPS Ballycarrickamaddy PS Ballycloughan PS Ballyholme PS Ballykeigle PS Ballyvester PS Ballywalter PS Belvoir Park PS |
Braniel PS Brownlee PS Carr PS Carrickmannon PS Castlewellan PS Conlig PS Crawfordsburn PS Cregagh PS Crossgar PS Derriaghy PS Derryboy PS Dromara PS Dunmurry PS Gilnahirk PS Glencraig PS Grange Park PS Greyabbey PS Groomsport PS Hilden IPS Holywood PS Killyleagh PS |
Kircubbin IPS Kirkistown PS Knockbreda PS Leadhill PS Lisnasharragh PS Loughries PS Maghaberry PS McKinney PS/NS Millisle PS Moneyrea PS Newtownbreda PS Portaferry IPS Portavogie PS Redburn PS Tyrella PS Ardmore House Special Brookfield Special School Broomhedge Annex Clifton Special School Cottown Special School Tor Bank Special School |
Maintained Schools
|
Convent of Mercy NS Good Shepherd NS St Colmcille’s NS St Kieran’s NS St Luke’s NS St Mark’s NS St Therese’s NS Trinity NS Aughlisnafin PS Ballymacricket PS Ballymacward PS Bunscoil Bhenna Biorche, Castlewellan Drumaghlis PS Drumaness PS Guiness PS Holy Family PS Our Lady Queen of Peace PS Scoil Na Fuiseoige PS St Bernard’s PS St Brigid’s PS St Caolan’s PS St Colman’s PS, Lisburn St Colman’s PS, Moira |
St Comgall’s PS St Finian’s PS St Francis PS, Drumaroad St Joseph’s PS, Ballycruttle St Joseph’s PS, Crossgar St Joseph’s PS, Strangford St Joseph’s PS, Tyrella St Macartan’s PS St Malachy’s PS, Kilclief St Malachy’s PS, Kilcoo St Mary’s PS, Ardglass St Mary’s PS, Ballygowan St Mary’s PS, Comber St Mary’s PS, Dunsford St Mary’s PS, Killyleagh St Mary’s PS, Saintfield St Patrick’s PS, Ballygalget St Patrick’s PS, Burnreagh St Patrick’s PS, Castlewellan St Patrick’s PS, Holywood St Patrick’s PS, Portaferry St Patrick’s PS, Saul |
Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools
Cedar IPS, Crossgar
Drumlins IPS, Ballynahinch
Millennium IPS, Saintfield
Oakwood IPS, Derriaghy
School Meals Service
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to name the schools that serve school dinners but which do not prepare them on site in the South Eastern Education and Library Boards area (AQW 875/07)
Ms Ruane: As the Member for Strangford has asked two related questions concerning the school meals service in the South-Eastern Education and Library Board area, I shall reply to these together.
The schools that provide school dinners where food is prepared on site are as follows:
Controlled Schools
|
Abbey PS Academy PS Anahilt PS Andrews Memorial PS Ballymacash PS Ballymagee PS Ballynahinch PS Bangor Central IPS Bloomfield Road PS Brooklands PS Cairnshill PS Carrowdore PS Carryduff PS Castle Gardens PS Clandeboye PS Cumran PS Comber PS Donaghadee PS Downpatrick PS Downshire PS Dundonald PS Fort Hill PS Grange Park PS Harmony Hill PS Kilcooley PS Killinchy PS |
Killowen PS Kilmaine PS Knockmore PS Largymore PS Lisburn PS Londonderry PS Lower Ballinderry PS Meadowbridge PS Moira PS Newcastle PS Newtownards Model PS Old Warren PS Pond Park PS Rathmore PS Riverdale PS Seymour Hill PS Spa PS St Brigid’s PS Tonagh PS Towerview PS Tullycarnet PS Victoria PS Westwinds PS Beechlawn Special School Killard House |
Knockevin Special School Longstone Special School Parkview Special School Ballynahinch HS Bangor Central Kitchen Bangor Academy (Castle) Bangor Academy (Clanmorris) Comber HS Donaghadee HS Down Academy Down HS Dundonald HS Dunmurry HS Fort Hill College Glastry HS Glenlola Collegiate Knockbreda HS Laurelhill HS Lisnagarvey Boys HS Lisnasharragh HS Movilla HS Newtownbreda HS Priory College Regent House Saintfield HS |
Maintained Schools
|
Christ the Redeemer PS Convent of Mercy PS Good Shepherd PS Legamaddy PS Sacred Heart PS St Aloysius PS St Colmcille’s PS St Joseph’s PS, Carnacaville St Joseph’s PS, Carryduff St Joseph’s PS, Killough St Joseph’s PS, Lisburn St Kieran’s PS St Luke’s PS St Malachy’s PS, Bangor St Malachy’s PS, Castlewellan St Mark’s PS |
St Mary’s PS, Kircubbin St Mary’s PS, Newcastle St Mary’s PS, Portaferry St Nicholas’ PS St Patrick’s Boys’ PS, Downpatrick St Patrick’s PS, Ballyhinch St Ita’s PS De La Salle Secondary School, Downpatrick St Colman’s HS, Ballynahinch St Colmcille’s HS, Crossgar St Colm’s HS, Twinbrook St Columba’s HS, Portaferry St Columbanus’ College, Bangor St Malachy’s HS, Castlewellan St Mary’s HS, Downpatrick St Patrick’s HS, Lisburn |
Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools
Loughview PS
Lagan College
Shimna College
Strangford College
Voluntary Grammar Schools
Assumption GS, Ballynahinch
Bangor Grammar School and Preparatory Department
Friends’ School, Lisburn and Preparatory Department
Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock
St Patrick’s GS, Downpatrick
Sullivan Upper School, Holywood and Preparatory Department
Wallace HS, Lisburn and Preparatory Department
The schools that serve school dinners but do not prepare them on site are as follows:
Controlled Schools
|
Bangor NS Barbour NS Braniel NS Brooklands NS Castlereagh NS Downpatrick NS Glenbrook NS Knockbreda NS Kings Road NS Newtownards NS Pond Park NS Alexander Dickson PS All Children’s IPS Annsborough IPS Ballycarrickamaddy PS Ballycloughan PS Ballyholme PS Ballykeigle PS Ballyvester PS Ballywalter PS Belvoir Park PS |
Braniel PS Brownlee PS Carr PS Carrickmannon PS Castlewellan PS Conlig PS Crawfordsburn PS Cregagh PS Crossgar PS Derriaghy PS Derryboy PS Dromara PS Dunmurry PS Gilnahirk PS Glencraig PS Grange Park PS Greyabbey PS Groomsport PS Hilden IPS Holywood PS Killyleagh PS |
Kircubbin IPS Kirkistown PS Knockbreda PS Leadhill PS Lisnasharragh PS Loughries PS Maghaberry PS McKinney PS/NS Millisle PS Moneyrea PS Newtownbreda PS Portaferry IPS Portavogie PS Redburn PS Tyrella PS Ardmore House Special Brookfield Special School Broomhedge Annex Clifton Special School Cottown Special School Tor Bank Special School |
Maintained Schools
|
Convent of Mercy NS Good Shepherd NS St Colmcille’s NS St Kieran’s NS St Luke’s NS St Mark’s NS St Therese’s NS Trinity NS Aughlisnafin PS Ballymacricket PS Ballymacward PS Bunscoil Bhenna Biorche, Castlewellan Drumaghlis PS Drumaness PS Guiness PS Holy Family PS Our Lady Queen of Peace PS Scoil Na Fuiseoige PS St Bernard’s PS St Brigid’s PS St Caolan’s PS St Colman’s PS, Lisburn St Colman’s PS, Moira |
St Comgall’s PS St Finian’s PS St Francis PS, Drumaroad St Joseph’s PS, Ballycruttle St Joseph’s PS, Crossgar St Joseph’s PS, Strangford St Joseph’s PS, Tyrella St Macartan’s PS St Malachy’s PS, Kilclief St Malachy’s PS, Kilcoo St Mary’s PS, Ardglass St Mary’s PS, Ballygowan St Mary’s PS, Comber St Mary’s PS, Dunsford St Mary’s PS, Killyleagh St Mary’s PS, Saintfield St Patrick’s PS, Ballygalget St Patrick’s PS, Burnreagh St Patrick’s PS, Castlewellan St Patrick’s PS, Holywood St Patrick’s PS, Portaferry St Patrick’s PS, Saul |
Grant-Maintained Integrated Schools
Cedar IPS, Crossgar
Drumlins IPS, Ballynahinch
Millennium IPS, Saintfield
Oakwood IPS, Derriaghy
Craigavon Based Dickson Plan
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the impact of the Craigavon-based Dickson Plan on (a) the delivery of education; and (b) academic performance in the Craigavon area. (AQW 903/07)
Ms Ruane: I have noted that the arrangements currently operating in the Craigavon-based Dickson Plan are well established. Research into the impact of the Dickson Plan published in 1998 produced inconclusive findings. I understand that a study of provision in the Dickson Plan area, commissioned by the Southern Education and Library Board, will be published soon. This will better enable an assessment of the area’s provision to be made.
School Amalgamation
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education to outline, in cases where two or more schools amalgamate, whether any overspend associated with these schools transfers to the school formed by the amalgamation. (AQW 917/07)
Ms Ruane: All schools are required, under the Local Management of Schools delegated funding arrangements, to ensure that levels of expenditure are contained within the total available resources. Schools should work with the relevant funding and employing authorities in the run up to an amalgamation.
Any overspend associated with these schools coming together on amalgamation will be met from centre funds, providing that in preparing the school for amalgamation, they have complied with any requirements, direction or advice issued by the Funding Authority.
Delegation of Funding
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education to explain, in instances where a school closes, what happens to any overspend associated with that school. (AQW 918/07)
Ms Ruane: All schools are required, under the Local Management of Schools delegated funding arrangements, to ensure that levels of expenditure are contained within the total available resources. Schools should work with their Funding Authority in planning for a closure. Where a school closes with an associated overspend, the responsibility for meeting this falls to the relevant funding authority.
Teaching of Evolution in Schools
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Education what provision currently exists for teachers to teach (a) creationism; (b) Intelligent Design; and (c) other theories of origins, as scientific explanations. (AQW 928/07)
Ms Ruane: The revised curriculum will have a greater emphasis on developing skills, such as critical thinking and analysis, and will also provide greater flexibility for schools to include teaching of alternative theories to evolution. GCSE Science specifications also include the exploration of theories other than evolution to explore the development of life on earth.
Child Obesity
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail what role her department has in combatting childhood obesity. (AQW 976/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education contributes to the Public Service Agreement target to stop the rise in obesity in children by 2010 and is progressing recommendations in the report "Fit Futures: Focus on Food, Activity and Young People".
From September 2007, healthy eating and physical activity will be addressed in the school curriculum through the new strand of Personal Development, where pupils will explore healthy lifestyles, and the compulsory study of Home Economics at Key Stage 3 and Physical Education from age 4 to 16. In support of this, I am working with the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Irish Football Association to introduce a sports programme in primary schools to help young people develop the physical literacy skills that will support them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and to encourage them to take part in sports and to develop an enjoyment of ‘getting out there’ and being active.
In addition New Nutritional Standards, which are aimed at improving the quality of food served in schools, are being applied to all schools. Extended Schools are playing an important part in promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
Examination Timetables
Mr Cathal Boylan asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to minimise the potential for 'timetable fatigue', in relation to children sitting A-level and GCSE examinations. (AQW 982/07)
Ms Ruane: Schools are free to choose awarding bodies across GCE and GCSE subjects. The timetable for examinations is jointly agreed across the five awarding bodies following consultation with examination centres. There is a requirement within timetabling that daily examination times are limited to 6 hours for GCE and 5.5 hours for GCSE.
CCEA, as the main awarding body here, can arrange examinations during the half-term week in England and Wales in late May/early June to spread examinations over a slightly greater number of days with fewer days on which candidates are required to take examinations in more than one subject.
The number of assessment units in GCE courses beginning in 2008 will be reduced from six to four resulting in a reduction of one third in the number of AS examinations (from 2009) and A2 examinations (from 2010) taken by candidates.
Irish Language Schools
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to provide financial incentives in order to encourage teachers in Irish language schools who do not hold formal teaching qualifications to obtain such qualifications. (AQW 1038/07)
Ms Ruane: I am awaiting the review of Irish medium education before I consider whether it is appropriate to provide financial incentives to encourage teachers in Irish language schools who do not hold formal teaching qualifications to obtain such qualifications.
Pupil Expulsions
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Education to advise how many children per thousand have been expelled from schools, broken down by (a) Education and Library Board area; and (b) District Council area or postcode area, in each of the last 5 years. (AQW 1058/07)
Ms Ruane:
The information requested is set out in the following tables:
|
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
All Boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
0.01 |
0.02 |
0.04 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
|
2001/02 |
0.01 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.04 |
0.02 |
|
2002/03 |
0.03 |
0.02 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.01 |
0.02 |
|
2003/04 |
0.01 |
0.03 |
0.03 |
0.02 |
0.03 |
0.02 |
|
2004/05 |
0.01 |
0.03 |
0.04 |
0.02 |
0.02 |
0.03 |
The numbers of pupil expulsions per thousand are not collected by District Council area. The expulsion statistics for the 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed and will be placed on the Department of Education website when this has been completed.
Joint Declaration of Protection
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education if the Equal Opportunities and Sex Discrimination Joint Declaration of Protection, which was agreed by the Administrative, Executive, Clerical, Professional and Technical Staffs Council on 24 March 1995, has been adopted and signed by (a) each of the five Education and Library Boards; and (b) the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, and, if so, to give the date that it was signed by each of these bodies. (AQW 1078/07)
Ms Ruane: The Southern Education and Library Board signed the declaration on 18th May 1995.
The Belfast Education and Library Board signed the declaration on the 29 October 1998.
The South Eastern Education and Library Board’s declaration was signed by the then Chief Executive. Although there is no record of the date on which it was signed on behalf of the board it would have pre-dated 1 January 1997.
The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) signed the declaration in June 1995.
The Joint Declaration of Protection was adopted by the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the Western Education and Library Board on 27 September 1995.
The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools adopted this policy as the CCMS Joint Declaration of Protection on 13 May 1999.
Pupil Class Sizes
Mr Pat Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) the maximum allowable; and (b) the average class sizes in schools in each year group at primary and secondary level, for the years (i) 1985; (ii) 1990; (iii) 1995; (iv) 2000; and (v) 2005. (AQW 1079/07)
Ms Ruane: (a) Prior to 1998 the Primary School Principal determined the number of pupils in all classes in a primary school, taking account of the accommodation available, the needs of pupils, and the deployment of teaching staff. In September 1998 this was modified slightly, with the introduction of the ‘Class Sizes in Key Stage 1’ policy whereby all classes in P1 to P4 are limited to a maximum of 30 pupils.
In post primary schools, the number of pupils under instruction together by one teacher does not normally exceed 20 for a class in a practical subject; there are exceptions in some practical subjects. These exceptions are as follows:
Science - up to 26 pupils in Years 8-10
- up to 24 pupils in Years 11-12
- 20 pupils in Years 13-14
Art & Design - up to 26 in Years 8-10
- 20 pupils in Years 11-14
PE - up to 25 in Years 8-10 if held in a Gym or Assembly Hall
- 20 pupils in Years 11-12
- up to 30 in all years if held in a sports hall or playing-pitch
Home Economics, Technology & Design and Music are all restricted to a maximum of 20 pupils.
Music became recognised as a practical subject in 2004 but all the others have been recognised as practical subjects since 1985.
(b) Information on the average class size in post primary schools is not collected by the Department of Education. Average class size information has only been available for primary schools from 1999 onwards. The average class size in primary schools by year group for 2000 and 2005 is as follows:
| 2000 | 2005 | |
| Year 1 | 21.9 | 22.1 |
| Year 2 | 24.2 | 23.8 |
| year 3 | 24.9 | 24.4 |
| Year 4 | 25.5 | 24.5 |
| Year 5 | 25.9 | 25.3 |
| Year 6 | 25.7 | 25.0 |
| Year 7 | 25.0 | 24.1 |
Note: The average class size is calculated using only those classes that comprise single year groups.
Impact of Review of Public Administration on Education
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of information sessions held by Education and Library Boards, explaining to staff the impact upon them of the closure of the Boards. (AQW 1083/07)
Ms Ruane: The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have informed me that the number of information sessions held by Education and Library Boards to explain to staff the impact upon them of the implementation of the Review of Public Administration in education is as follows:
|
Education and Library Board |
Number of Information Sessions |
|---|---|
|
BELB |
3 |
|
NEELB |
19 |
|
SEELB |
28 |
|
SELB |
7 |
|
WELB |
10 |
Staff are also kept informed through Board Intranet/Internet sites, in-house staff magazines, minutes of Board meetings and internal monthly core briefs.
Classroom Assistants
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's expenditure on classroom assistants working with children with learning difficulties. (AQW 1084/07)
Ms Ruane: I am advised by the Chief Executive Officers of the Education and Library Boards that in 2005/06, the last year for which full outturn figures are available, £48,075,000 was spent on the costs of assistance, to children with special educational needs. For three Boards the cost includes expenditure on both classroom assistance and general assistance as it is not possible to identify these separately.
Eduction and Library Board Expenditure
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount spent by each Education and Library Board on (a) refurbishing offices; (b) travel expenses of administrative staff; and (c) travel expenses of advisory staff, in each of the last two years. (AQW 1085/07)
Ms Ruane: I have been advised that the amount spent by each Education and Library Board in the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years is:
|
2005-06 |
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
Refurbishment of Offices |
10,000 |
71,031 |
- |
5,000 |
387,218 |
|
Travel expenses of Administrative staff |
22,000 |
91,845 |
12,116 |
130,000 |
100,443 |
|
Travel expenses of Advisory staff |
93,000 |
113,075 |
54,484 |
319,000 |
237,680 |
|
2006-07 |
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
Refurbishment of Offices |
33,000 |
- |
- |
28,000 |
148,334 |
|
Travel expenses of Administrative staff |
32,000 |
108,027 |
14,670 |
108,000 |
103,166 |
|
Travel expenses of Advisory staff |
86,000 |
94,888 |
52,343 |
303,000 |
222,845 |
Review of Public Administration
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of Chief Executives or Chief Officers in (a) Education and Library Boards; and (b) the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, who are involved in the Review of Public Administration. (AQW 1086/07)
Ms Ruane: Six Chief Executives in total from the areas described are involved in the Review of Public Administration:
(a) 5 Chief Executives in the Education and Library Boards
(1 in each of the 5 Education and Library Boards – Belfast, North-Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern and Western) and
(b) 1 Chief Executive in the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools
Home to School Transport
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education to explain why a Lithuanian child travelling from her home in Randalstown to Tannaghmore School, Co. Antrim, a distance exceeding four miles, has been refused a bus pass. (AQW 1088/07)
Ms Ruane: The North-Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that it has no record of receiving an application for home to school transport assistance for a Lithuanian child travelling from Randalstown to Tannaghmore School, Co Antrim.
Replacement School at St MacNisius’
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education to provide an update on the proposed refurbishment, extension or new build at Saint MacNissius School, Tannaghmore, Co. Antrim. (AQW 1092/07)
Ms Ruane: A scheme for a replacement school at St MacNisius’ was stopped in March this year following a review of all previously announced schemes then in planning. It was announced at that time that there were concerns over enrolments, raising the issue of longer term viability. The school has 73 pupils.
Additional Funding for Primary Schools
Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of additional funding that will be made available to primary schools, to finance the resources and training required to deliver the new Primary 1 curriculum. (AQW 1098/07)
Ms Ruane: An additional £3m will be allocated to primary schools in 2007/8 to support the introduction of the Foundation Stage in Year 1. Schools will be notified of the amount they will be allocated as soon as possible in new school term.
In addition, across all schools, over 25,000 new laptops will be provided during the 2007/08 school year to support the introduction of the revised curriculum and assessment arrangements.
Teacher Training
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education what plans he has to ensure that the supply of newly trained teachers is consistent with demand. (AQW 1109/07)
Ms Ruane: My Department determines the number of students to be admitted each year to initial teacher education (ITE) courses. This is achieved by means of the Teacher Demand Model: a statistical exercise which takes account of projected pupil enrolments in the various school sectors, teachers’ leaving the profession, pupil teacher ratios, and those not completing ITE courses. The end result provides a projection of teacher vacancies arising in future years and the consequent requirements for intakes into ITE courses needed to satisfy this demand.
In recognition of the impact which demography is having and to ensure that supply is consistent with demand, the number of students admitted to ITE courses has been systematically reduced over the last three years. My Department will continue to monitor the situation closely, giving careful consideration to numbers and subject specialism required in future years.
Primary School Funding
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the amount of funding received directly by primary schools. (AQW 1114/07)
Ms Ruane: I am convinced of the benefits of investment in our primary schools which play such an important role in building the foundations for learning and where early intervention has a vital role in preventing or reducing future difficulties. In 2007/08 £416.3m was provided directly to primary school Principals and Boards of Governors under Local Management of Schools arrangements. This included additional direct-to-schools allocations from the Children & Young People Funding Package. In addition to this primary schools also receive funding for classroom assistance under the Making a Good Start initiative.
In the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review, I will be looking very carefully, at how we might ensure that the importance of primary education is properly reflected in our funding arrangements.
Implementation of the Revised Curriculum
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education if she is considering postponing the implementation of the revised curriculum in primary schools for one year, to enable it to be more appropriately funded and resourced. (AQW 1115/07)
Ms Ruane: The implementation of the revised curriculum will begin as planned from September 2007, to enable pupils to benefit from it.
The Department has provided an additional £9million over 2 years to support the implementation of the curriculum, with the bulk of this money going towards a full programme of training for principals and teachers. It has also provided significant extra resources to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) to enable it to provide curriculum guidance materials. Some of these materials have already been provided to schools, with more to follow in the next school year. I am also providing an additional £3million in 2007/08 for resources to support the introduction of the Foundation Stage in Year 1.
Pupils Resident in Each Education and Library Board
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils resident in (a) the North Eastern Education and Library Board area; and (b) the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, that have attended schools in the Belfast Education and Library Board area, in each year since 2001. (AQW 1116/07)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:
|
Post primary schools |
||||||
|
ELB of residence |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
2,803 |
2,881 |
3,024 |
3,063 |
3,071 |
3,134 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
8,083 |
8,202 |
8,480 |
8,389 |
8,493 |
8,550 |
|
Total |
10,886 |
11,083 |
11,504 |
11,452 |
11,564 |
11,684 |
|
Primary schools |
|
|
ELB of residence |
2006/07 |
|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
951 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
2,315 |
|
Total |
3,266 |
|
Special schools |
|
|
ELB of residence |
2006/07 |
|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
33 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
53 |
|
Total |
3,266 |
Note:
Figures for primary schools include children in nursery, reception and Year 1 – 7 classes.
Information relating to area of residence of individual pupils in primary and special schools was not collected prior to 2006/07.
Underspend of Resource Departmental Expenditure Limits
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Education to account for the 26.4% (£11.6m) underspend of resource departmental expenditure limits, and the 71.3% (£400,000) underspend of capital departmental expenditure limits, for the 2006/07 children and young people's priority funding package. (AQW 1117/07)
Ms Ruane:Over £100m has been provided for 2006/07 and 2007/08 to reduce social, health and educational differentials and give children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds the best possible start in life. Around £41m is to be spent in 2006/07 with the remaining funding being spent in 2007/08.
The financial outcome on the package will not be known with certainty until the position regarding end of year flexibility has been determined (which is likely to be in August/September). However the latest monitoring round undertaken by the Department estimates an underspend for the 2006/07 financial year of just over £1.5m (5.6% of the overall resources available for 2006/07). This figure is subject to revision.
The package did not contain any capital element, although late in the financial year (February 2007) approval was given to re-classify £400k from Theme 2 Early Years Provision to address the issues of rural access to services in those areas of the North of Ireland where it would be difficult to progress expansion plans in the absence of capital spend. Delays associated with the capital process (e.g. planning permission etc.) lead to difficulties in this allocation being spent in the 2006/07 financial year. Progress on expenditure is now being made in the 2007/08 financial year.
Ulster-Scots Curriculum Development
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education what actions were taken by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment in response to a letter, dated 7 November 2005, from her department's Curriculum and Post-Primary Division, requesting that 'Ulster-Scots cultural heritage is reflected as appropriate when CCEA is preparing exemplars or guidance materials for schools'. (AQW 1119/07)
Ms Ruane: Since November 2005 CCEA has been working with the Ulster-Scots Agency and Stranmillis College’s Ulster-Scots curriculum development unit to develop online resources for primary schools, mapped to the revised curriculum, which aim to promote the language, culture and history of Ulster-Scots. These materials will be published once they have been reviewed and approved by the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group.
CCEA is working to provide further guidance materials to support the introduction of the revised curriculum and in that context will continue to take appropriate opportunity for references to Ulster-Scots heritage.
Classroom Assistants
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to confirm that her departmental guidance states that schools will have one classroom assistant per classroom, even if more than one child in the class has a statement of special needs. (AQW 1132/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has no recommended pupil or classroom ratios that relate to classroom assistants.
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 provision of classroom assistants to pupils with special educational needs is a matter for the Education and Library Boards and I am assured by the Chief Executive Officers of the Boards that they do not have a specific policy relating to one classroom assistant per class.
Any decision on the provision of classroom assistance is based on an informed assessment of the child’s special educational needs, taking account of the circumstances both of the individual child and the environment in which the child is to be found.
Pupils Attendance
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils resident in the Belfast Education and Library Board area who have attended schools in (a) the North Eastern Education and Library Board area; and (b) the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, in each year since 2001. (AQW 1134/07)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is as follows:
|
Post primary schools |
||||||
|
ELB of residence |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
858 |
805 |
786 |
724 |
687 |
659 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
2,258 |
2,261 |
2,260 |
2,277 |
2,245 |
2,201 |
|
Total |
3,116 |
3,066 |
3,046 |
3,001 |
2,932 |
2,860 |
|
Primary schools |
|
|
ELB of residence |
2006/07 |
|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
71 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
706 |
|
Total |
777 |
|
Special schools |
|
|
ELB of residence |
2006/07 |
|---|---|
|
NORTH EASTERN |
44 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
161 |
|
Total |
205 |
Note:
Figures for primary schools include children in nursery, reception and Year 1 – 7 classes.
Information relating to area of residence of individual pupils in primary and special schools was not collected prior to 2006/07.
Statutory Assessment of Children
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the average number of months taken for an Education and Library Board to complete the assessment process for a child with autism or special needs. (AQW 1140/07)
Ms Ruane: The Chief Executive Officers of the Education and Library Boards inform me that separate figures for the various categories of special education needs are not maintained. However, the average time taken to complete a statutory assessment of a child with special education needs and issue a Statement, in the last year for which figures are available, that is 2005/06, is as follows.
| Belfast Education and Library Board | 6 months |
| North Eastern Education and Library Board | 5.75 months |
| Western Education and Library Board | 7.60 months |
| Southern Education and Library Board | 10.04 months |
| South Eastern Education and Library Board | 7.20 months |
Expenditure
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the annual expenditure of each Education and Library Board; and to provide information on how this expenditure is broken down. (AQW 1141/07)
Ms Ruane: I have been advised that expenditure in relation to the budgets provided by each funding department is as detailed in the table below. Expenditure has been reported against each of the main budgets classifications.
Expenditure 2006-07
£000s
|
Department of Education (DE) |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
|
|
Recurrent Expenditure: |
|||||
|
Delegated Schools Budgets |
120,321 |
167,213 |
145,866 |
179,459 |
140,340 |
|
Centre - schools related non-earmarked |
61,945 |
77,209 |
69,706 |
82,029 |
69,837 |
|
Centre - school related Earmarked |
21,098 |
15,572 |
17,146 |
14,870 |
64,381 |
|
Youth non- earmarked |
3,206 |
3,752 |
3,428 |
3,732 |
3,077 |
|
Youth earmarked |
1,335 |
698 |
692 |
752 |
500 |
|
Total Recurrent Expenditure DE |
207,905 |
264,444 |
236,838 |
280,842 |
278,135 |
|
Capital Expenditure: |
|||||
|
Schools Capital (Gross) |
8,407 |
13,312 |
11,485 |
20,129 |
18,069 |
|
Youth/Community Relations Capital (Gross) |
668 |
1,062 |
823 |
805 |
544 |
|
Total Capital Expenditure |
9,075 |
14,374 |
12,308 |
20,934 |
18,613 |
|
TOTAL EXPENDITURE DE 2006-07 |
216,980 |
278,818 |
249,146 |
301,776 |
296,748 |
|
Department of Culture Arts and Leisure |
|||||
|
Recurrent |
5,763 |
9,185 |
5,356 |
4,985 |
4,533 |
|
Capital |
0.784 |
1,147 |
0.417 |
0.547 |
0.183 |
|
Total Expenditure DCAL |
6,547 |
10,332 |
5,773 |
5,532 |
4,716 |
|
Department of Employment and Learning |
|||||
|
Recurrent Expenditure |
1,950 |
3,536 |
2,982 |
4,290 |
5,299 |
Promoting Inclusiveness
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to promote inclusiveness, with specific reference to her department's use of terminology in relation to place names. (AQW 1144/07)
Ms Ruane: I have indicated my own preference in relation to language in my speeches and correspondence.
Integrated Education
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister of Education what assessment her department is making with regard to increased demand for integrated education across Northern Ireland in (a) primary schools; and (b) secondary schools. (AQW 1148/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has a duty to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education and also a duty to ensure that parental choice is balanced against the provision of efficient instruction and training, and avoidance of unreasonable public expenditure. Proposals to expand integrated school provision are the subject of a formal development proposal consultation process. All proposals are considered on their individual merits.
Over the past five years four new grant maintained integrated primary schools have opened and two more are planned to open in September 2007. Four primary schools transformed to integrated status and a further two are due to transform in September. Approval was also given for one integrated primary school to increase its enrolment. Over the same period in the secondary sector, two new grant-maintained integrated schools have opened; one school will transform to integrated status in September; and approval was given for two schools to increase their enrolments.
Special Education
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to outline the information given to parents of children with special needs regarding the options available to them when considering the most appropriate type of school for their child; and, specifically, to state whether the information issued relates only to grant-maintained schools, and those funded by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. (AQW 1150/07)
Ms Ruane: The responsibility for providing information to the parents of children with special educational needs lies with the Education and Library Boards. The range of options discussed will vary according to the individual needs of the child.
Education and Library Boards have a statutory responsibility to make special educational needs provision in schools within the grant-aided sector. Where a Board is of the opinion that they cannot meet a child’s special educational needs within the grant-aided sector then the special education legislation provides a route to enable them to make the provision other than in the grant-aided sector.
A Board cannot make arrangements for special educational provision other than in a grant-aided school in the north of Ireland unless it is satisfied that the interests of the child require such arrangements to be made and those arrangements are compatible with the efficient use of resources. Where a Board proposes to make provision in this way it will issue relevant information to the parents.
DE Spend on Consultancy Service
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's projected spend on consultancy services, in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1175/07)
Ms Ruane: It is anticipated that the department’s projected spend on consultancy services in the 2007/08 financial year will amount to £2.053m, of which:
£1.607m relates to management consultancy;
£135k relates to construction related consultancy;
£14k relates to PPP related consultancy;
£222k relates to Information Technology related consultancy;
£35k relates to legal consultancy; and
£40k relates to Training related consultancy.
Independent Conductive Education School
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps taken by Education and Library Boards to make parents of autistic children aware that there is an Independent Conductive Education School in Dungannon. (AQW 1195/07)
Ms Ruane: The Buddy Bear School, which is an independent conductive education school, opened in Dungannon in 1993 to provide for children with cerebral palsy.
The Buddy Bear School has not been established to meet the needs of children with Autism, therefore the Education and Library Boards do not routinely advise parents of children with Autism about the school.
Special Educational Needs
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to outline the action taken by Education and Library Boards regarding the provision of information to parents on methods, schools or units specialising in teaching children with autism, cerebral palsy, and behaviour-related problems. (AQW 1196/07)
Ms Ruane: Education and Library Boards use a number of means to provide parents with information on specialist provision that could be appropriate to meet the needs of their particular child, such as lists of schools in their areas which are available in booklet form or on websites. In addition when a Board issues a proposed Statement of Special Educational Needs it will provide parents with details of educational provision within the area to enable parents to make a choice. Parents are also encouraged to visit schools or obtain a school prospectus to obtain more detail.
In addition each of the Education and Library Boards has established an Advice and Information Service, which provides parents with advice in relation to Boards services and special education provision.
Since 2005, the five Boards have worked collaboratively to develop a Special Educational Needs website that provides information relating to special education and since June 2007 this can be accessed in a range of languages.
Out of Court Settlements
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of out-of-court settlements for each Education and Library Board over the past two years; and the costs incurred in relation to legal fees and compensation, on a case-by-case basis. (AQW 1198/07)
Ms Ruane: The information detailed in the table below has been provided by each Education and Library Board:
|
SUMMARY |
CLAIMS SETTLED OUT OF COURT 2005/06 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiffs |
Board Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BELB |
99,250 |
46,601 |
40,169 |
186,020 |
9 |
Annex A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEELB |
52,624 |
25,911 |
19,840 |
98,375 |
14 |
Annex B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEELB |
158,703 |
75,263 |
37,199 |
271,165 |
23 |
Annex C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SELB |
182,304 |
95,524 |
46,387 |
324,215 |
25 |
Annex D |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WELB |
75,059 |
45,621 |
51,998 |
172,678 |
13 |
Annex E |
|
|
||||||
|
SUMMARY |
CLAIMS SETTLED OUT OF COURT 2006/07 |
|||||
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiffs |
Board Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
Reference |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BELB |
174,418 |
123,624 |
83,383 |
381,425 |
30 |
Annex F |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEELB |
312,049 |
100,292 |
48,206 |
460,547 |
31 |
Annex G |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEELB |
123,506 |
95,163 |
54,345 |
273,014 |
32 |
Annex H |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SELB |
226,325 |
66,926 |
41,217 |
334,468 |
19 |
Annex I |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WELB |
205,781 |
62,321 |
46,656 |
314,758 |
15 |
Annex J |
|
EMPLOYMENT 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 |
||||||
|
|
Total Amount of Compensation |
Total Legal Costs Paid |
Number of Cases |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
BELB |
50,500 |
12,994 |
17 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
NEELB |
14,500 |
33,768 |
15 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
SEELB |
43,391 |
29,403 |
16 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
SELB |
54,500 |
30,580 |
11 |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
WELB |
13,557 |
13,801 |
12 |
|||
ANNEX A
|
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
|||||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2005/2006 Financial Year |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Damages |
Plaintiff’s Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4,000.00 |
2,260.75 |
2,720.64 |
8,981.39 |
1 |
|||
|
10,000.00 |
3,353.63 |
2,378.48 |
15,732.11 |
1 |
|||
|
17,500.00 |
5,573.57 |
4,035.51 |
27,109.08 |
1 |
|||
|
10,000.00 |
3,533.92 |
2,743.63 |
16,277.55 |
1 |
|||
|
10,000.00 |
7,970.71 |
5,867.44 |
23,838.15 |
1 |
|||
|
20,000.00 |
12,617.35 |
16,830.61 |
49,447.96 |
1 |
|||
|
8,750.00 |
4,226.00 |
2,083.63 |
15,059.63 |
1 |
|||
|
17,500.00 |
6,171.01 |
3,209.93 |
26,880.94 |
1 |
|||
|
1,500.00 |
893.77 |
299.63 |
2,693.40 |
1 |
|||
|
99,250.00 |
46,600.71 |
40,169.50 |
186,020.21 |
9 |
|||
ANNEX B
|
NORTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2005/2006 Financial Year |
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board’s Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8,750.00 |
6,498.86 |
9,061.72 |
24,310.58 |
1 |
||
|
2,000.00 |
1,786.62 |
1,374.75 |
5,161.37 |
1 |
||
|
4,500.00 |
1,423.50 |
5,923.50 |
1 |
|||
|
4,250.00 |
2,391.53 |
1,517.56 |
8,159.09 |
1 |
||
|
5,000.00 |
1,920.49 |
1,014.00 |
7,934.49 |
1 |
||
|
8,500.00 |
2,479.10 |
1,410.00 |
12,389.10 |
1 |
||
|
3,000.00 |
1,295.35 |
2,019.82 |
6,315.17 |
1 |
||
|
4,125.00 |
1,838.25 |
5,963.25 |
1 |
|||
|
2,500.00 |
1,588.25 |
4,088.25 |
1 |
|||
|
8,750.00 |
4,688.85 |
3,442.16 |
16,881.01 |
1 |
||
|
696.42 |
696.42 |
1 |
||||
|
150.00 |
150.00 |
1 |
||||
|
278.95 |
278.95 |
1 |
||||
|
123.37 |
123.37 |
1 |
||||
|
52,623.74 |
25,910.80 |
19,840.01 |
98,374.55 |
14 |
||
ANNEX C
|
SOUTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2005/2006 Financial Year |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10,000.00 |
10,954.37 |
20,954.37 |
1 |
|
|
15,000.00 |
11,333.44 |
6,474.36 |
32,807.80 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
3,520.18 |
6,536.00 |
15,056.18 |
1 |
|
3,500.00 |
3,396.21 |
1,223.66 |
8,119.87 |
1 |
|
375.00 |
2,114.00 |
1,012.50 |
3,501.50 |
1 |
|
2,250.00 |
1,583.44 |
1,412.50 |
5,245.94 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,021.65 |
1,057.50 |
7,079.15 |
1 |
|
2,000.00 |
1,524.00 |
607.00 |
4,131.00 |
1 |
|
4,739.50 |
3,072.09 |
1,280.00 |
9,091.59 |
1 |
|
2,000.00 |
1,785.51 |
712.50 |
4,498.01 |
1 |
|
2,500.00 |
1,020.64 |
3,520.64 |
1 |
|
|
5,000.00 |
2,033.37 |
810.00 |
7,843.37 |
1 |
|
8,333.33 |
3,121.64 |
6,598.92 |
18,053.89 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
9,962.44 |
19,962.44 |
1 |
|
|
47,500.00 |
11,354.68 |
6,501.70 |
65,356.38 |
1 |
|
27,500.00 |
2,010.00 |
29,510.00 |
1 |
|
|
3,500.00 |
2,052.00 |
1,210.00 |
6,762.00 |
1 |
|
4,500.00 |
2,403.18 |
1,762.50 |
8,665.68 |
1 |
|
120.00 |
120.00 |
1 |
||
|
26.25 |
26.25 |
1 |
||
|
75.00 |
75.00 |
1 |
||
|
661.33 |
661.33 |
1 |
||
|
122.55 |
122.55 |
1 |
||
|
158,702.96 |
75,262.84 |
37,199.14 |
271,164.94 |
23 |
ANNEX D
|
SOUTHERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
|||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2005/2006 Financial Year |
|||||
|
Damages |
Plaintiffs Costs |
Boards Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
520.00 |
1299.68 |
2813.12 |
4632.80 |
1 |
|
|
1500.00 |
3757.15 |
3259.69 |
8516.84 |
1 |
|
|
610.00 |
940.38 |
1064.82 |
2615.20 |
1 |
|
|
3000.00 |
3329.25 |
2111.86 |
8441.11 |
1 |
|
|
250.00 |
360.76 |
809.20 |
1419.96 |
1 |
|
|
12500.00 |
6098.78 |
4860.03 |
23458.81 |
1 |
|
|
1000.00 |
1427.07 |
698.34 |
3125.41 |
1 |
|
|
7500.00 |
5263.55 |
932.00 |
13695.55 |
1 |
|
|
12500.00 |
10042.44 |
1280.55 |
23822.99 |
1 |
|
|
2500.00 |
3574.44 |
3784.31 |
9858.75 |
1 |
|
|
57957.27 |
16860.00 |
2840.40 |
77657.67 |
1 |
|
|
33952.91 |
14892.80 |
6130.98 |
54976.69 |
1 |
|
|
5000.00 |
2749.25 |
1572.50 |
9321.75 |
1 |
|
|
2012.27 |
1817.88 |
1140.88 |
4971.03 |
1 |
|
|
10000.00 |
5739.13 |
3497.28 |
19236.41 |
1 |
|
|
3500.00 |
2552.38 |
1362.25 |
7414.63 |
1 |
|
|
9000.00 |
4775.69 |
2735.89 |
16511.58 |
1 |
|
|
2500.00 |
1977.88 |
712.50 |
5190.38 |
1 |
|
|
9981.10 |
4001.63 |
2032.50 |
16015.23 |
1 |
|
|
3500.00 |
3227.17 |
1515.00 |
8242.17 |
1 |
|
|
2500.00 |
837.18 |
1232.61 |
4569.79 |
1 |
|
|
140.92 |
|
|
140.92 |
1 |
|
|
145.00 |
|
|
145.00 |
1 |
|
|
64.63 |
|
|
64.63 |
1 |
|
|
170.38 |
|
|
170.38 |
1 |
|
|
182,304.48 |
95,524.49 |
46,386.71 |
324,215.68 |
25 |
|
ANNEX E
|
WESTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
|||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2005/2006 Financial Year |
|||||
|
Damages |
Plaintiffs Costs |
Boards Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5,000.00 |
1,695.25 |
1,410.00 |
8,105.25 |
1 |
|
|
3,000.00 |
1,237.50 |
0.00 |
4,237.50 |
1 |
|
|
15,000.00 |
8,741.52 |
4,634.20 |
28,375.72 |
1 |
|
|
8,000.00 |
3,670.47 |
4,529.24 |
16,199.71 |
1 |
|
|
750.00 |
1,028.13 |
396.56 |
2,174.69 |
1 |
|
|
3,000.00 |
2,876.48 |
1,551.00 |
7,427.48 |
1 |
|
|
12,309.09 |
14,119.65 |
23,707.02 |
50,135.76 |
1 |
|
|
1,000.00 |
1,316.48 |
3,692.66 |
6,009.14 |
1 |
|
|
7,500.00 |
6,035.83 |
8,487.38 |
22,023.21 |
1 |
|
|
6,000.00 |
2,416.10 |
1,241.25 |
9,657.35 |
1 |
|
|
1,000.00 |
935.12 |
586.56 |
2,521.68 |
1 |
|
|
7,500.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
7,500.00 |
1 |
|
|
5,000.00 |
1,547.99 |
1,762.50 |
8,310.49 |
1 |
|
|
75,059.09 |
45,620.52 |
51,998.37 |
172,677.98 |
13 |
|
ANNEX F
|
BELFAST EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2006/2007 Financial Year |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
17500.00 |
10512.73 |
7987.31 |
36000.04 |
1 |
|
7000.00 |
3622.40 |
4417.10 |
15039.50 |
1 |
|
1000.00 |
1058.12 |
538.73 |
2596.85 |
1 |
|
4000.00 |
2710.59 |
1014.00 |
7724.59 |
1 |
|
5000.00 |
2576.88 |
1189.68 |
8766.56 |
1 |
|
3500.00 |
4150.89 |
2011.61 |
9662.50 |
1 |
|
3000.00 |
2646.77 |
6905.40 |
12552.17 |
1 |
|
4000.00 |
3166.81 |
2616.72 |
9783.53 |
1 |
|
20000.00 |
18033.77 |
8631.55 |
46665.32 |
1 |
|
8168.00 |
3692.63 |
5238.82 |
17099.45 |
1 |
|
15000.00 |
8441.88 |
3458.29 |
26900.17 |
1 |
|
4000.00 |
2801.75 |
1825.36 |
8627.11 |
1 |
|
3500.00 |
16264.97 |
8880.10 |
28645.07 |
1 |
|
3750.00 |
1668.39 |
299.63 |
5718.02 |
1 |
|
4000.00 |
3291.76 |
2431.60 |
9723.36 |
1 |
|
10000.00 |
6011.96 |
3905.61 |
19917.57 |
1 |
|
1500.00 |
1129.16 |
349.56 |
2978.72 |
1 |
|
3000.00 |
2548.82 |
299.63 |
5848.45 |
1 |
|
3000.00 |
2454.75 |
1443.78 |
6898.53 |
1 |
|
20000.00 |
6960.99 |
6059.43 |
33020.42 |
1 |
|
17500.00 |
6058.17 |
4387.45 |
27945.62 |
1 |
|
1500.00 |
1249.76 |
1953.81 |
4703.57 |
1 |
|
1500.00 |
1894.16 |
1528.68 |
4922.84 |
1 |
|
3500.00 |
1278.00 |
298.16 |
5076.16 |
1 |
|
2500.00 |
2864.54 |
298.16 |
5662.70 |
1 |
|
750.00 |
1753.69 |
1249.91 |
3753.60 |
1 |
|
1000.00 |
482.50 |
306.68 |
1789.18 |
1 |
|
750.00 |
1767.79 |
3164.87 |
5682.66 |
1 |
|
2500.00 |
939.95 |
315.19 |
3755.14 |
1 |
|
2000.00 |
1590.00 |
376.00 |
3966.00 |
1 |
|
174,418.00 |
123,624.58 |
83,382.82 |
381,425.40 |
30 |
ANNEX G
|
NORTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2006/2007 Financial Year |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board’s Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of Claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6,500.00 |
2,952.85 |
1,314.82 |
10,767.67 |
1 |
|
1,000.00 |
2,014.85 |
907.05 |
3,921.90 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
8,763.37 |
4,806.93 |
23,570.30 |
1 |
|
2,500.00 |
1,766.88 |
725.56 |
4,992.44 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
1,231.60 |
367.34 |
4,598.94 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
1,582.69 |
892.27 |
7,474.96 |
1 |
|
22,500.00 |
7,157.37 |
4,528.46 |
34,185.83 |
1 |
|
5,500.00 |
3,118.40 |
1,541.60 |
10,160.00 |
1 |
|
1,000.00 |
462.50 |
|
1,462.50 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
2,976.03 |
1,071.32 |
7,047.35 |
1 |
|
5,880.00 |
1,555.85 |
|
7,435.85 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
4,042.35 |
3,135.23 |
17,177.58 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,166.25 |
|
6,166.25 |
1 |
|
17,500.00 |
8,616.86 |
5,887.23 |
32,004.06 |
1 |
|
15,000.00 |
8,895.58 |
1,356.30 |
25,251.88 |
1 |
|
25,000.00 |
9,662.22 |
5,976.04 |
40,638.26 |
1 |
|
125,000.00 |
4,009.12 |
2,256.00 |
131,265.12 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
3,800.86 |
|
13,800.86 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,297.13 |
1,110.37 |
7,407.50 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
6,489.84 |
4,207.70 |
20,697.54 |
1 |
|
1,300.00 |
|
|
1,300.00 |
1 |
|
60.00 |
|
|
60.00 |
1 |
|
386.35 |
|
|
386.35 |
1 |
|
728.53 |
|
|
728.53 |
1 |
|
139.00 |
|
|
139.00 |
1 |
|
55.00 |
|
|
55.00 |
1 |
|
6,500.00 |
2,952.85 |
1,314.82 |
10,767.67 |
1 |
|
1,000.00 |
2,014.85 |
907.05 |
3,921.90 |
1 |
|
10,000.00 |
8,763.37 |
4,806.93 |
23,570.30 |
1 |
|
2,500.00 |
1,766.88 |
725.56 |
4,992.44 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
1,231.60 |
367.34 |
4,598.94 |
1 |
|
312,048.88 |
100,292.15 |
48,205.92 |
460,546.95 |
31 |
ANNEX H
|
SOUTH EASTERN EDUCATION & LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2006/2007 Financial Year |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7,500.00 |
8,095.00 |
4,233.00 |
19,828.00 |
1 |
|
6,250.00 |
2,950.16 |
1,890.00 |
11,090.16 |
1 |
|
4,614.00 |
1,473.88 |
5,730.58 |
11,818.46 |
1 |
|
8,000.00 |
4,972.27 |
1,800.00 |
14,772.27 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
3,186.16 |
1,012.50 |
9,198.66 |
1 |
|
2,500.00 |
2,547.15 |
1,090.14 |
6,137.29 |
1 |
|
1,000.00 |
5,330.66 |
3,393.00 |
9,723.66 |
1 |
|
1,000.00 |
1,177.15 |
1,706.50 |
3,883.65 |
1 |
|
7,500.00 |
6,288.68 |
2,035.56 |
15,824.24 |
1 |
|
1,500.00 |
1,996.25 |
970.00 |
4,466.25 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
2,093.00 |
5,093.00 |
1 |
|
|
7,500.00 |
7,326.94 |
5,648.60 |
20,475.54 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
8,616.64 |
5,152.29 |
18,768.93 |
1 |
|
8,750.00 |
4,388.53 |
2,825.50 |
15,964.03 |
1 |
|
17,500.00 |
9,743.82 |
5,592.00 |
32,835.82 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,805.79 |
6,805.79 |
1 |
|
|
235.00 |
235.00 |
1 |
||
|
1,500.00 |
1,725.63 |
1,071.40 |
4,297.03 |
1 |
|
1,250.00 |
1,540.00 |
2,790.00 |
1 |
|
|
7,500.00 |
8,555.45 |
3,975.50 |
20,030.95 |
1 |
|
2,500.00 |
1,070.81 |
570.00 |
4,140.81 |
1 |
|
873.40 |
873.40 |
1 |
||
|
7,500.00 |
2,896.50 |
1,886.00 |
12,282.50 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
2,374.88 |
1,327.26 |
6,702.14 |
1 |
|
25.00 |
25.00 |
1 |
||
|
4,000.00 |
2,079.00 |
1,217.50 |
7,296.50 |
1 |
|
55.21 |
55.21 |
1 |
||
|
1,500.00 |
1,536.50 |
1,217.50 |
4,254.00 |
1 |
|
1,167.00 |
1,167.00 |
1 |
||
|
750.00 |
392.00 |
1,142.00 |
1 |
|
|
950.11 |
950.11 |
1 |
||
|
86.62 |
86.62 |
1 |
||
|
123,506.34 |
95,162.85 |
54,344.83 |
273,014.02 |
32 |
ANNEX I
|
SOUTHERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2006/2007 Financial Year |
||||
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15000.00 |
6828.63 |
1107.00 |
22935.63 |
1 |
|
28486.76 |
9670.99 |
8074.82 |
46232.57 |
1 |
|
2800.00 |
2326.06 |
1811.43 |
6937.49 |
1 |
|
20000.00 |
9458.15 |
5921.33 |
35379.48 |
1 |
|
1500.00 |
4610.54 |
3557.90 |
9668.44 |
1 |
|
17500.00 |
9722.26 |
4200.71 |
31422.97 |
1 |
|
22500.00 |
7574.26 |
4142.53 |
34216.79 |
1 |
|
4750.00 |
2842.88 |
2936.20 |
10529.08 |
1 |
|
750.00 |
865.53 |
292.50 |
1908.03 |
1 |
|
12500.00 |
3748.00 |
2400.00 |
18648.00 |
1 |
|
10000.00 |
2700.11 |
1890.00 |
14590.11 |
1 |
|
7500.00 |
3468.23 |
3529.50 |
14497.73 |
1 |
|
110.00 |
110.00 |
1 |
||
|
12.65 |
12.65 |
1 |
||
|
74.99 |
74.99 |
1 |
||
|
182.13 |
182.13 |
1 |
||
|
7500.00 |
3110.63 |
1353.10 |
11963.73 |
1 |
|
158.63 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
158.63 |
1 |
|
75000.00 |
Fees outstanding |
Fees outstanding |
75000.00 |
1 |
|
226325.16 |
66926.27 |
41217.02 |
334468.45 |
19 |
ANNEX J
|
WESTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD |
||||
|
Claims settled out of court 2006/2007 Financial Year |
||||
|
Damages |
Plaintiff's Costs |
Board's Costs |
Total Outlay |
Number of claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2,500.00 |
0.00 |
15,212.32 |
17,712.32 |
1 |
|
800.00 |
1,368.93 |
1,898.34 |
4,067.27 |
1 |
|
15,000.00 |
7,949.55 |
1,368.88 |
24,318.43 |
1 |
|
7,500.00 |
2,865.45 |
1,542.17 |
11,907.62 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
9,302.85 |
6,925.74 |
21,228.59 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,279.25 |
1,586.25 |
7,865.50 |
1 |
|
4,000.00 |
2,390.25 |
0.00 |
6,390.25 |
1 |
|
250.00 |
665.87 |
1,927.00 |
2,842.87 |
1 |
|
8,750.00 |
3,171.35 |
964.00 |
12,885.35 |
1 |
|
30,000.00 |
8,599.21 |
4,604.62 |
43,203.83 |
1 |
|
3,000.00 |
1,217.50 |
0.00 |
4,217.50 |
1 |
|
5,000.00 |
1,562.50 |
0.00 |
6,562.50 |
1 |
|
55,481.31 |
18,125.09 |
5,141.03 |
78,747.43 |
1 |
|
2,000.00 |
2,823.32 |
3,364.64 |
8,187.96 |
1 |
|
62,500.00 |
0.00 |
2,121.32 |
64,621.32 |
1 |
|
205,781.31 |
62,321.12 |
46,656.31 |
314,758.74 |
15 |
Pupil Suspensions
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education how many pupils have been suspended from (a) primary schools; (b) post primary schools; and (c) special needs schools, broken down by Education and Library Board area, for each of the last five years. (AQW 1199/07)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is shown in the following tables:
(a) The number of pupils suspended from primary schools in each Education and Library Board.
|
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
70 |
29 |
88 |
29 |
12 |
228 |
|
2001/02 |
177 |
48 |
99 |
22 |
13 |
359 |
|
2002/03 |
99 |
31 |
68 |
# |
# |
264 |
|
2003/04 |
104 |
52 |
# |
# |
25 |
288 |
|
2004/05 |
105 |
44 |
# |
47 |
# |
288 |
(b) The number of pupils suspended from post-primary schools in each Education and Library Board.
|
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
713 |
890 |
1101 |
774 |
751 |
4229 |
|
2001/02 |
1100 |
834 |
1008 |
894 |
901 |
4737 |
|
2002/03 |
806 |
837 |
1105 |
926 |
1137 |
4901 |
|
2003/04 |
1033 |
854 |
1168 |
904 |
1059 |
5018 |
|
2004/05 |
954 |
898 |
1237 |
871 |
1016 |
4976 |
(c) The number of pupils suspended from special schools in each Education and Library Board.
|
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2001/02 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
2002/03 |
19 |
38 |
28 |
# |
* |
117 |
|
2003/04 |
54 |
30 |
29 |
53 |
0 |
166 |
|
2004/05 |
41 |
33 |
26 |
42 |
0 |
142 |
Key: # denotes figure has been suppressed to prevent possible identification of individual pupils
* denotes less than five pupils
Note: While the information from the 2002/03 school year onwards is regarded as accurate, the information for the school years prior to that is regarded only as an indicator of the position.
Suspension statistics broken down by school were first collected in the 2002/03 school year. Separate figures for suspensions from special schools are, therefore, not available for previous years.
Statistics for 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed and will be placed on the DE website when this has been completed.
Support for Suspended Pupils
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail, for each of the last five years, expenditure on support services for the education of suspended pupils, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 1216/07)
Ms Ruane: Grant-aided schools are responsible for the education of all pupils on their registers, including those who have been suspended.
Each Education and Library Board provides support services to schools in their area, including support for suspended pupils. There are, however, no systems for tracking separately any costs associated with support provided specifically for pupils on suspension.
Pupil Expulsions
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail, broken down by Education and Library Board, the number of (a) primary school; (b) post-primary school; and (c) special needs school pupils that have been expelled, in each year for the last five years. (AQW 1217/07)
Ms Ruane: The following tables show:
(a) The total number of pupils expelled from primary schools:
|
School Year |
Total* |
|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
2 |
|
2001/02 |
0 |
|
2002/03 |
3 |
|
2003/04 |
2 |
|
2004/05 |
2 |
* due to the small number of pupils expelled, a breakdown by Education and Library Board is not published.
(b) The number of pupils expelled from post-primary schools in each Education and Library Board.
|
School Year |
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2000/01 |
5 |
19 |
29 |
11 |
14 |
78 |
|
2001/02 |
7 |
16 |
18 |
12 |
23 |
76 |
|
2002/03 |
18 |
10 |
16 |
16 |
7 |
67 |
|
2003/04 |
6 |
10 |
15 |
12 |
26 |
69 |
|
2004/05 |
6 |
11 |
26 |
9 |
9 |
61 |
The Department does not collect information in the format requested to provide details of expulsions from special schools separately.
Expulsion statistics for the 2005/06 school year are currently being analysed and will be placed on the DE website when this has been completed.
Disruptive Pupils
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the consideration given by the Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools to the family group conferencing and restorative justice approaches, in order to assist in dealing with disruptive pupils. (AQW 1218/07)
Ms Ruane:The Education and Library Boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools support the appropriate use of family group conferencing and restorative justice approaches to assist in the resolution of educational issues. Relevant Boards’ staff have been trained in the family group conferencing process and use this with pupils, parents and school personnel to tackle persistent non-attendance, bullying and anti-social behaviour.
Controlled Primary Schools
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education to detail the level of funding per pupil, for controlled primary schools in each Education and Library Board area, in (a) 2004/2005; (b) 2005/2006; and (c) 2006/2007. (AQW 1261/07)
Ms Ruane: Figures shown in the table below refer to the average funding per pupil, within the delegated school budgets made available under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) funding arrangements, for controlled primary schools in each of the Education & Library Board (ELB) areas for the years in question. Figures exclude capital funding, other initiative funding made available outside of delegated funding arrangements, and services and support provided by Education & Library Boards on behalf of all schools in their area.
Controlled Primary schools: LMS delegated funding per pupil (1, 2)
|
2004/05 (3) |
2005/06 |
2006/07 (4) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
BELFAST |
2,108 |
2,353 |
2,529 |
|
NORTH EASTERN |
1,962 |
2,210 |
2,372 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
1,993 |
2,174 |
2,315 |
|
SOUTHERN |
2,049 |
2,270 |
2,426 |
|
WESTERN |
2,083 |
2,320 |
2,477 |
Notes:
(1) Includes nursery class pupils in primary schools
(2) Includes controlled integrated primary schools
(3) In 2004/05 funding was distributed under the separate LMS Schemes operated by each ELB and includes the funding allocated directly to schools under the "Chancellor’s Budget Addition". From April 2005 all schools have been funded under Common Funding arrangements, with all schools funded according to their relative need, and in a way that aims to mitigate the effects of social disadvantage. Funding distributed in 2005/06 and 2006/07 included the transitional funding arrangements, designed to support schools and smooth budgetary changes in moving all schools to the single funding formula.
(4) Funding distributed in 2006/07 includes the funding allocated directly to schools from the Children & Young People Funding Package.
Controlled Secondary Schools
Mr Gregory Campbell asked the Minister of Education to detail the level of funding per pupil, for controlled secondary schools in each Education and Library Board area, in (a) 2004/2005; (b) 2005/2006; and (c) 2006/2007. (AQW 1263/07)
Ms Ruane: Figures shown in the table below refer to the average funding per pupil, within the delegated school budgets made available under the Local Management of Schools (LMS) funding arrangements, for controlled post-primary schools in each of the Education & Library Board (ELB) areas for the years in question. Figures exclude capital funding, other initiative funding made available outside of delegated funding arrangements, and services and support provided by Education & Library Boards on behalf of all schools in their area.
Controlled Post-primary schools: LMS delegated funding per pupil (1, 2)
|
2004/05 (3) |
2005/06 |
2006/07 (4) |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
BELFAST |
3,327 |
3,651 |
3,871 |
|
NORTH EASTERN |
3,092 |
3,417 |
3,649 |
|
SOUTH EASTERN |
3,098 |
3,392 |
3,605 |
|
SOUTHERN |
3,135 |
3,446 |
3,672 |
|
WESTERN |
3,163 |
3,481 |
3,700 |
Notes:
(1) Includes secondary, controlled grammar and controlled integrated schools
(2) Includes preparatory pupils in controlled grammar schools
(3) In 2004/05 funding was distributed under the separate LMS Schemes operated by each ELB and includes the funding allocated directly to schools under the "Chancellor’s Budget Addition". From April 2005 all schools have been funded under Common Funding arrangements, with all schools funded according to their relative need, and in a way that aims to mitigate the effects of social disadvantage. Funding distributed in 2005/06 and 2006/07 included the transitional funding arrangements, designed to support schools and smooth budgetary changes in moving all schools to the single funding formula.
(4) Funding distributed in 2006/07 includes the funding allocated directly to schools from the Children & Young People Funding Package.
St Joseph's Primary School, Co Tyrone
Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Education at what stage are the plans for a new build for St. Joseph's Primary School at 7 Lurgylea Road, Galbally, Co. Tyrone. (AQW 1272/07)
Ms Ruane: A capital scheme for St Joseph’s Primary School is in the very early stages of planning. Officials from the Department and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) visited the school in March 2006 to assess the school’s accommodation needs. While it was recognised that the school suffered from sub-standard accommodation, the Department advised that a capital scheme for the school’s future provision would have to be considered within the context of area-based planning. Further consideration of this scheme will be taken forward with the CCMS in the coming months.
Teaching of Music
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding allocated specifically to the teaching of music, broken down by Education and Library Board; and to explain the reasons for the disparities in such funding. (AQW 1294/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education does not allocate funding specifically to the teaching of music. Schools are allocated funding under a Common Funding Formula which has been developed to cover, among other key areas, support for schools in delivering the curriculum, including the teaching of music. Under Local Management of Schools arrangements, each school receives a delegated budget, calculated in accordance with the Formula, and it is then for the Principal and the Board of Governors to manage these funds appropriately in accordance with their priorities and the needs of all pupils enrolled at the school.
All Education and Library Boards provide a Music Service from within their overall funding allocations and it is a matter for each Board to determine the allocation of funds to each service which they provide.
Music Lessons in Schools
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to explain the reasons why children taking music lessons in schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area are required to pay for their musical instruments, and also to pay towards additional lessons needed for grading. (AQW 1295/07)
Ms Ruane: Schools are required to teach music as part of the curriculum but they also have access to their Board’s music service, which provides additional tuition to help nurture the talent of those young people with a gift or passion for a particular instrument. If a young person does not have an instrument of their own, their parents may hire one from the SEELB’s Music Service and this is common practice across all Boards. The SEELB has to levy a charge for instrument hire as the income this generates is an important part of the overall funding arrangements that enables the Board to provide this service. The SEELB’s hire charge has remained at £35 since 2005/06.
The SEELB charges schools for the lessons it provides in that school, but it is for schools to determine how much of the charge to pass on to parents. The lessons provided by the Music Service include preparation for graded examinations as an integral part of the lesson, i.e. there is no additional charge.
East West Co-operation
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Education, further to her response to AQW 1121/07, to detail what action she plans to take to develop and expand education as an area of east-west co-operation. (AQW 1326/07)
Ms Ruane: I attended the British Irish Council on 16 July 2007 and this was a very useful meeting. I met my counterparts from England, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
I have also met with Alex Salmond during his visit to the North of Ireland and discussed with him a future meeting with the Minister of Education in the Scottish Executive and with officials in the British Council to take this forward.
Dean Maguire College, Carrickmore
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail the current status of the new build development proposal for the Dean Maguire College, Carrickmore; and to outline the history of this proposal, including her department's interest in potential sites for the new build. (AQW 1338/07)
Ms Ruane: Following a review of previously announced capital schemes in planning conducted earlier this year, the project for Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore was put on hold pending further examination of the proposed scheme with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS). The key issues for consideration are the potential impact of enrolment trends for the scheme and the provision needed in the area. The Department expects to be able to provide confirmation of the position shortly.
The planning of a major capital scheme for Dean Maguirc College was approved by the Department in November 2002. An economic appraisal was completed in 2004 which identified site options and recommended the provision of a new purpose built school on a new site. The scheme for the school was included in the capital programme announced in March 2006. The economic appraisal had identified the former PSNI site in Carrickmore as a possible site for the proposed new school.
I understand that this site is no longer available and if it is considered that the capital scheme should proceed, then consideration will be given to the options for a suitable site.
Managing Grant-Aided Schools
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education, further to her answer to AQW 340/07, to detail what (a) daily input to the school; (b) influence over the appointment of school governors; and (c) routine inspection of the delivery of the curriculum in the classroom, her department has in relation to an independent school that has made a successful application for grant-aided status. (AQW 1352/07)
Ms Ruane: My Department has a general strategic aim to promote the value of education and create a desire for learning. However, the day to day running of a school is an operational matter for a school Board of Governors in liaison with the School Principal and teaching staff. Among their responsibilities are the admission of pupils, the delivery of the curriculum, staffing matters and the management of school budgets.
My Department is responsible for the appointment of Departmental governors to Boards of Governors. Other appointments to Boards are made by a number other bodies including Education & Library Boards, school trustees and representatives of transferors.
With regard to inspections all grant-aided schools are subject to inspection in the normal way, which would include an evaluation of the curriculum on offer.
Schools Selection System
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Education, further to her answer to AQW 338/07, if, as part of her proposals, it is her intention to give (a) greater; (b) equal; or (c) less weight to public opinion, than her predecessor under devolution. (AQW 1353/07)
Ms Ruane: I do not think it is helpful or possible for me to compare the level of consideration I will give to public opinion to that of previous Ministers. As I have made clear, I am listening to the full range of views on the issue of the new arrangements for transfer from primary to post-primary education, and will be mindful of the strength of arguments put forward and any equality considerations. I will ensure that the needs of the child will be at the heart of any decision taken. We are committed to a consultation on draft regulations for future school admissions criteria.
Critical areas of Education
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure that critical areas of education, such as special needs, are not denied funding due to expenditure on other areas, with reference to the £11,721,530 spent on the Irish language and Irish-medium teaching in 2006/07. (AQW 1354/07)Ms Ruane: In 2006-07 current expenditure on education services amounted to £1,584.3 million, and capital investment totalled £128.0 million. This included some £1 billion in relation to school delegated budgets, as well as significant provision for education initiatives, education reforms and other important areas of provision such as early years and special educational needs and inclusion.The 1998 Education Order places a statutory duty on the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of Irish-medium education. The Department of Education funds Irish-medium schools that meet the specified criteria. The intake and enrolment criteria for Irish-medium schools are the same as for all schools.Budgets for Irish-medium and other schools are determined under a single Common Funding Formula according to their relative need and in a way that helps mitigate the effects of social disadvantage. The implementation of Common Funding in 2005 ensures that schools in all areas receive similar levels of delegated funding and greater consistency in their access to centre services provided by Education and Library Boards.In the 2007 Priorities and Budget process, which is currently under way, I am committed to ensuring that the funding available to the education service takes account of future needs.
Breakfast and Homework Clubs
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money available to primary and secondary schools to promote (a) breakfast clubs; and (b) homework clubs, in the last 3 years. (AQW 1356/07)
Ms Ruane:My Department does not hold the information requested.Almost 500 (40%) of our schools are being funded as Extended Schools under The Children and Young People Funding Package to support wide ranging activities, including breakfast clubs and homework clubs, based on each schools’ particular circumstances. £10m has been made available in each of the 2006/07 and 2007/08 financial years aimed at those schools operating in the most disadvantaged areas. Over 300 primary and almost 70 post primary schools have been allocated approximately £7m and £2m respectively. Many other schools also offer these services on a voluntary basis.Extended Schools will provide to the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) a short report including statistics on participation and activities undertaken during the first year of the programme and, in turn, ELBs will provide a summary report to DE later this year. However, in order to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic burden on school principals, individual costings for each activity has not been requested in the end-of-year report.
Standardising School Holidays
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to standardise school holidays. (AQW 1364/07)
Ms Ruane: There are no plans to make any changes to the current arrangements for school holidays. Harmonisation of school holidays does take place as far as is possible with dates for each academic year agreed to take account of school transport arrangements. Schools are informed in writing of the non-operational transport dates from their respective Education and Library Board. However, schools have discretion to close at varying times during the year for 5 optional days, 5 staff training and development days (known as Baker Days) and 5 School Improvement Days. This inevitably means that there will be some variation between schools on holiday periods.
Teacher Employment
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers employed in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1366/07)
Ms Ruane: The number of teachers employed in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, in each of the last three years is detailed in the attached table. The figures do not include Voluntary Grammar Schools or FE Colleges
Sector |
April 2005 |
April 2006 |
April 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
Controlled |
1978 |
1897 |
1834 |
Maintained |
895 |
878 |
838 |
Grant Maintained Integrated |
173 |
179 |
182 |
Special |
207 |
195 |
187 |
Total |
3253 |
3149 |
3041 |
School Cleaners' Salaries
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that the South Eastern Education and Library Board has not updated school cleaners' salaries, in line with the other Education and Library Boards; and what steps she will take to address this issue. (AQW 1375/07)
Ms Ruane: School cleaners are employed by the local Education and Library Boards and as such their terms and conditions of employment are primarily a matter for the relevant Board. I am advised that the results of the five Boards’ job evaluation exercise for cleaners is currently subject to appeal. However Boards decided to move the cleaners on to the new pay rates determined by the evaluation, pending the outcome of the appeal. The South Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) has advised me that its school cleaners will transfer to the new pay rates in August 2007.
School Closures
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that are scheduled to close in the current financial year. (AQW 1384/07)
Ms Ruane: Nine primary schools and two post-primary schools are due to close at 31 August 2007. In addition, a total of eight primary schools and three special schools are due to amalgamate to form four new primary schools and one new special school respectively at 1 September 2007. One primary school is to close at 31 August 2007 as the first phase of an amalgamation involving two other primary schools and one nursery school will close at 31 August 2007 and be re-established as a nursery unit at a primary school.
The Bain Report
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the savings that have been made as a result of the implementation of Professor Sir George Bain's Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education. (AQW 1385/07)
Ms Ruane:The Bain Report sets out 61 recommendations covering funding of education, strategic planning of the schools estate, and sharing and collaboration. Some of the recommendations would require further detailed work and consultation and others should be progressed as part of the Department’s and education authorities’ existing responsibilities. I am currently considering the details of the Bain report and the implications of each of the recommendations before decisions on implementation and it is too early at this stage to estimate costs and savings from implementation.
School Closures
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that have been closed to date, as a result of the implementation of Professor Sir George Bain's Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education. (AQW 1386/07)
Ms Ruane: The Bain Report was published on 4 December 2006. Since then development proposals have been approved to close eight primary schools and two post-primary schools, however the respective school authorities had commenced work on each of these proposals well in advance of the publication of the report.
The Bain Report
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the expenditure of (a) each Education and Library Board; and (b) the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, in relation to the implementation of Professor Sir George Bain's Report of the Independent Strategic Review of Education. (AQW 1387/07)
Ms Ruane:The Bain Report sets out 61 recommendations covering funding of education, strategic planning of the schools estate, and sharing and collaboration. Some of the recommendations would require further detailed work and consultation and others should be progressed as part of the Department’s and education authorities’ existing responsibilities. I am currently considering the details of the Bain report and the implications of each of the recommendations before decisions on implementation and it is too early at this stage to estimate costs and savings from implementation.
Development of Educational Village at Lisanelly, Omagh
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) her department's involvement in plans to develop an educational village concept at the Lisanelly site in Omagh; (b) what discussions her department has had with the Ministry of Defence regarding the disposal of the Lisanelly site; and (c) the timetable for taking this project forward. (AQW 1388/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education has been in contact with relevant managing authorities of a number of schools in the Omagh area to seek their views on the possible development of part of the Lisanelly site for educational use. The Department is also liaising with the Department for Social Development which, with its responsibilities for regeneration, has been in discussion with the Ministry of Defence on the possible acquisition of the site on the behalf of the administration. The Ministry of Defence wishes to dispose of the site by spring of next year and requires confirmation shortly from the administration as to whether it wishes to purchase this site. Subject to a decision to purchase the site, the planning for its development, including an educational campus, would commence shortly thereafter.
Educational Psychology Services
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Education to detail whether pupils attending grant-aided primary schools and post-primary schools in Co. Tyrone are given equal access to the full range of educational psychology services, including those pupils who are resident in Co. Donegal. (AQW 1389/07)
Ms Ruane:The five Education and Library Boards have a reciprocal arrangement as regards educational psychology services for pupils who live in one Board area but are educated in another Board area. Children, even if they reside in another Board area, who are at Stage 3 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs can be assessed for the purposes of Stage 3 in the school in which they are enrolled by the educational psychology service of the Board in which the school is situated. However, those who are referred for assessment at Stage 4 of the Code of Practice must be assessed by an educational psychologist from the Board in which they reside, as it is that Board which is responsible for issuing and maintaining any statement of special educational needs.This service is not available to pupils who live in Co Donegal, but attend schools in Co Tyrone. Currently it is advised that these children should access assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service.
Integrated Primary Schools
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of integrated primary schools in each constituency in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1390/07)
Ms Ruane:The information requested is as follows:Constituency Number of integratedSchools in 2006/07Belfast East 1Belfast North 1Belfast South 2Belfast West 0 East Antrim 3East Derry 3Fermanagh and South Tyrone 2Foyle 2Lagan Valley 2Mid Ulster 2Newry and Armagh 1North Antrim 1North Down 2South Antrim 4South Down 5Strangford 3Upper Bann 2West Tyrone 1
Integrated Primary Schools
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of applicants for each integrated primary school, in each constituency in Northern Ireland, for the year 2007/2008. (AQW 1391/07)
Ms Ruane:
For each constituency in the North of Ireland, the number of applicants for each integrated primary school and the number of applicants not admitted are as follows:
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
|---|---|---|---|
Belfast North |
Hazelwood |
47 |
All admitted |
Belfast South |
Cranmore |
24 |
All admitted |
Forge |
43 |
All admitted |
|
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
Belfast East |
Loughview |
50 |
All admitted |
Foyle |
Oakgrove |
50 |
All admitted |
Groarty |
5 |
All admitted |
|
West Tyrone |
Omagh |
46 |
2 |
East Derry |
Carhill |
8 |
All admitted |
Roe Valley |
25 |
All admitted |
|
Millstrand |
24 |
All admitted |
|
Fermanagh and South Tyrone |
Enniskillen |
31 |
1 |
Windmill |
29 |
All admitted |
|
North Antrim |
Ballycastle |
17 |
All admitted |
Braidside |
52 |
1 |
|
South Antrim |
Glengormley |
14 |
All admitted |
Rathenraw |
7 |
All admitted |
|
Round Tower |
27 |
2 |
|
Maine |
10 |
All admitted |
|
East Antrim |
Carnlough |
11 |
All admitted |
Acorn |
52 |
23 |
|
Corran |
22 |
All admitted |
|
North Down |
Bangor Central |
83 |
1 |
Glencraig |
41 |
1 |
|
South Down |
All Children |
39 |
10 |
Annsborough |
10 |
All admitted |
|
Cedar |
27 |
All admitted |
|
Drumlins |
19 |
All admitted |
|
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
South Down |
Kilbroney |
14 |
All admitted |
Strangford |
Kircubbin |
15 |
All Admitted |
Portaferry |
17 |
All admitted |
|
Millennium |
24 |
All admitted |
|
Lagan Valley |
Oakwood |
36 |
6 |
Hilden |
0 |
0 |
|
*Rowandale |
11 |
11 |
|
Upper Bann |
Bridge |
72 |
14 |
Portadown |
27 |
All admitted |
|
Mid Ulster |
Phoenix |
25 |
All admitted |
Spires |
35 |
6 |
|
Newry and Armagh |
Saints & Scholars |
37 |
All admitted |
*subject to proving viability
Integrated Primary Schools
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of applicants that failed to gain a place in an integrated primary school, in each of the constituencies in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1392/07)
Ms Ruane:
For each constituency in the North of Ireland, the number of applicants for each integrated primary school and the number of applicants not admitted are as follows:
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
|---|---|---|---|
Belfast North |
Hazelwood |
47 |
All admitted |
Belfast South |
Cranmore |
24 |
All admitted |
Forge |
43 |
All admitted |
|
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
Belfast East |
Loughview |
50 |
All admitted |
Foyle |
Oakgrove |
50 |
All admitted |
Groarty |
5 |
All admitted |
|
West Tyrone |
Omagh |
46 |
2 |
East Derry |
Carhill |
8 |
All admitted |
Roe Valley |
25 |
All admitted |
|
Millstrand |
24 |
All admitted |
|
Fermanagh and South Tyrone |
Enniskillen |
31 |
1 |
Windmill |
29 |
All admitted |
|
North Antrim |
Ballycastle |
17 |
All admitted |
Braidside |
52 |
1 |
|
South Antrim |
Glengormley |
14 |
All admitted |
Rathenraw |
7 |
All admitted |
|
Round Tower |
27 |
2 |
|
Maine |
10 |
All admitted |
|
East Antrim |
Carnlough |
11 |
All admitted |
Acorn |
52 |
23 |
|
Corran |
22 |
All admitted |
|
North Down |
Bangor Central |
83 |
1 |
Glencraig |
41 |
1 |
|
South Down |
All Children |
39 |
10 |
Annsborough |
10 |
All admitted |
|
Cedar |
27 |
All admitted |
|
Drumlins |
19 |
All admitted |
|
CONSTITUENCY |
INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL |
TOTAL APPLICATIONS |
THOSE NOT ADMITTED |
South Down |
Kilbroney |
14 |
All admitted |
Strangford |
Kircubbin |
15 |
All Admitted |
Portaferry |
17 |
All admitted |
|
Millennium |
24 |
All admitted |
|
Lagan Valley |
Oakwood |
36 |
6 |
Hilden |
0 |
0 |
|
*Rowandale |
11 |
11 |
|
Upper Bann |
Bridge |
72 |
14 |
Portadown |
27 |
All admitted |
|
Mid Ulster |
Phoenix |
25 |
All admitted |
Spires |
35 |
6 |
|
Newry and Armagh |
Saints & Scholars |
37 |
All admitted |
*subject to proving viability
Integrated School Closures and Mergers
Mr Dominic Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the integrated primary schools in Northern Ireland currently facing closure or merger. (AQW 1393/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department is not currently aware of any integrated primary schools that are due to close or merge. Groomsport Primary School, which had been given approval to acquire controlled integrated status from September 2004, will close at 31 August 2007. During that period the school did not achieve the necessary community balance in intakes for integrated status.
Number of Classroom Assistants
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of classroom assistants employed in the South Eastern Education and Library Board area, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1395/07)
Ms Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board has provided the following information on the number of classroom assistants employed by the Board during the last three school years.
School Year |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of Classroom Assistants |
1604 |
1584 |
1460 |
St. Patrick's Secondary School and St. Mary's Primary School, Banbridge
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of Education to outline the capital investment planned for St. Patrick's Secondary School and St. Mary's Primary School in Banbridge; and to give a timescale for the commencement of these works. (AQW 1412/07)
Ms Ruane: Capital schemes for the construction of replacement school buildings for St Patrick’s College and for St Mary’s P.S. in Banbridge were announced in March 2006. Planning of both projects is underway and it is estimated that the dates for construction work to start on site for St Patrick’s and St Mary’s are autumn 2008 and early 2009 respectively.
Non- Domiciled Pupils
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children resident in Northern Ireland, currently attending schools in the Republic of Ireland, in the (a) primary; and (b) post-primary sectors, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 1418/07)
Ms Ruane: The information requested is not available, as the school census only collects information from schools in the North of Ireland.
Non-Domiciled Pupils
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children resident in the Republic of Ireland who are currently attending schools in Northern Ireland, in the (a) primary; and (b) post-primary sectors, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 1419/07)
Ms Ruane: Information on the number of children resident in the South of Ireland but attending schools in the North of Ireland is not collected. However, the number of children attending schools in the North of Ireland who are not domiciled here is as follows:
Non-Domiciled pupils attending schools in the North of Ireland 2006/07 |
||
Education and Library Board |
Primary |
Post Primary |
|---|---|---|
Belfast |
3 |
134 |
Western |
116 |
102 |
North Eastern |
0 |
0 |
South Eastern |
7 |
1 |
Southern |
9 |
83 |
Total |
135 |
320 |
Note:1. Figures include children normally resident in the South of Ireland and Boarders from outside the North of Ireland.
Cross - Border Teacher Mobility
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made in addressing the issues associated with cross-border teacher mobility, in relation to the transfer of pensions and other associated issues. (AQW 1420/07)
Ms Ruane: A study on Obstacles to Mobility commissioned by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) identified the transfer of pensions in both the public and private sectors as an important mobility issue. Since transferability has implications for all public service pension schemes, it was decided to consider the transfer of teachers’ pensions along with the wider pensions issues arising from the Study. Work on this is ongoing.A Joint Working Group established by the NSMC in the Education Area for Cooperation has also been examining obstacles to teacher mobility in relation to teacher qualifications. Issues in relation to proficiency in the Irish language for teachers wishing to move south have been largely addressed. The requirement for teachers who move south to study for and undertake a written examination on the History and Structure of the Irish Education System has been reviewed by the Registration Council in the South of Ireland and the way forward will be determined at the next meeting of the Group.The General Teaching Councils for Scotland, England, Wales, North of Ireland, and the South of Ireland subscribe to the general principle that teaching qualifications throughout these islands should be mutually recognised. They are actively considering the issue in the context of freedom of movement throughout Europe.
Non-Donmiciled Pupils
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers resident in Northern Ireland, who are currently employed in schools in the Republic of Ireland, in the (a) primary; and (b) post-primary sectors, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 1421/07)
Ms Ruane:The information is not collected by the Department and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Northern Ireland Teachers Resisent in the South of Ireland
Mr Paul Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers resident in the Republic of Ireland, currently teaching in schools in Northern Ireland, in the (a) primary; and (b) post-primary sectors, broken down by Education and Library Board area. (AQW 1422/07)
Ms Ruane:Details of the number of teachers (permanent/temporary) with an address in the South of Ireland currently teaching in schools in the North of Ireland are shown in the tables below:
Permanent teachers
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Primary |
1 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
Post Primary |
0 |
57 |
2 |
0 |
11 |
Special |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Temporary teachers
BELB |
WELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Primary |
0 |
11 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Post Primary |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
Special |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Canteen Facilities at Bunscoil an Traomaigh
Mr Gerry McHugh asked the Minister of Education what progress has been made regarding the provision of canteen facilities at Bunscoil an Traonaigh, for the new school term in September 2007. (AQW 1430/07)
Ms Ruane: The provision of school meals accommodation is the responsibility of the Western Education and Library Board. A site meeting involving the Board and representatives of the Board of Governors of the school will take place on the 24th July to discuss the location of the meals accommodation. An application for planning permission will then be required to be submitted to the Planning Service. It is hoped that the schools meals accommodation will be provided as quickly as possible.
'Area-Based Planning Approach' for Schools
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria that have been developed by her department, on an 'area-based planning approach' for future building projects. (AQW 1440/07)
Ms Ruane: The Department of Education is working on the area-based planning approach and will liaise with the education sector in developing the work. Central to this approach will be a consideration of the anticipated educational needs of an area, and the longer term viability of schools. A draft sustainable schools policy proposing criteria and indicators was the subject of consultation earlier this year and is now being analysed. Until such time as area plans are in place, the Department would expect to see such issues addressed by the education authorities in project appraisals.
School Building Projects
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail (a) all outstanding future new build school projects; and (b) which of these projects have experienced delays in implementation, due to the development of an 'area-based planning approach'. (AQW 1441/07)
Ms Ruane: There are 86 approved school building projects which are proceeding, together with another 6 projects originally approved but which have been put on hold pending further examination of, among other things, their consistency with an area-based planning approach. A list of all these projects is attached.In addition, a number of feasibility studies and draft economic appraisals for potential capital schemes which have not yet been approved and are in the early stages of development, are being reviewed by relevant school authorities in the context of area based planning.
Education and Skills Authority
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money that will be saved at senior management level, through the creation of the Education and Skills Authority. (AQW 1449/07)
Ms Ruane: A key aim in creating the new Education and Skills Authority is to release resources from back office functions for redeployment to the front line, through slimmer management structures throughout the organisation and more efficient service delivery arrangements.Work is continuing on the design of the new ESA taking account of comments received from the legacy education organisations and trade unions. It is therefore not possible, at this stage, to detail the amount of money that will be saved at senior and other management levels.
Education and Skills Authority
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the salaries that will be received by the respective directors of the new Education and Skills Authority. (AQW 1450/07)
Ms Ruane: Work on the organisational design of the Education and Skills Authority is ongoing and the number of Director posts and their associated salaries has not yet been determined.
Employment and Learning
Teacher Training
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to address the duplication of resources in relation to teacher training. (AQW 1111/07)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department is responsible for the funding and administration of initial teacher education.The Department of Education determines intakes to initial teacher education courses in the four locally based higher education institutions, and the Open University in Ireland, based on their Teacher Demand Model. My Department allocates funding to the initial teacher education (ITE) providers, based on this model which takes account of projected pupil enrolments in the various Northern Ireland school sectors, teacher wastage rates, pupil teacher ratios and wastage rates from the ITE courses.The issue of duplication is one of several I shall be examining jointly with my colleague, the Minister of Education, in the ongoing Review of Teacher Education.
Lip Reading Classes
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of lip reading classes in Further and Higher Education Colleges that have been closed in the last two years; and to give the reasons for such closures. (AQW 1171/07)
Sir Reg Empey: North West Institute of Further and Higher Education is the only FE College that provides a course in lip reading. No lip reading classes in FE Colleges have been closed in the last two years.
South Eastern Regional Council
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the procedure through which the present Director Designate of the South Eastern Regional College was appointed; and to detail (a) the date of the advertisement; (b) the date of interview; (c) and the number of candidates who applied for this post. (AQW 1192/07)
Sir Reg Empey: Under the requirements of the 1997 FE Order, in the circumstance of college mergers, the recruitment process for the new college Director posts must, in the first instance, be internal and be restricted to the existing Directors of the colleges that are merging. Only in cases where there are no internal applicants, or if such applicants are found to be unsuitable, can an external process be conducted.The appointment of a college Director is the responsibility of the college’s Governing Body. As the appointment of the Directors designate for the new FE colleges was in advance of the appointment of the new colleges’ governing bodies, Temporary Executive Committees (TECs), comprised of existing governors from the colleges that are merging, were formed to oversee a range of merger related activities. The TECs also undertook the task of identifying Directors designate for the new colleges. The Director designate appointments will be ratified formally by the new in-coming governing bodies in August 2007.
The Temporary Executive Committee of the South Eastern Regional College invited, through correspondence on 18 September 2006, the Directors of the three merging colleges to express an interest in, and make application for, the Director designate post in the new college.
The interviews took place on 24 October 2006.
Two candidates applied for the post.
Employment-Led Apprenticeships
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how the experience and uptake patterns of the Electrical Training Trust have informed his department's recent approach to contracting for other employment-led apprenticeships. (AQW 1208/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The Electrical Training Trust (ETT) has an annual intake in excess of 300 apprentices and achieves success rates in excess of 80% for completion of the MA framework. . A key element of this model training approach is the strong employer support given throughout the industry to ETT.From this experience it was decided that where a Level 3 Apprenticeship training provider demonstrated in their tender for Traing for Success that an all NI approach could deliver high quality training and levels of performance the Department would award a single contract as a best option.
Modern Apprenticeships in the North West
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give a timescale for publication of the consultants' report on the impact of the uptake of electrical installation modern apprenticeships in the north west, since the contract was awarded to the Electrical Training Trust. (AQW 1209/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department has received the first draft of the consultants report and will make its findings known at the end of August 2007.
Employment-Led Apprenticeships
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what measures are planned to ensure that the concentration on employment-led apprenticeships does not compound the skills shortage in districts with a weaker employment base. (AQW 1210/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s approach to skills training, while wishing to encourage training in priority skill areas, does not favour any geographical area. Under the recent contracting process for the delivery of Training for Success, the Department sought tenders for all professional and technical frameworks across all 26 contract management areas.A range of options is open to participants under Training for Success that offers options that meets the needs of the individual and the local economy, either for those employed or not in employment.
Sign Language Courses
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students that have enrolled on sign language courses, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1214/07)
Sir Reg Empey: Number of enrolments on sign language courses in the Northern Ireland Higher and Further Education sectors from 2003/04 to 2005/06.
Academic Year |
Number of Enrolments |
|---|---|
2003/04 |
975 |
2004/05 |
1,161 |
2005/06 |
1,023 |
Source: Further Education Statistical Record; Higher Education Statistical Agency.Note: The data above relates to enrolments as opposed to a student headcount and all levels of provision are included.
Sign Language Courses
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of sign language courses that are currently available in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1215/07)
Sir Reg Empey: There are currently 36 sign language courses being offered in Northern Ireland for the 2007/08 academic year. Details of the courses are listed below:
College |
Course |
No of Courses |
|---|---|---|
Northern Regional College |
Intro to BSL Level 1BSL Level 1 BSL Level 2 |
13 2 |
South West College |
BSL Level 1 |
2 |
North West Regional College |
BSL Level 1ISL Level 1BSL Level 2 ISL Level 2 |
511 1 |
Southern Regional College |
Introduction to BSL Level 1 Unit 101BSL Level 1BSL Level 2 Bridging Course to BSL Level 3 |
152 1 |
South Eastern Regional College |
BSL Level 1 BSL Level 2 |
2 2 |
Belfast Metropolitan College |
BSL Level 1BSL Level 2BSL Level 2 Year 2BSL Level 2 (Fast Track) BSL Level 3 |
2211 1 |
Total |
36 |
Sign Language Courses
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of further education colleges that currently offer interpretive courses for sign language; and what is the cost of these courses. (AQW 1234/07)
Sir Reg Empey: There are currently no further education colleges in Northern Ireland that offer Level 4 interpretive courses for sign language. However, Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (BIFHE) is currently working on costed proposals for Level 4 training provision which will shortly be submitted to my Department for consideration.
Sign Language Courses
Mr Sammy Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of (a) universities; and (b) further education colleges that currently offer sign language courses; what is the cost of enrolling on each of these courses; and what is the cost of running each of these courses. (AQW 1235/07)
Sir Reg Empey: There are no universities in Northern Ireland that currently offer sign language courses. Details of sign language courses currently on offer in FE Colleges for the 2007/08 academic year are listed below. Each of these colleges will comprise a merger of a number of individual colleges. Hence the enrolment and running costs shown are average figures.
College |
Course |
No of Courses |
*Enrolment Cost (per year) |
**Running Cost (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Regional College |
Intro to BSL Level 1BSL Level 1 BSL Level 2 |
13 2 |
£50£100 £150 |
£360£2,100 £3,200 |
South West College |
BSL Level 1 |
2 |
£90 |
£1,900 |
DEL Special Bonus Scheme
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of non-pensionable bonuses that 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 1249/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) introduced a Special Bonus Scheme in February 2006.The scheme is designed to reward exceptional performance in particularly demanding tasks or difficult situations, which fall outside normal duties, and are unable to be recognised and rewarded within the performance appraisal system.A total of 17 nominations were approved for payment, during the period 1/4/06 to 31/3/07, resulting in awards to 25 staff totalling £10,025.The awards ranged from £50 to £900.A further 5 nominations have been approved for payment since 1/4/07, resulting in awards to 21 staff totalling £4400.
DEL Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by his department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1258/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The Department has not carried out any staff surveys in the last two years.
Religious Breakdown of Undergraduates at University of Ulster
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of undergraduate students at the University of Ulster that are (a) members of the Protestant community; and (b) members of the Roman Catholic community. (AQW 1312/07)
Sir Reg Empey:
In 2005/06, of those who provided religion information, 38.6% of undergraduate enrolments at the University of Ulster were from the Protestant community; and
in the same year, of those who provided religion information, 59.6% of undergraduate enrolments at the University of Ulster were from the Roman Catholic community.
Please note that religious affiliation is not a mandatory question and has a high non-response rate. Information on religion was not available for 19.3% of undergraduate enrolments at the University of Ulster in 2005/06.
Religious Breakdown of Undergraduates at Queens University Belfast
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of undergraduate students at Queen's University Belfast that are (a) members of the Protestant community; and (b) members of the Roman Catholic community. (AQW 1313/07)
Sir Reg Empey:
In 2005/06, of those who provided religion information, 43.3% of undergraduate enrolments at Queen’s University Belfast were from the Protestant community; and
in the same year, of those who provided religion information, 51.8% of undergraduate enrolments at Queen’s University Belfast were from the Roman Catholic community.
Please note that religious affiliation is not a mandatory question and has a high non-response rate. Information on religion was not available for 25.7% of undergraduate enrolments at Queen’s University Belfast in 2005/06.
Working Beyond Retirement Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what facility currently exists for members of staff in his department to work in their current post, beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 1340/07)
Sir Reg Empey: Since 1 October 2006 staff who wish to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
Teaching Grants
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Employment and Learning what is the recurrent teaching grant for (a) Stranmillis University College; and (b) St. Mary's University College. (AQW 1371/07)
Sir Reg Empey: The recurrent teaching grant for the 2007/08 Academic Year for Stranmillis University College is £5,446,199 and for St Mary’s University College £5,077,493.
Religious Breakdown of Staff at St Marys University College
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the religious composition of (a) teaching staff; (b) administrative staff; and (c) ancillary staff at St. Mary's University College. (AQW 1372/07)
Sir Reg Empey: St Mary’s University College, like all other higher education institutions, is an independent autonomous institution, responsible for its own policies and practices. The College must comply with all fair employment legislation in all matters relating to the recruitment and employment of staff at the College.Given this autonomous status, my Department does not collect statistics relating to the composition of the workforce at St Mary’s University College.
Religious Breakdown of Staff at Stranmillis University College
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the religious composition of (a) teaching staff; (b) administrative staff; and (c) ancillary staff at Stranmillis University College. (AQW 1373/07)
Sir Reg Empey: Stranmillis University College, like all other higher education institutions, is an independent autonomous institution, responsible for its own policies and practices. The College must comply with all fair employment legislation in all matters relating to the recruitment and employment of staff at the College.Given this autonomous status, my Department does not collect statistics relating to the composition of the workforce at Stranmillis University College.
Research and Development Opportunities
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline his department's efforts to create more research and development opportunities for local university graduates; and to detail whether his department is actively seeking expertise from overseas. (AQW 1423/07)
Sir Reg Empey: In order to increase the number of research and development opportunities for university graduates my Department has bid for funding for additional PhD places. In addition, my Department is taking forward a review of the wider policy and funding of postgraduate places. It also operates a range of funding initiatives/mechanisms that enable the universities to attract experienced graduates from overseas.
University of Ulster Travel Expenditure
Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the University of Ulster's total expenditure on (a) international flights taken by university staff; and (b) domestic flights taken by university staff, for the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years; and to detail the sources of this expenditure. (AQW 1438/07)
Sir Reg Empey: As autonomous bodies, the universities are responsible for the travel arrangements of their staff on official business; therefore, the Department does not hold this information.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Asbestos Complaints
Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail for each of the last three years, (a) the number of complaints relating to asbestos on construction sites received by the Health and Safety Executive; (b) the resultant number that were verified as being valid; (c) the resultant number of written cautions issued; and (d) the resultant number of prosecutions taken. (AQW 1076/07)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr Dodds): The numbers requested are given in the following table.
Year |
(a) Asbestos related complaints |
(b) Those verified as valid |
|---|---|---|
05/06 |
56 |
24 |
06/07 |
58 |
28 |
07-date |
20 |
7 |
HSENI does not issue written cautions as Inspections generally result in a satisfactory outcome. Since 2005 there have been 109 resultant Inspections.
There were no prosecutions completed in the period in question. However 4 cases arising from complaints within the period are awaiting a decision on prosecution.
Prohibition Notices are used in cases where there is a risk of serious personal injury. There have been 6 resultant prohibition notices since 2005.
Energy Issues
Mr Mitchel McLaughlin asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is the current position with regard to the establishment of an all-island single energy market. (AQW 1091/07)
Mr Dodds: Co-operation with the Government of the Irish Republic on energy matters is set in the context of the development of EU internal energy markets and is based on the delivery of mutual long term benefits to consumers in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.A key priority is the establishment of a single competitive wholesale electricity market ("the SEM") which will be underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Governments and parallel legislation which has been passed in each jurisdiction. A significant milestone in the development of the new market was achieved with the triggering, on 3 July, of the ‘go active’ phase. This involved a legal obligation being placed on market participants, via licence modifications, to continue their preparations, including trialling of new systems and procedures, in advance of the market going ‘live’ on 1 November. A programme of structural change within the two existing electricity markets is also being implemented, with the aim of addressing dominance and market power in order to assist the creation of a fully competitive single market which will attract new investment in generation.Other ongoing work includes: the planning by the two transmission system operators of a second North/South electricity interconnector which is expected to be operational by 2012; a joint study of how the all-island electricity grid can accommodate an increased contribution from renewable generation, which is due to be completed in the Autumn.
Tourism Ireland
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the members of the expert group recruited by Tourism Ireland to advise on a review of the branding of the island of Ireland; and (b) the criteria that were used in selecting the members of the group. (AQW 1123/07)
Mr Dodds: The Expert Group appointed by Tourism Ireland consists of local and international business people as well as marketing and brand professionals who are not directly involved in the tourism industry.The members are David Nichols, Chairman; Professor David Carson; Trevor Ringland; Mark Thompson; John Fanning; Dr. Maureen Gaffney; Ciarán Ó Gaora and Regine Reinhardt.Members of the expert group were selected on their ability to fulfill the following criteria and also to ensure a balance of interests from outside the tourism industry both within and outside Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic:
To bring recognised perspective on international brands to the review
To bring forward recognized perspective on the island of Ireland brand,
as viewed from outside the tourism industry in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.
To bring forward views on how the diverse culture and heritage on the
island of Ireland is reflected in marketing overseas.
Investment in Ards Borough Council
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of potential investor visits to the Ards Borough Council area organised by Invest Northern Ireland, that have resulted in investment. (AQW 1128/07)
Mr Dodds: There have been six potential investor visits to Ards Borough Council area, organised by Invest Northern Ireland since 2002. However none of these visits has resulted in investment.
Investment in Castlereagh District Council
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail which of the six potential investor visits to the Castlereagh District Council area, that were organised by Invest Northern Ireland, resulted in investment. (AQW 1129/07)
Mr Dodds: There have been six potential investor visits to the Castlereagh District Council area organised by Invest Northern Ireland since 2002. None of these visits resulted in an investment project within this district council area. However, a significant investment project was located by one of these visiting companies in Belfast, within travel to work distance of Castlereagh District Council area.
Down District Council
Mr Simon Hamilton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail which of the four potential investor visits to the Down District Council area, organised by Invest Northern Ireland, resulted in investment. (AQW 1130/07)
Mr Dodds: There have been four potential investor visits to Down District Council area, organised by Invest Northern Ireland, since 2002. One of these visits resulted in an investment project within the Down District Council area, promoting 70 jobs and leveraging £2.84m in planned investment.
Another of these visits resulted in investment within the Greater Belfast area
Ballycastle to Cambletown Ferry
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what discussions he has had with the Scottish and Irish Parliaments regarding funding for, and the future of, the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry; and to detail any developments on this issue. (AQW 1169/07)
Mr Dodds: I have not as yet held discussions relating to funding or the future of a Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry service. The matter has been raised in recent discussions between the Scottish and Northern Ireland Executive and more recently at the British Irish Council where agreement was reached to examine the case for restoring the ferry service.Officials have arranged to meet to consider the issue further, following which, the facts will be presented to me for consideration.
Private Sector Employment in East Derry/Londonderry
Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps he is taking to attract private sector employment to East Derry/Londonderry. (AQW 1223/07)
Mr Dodds: Invest NI promotes Northern Ireland as a single entity in its drive to attract new inward investment, and its regional office network works closely with local stakeholders to encourage them to develop regional propositions which can help ensure that the offering for their area is maximised to attract visits by potential investors. In addition, Invest NI works to stimulate further investment by existing companies and it encourages and supports the formation of new businesses.Since it was set up, Invest NI has secured three inward investment projects within the East Londonderry constituency, leveraging total investment of around £19 million, safeguarding almost 790 jobs and promoting a further 24. It has also offered over £24 million assistance towards further investment projects by existing businesses totalling £75 million, in addition to supporting over 860 new business starts. Constituency boundaries do not represent self-contained labour markets and a project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond constituency and council area boundaries.Invest NI’s Londonderry regional office is also actively working with the five North West councils involved in the North West Action Plan to encourage private sector development in key areas of business growth, innovation and trade. Combined with a rolling programme of activities and initiatives to stimulate business starts and growth, this work by Invest NI is facilitating the private sector to provide ongoing employment opportunities within the constituency.
Investment Projects in North Antrim
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide details of work undertaken by Invest Northern Ireland in relation to attracting new investment and employment to the North Antrim constituency; and to outline the work currently being done to promote inward investment within the constituency. (AQW 1224/07)
Mr Dodds: Since it was set up, Invest NI has secured two inward investment projects within the North Antrim constituency, leveraging total investment of around £21 million, safeguarding almost 650 jobs and promoting a further 23. It has also offered almost £21 million assistance towards further investment projects by existing businesses totalling £105 million, in addition to supporting around 830 new business starts.Constituency boundaries do not represent self-contained labour markets and a project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond constituency and council area boundaries.Invest NI promotes Northern Ireland as a single entity in its drive to attract new inward investment, and its regional office network works closely with local stakeholders to encourage them to develop locally-focused propositions which can help ensure that the offering for their area is maximised to attract visits by potential investors. Invest NI’s scope to ‘direct’ investment to specific geographic areas is limited, and ultimately the final location decision rests with the business itself. However, Invest NI works proactively to stimulate further investment by existing companies and it encourages and supports the formation of new businesses throughout Northern Ireland.
Attracting Tourists to Northern Ireland
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to attract more visitors to Northern Ireland from (a) the Republic of Ireland; (b) the rest of the United Kingdom; (c) the European Union; (d) the USA and Canada; and (d) the rest of the world. (AQW 1238/07)
Mr Dodds:
(a) Irish Republic
Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has identified the Irish Republic market as a key market for Northern Ireland Tourism. NITB will deliver several key marketing initiatives within the Irish Republic in 2007/08 in line with the Winning Themes and Signature Projects outlined in the Strategic Framework for Action. These include a‘Great Days’ Campaign - aimed at promoting things to see and do in Northern Ireland for families, friends and couples, it will including partnership activity with the Regional Tourism Partnerships (RTPs) and;An Awareness Campaign which will seek to improve perceptions of Northern Ireland and raise awareness of the many things that Northern Ireland offers as a holiday / short break destination.NITB are also carrying out a major review of the ‘Island of Ireland’ market to inform future decision making on domestic marketing activities in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.Tourism Ireland promotes Northern Ireland overseas by ensuring that Northern Ireland features prominently in the full range of island of Ireland marketing activities in over 30 countries, and through a programme of additional tactical marketing activities specifically designed to promote tourism to Northern Ireland.
(b) Great Britain
Tourism Ireland focuses on promoting Northern Ireland throughout the GB market, but particularly in Scotland/Northern England. Tourism Ireland will seek to develop tactical campaigns, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, which will be implemented in autumn 2007.Northern Ireland will be highlighted in a range of ways including campaigns ,newspaper, magazine and radio advertising.
(c) Mainland Europe
Activity in Europe includes promoting Northern Ireland in markets with direct access to Northern Ireland including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, creating specific Northern Ireland eNewsletters for Tourism Ireland’s European consumer databases and using other events such as international football matches to showcase Northern Ireland
(d) United States and Canada
Northern Ireland will continue to be promoted actively both in the United States and Canada; in addition to being well represented in the main destination marketing campaign, Tourism Ireland continues to promote Northern Ireland specifically to Ulster Scots ethnic groups in North America. Activities include specific advertising in selected newspapers and magazines, direct and eMarketing to respondents to previous initiatives such as the Northern Ireland Family Names campaign. Production of Northern Ireland tour programmes and flyers and liaison with specialist tour operators, and specific promotions on aspects of Northern Ireland culture and heritageTourism Ireland is also working closely with the NITB and other agencies to maximize the tourism benefits from Northern Ireland’s exposure at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC this summer.
(e) New & Developing Markets
Publicity will continue to be key to raising awareness of Northern Ireland in our new and developing markets. The focus will be on attracting key travel and lifestyle journalists to experience at first-hand what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to develop Northern Ireland as a distinct tourist designation; and which unique features he plans to emphasise in relation to this. (AQW 1239/07)
Mr Dodds: NITB plans to develop Northern Ireland through delivery of the programme areas identified in the Strategic Framework for Action (2004-2008). The Strategic Framework for Action forms the basis of Northern Ireland’s tourism strategy for 2004-2008. The key objective of the strategy is to position Northern Ireland as a unique tourist destination through the delivery of ten programme areas.The unique features that the Strategic Framework for Action identified to give Northern Ireland international standout include: Giant’s Causeway and Antrim & Causeway Coast Area; Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage; The Mournes National Park; The Walled City; and Titanic Made in Belfast
Interpretative Centre at Giants Causeway
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will give an update on plans for an Interpretive Centre at the Giant's Causeway. (AQW 1240/07)
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.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to increase the number of people resident in Northern Ireland who holiday within the country. (AQW 1241/07)
Mr Dodds: Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has identified the domestic Northern Ireland market as key to the success of the tourism industry in Northern Ireland.NITB will deliver several key marketing initiatives within Northern Ireland this year. The direction for Northern Ireland Tourism is set by the Strategic Framework for Action (2004-2008), which outlines our strategies for development of Northern Ireland as a competitive, must see destination for visitors from home as well as from overseas. In line with this our marketing activity within Northern Ireland will be driven by the Winning Themes and Signature Projects outlined within our Strategic Framework for Action
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what steps his department (a) has taken in the last three years; and (b) plans to take in the next three years, to give Northern Ireland a competitive advantage over the Republic of Ireland as a tourist destination. (AQW 1250/07)
Mr Dodds: Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) seeks to give Northern Ireland competitive advantage over the Irish Republic by positioning Northern Ireland as a distinct tourist destination.As strategic leader for Northern Ireland tourism, NITB developed and launched the Strategic Framework for Action (2004-2008) for Northern Ireland Tourism. The Strategic Framework for Action has identified 5 Signature Projects to give Northern Ireland competitive advantage.A brand for Northern Ireland tourism is currently being developed to support the distinctive positioning of Northern Ireland.In addition we are carrying out a major review of the island of Ireland market which will inform future decision making within our domestic marketing activities to ensure our messages and campaigns are best placed to ensure more Northern Ireland residents holiday within the country.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assurances he will give that additional resources will be made available to the Regional Tourism Partnership. (AQW 1268/07)
Mr Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is fully committed to regional development as outlined in the Strategic Framework for Action (2005 – 2008). In the current financial year, £500,000 has been allocated from the agency’s core budget to Regional Tourism Partnership’s (RTPs) to assist in the delivery of aspects of regional development.NITB is looking at the possibility of further funding for regional development with my department. Any further bid for funding will be considered with other requests as part of the Government’s 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of comments, made in the recent Northern Ireland Affairs Committee report on 'Tourism in Northern Ireland and its Economic Impact and Benefits', regarding the lack of clarity of roles between Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Regional Tourism Partnerships. (AQW 1276/07)
Mr Dodds: My Department accepts the view expressed by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) that there needs to be greater clarity of roles and responsibilities between Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Regional Tourism Partnerships.This will be addressed in the coming months as part of a wider review of roles and responsibilities of tourism support organisations within my Department. That review will take cognisance of the NIAC report and other data which has recently become available.
Tourism Industry
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to give his assessment of comments, made in the recent Northern Ireland Affairs Committee report 'Tourism in Northern Ireland and its Economic Impact and Benefits', indicating that properly funded Regional Tourism Partnerships, identifying and pursuing local regional tourism priorities, were essential to the development of the tourism industry. (AQW 1283/07)
Mr Dodds: Local delivery and development of visitor services and servicing is a key element of raising the profile of the tourism industry across Northern Ireland and perhaps more importantly providing visitors with the quality of services and facilities they want and need.Under current proposals responsibility for a number of local tourism functions, including local visitor servicing and local product development, is to be transferred to the new councils under the Review of Public Administration (RPA). However the key thing is that there is still a need for engagement with the private sector. Pending the outcome of the RPA there remains a strong case for the retention of Regional Tourism Partnerships (RTPs) as the vehicles for the delivery of sub- regional strategies.Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) currently allocates £500,000 of its core budget to fund RTP activities. In addition NITB are currently bidding for an additional £1m per annum for regional development from the EU Competitiveness and Employment Programme 2007-13.
Northern Ireland Tourism
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what steps his department is taking to ensure that the roles of Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and the Regional Tourism Partnerships are clearly defined. (AQW 1284/07)
Mr Dodds: My Department accepts the view expressed by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) that there needs to be greater clarity of roles and responsibilities between Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Regional Tourism Partnerships.This will be addressed in the coming months as part of a wider review of roles and responsibilities of tourism support organisations within my Department. That review will take cognisance of the NIAC report and other data which has recently become available.
Deaths at the Workplace
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (a) the number of people killed at their workplace as a result of work-related accidents; (b) the number of employers that were found guilty of health and safety breaches as a result of Health and Safety Executive investigations into such deaths; and (c) the financial fines that were imposed in each case, for the last ten years. (AQW 1288/07)
Mr Dodds: The numbers requested are given in the following table:
Year |
Total number of people killed in their workplace |
Total number of employers found guilty |
Fines imposed in each case |
|---|---|---|---|
2006/07 |
17 |
2 |
£2,000 £2,000 |
2005/06 |
20 |
5 |
£50,000£10,000£10,000£ 2,500 £40,000 |
2004/05 |
12 |
5 |
£100,000£ 20,000£ 25,000£ 10,000 £ 2,500 |
2003/04 |
18 |
3 |
£25,000£18,000 £75,000 |
2002/03 |
14 |
2 |
£15,000 £ 3,000 |
2001/02 |
7 |
2 |
£15,000 £ 5,000 |
2000/01 |
10 |
4 |
£7,500£1,500£1,000 £2,500 |
1999/00 |
14 |
1 |
£10,000 |
1998/99 |
22 |
2 |
£2,500 £ 250 |
1997/98 |
23 |
5 |
£10,000£12,000£ 500£16,000 £16,000 |
Tourism Ireland
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail whether Tourism Ireland has a cultural diversity policy which would require it to reflect appropriately and proportionately, in its publications and programmes, the cultural diversity of Northern Ireland. (AQW 1289/07)
Mr Dodds: Tourism Ireland does not have an official cultural diversity policy. The Company’s two Key Objectives are to: (1) Increase tourism to the island of Ireland and (2) Support Northern Ireland to realise its tourism potential
Foreign Investment
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the incentives that are being made available to attract foreign investors to Northern Ireland (a) in order to make it a more attractive proposition than the Republic of Ireland; and (b) over and above the incentives offered in the rest of the United Kingdom. (AQW 1327/07)
Mr Dodds: One of the incentives available to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Northern Ireland is Invest NI’s ability to offer Regional Aid in the form of Selective Financial Assistance (SFA) to secure either capital investment and/or job creation projects. Such assistance generally takes the form of capital and/or employment-related grant, and this can sometimes be supplemented by offering training grants through the Business Improvement Training Programme, R&D financial assistance, and help to identify suitable property.The level of SFA that Invest NI may make towards the eligible costs of any FDI project is governed by the European Commission’s Guidelines on Regional Aid and this is true of all regions within the UK, the Irish Republic and the rest of the European Union’s Member States.Whether and how much aid can be offered in particular geographical areas within Member States is determined principally by the overall population of the Member State to which Regional Aid may be applied and relative wealth of each region.
a) Irish Republic
The inward investment product offering in the Irish Republic has a different focus to that of Northern Ireland and is based on its 12.5% corporate tax rate.Northern Ireland’s product offering focuses more on skilled labour availability and cost competitiveness for near-shore markets. As a result of the tax situation Northern Ireland tends to win projects where the Irish Republic tax advantage can be neutralised e.g. in cost centre projects as opposed to profit centres.
b) Rest of UK
Whereas very few areas in England are eligible for Regional Aid, and its availability in Wales and Scotland is partial, Invest NI may offer Selective Financial Assistance to FDI projects locating anywhere in Northern Ireland.The UK’s inward promotional effort combines both UKTI and the Devolved Administrations in one co-ordinated network organised under the Committee on Overseas Promotion (COP). The network’s objective is to attract inward investment into the UK, and to retain and expand that investment. Invest NI is a member of COP and attends regular meetings to ensure the Northern Ireland offering is fully represented.
Retirement Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what facility currently exists for members of staff in his department to work in their current post, beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 1341/07)
Mr Dodds: Since 1 October 2006 staff wanting to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by his department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1348/07)
Mr Dodds:
Number of Surveys |
Cost of Surveys |
|
|---|---|---|
2005/06 |
8 |
£850 |
2006/07 |
12 |
Nil |
Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to report on discussions he has had regarding the future of Shackleton Barracks, Ballykelly, as a centre for industry and/or a business park. (AQW 1374/07)
Mr Dodds: I have not been involved in any discussions concerning the future of Shackleton Barracks either as a centre for industry or as a business park.
Funding for Tourism Ireland
Mr Robin Newton asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail, for each of the last three years, (a) the level of funding provided to Tourism Ireland; (b) the percentage of total budget of Tourism Ireland made up by this funding; and (c) the targets agreed with Tourism Ireland, against which the effectiveness of this departmental funding can be measured. (AQW 1413/07)
Mr Dodds: The level of funding provided to Tourism Ireland from Northern Ireland over the last three years is:
| 2005 | £12.7m |
| 2006 | £12.6m |
| 2007 | £13.128m |
The NI contribution represents a percentage of the total funding as follows:
| 2005 | 29.5% |
| 2006 | 28.7% |
| 2007 | 27.85% |
The targets agreed with Tourism Ireland against which the effectiveness of this departmental funding can be measured are:
INCREASE IN TOURISM REVENUE
| 2005 | |
| All Island | 6.8% |
| Irish Republic | 6.5% |
| NI | 9% |
| 2006 | |
| All Island | 6.9% |
| Irish Republic | 6.7% |
| NI | 9% |
| 2007 | |
| All Island | 8.4% |
| Irish Republic | 8% |
| NI | 9% |
Enterprise Action Zone / Enterprise Arc
Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the recommendation of the West Belfast and Shankill Economic Task Force report, for the development of an Enterprise Action Zone/ Enterprise Arc in that area. (AQW 1455/07)
Mr Dodds: The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Forces’ recommendation for the development of an Enterprise Action Zone/Enterprise Arc in the area is currently under consideration. The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council, which was established to bring greater coherence to the promotion of and support for local businesses and to foster local enterprise, is working on the production of an interim report on the establishment of an Enterprise Zone based on existing models of best practice. This report is due to be completed by September/October this year and, upon receipt, will be jointly considered by Invest NI and DETI with other relevant Departments as necessary.
Open Air Internet Access
Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to develop open-air internet access for towns and cities in Northern Ireland, similar to the wi-fi project that is currently being pioneered in Carlow in the Republic of Ireland, which offers wireless 24-hour, seven days a week access to the internet on its main streets, to upwards of 10,000 households. (AQW 1458/07)
Mr Dodds: There are a number of initiatives in this area of telecommunications, either underway or recently completed, which DETI has pushed forward. In particular, as part of the Northern Ireland Broadband Flagship Initiative, DETI has pioneered an open-access wi-fi project in Londonderry. This enables citizens, businesses, the council and tourists to access a range of services, including free access to the internet for a limited period. This £1.38 million project was undertaken by DETI with support from the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and on foot of this successful investment, I understand that Derry City Council have plans to develop the service further in due course.In addition, in conjunction with Belfast City Council and DRD, DETI has been considering the feasibility of delivering wireless broadband services in Belfast. Two companies (BT and eircom) have expressed an interest in taking this forward. I am also aware that DFP plan to undertake small scale pilots of free public wireless access points starting in August.From a wider commercial perspective, there are already a number of private sector companies offering wi-fi services in various cities and towns in Northern Ireland. Wireless internet services are also available through mobile phones and from specialist wireless operators.
Environment
Non-Pensionable Bonuses for DOE Staff
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of the Environment to outline how many non-pensionable bonuses were paid to staff in her department in each of the last three years; and what steps she has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 912/07)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs Foster): 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 |
1199 |
505 |
2005/2006 |
1364 |
151 |
2006/2007 |
1802 |
174 |
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.
Planning Permissions
Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment whether there is any intended change in procedure or policy, in relation to the renewal of existing planning permissions. (AQW 1004/07)
Mrs Foster: My Department has no plans to change procedure or policy in relation to the renewal of existing planning permissions at this time.
Setting Planning Policy in Northern Ireland
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the difference between the roles of DOE and DRD in setting planning policy in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1093/07)
Mrs Foster: DOE prepares planning policy under the statutory provisions of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 while DRD prepares planning policy under the statutory provisions of the Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999.
Replacement Dwellings
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment to specify exactly what criteria is applied by the Planning Service when assessing applications for replacement single dwellings in rural areas; and to state how many (a) refusals; and (b) approvals have been granted in the (i) Moyle; (ii) Ballymena; and (iii) Ballymoney areas, since 16 March 2006. (AQW 1095/07)
Mrs Foster: Current planning policy in relation to replacement dwellings is set out in Policy CTY5 of Draft Planning Policy Statement 14. This states that planning permission will generally be granted for a replacement dwelling where the proposed replacement would not have a visual impact significantly greater then the existing dwelling.In addition, a proposal for a replacement dwelling will only be permitted where all the following criteria are met:the proposed replacement dwelling is sited within the established curtilage of the existing dwelling, unless either (a) the curtilage is so restricted that it could not reasonably accommodate a modest sized dwelling or (b) it can be demonstrated that an alternative position nearby would result in clear landscape, heritage, access or amenity benefits;the overall size of the new dwelling allows it to integrate into the surrounding landscape and its design is appropriate to its rural setting having regard to local distinctiveness and vernacular styles;where it is proposed to replace a vacant or unoccupied building, it is demonstrated by the applicant that the property is or was last lawfully used as a dwelling house and that residential use has not been abandoned.
The number of rural replacement applications granted and refused in each of the Council areas referred to since 16 March 2006 is shown in the table below.
Council Area |
Replacement rural applications from 16 March 2006 to 31 May 2007 |
|
|---|---|---|
Approvals |
Refusals |
|
Ballymena |
83 |
14 |
Ballymoney |
39 |
5 |
Moyle |
30 |
4 |
Replacement Dwellings
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the criteria for abandonment, as defined in planning policy in relation to replacement dwellings, specifying which policy covers this issue; and to confirm that no criteria, other than those defined in policy, will be used. (AQW 1096/07)
Mrs Foster: To ask the Minster of Environment to detail the criteria for abandonment, as defined in planning policy in relation to replacement dwellings, specifying which policy covers this issue; and to confirm that no criteria, other than those defined in policy, will be used.
Current planning policy in relation to replacement dwellings is set out in Policy CTY 5 "Replacement Dwellings" of Draft Planning Policy Statement 14.Abandonment is not a concept embodied in planning law, but has arisen out of court judgements. Where a dwelling to be replaced is unoccupied or where it is unclear when the dwelling was last occupied, the onus will be on the applicant to demonstrate that residential use has not been abandoned. This will be assessed having regard to the following matters:the period the dwelling has not been in use;whether there has been any intervening use; andevidence of the owner’s intentions.Judgements on the issues of abandonment and the intentions of the owner remain a matter of fact and degree. Various appeal cases have shown that after a dwelling has ceased to be used, the time which has to elapse for it to be regarded as abandoned is very variable and to a large extent relies on how much it has deteriorated.
I can confirm that no criteria other than those which I have outlined are used to assess abandonment of residential use.
Marine Conservation Bill
Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to present a Marine Conservation Bill before the Assembly. (AQW 1104/07)
Mrs Foster: I am broadly in support of the UK Government’s proposals for a Marine Bill. However, I am reserving my position on how they might best be delivered in Northern Ireland until I have given the matter further consideration and agreed with Ministerial colleagues the best approach for Northern Ireland.
Waste-to-Energy Plant
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her policy regarding the provision of a waste-to-energy plant in Northern Ireland, to help meet EU landfill targets. (AQW 1133/07)
Mrs Foster: My Department’s policy is set out in the Northern Ireland Waste Strategy, ‘Towards Resource Management’ that was launched in March 2006.Government believes that energy from waste will be a necessary component of the preferred infrastructure to ensure that Northern Ireland meets its landfill diversion targets. Energy from waste facilities will also provide diversity of energy supply.
Bonfire Management
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the road safety implications of bonfires that are situated on, or near, roads. (AQW 1153/07)
Mrs Foster: As the Minister with responsibility for roads, your question has been passed to me to answer.I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service does not approve of, or support, the unauthorised use of departmental property either for the siting of bonfires or for the storage of materials and that it is Roads Service policy to remove such material where there is a danger to road users. However, bonfire management is an interagency issue and it is not always easy to find quick fix solutions when problems arise. The support, co-operation and involvement of local communities is an important factor and this was recognised in the report of the interagency group which produced guidelines on bonfire management. A copy of the report can be found on the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service website: www.ehsni.gov.uk. A copy of this report has been placed in the library.Roads Service’s experience has been that many of the complaints received from the public are related to the stockpiling of materials on sites adjacent to public roads, which are not owned by Roads Service. On occasions where the overspill from bonfire stockpiles obstructs the public road or footway Roads Service will remove it or arrange for it to be pushed back off the road onto the bonfire site, consulting with the police and local communities as necessary. However, Roads Service has a duty of care to its staff and the immediate and ongoing safety of personnel tasked with removal work is always taken into account in consultation with the police and other parties.There are relatively few instances where bonfires are actually brought onto the public road for lighting. However where bonfires are lit on or near the public road, Roads Service will arrange for burnt out debris to be removed and carry out any repairs to carriageways, footways and street lights that may be needed.
Landfill Allowance Scheme Targets
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to ensure that District Councils meet Northern Ireland Landfill Allowance Scheme targets over the next five years. (AQW 1159/07)
Mrs Foster: My officials are finalising a strategic business case to identify the best solutions for waste management and this will consider the case for central government support in Northern Ireland. The strategic business case draws on a comparative analysis of central government support in Great Britain and will estimate the cost of providing equivalent levels of support in Northern Ireland.My Department has provided Guidance to District Councils on their responsibilities under NILAS. Guidance and advice are also provided to the District Councils on an ongoing basis through the NILAS Implementation Steering Group, chaired by the Department.The Department also provides funding to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) which advises, supports and provides guidance on a number of environmental issues, including landfill diversion, to District Councils.
Landfill Allowance Scheme
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the funding she will provide to District Councils, in order to help them meet Northern Ireland Landfill Allowance Scheme targets. (AQW 1160/07)
Mrs Foster: My officials are finalising a strategic business case to identify the best solutions for waste management in Northern Ireland. Among the various scenarios being considered is the possibility of providing an element of central government support.
The business case will be considered by the Department of Finance and Personnel and following that it will be for the Executive, as part of the Priorities and Budgets exercise, to consider whether central government support will be provided.
Landfill Allowance Scheme
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what is her assessment of the impact of the fines that District Councils will face if they fail to meet Northern Ireland Landfill Allowance Scheme targets over the next five years. (AQW 1162/07)
Mrs Foster: The allocation of allowances as set out under the Northern Ireland Landfill Allowance Scheme Regulations is an essential element of my Department’s strategy to meet our obligations under the EU Landfill Directive to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste going to landfill.The Regulations make provision for the imposition of fines should individual District Councils exceed their agreed allowances in any given year. Councils may be fined £150 per tonne of waste over their allowances.
My Department has, however, indicated that only in exceptional circumstances would a penalty be imposed on a Council before 2009.
DFP Spend on Consultancy Services
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her department's projected spend on consultancy services, in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1174/07)
Mrs Foster:
Business Area |
Projected 2007/2008 spend £’000 |
|---|---|
DVA – Testing |
238 |
DVA – Licensing |
0 |
Planning Service |
534 |
Environment and Heritage Service |
196 |
Road Safety |
195 |
Local Government Division |
7 |
Local Government Reform Division |
27 |
Planning and Environmental Policy Group |
803 |
Total |
2,000 |
Erection of Flags
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of the Environment what are the requirements with respect to planning permission for the erection of flags, bunting or other symbols on lamp posts. (AQW 1181/07)
Mrs Foster: Under the Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992, the national flag of any country can be displayed on a single flagstaff without the need to apply to the Department for consent to display. The term "flagstaff" is not specifically defined in legislation but it is unlikely that a lamp post could be considered as such for the purposes of the above legislation.Other types of flags and emblems of a political nature are not included in the exemption noted above. The erection of bunting is considered to be outside the scope of planning control as it is very minor in nature.In practice, it is almost invariably impossible to enforce these requirements.
Fox Numbers in Northern Ireland
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of foxes in Northern Ireland; whether there has been an increase in these numbers over the past three years; and whether this correlates with a decrease in songbirds and other wildlife. (AQW 1193/07)
Mrs Foster: My Department does not monitor foxes in Northern Ireland and therefore cannot give details of their population.
Research reports from Queen’s University along with anecdotal information suggests that the range and abundance of foxes has increased since the 1930s and probably continues to increase.There is no scientific information to suggest that foxes predate song birds in significant numbers. A project is currently underway to assess the impact of a number of predators, including foxes, on the breeding success of the Curlew in Co Antrim.
Areas of Special Scientific Interest
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) designations for the last twelve months; and to detail (a) their location; (b) the size of land of each designation; (c) the number of replies to consultations on each of the designations; and (d) whether each designation was accepted by affected parties. (AQW 1200/07)
Mrs Foster: Details relating to Areas of Special Scientific Interest designated during the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 are given in the table below.
ASSI Name |
ASSI Location |
Area (ha) |
Replies (excluding objections) to Declaration |
Objections to Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Smulgedon |
Smulgedon, Limavady, Co Londonderry |
12.76 |
1 |
0 |
Castle River Valley |
Smuldegon, Limavady, Co Londonderry |
5.50 |
1 |
0 |
Ballymacallion |
Ballymacallion, Limavady, Co Londonderry |
22.54 |
0 |
0 |
Cruninish Island |
Near Boa Island, Lower Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh |
14.47 |
1 |
0 |
Hare Island |
Hare Island, Lower Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh |
28.19 |
1 |
0 |
Coolnasillagh |
Coolnasillagh, Coleraine, Co Londonderry |
16.96 |
0 |
0 |
Lough McCall |
Ballyscally, Dungannon, Co Tyrone |
2.29 |
0 |
1 |
Rathsherry |
Rathsherry, Ballymena, Co Antrim |
10.19 |
0 |
0 |
Lough na blaney bane |
Cavan, Dungannon, Co Tyrone |
12.91 |
0 |
0 |
Devenish Island |
Devenish, Lower Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh |
64.24 |
0* |
0* |
Ballyrisk More |
Carrydoo, Limavady, Co Londonderry |
12.97 |
0* |
0* |
Errigal Glen |
Farrantemple Glebe, Coleraine, Co Londonderry |
15.90 |
1* |
0* |
Round Lough & Lough Fadda |
Fivemiletown, Dungannon, Co Tyrone |
15.42 |
0* |
0* |
Ballymacaldrack |
Ballymacaldrack, Ballymoney, Co Antrim |
2.50 |
0* |
0* |
Tanderagee |
Tanderagee, Cookstown, Co Tyrone |
44.25 |
1* |
2* |
Sheepland Coast |
Sheepland More, Lecale, Co Down |
81.42 |
0* |
0* |
Areas of Special Scientific Interest
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what consultation has taken place between departmental officials and landowners and families affected by an Area of Special Scientific Interest designation, to ensure that they are not disadvantaged by such a designation. (AQW 1201/07)
Mrs Foster: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is required under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 to give notice to every owner and occupier of land that is included in an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).
The notice and accompanying papers advise of the purpose and implication of the ASSI designation, provide full details of the implications of the designation and invite comments from these consultees, including any matters perceived to disadvantage them.
EHS is required to consider any representations or objections that are received as a consequence of this notice before confirming the designation, with or without modification.
EHS officials also endeavour to visit, in accordance with established procedures, every landowner and occupier that they are able to identify prior to the designation to advise about the proposal to include their lands within the ASSI and to address any questions that may arise.
These procedures were followed with respect to the designation of ASSIs at sites around Strangford.
Staff Departures at the Planning Service
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of Planning Service staff that have left the service for (a) employment in planning offices of councils in the Republic of Ireland; (b) employment in private planning consultancy firms; (c) retirement; or (d) unknown, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1211/07)
Mrs Foster: The following tables detail the number of staff who have left the Planning Service in each of the last 5 years. The Department does hold complete records of why staff leave the Planning Service and staff are under no obligation to provide this information. Where this information is available it has been provided. For the purposes of this question the response relates only to permanent staff and excludes casual staff.
There are also a number of additional administrative staff who have left the Planning Service on promotion or transfer to take up posts in both the wider Department and the NICS but these have not been included in the following tables.
1 April 2002 – 31 March 2003 |
|
Grade |
No. of Resignations |
TPA |
|
PTO |
5 |
HPTO |
5 |
SPTO |
|
PPTO |
|
AO |
1 |
AA |
1 |
TOTAL |
12 |
1 April 2003 – 31 March 2004 |
|
Grade |
No. of Resignations |
TPA |
2 |
PTO |
2 |
HPTO |
|
SPTO |
|
PPTO |
|
AA |
5 |
TOTAL |
9 |
1 April 2004 – 31 March 2005 |
|
Grade |
No. of Resignations |
TPA |
1 |
PTO |
5 |
HPTO |
2 |
SPTO |
1 |
PPTO |
1 |
Grade 6 |
1 |
AO |
2 |
AA |
3 |
TOTAL |
16 |
1 April 2005 – 31 March 2006 |
|
Grade |
No. of Resignations |
TPA |
1 |
PTO |
8 |
HPTO |
8 |
SPTO |
2 |
PPTO |
|
Systems Analyst |
1 |
AO |
1 |
AA |
3 |
TOTAL |
24 |
1 April 2006 – 31 March 2007 |
|||||
Grade |
Private Sector |
Public Sector |
ROI Councils |
Other |
Not Known |
TPA |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||
PTO |
3 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
8 |
HPTO |
5 |
3 |
7 |
||
SPTO |
3 |
4 |
5 |
||
PPTO |
|||||
AO |
7 |
||||
AA |
5 |
||||
TOTAL |
12 |
6 |
3 |
17 |
21 |
GRAND TOTAL = 59
1 April 2007 – 31 July 2007 |
|||||
Grade |
Private Sector |
Public Sector |
ROI Councils |
Other |
Not Known |
TPA |
|||||
PTO |
1 |
4 |
|||
HPTO |
3 |
1 |
2 |
||
SPTO |
|||||
PPTO |
|||||
AA |
3 |
||||
TOTAL |
4 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
- |
GRAND TOTAL = 14
Planning Service Staffing
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what efforts have been made to retain staff in the Planning Service, given the high proportion of staff leaving for similar jobs in the Republic of Ireland or the private sector. (AQW 1212/07)
Mrs Foster: The Planning Service is conscious of the problems created by the loss of valuable experience though resignations. Management in the Agency has previously raised the issue at Ministerial level and with the Department of Finance & Personnel’s Central Personnel Group (CPG) which is responsible for such matters as pay and terms and conditions of employment. Efforts have been made in the recent pay negotiations to address the pay concerns of staff but remuneration packages to compete with those offered by employers outside the NICS are neither viable nor affordable.The Planning Service does however make use of the NICS bonus scheme to reward staff who are performing exceptionally well. In addition, I have recently endorsed a proposal by the Agency to pay the professional fees of specialist planning staff from 1 January 2008, in recognition of their professionalism and their particular contribution to the work of the Agency.The situation will be regularly monitored and reported to CPG as appropriate.
Backlog of Planning Applications
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what steps have been taken to address the current backlog of planning applications. (AQW 1219/07)
Mrs Foster: In an effort to ease the current pressures on the development control system a Divisional Support Team has been established and is currently in operation in the Craigavon Divisional Planning Office. Alongside the work of the team, the Planning Service’s Operations Directorate will be critically examining existing practices within Divisions with a view to changes that will further assist. Areas of specific focus include, but will not be limited to, arrangements for handling planning appeals; the approach to processing reserved matters applications; and arrangements for handling telephone contact with offices.
Training for Planning Service Staff
Mr Alastair Ross asked the Minister of the Environment what training is given by the Planning Service to staff transferring from one section of the service to another. (AQW 1220/07)
Mrs Foster: In the majority of cases staff transferring, moving on promotion or for location reasons the Planning Service tries to ensure that, as far as possible, the skill set and experience of staff match the requirements of the post they are moving to but Planning Service endeavours to ensure that staff are properly inducted to their new posts or grade. This is mainly the responsibility of the immediate line manager who is responsible for setting out and clarifying the requirements of the post. If the member of staff has been moved to a post, with new roles and responsibilities, the line manager should agree a personal performance agreement (PPA) and identify any training and development needs on the personal development plan (PDP).The Agency also has a checklist for line managers to use for the induction of new staff. This is primarily used for new staff entering the Agency but is also appropriate for use with staff moving location - to help them integrate locally.
Water Framework Directive
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the ways in which her department is working with the government in the Republic of Ireland, in order to implement the Water Framework Directive in the north-western and Neagh-Bann river basin districts. (AQW 1226/07)
Mrs Foster: Co-ordinated implementation of the Water Framework Directive within the international river basin districts is supported by the North South WFD Co-ordination Group, the North South Technical Advisory Group and the NS SHARE project, all of which involve participation of officials from both jurisdictions.Considerable co-ordination has taken place in successfully completing the initial stages of the Water Framework Directive’s implementation. Most recently for example, reports on the significant water management issues (SWMI) within each river basin district were published on a joint North-South basis.
Ards and Down Area Plan 2015
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm the implementation date for the new Ards and Down Area Plan 2015. (AQW 1244/07)
Mrs Foster: It is anticipated that the Planning Appeals Commission’s (PAC’s) report on the Public Inquiry into the draft Ards and Down Plan will be with my Department by the end of 2007. My officials will then consider the report and will put recommendations to me on the draft Plan’s adoption and publication in whole or in part, with or without modification, as the final document.It is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive date for implementation of the Plan because this will depend on what the PAC report says and on the work that will be needed to consider its findings. However, the aim will be to publish the adopted Plan as early as possible in 2008.
High Hedges Legislation
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the legislative priorities which are preventing her from introducing high hedges legislation. (AQW 1253/07)
Mrs Foster: The main priorities requiring resources to develop policy and take legislation forward are (i) responding to a number of EU imperatives arising from new and amended EC Directives and European Court judgements, (ii) work to determine the way ahead on the Review of Public Administration and (iii) proposals that will be brought forward to simplify, streamline and further reform the planning system.
Practical and Driving Test
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to upgrade the requirements of the practical and theory driving tests, in order to address the high levels of road traffic accidents involving inexperienced drivers. (AQW 1278/07)
Mrs Foster: Theory TestThe syllabus for the theory test is specified in the Second European Directive on Driver Licensing 91/439/EU but the Northern Ireland theory test, like that in GB, specifies in addition a hazard perception test (HPT). From 3 September 2007 when the number of questions asked in the theory test will increase to 50 with candidates being required to answer at least 43 questions correctly. This increase in the number of questions will create a more robust test with better content validity and make a positive contribution to driving standards and road safety through a more thorough assessment of the learner’s knowledge and understanding.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has commissioned the Central Office of Information (COI) to develop new hazard perception clips to ensure that the current bank of clips covers a wider range of scenarios. To assist with this process staff from the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) are in the lead providing technical support. The increase to the bank of clips will impact on training in relation to scanning the road, recognising at the first opportunity from the clues that a potentially dangerous situation might arise and adopting a driving plan to reduce the risk.
Practical Driving TestThe practical Driving Test in Northern Ireland is based on European legislation and is similar in design and content to the rest of the UK.It is recognised throughout Europe that the practical driving test in its current format achieves the designed objectives,that is to establish whether or not a driver has reached an acceptable level of competence to drive safely on the road.
DVA officials have also been working with UK and European partners on a number of projects to consider ways to integrate measurement of driver behaviour and attitude, previously not assessed, into the driving test. DVA are fully committed to working with other European partners to achieve a common goal of reducing the number of road deaths. To this end DVA have not only committed staff resources but also partly funded one of the projects.
In addition to this we intend to monitor closely recently commissioned research in GB which includes taking a radical look at how drivers are currently trained and tested. DVA will consider recommendations coming from this research and implement if appropriate.
Deferral of Planning Applications
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the circumstances in which a second deferral of a planning application is permissible, where such a course of action can lead to a resolution of outstanding issues. (AQW 1285/07)
Mrs Foster: One of the key elements of the revised consultation procedures with councils, which were introduced in October 2005, is that Planning Service would accept only one deferral on an application. Where an initial deferral on a planning application is acceptable, an office meeting or exceptionally a site meeting will be arranged to further discuss the issues.Subject to the outcome of the meeting, and where it is considered that amendments to the scheme may lead to a resolution of outstanding issues, applicants may be offered the opportunity to submit additional or revised information. If this information is not submitted within the stipulated timeframe, the proposal may be presented back to council with an unchanged opinion or the decision notice may be issued accordingly.Where an application is presented to the council for the second time and the council is strongly of the opinion that a decision contrary to that proposed by the Divisional Planning Office should be made, the council may request that the application be referred to the Management Board.However, applications referred to the Management Board must relate to significant developments as defined in the revised guidance issued to councils in May 2007.
Deferral of Planning Applications
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the consultation process between Planning Service and District Councils in respect to planning applications; and to detail the guidelines, as implemented by planning officials, in regard to permitting a deferral on a planning application. (AQW 1287/07)
Mrs Foster: In line with the revised procedures on Council consultation on planning applications, Councils must provide planning reasons when seeking a deferral on an individual application. If a deferral is granted then all the outstanding issues will be dealt with before the application is brought back to Council with Planning Service’s opinion. A key element of the revised procedures, brought in to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of consultation with Councils, is that Planning Service would only accept one deferral on an application.These procedures are currently the subject of an independent review.
Planning Service Customer Standards
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the requirements on planning officials in relation to communication with agents and elected representatives, with specific reference to any timescales within which responses to letters, emails and telephone calls should issue. (AQW 1290/07)
Mrs Foster: Planning Service is committed to providing an open and professional service with clear lines of communications for all stakeholders, and has targets in place for replying to letters, faxes, emails and telephone calls. These targets apply to correspondence from agents and elected representatives as well as members of the public.Acknowledgments to letters, faxes and emails are required to issue within 3 working days of receipt, with a substantive response to issue within 15 working days. Where a response requires more detailed investigation, a holding reply should issue within 15 days to advise a substantive reply will issue as soon as possible (recognised as replying within a further 15 working days). Responses to Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulation requests are required to issue within 20 working days of receipt.In relation to telephone enquiries, the Agency’s Customer Standards Statement outlines the aim of answering 85% of telephone calls within 20 seconds. The Agency aims to respond to telephone enquiries immediately or, if this is not possible, to respond within 1 working day or indicate who is better placed to deal with the enquiry.
Refusal of Planning Applications
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that it is now current practice within Planning Service to issue a refusal in respect of an application with an outstanding request for a deferral, without notifying the elected representative, agent or applicant that the request has been declined. (AQW 1291/07)
Mrs Foster: A key element of the revised procedures brought in to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of consultation with Councils is that Planning Service accepts only one deferral on an application. Requests for a deferral must be based on defensible planning grounds.The practice is that a request for a deferral will be considered at the Council meeting and the Planning Service official attending the meeting will advise the elected representative whether a deferral will be accepted or declined. If the request is accepted, the Council will be consulted again before a decision is issued. If the request is declined, the decision notice will be issued.On occasions, additional information is presented at the Council meeting or promised within a few days. In such cases, the issue of the decision notice may be held for up to 5 days to allow this new information to be considered. This would not be classed as a ‘deferral’ of the application.
If the new material leads to a change of opinion by the Planning Service, the application is returned to the Council with a reconsidered opinion to approve. If, however, the information does not alter the Planning Service’s opinion, the decision notice refusing planning permission is issued. The Councillor(s) who sent the new information is not routinely notified in these circumstances.
A review of the Council consultation procedures is currently ongoing.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
Mr David Ford asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on progress in dealing with the issues associated with Houses in Multiple Occupation, particularly in the East Belfast constituency and Coleraine Borough Council area. (AQW 1300/07)
Mrs Foster: The Department published the Draft Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Subject Plan for Belfast City Council Area in June 2006. The Plan’s Strategy seeks to protect area amenity, accommodate multiple occupation, focus development in areas where it can contribute to regeneration and promotes development of purpose built student accommodation.The Plan’s policies will limit development of HMOs throughout most of East Belfast to 10%. The exception to this limit is at HMO Nodes. Such nodes are designated along certain parts of arterial routes, where development would contribute to regeneration.Planning Appeals Commission will consider objections to the Subject Plan at an Independent Examination commencing on 1st October 2007.My officials are currently reviewing the Coleraine Borough HMO Plan 2016 and I will make a decision on the best way forward for this plan in the coming months.
Areas of Special Scientific Interest Designated at Strangford
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the consultation that has taken place between her department and the landowners and farmers, regarding Area of Special Scientific Interest designation at sites in Strangford. (AQW 1307/07)
Mrs Foster: Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is required under the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 to give notice to every owner and occupier of land that is included in an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).
The notice and accompanying papers advise of the purpose and implication of the ASSI designation, provide full details of the implications of the designation and invite comments from these consultees, including any matters perceived to disadvantage them.
EHS is required to consider any representations or objections that are received as a consequence of this notice before confirming the designation, with or without modification.
EHS officials also endeavour to visit, in accordance with established procedures, every landowner and occupier that they are able to identify prior to the designation to advise about the proposal to include their lands within the ASSI and to address any questions that may arise.
These procedures were followed with respect to the designation of ASSIs at sites around Strangford.
Bloomfield Shopping Centre
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm that the recently approved extension to Bloomfield Shopping Centre was in accordance with previous conditions laid down by the Planning Appeals Commission, in its original approval of the centre. (AQW 1314/07)
Mrs Foster: Full planning permission was granted in May 2007 for an extension to Bloomfield Shopping Centre, Bangor. The approval relates to stores and ancillary areas and includes a new lift and stairs. This approval accords with the conditions previously imposed, following a public inquiry. The decision therefore does not increase the net retail floor space of the shopping centre.
Demolition of Property on Bryansburn Road
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment what action her department intends to take against the person who demolished numbers 38 and 40 Bryansburn Road, which is part of an Area of Townscape Character in the new Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan. (AQW 1315/07)
Mrs Foster: An enforcement case W/2006/0050CA was opened on 2 June 2006 relating to the demolition of the dwellings at 38 & 40 Bryansburn Road, Bangor, which is within an Area of Townscape Character (ATC). Whilst the demolition of buildings in an ATC is a breach of planning control it is not an offence.Despite exhaustive searches and investigations, the Department has been unable to identify the relevant landowners and was therefore not in a position to serve an enforcement notice on this matter. That said these efforts still are continuing and the Department has been in contact with the applicants of a recent application submitted to the Department for a new-build residential development of 12 sheltered category one elderly apartments on these lands (Planning Ref W/2007/0495/F refers) to try identify the owners. We await the information requested.
Default Retirement Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment what facility currently exists for members of staff in her department to work in their current post, beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 1342/07)
Mrs Foster: Since 1 October 2006 staff wanting to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised, all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
DOE Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by her department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1345/07)
Mrs Foster: Two staff surveys have been carried out within my Department in the last two years, at a total cost of £15148.35
Planning Application Fees
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of money received by Planning Service from planning application fees in the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office for (a) the Ards Borough Council area; and (b) the Strangford constituency, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1365/07)
Mrs Foster: I regret that figures are not available in the format requested. However, net receipts for the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office for each of the last 3 years are shown in the attached table.
Net receipts per year/Year |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|---|---|---|---|
Downpatrick DPO |
£2,471,000 |
£2,632,000 |
£3,001,000 |
Planning Policy Statement 14
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the Planning Service policy and criteria that exist in relation to floor space restrictions for single houses in the countryside. (AQW 1381/07)
Mrs Foster: There are no specific references or criteria in current planning policy in relation to floor space restrictions for single houses in the countryside. However, in granting planning permission the Department has the power to impose what ever conditions it sees fit and can restrict the maximum floor space of a new dwelling if the particular circumstances of the case warrant this approach. Such conditions are imposed to ensure the development being permitted properly integrates into the rural landscape and does not harm the character of the rural area. Any condition restricting floor space will also take account of the need to allow sufficient area to meet modern space standards.
Clay Lakes, Killyleagh
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the designations currently given to the Clay Lakes, Killyleagh; and to detail any designations that are imminent. (AQW 1396/07)
Mrs Foster: The Clea Lakes are designated as:
(1) ‘Salmonid’ under the EC Freshwater Fish Directive (2006/44/EC) and(2) a ‘Protected Area’ under the EC Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).The Lakes were formerly designated as an ‘Area of Scientific Interest’ under the now repealed Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965. In recognition of their value for nature conservation, they have been proposed for designation as a site of Local Nature Conservation Importance in the draft Ards and Down Area Plan.
Planning Service Management Board
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications that have been referred to the Planning Service Management Board, in (a) the Ards Borough Council area; and (b) the Down District Council area, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1405/07)
Mrs Foster: I can confirm that in the Ards Borough Council area there were 7 Management Board Referrals in 2004, 3 in 2005, none in 2006 and 1 to date in 2007. In the Down District Council area there were no Management Board Referrals in 2004, 1 in 2005, 3 in 2006 and 3 to date in 2007.
Planning Policy Statement 6
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment what account the Environment and Heritage Service has taken of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's Living Over the Shop scheme in Cookstown, in its response to the consultations on planning applications I/2007/0124 and I/2007/0138. (AQW 1407/07)
Mrs Foster: Environment and Heritage Service was consulted on the application for Listed Building Consent I/2007/0124 and Planning Application I/2007/0138. In these cases the proposed changes were considered to impact negatively on the character of buildings of special architectural or historic interest and thus were contrary to current policy contained in Planning Policy Statement 6.However, it is the opinion of Environment and Heritage Service that it should be possible to achieve a ‘Living Over The Shop’ scheme in these buildings, without compromising the character to an unacceptable degree.
Advertising Planning Applications
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what action she is taking to ensure that the Planning Service promotes equality of opportunity when advertising planning applications in newspapers; and to outline the criteria that is used in deciding how and where advertising occurs. (AQW 1408/07)
Mrs Foster: The Planning Service is required, under Article 21 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, to advertise planning applications received in at least one newspaper circulating in the locality in which the land to which the application relates is situated.However, it has been the custom and practice of the Planning Service to advertise in a range of newspapers circulating in each district council area to try to ensure that all sections of the community have access to this information. The Department also operates a neighbour notification scheme and all applications are displayed on the Agency’s website www.planningni.gov.uk . These arrangements are set out in the Department’s Equality Scheme.Government advertising generally was the subject of a review in 2005 and as a result changes were proposed to the advertising of planning applications in the Belfast area. Following a judicial review, these changes where largely put on hold pending a further review which is about to commence. This further review will initially consider the issue of advertising of planning applications in the Belfast area but will also consider advertising in all other district council areas. The aim is to devise a procurement and advertising strategy, taking account of new developments in advertising, technology and communication, that will communicate effectively to the public information about planning applications received, deliver value for money and minimise the cost to applicants.
The Tannery at Shrigley
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make available the agreement relating to the use of water by the owner of the tannery at Shrigley, which formed part of the original planning permission for the tannery. (AQW 1409/07)
Mrs Foster: I understand the original planning permission for the tannery was granted prior to 1973, the date my Department became responsible for planning, and regret that Planning Service has no record of an agreement relating to the use of water by the tannery within any of its files.However, there are references in two previous planning approvals to the factory water supply being an ‘existing gravity feed via Clea Lakes’ to which, according to an application form in 1986, the tannery had water rights.
Promotion of Recycling Initiatives
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she has taken to promote recycling initiatives in North Belfast. (AQW 1410/07)
Mrs Foster: The Department of the Environment’s role in promoting recycling initiatives is Northern Ireland wide, rather than focused on any specific area. The Environment and Heritage Service has provided waste management grant funding to Belfast City Council, enabling it to purchase household recycling bins. In addition, it provides support to organisations such as Bryson House and Sustainable NI, who work with young people and communities to promote the reduce, reuse, recycling message developed in the Wake Up to Waste campaign. The Environment and Heritage Service’s education officers, based in its Country Parks and Countryside Centres, reinforce the work of Belfast City Council’s waste education team, who offer visits and activities to all schools and community groups in Belfast.
Finance and Personnel
Vacancies in the Northern Ireland Civil Service
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel how many vacancies there are in the Northern Ireland Civil Service in each government department at (a) Administrative Officer, (b) Executive Officer II, (c) Executive Officer I, and (d) Staff Officer grades. (AQW 855/07)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): The number of vacancies in permanent posts in the Northern Ireland Civil Service at the grades of (a) Administrative Officer, (b) Executive Officer 2, (c) Executive Officer 1 and (d) Staff Officer is set out in the attached table. The figures, on a full time equivalent (FTE) basis, are broken down by each of the eleven NI Departments and their Agencies, and show the position at 1 July 2007.
Number of NICS permanent post vacancies in specific grades at 1 July 2007, by Department.
Department |
Number of vacancies |
|||
(a) Administrative Officer |
(b) Executive Officer 2 |
(c) Executive Officer 1 |
(d) Staff Officer |
|
Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) |
13 |
3 |
9 |
6 |
Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) |
5 |
3 |
2.5 |
2 |
Education (DE) |
13 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
Employment and Learning (DEL) |
22.64 |
19.5 |
7.5 |
20 |
Enterprise, Training and Investment (DETI) |
3 |
8 |
4 |
5 |
Finance and Personnel (DFP) |
6.75 |
2.89 |
3.86 |
9.65 |
Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) |
5 |
4 |
1 |
10 |
Environment (DOE) |
34 |
6 |
10 |
24 |
Regional Development (DRD) |
29 |
12 |
11 |
13 |
Social Development (DSD) |
158.8 |
186.10 |
19.43 |
45.51 |
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
Total |
||||
Regional Economic Strategy
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to finalise a Regional Economic Strategy, in advance of the Comprehensive Spending Review. (AQW 1143/07)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Robinson): The redrafting of the Regional Economic Strategy will now await the outcome of the ongoing Varney Review. The recommendations of this Review will be critical to the future economic development of Northern Ireland. Sir David Varney is scheduled to report in September, which will align with the Executive releasing its draft Budget to public consultation.
Disabled Persons Allowance
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of applications for Disabled Person's Allowance, under the new capital values systems, that (a) have been processed and awarded; and (b) are awaiting processing. (AQW 1269/07)
Mr Robinson: All ratepayers already in receipt of Disabled Person’s Allowance under the old Net Annual Value (NAV) system have been automatically awarded the Allowance using the new basis under the capital values system. In respect of new applications received under the capital values system, (a) 400 have been processed but none have yet been awarded; and (b) 872 are awaiting processing following initial sifting.
Disabled Persons Allowance
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action his department is taking to reduce the backlog of applications for Disabled Person's Allowance, currently being processed by the Land and Property Services. (AQW 1277/07)
Mr Robinson: A backlog of 1,179 cases from the period September 2006 to 31 March 2007 built up as Land & Property Service awaited the completion in June 2007 of the module within its new IT system to allow the processing of new applications for Disabled Person’s Allowance. The staff resource available to process applications has also been increased and some 868 cases from this period have been completed. I expect that all backlogs will be substantially cleared by the end of September 2007.
Recruitment to and Promotion within NICS for over 55s
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel further to his answer to question AQW 635/07, what percentage of (a) those people recruited; and (b) those people promoted, in Northern Ireland Civil Service departments, were aged 55 or over at the time. (AQW 1282/07)
Mr Robinson: Figures are based on all those who were aged 55 or over at the time of their recruitment into, or promotion in, the 11 NI Departments of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, expressed as a percentage of the total number of staff promoted or recruited in each year.
Number of Staff Aged 55 and Above Promoted or Recruited into the 11 NI Departments2004, 2005 & 2006 Figures are for all staff (permanent, casual and industrial) |
||||
Promotion |
Recruitment |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
No. |
% |
No. |
% |
|
2004 |
25 |
2.2% |
37 |
1.3% |
2005 |
10 |
3.4% |
55 |
2.5% |
2006 |
12 |
1.2% |
23 |
1.2% |
Water Charges
Mr David McNarry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of funding, for the years 2008/09 and 2009/10, that his department has secured for the Department of Regional Development, so that it is adequately resourced to offset water charges. (AQW 1296/07)
Mr Robinson: On 10 May, the Executive agreed to the deferral of water and sewerage charges in this financial year (2007-08). The Executive also decided to conduct a comprehensive review to address the longer term approach that should be adopted in relation to financing water and sewerage services. The position for 2008-09 and beyond, and the associated financial implications, will be considered following the conclusion of this review.
Default Retirement Age
Mr David Simpson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what facility currently exists for members of staff in his department to work in their current post, beyond the default retirement age. (AQW 1339/07)
Mr Robinson: Since 1 October 2006 staff wanting to continue working beyond the default retirement age of 65 can apply to do so. Until the NICS policy has been finalised all such applications are automatically approved for periods of up to 6 months, and extended at up to 6 monthly intervals (subject to the normal performance and attendance requirements).
Departmental Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by his department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1344/07)
Mr Robinson: The table below details the number of staff surveys carried out in the last two years and the total cost.
05/06 |
06/07 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Staff Surveys |
2 |
1 |
|
Total Cost |
£5,024.11 |
Rates Review
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will consider, as part of the rates review, granting rates relief to residents living beside, or near, late night entertainment centres. (AQW 1411/07)
Mr Robinson: Proximity to a late night entertainment centre should already be reflected in the local sales evidence used to determine the capital value rating assessment upon which rates bills are now based.If a resident, however, feels that it has not been adequately reflected in his/her capital value, or the late night entertainment centre has only recently been opened, he/she can ask for it to be reviewed by Land and Property Services.
Departmental Funding
Mr Alex Attwood asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail (a) the financial pressures identified by each Northern Ireland Government Department; and (b) a breakdown of the quarterly returns each department provided to his department at the end of the first quarter of 2007/08. (AQW 1435/07)
Mr Robinson: As a consequence of the opening position inherited by the Executive for 2007-08, and in particular the level of planned overcommitment, departments were not asked to identify pressures in their June Monitoring returns as it was anticipated that there would be no resources available for reallocation.
Details of reduced requirements, internal reallocations and reclassifications, identified by departments and approved by the Executive as part of the June Monitoring round are set out in the attached tables.
DEPT |
DESCRIPTION |
Admin |
Other Resource |
Total Resource |
Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DE |
ELBs Specialist Schools |
-0.6 |
|||
Slippage on PPP Projects |
-1.0 |
-1.0 |
|||
TOTAL DE |
-1.0 |
-1.0 |
-0.6 |
||
DEL |
Consultancy Costs |
0.0 |
0.0 |
||
Essential Skills - Receipts BSP EU |
-1.7 |
-1.7 |
|||
Receipts - Investors in People |
-0.1 |
-0.1 |
|||
Recoup of RPS Admin Costs |
-0.1 |
-0.1 |
|||
TOTAL DEL |
-1.9 |
-2.0 |
|||
DHSSPS |
GMS Pay 3% to 2.5% |
-0.5 |
-0.5 |
||
Reduced EPF Revenue Consequences |
-1.5 |
-1.5 |
|||
Reduced HPSS Pay Costs |
-1.8 |
-1.8 |
|||
TOTAL DHSSPS |
-3.7 |
-3.7 |
|||
DOE |
Add Fees - Disp of Radioactive Mats |
-1.0 |
-1.0 |
||
Add Pollution Control Recs |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|||
TOTAL DOE |
-1.0 |
-1.0 |
|||
DSD |
Housing Assoc grant repayments |
-3.4 |
|||
Housing Exec loan repayments (principal) |
-11.2 |
||||
TOTAL DSD |
-14.6 |
||||
NIA |
Delay in restoration of NI Assembly |
-3.0 |
-3.0 |
||
TOTAL |
0.0 |
-10.7 |
-10.7 |
-15.2 |
|
Internal Reallocations (£ million)
Allocations
DEPT |
DESCRIPTION |
Admin |
Other Resource |
Total Resource |
Capital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DARD |
Farm Nutrient Management Scheme |
1.0 |
|||
Food Strategy Delivery |
0.8 |
0.8 |
|||
TOTAL DARD |
0.8 |
0.8 |
1.0 |
||
DCAL |
OSNI - NIMA |
0.5 |
0.5 |
||
Smithsonian Folklife from Arts to Sports |
0.2 |
0.2 |
|||
TOTAL DCAL |
0.7 |
0.7 |
|||
DEL |
Business Education Initiative |
0.7 |
0.7 |
||
Labour Relations Agency |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|||
Workforce Training |
0.3 |
||||
TOTAL DEL |
1.2 |
1.2 |
0.3 |
||
DFP |
From CPD - PSMD Costs |
0.7 |
0.7 |
||
From CSG - SSC Costs |
1.2 |
1.2 |
0.5 |
||
TOTAL DFP |
1.9 |
1.9 |
0.5 |
||
DHSSPS |
Central Training Budget to NIMDTA |
4.8 |
4.8 |
||
GALA - From Hospital & Comm Health to Personal Social Services |
0.3 |
0.3 |
|||
GMS Contract to Primary Dental Services |
1.9 |
1.9 |
|||
GMS Contract to Primary Medical Services |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|||
GP Appraisals for Boards to NIMDTA |
0.8 |
0.8 |
|||
HR Function from Boards to Dept |
3.2 |
3.2 |
|||
TOTAL DHSSPS |
12.4 |
12.4 |
|||
DOE |
Emergency Planning & LG Boundaries Com |
0.7 |
0.7 |
||
Environmental Policy Division Pressures |
1.6 |
1.6 |
|||
Road Safety Publicity |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|||
TOTAL DOE |
2.7 |
2.7 |
|||
DSD |
Modernisation Programme |
6.7 |
6.7 |
||
TOTAL |
8.5 |
17.7 |
26.3 |
1.8 |
|
Reductions
DEPT |
DESCRIPTION |
Admin |
Other Resource |
Total Resource |
Capital |
DARD |
Farm Nutrient Management Scheme |
-1.0 |
|||
Food Strategy Delivery |
-0.8 |
-0.8 |
|||
TOTAL DARD |
-0.8 |
-0.8 |
-1.0 |
||
DCAL |
OSNI NIMA |
-0.5 |
-0.5 |
||
Smithsonian Folklife Arts to Sports |
-0.2 |
-0.2 |
|||
TOTAL DCAL |
-0.7 |
-0.7 |
|||
DEL |
Institutions of FE |
-0.3 |
|||
Management Development Programme |
-0.7 |
-0.7 |
|||
PFI Contract Costs |
-0.5 |
-0.5 |
|||
TOTAL DEL |
-1.2 |
-1.2 |
-0.3 |
||
DFP |
DID - SSC Costs |
-1.2 |
-1.2 |
-0.5 |
|
PD - PSMD Costs |
-0.7 |
-0.7 |
|||
TOTAL DFP |
-1.9 |
-1.9 |
-0.5 |
||
DHSSPS |
Central Training Budget to NIMDTA |
-4.8 |
-4.8 |
||
GALA - From Hospital & Comm Health to Personal Social Services |
-0.3 |
-0.3 |
|||
GMS Contract to Primary Medical/Dental |
-3.4 |
-3.4 |
|||
GP Appraisals from Boards to NIMDTA |
-0.8 |
-0.8 |
|||
HR Function from Boards to Dept |
-3.2 |
-3.2 |
|||
TOTAL DHSSPS |
-12.4 |
-12.4 |
|||
DOE |
Environmental Protection & Heritage |
-2.7 |
-2.7 |
||
DSD |
Modernisation Programme |
-6.7 |
-6.7 |
||
TOTAL |
-8.5 |
-17.7 |
-26.3 |
-1.8 |
|
Reclassifications (£ million)
DEPT |
DESCRIPTION |
Admin |
Other Resource |
Total Resource |
Capital Grant |
Capital |
Total Capital |
DARD |
AFBI Hard Charging |
-1.0 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
|||
QAB Milk Hygiene-Egg Pkg SLA with FSA |
-0.8 |
0.8 |
0.0 |
||||
Modulation Match Funding |
-0.1 |
-0.1 |
0.1 |
0.1 |
|||
TOTAL DARD |
-1.8 |
1.7 |
-0.1 |
0.1 |
0.0 |
0.1 |
|
DCAL |
Libraries RPA |
-0.4 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
|||
NI Mapping Agreement Transfers |
-0.7 |
0.7 |
0.0 |
||||
Sports Development |
-0.4 |
-0.4 |
0.4 |
0.4 |
|||
TOTAL DCAL |
-1.0 |
0.7 |
-0.4 |
0.4 |
0.0 |
0.4 |
|
DE |
Account NI |
0.1 |
-0.1 |
0.0 |
|||
DETI |
Econ Development, Policy & Research |
0.0 |
0.0 |
||||
DFP |
Centre for Applied Learning |
0.5 |
-0.5 |
0.0 |
|||
Accommodation Services |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|||||
e-HR |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|||||
ASP |
-3.1 |
3.1 |
0.0 |
||||
TOTAL DFP |
-2.6 |
2.6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
DOE |
Admin NC pressure in DVA Licensing |
0.0 |
0.0 |
||||
District Council's pressure in EHS |
-0.3 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
||||
TOTAL DOE |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
-0.3 |
0.3 |
0.0 |
|
FSA |
Non Cash to Other Resource |
0.0 |
0.0 |
||||
NIAO |
Cost Of Capital Pressure |
0.0 |
0.0 |
||||
OFMDFM |
Community Relations Unit |
0.1 |
-0.1 |
0.0 |
|||
TOTAL |
-5.2 |
4.8 |
-0.4 |
0.2 |
0.2 |
0.4 |
|
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount that alcohol related illness is costing the National Health Service in Northern Ireland, on an annual basis. (AQW 1027/07)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr McGimpsey): The Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm was published by DHSSPS in September 2000 and estimated that the social costs to the HPSS were £25.1million, including £3.5million in occupied psychiatric bed days; £8.8 million in occupied acute bed days; and £12.8 million in general practice costs. Total direct and indirect costs to Northern Ireland, including alcohol related crime, were estimated at £777 million in the same report.
Lip-Reading Classes
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the value of lip reading classes as a method of rehabilitation for those who have lost their hearing, or whose hearing is declining. (AQW 1172/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Anecdotal evidence and feedback received suggests that those who attend lip-reading classes provided in Health and Social Service Board areas find them valuable, not only in terms of what they learn to help facilitate communication, but also in terms of friendship, support, and the confidence it gives them to cope with hearing loss, or hearing that is declining. It supports the view that the classes contribute to rehabilitation and in helping to reduce isolation.
Acute Hospitals
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are his plans to provide vital acute or emergency life saving hospital services for the people of Co. Tyrone. (AQW 1189/07)
Mr McGimpsey: In February 2003 Des Browne announced a new configuration of acute hospitals for Northern Ireland. His announcement on Developing Better Services (DBS) included the decision to develop a new acute hospital for the South West to be located to the north of Enniskillen. He also announced that the Tyrone County Hospital (TCH) would evolve into a local hospital.
These two new hospitals, together with enhanced primary and community care services, will provide the people of the south west, including those in Co. Tyrone, with high quality health services designed to meet their needs.
During the transition towards the implementation of DBS, people in Co Tyrone will normally access acute or emergency life saving hospital services from Altnagelvin or the Erne Hospitals. Some acute services, including inpatient medicine and cardiology, and an Urgent Care and Treatment Centre, continue to be provided at Tyrone County Hospital.
Patients who require highly specialised or regional services will continue to be referred to a hospital which can provide the expertise to effectively manage their condition
Provision of Lip-Reading Classes
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will produce a strategy for the provision of lip-reading classes, on a region-wide basis, through local Health and Social Care Trusts. (AQW 1194/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There are no plans to produce such a strategy. However, services for the deaf and hearing impaired are being considered as part of a Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy, which is currently being developed by my Department.
Acute Hospitals
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he will take to provide acute hospital services for children in County Tyrone. (AQW 1204/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Acute hospitals services for children in Co Tyrone are currently, and will continue to be provided in the Erne and Altnagelvin Hospitals. These acute services are supported by a range of services provided for children in Tyrone County Hospital including ambulatory paediatrics, day surgery and outpatients.
Children who require highly specialised or regional services will continue to be referred to a hospital which can provide the expertise to effectively manage their condition. In the majority of cases this will be the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Altnagelvin Area Hospital Cancer Unit
Mr George Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will make a statement regarding the future of the cancer treatment unit at Altnagelvin hospital. (AQW 1225/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The cancer unit in Altnagelvin Area Hospital is one of five cancer units in Northern Ireland which were established following the Campbell Report, Cancer Services – Investing in the Future, published in 1996.
The cancer units deal with the more common cancers arising in their local population, and the cancer unit in Altnagelvin will continue to provide a range of high quality, comprehensive care and treatment services.
Waiting Lists for Home Lifts
Mrs Claire McGill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will investigate the delay in the release of funding for the installation of stair lifts in 16 homes in the former Sperrin Lakeland Trust area; and if he will ensure that the necessary funding is released, as a matter of urgency, to allow these adaptations to proceed. (AQW 1227/07)
Mr McGimpsey: At present there are 18 clients awaiting home lifts to be installed within the Southern Sector of the Western Trust. Feasibility inspection reports have been completed and costs identified. The Trust’s Corporate Management Team and Western Health & Social Services Board commissioners are being asked to consider if any additional in-year funding can be made available to address this outstanding waiting list.
The Trust continues to target those in greatest need but difficult decisions must be taken to ensure that resources are allocated in the most effective and efficient means to meet the requirements of those most in need.
Public Transport Access to Antrim Area Hospital
Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he is aware of the difficulties and expense incurred by patients and relatives accessing Antrim Area Hospital by public transport from Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus. (AQW 1255/07)
Mr McGimpsey: A range of public transport services are available from Antrim Area Hospital to Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey . A direct service operates on weekdays from Carrickfergus and supplements a range of scheduled daily services to the Hospital via either Larne or Belfast.
My Department has made financial help available through the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme(HTCS) which provides assistance with the cost of travel to hospital for patients who are in receipt of benefits or on a low income. The assessment of entitlement is carried out by the individual’s local Social Security Office or Jobs and Benefits Office.
The Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme, which provides discounted fares, will also be of assistance to those travelling on public transport.
People who are eligible under this scheme include the over 65’s, those registered blind or partially sighted, children and those receiving a war disablement pension.
DHSSPS Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by his department in each of the last two years, and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1259/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The last staff attitude survey undertaken by the Department was in April/May 2005. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) were commissioned to undertake the survey. The survey was an on-line survey and cost £8k.
The Occupational Health Service carried out a Workforce Health and Well-Being survey in May/June 2005 across the NICS with the assistance of NISRA. This was a paper survey and the cost to this Department for the survey amounted to £3,850.
Private Finance Initiatives
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of Private Finance Initiatives for funding health projects in England; and to make a statement on the lessons that can be learned in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1266/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The number and total capital value of PFI projects has increased in recent years.
In July 2003 the HM Treasury laid out its approach to continued use of PFI in its policy document PFI: Meeting the Investment Challenge outlining PFIs contribution to improving public services through increased investment and reform. The Treasury presented evidence of the use of PFI’s delivering the construction of vital new facilities on time and at the cost contracted for.
The independent report by the National Audit Office PFI: Construction Performance (February 2003) also concluded that PFI in most cases delivered price certainty for departments and timely delivery of good quality assets.
In March 2006, the Treasury commissioned research on the performance of 100 operational PFI projects across all sectors, including health. It demonstrated that they are in the main working well, although there are some areas for improvement and some projects have not been as successful as expected.
Clearly some PFI projects have not been successes. Well-publicised problems have arisen with a small number of PFI projects, with problems ranging from over-ambitious plans and affordability problems, poorly negotiated contracts, ill thought out financial or business models, and poor public sector service planning. In some cases PFI has been used where experience has clearly proven it is not best suited, such as with ICT projects.
It is a matter of good practice that we continually learn lessons from previous PFI projects in the UK and elsewhere, as indeed we should always seek to improve our public sector procurement processes generally. This is no less important with PFI.
Among the lessons learned that we can apply in Northern Ireland are:
The measure of success for the use of PFI must be that it delivers value for money, but never at the expense of the terms and conditions of NHS staff.
We must ensure the detailed scope of PFI project requirements is clear and well planned before procurement commences.
We must ensure prior to commencing procurement that projects are affordable and can deliver value for money.
We must ensure that we only use the PFI procurement route where it is suitable and appropriate in terms of project size, scope, and capacity to deliver value for money in accordance with HM Treasury guidelines.
We must continue to use, and further develop, the Exemplar Design process, developed in Northern Ireland by Health Estates Agency for PFI projects, and thus ensure more robust costing and planning of projects. This approach is now being adopted in GB as best practice by HM Treasury.
We must ensure high standards of contract management in the public sector in order to achieve a high performance by the PFI operator throughout the period of the contract period.
Foreign Nationals
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of foreign nationals treated for alcohol related injuries or illnesses in the A&E Departments of each hospital in Northern Ireland, in each year for the last five years. (AQW 1270/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Information on the number of foreign nationals treated for alcohol related injuries or illnesses in the A&E Departments of each hospital in Northern Ireland, in each year for the last five years is not available.
Drug Misuse
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans his department has to deal with drug abuse in North Down. (AQW 1271/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol & Drugs (NSD) launched by my Department in May 2006 contains a number of proposed outcomes in relation to addressing drug misuse across Northern Ireland.
In support of the NSD, the Eastern Drugs & Alcohol Co-ordination Team outlined its proposals for addressing alcohol and drug misuse across the whole of the Eastern Board area in its Local Action Plan. A range of additional programmes have subsequently been put in place to support the local implementation of the NSD covering the 18-month period October 2006 to March 2008.
These include counselling and mentoring services for under-18s, targeted education and prevention work, training and community support, as well as family support services. In addition, at a local level, the Eastern Health & Social Services Board is responsible for the commissioning of adult treatment services based on its assessment of the level of need.
Early Support Services for Deaf Children
Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether the draft principles for early support services for deaf children, tabled at the Regional Newborn Hearing Screening Group meeting on 28 November 2005, will be approved and taken forward, in partnership with the Department of Education. (AQW 1273/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The draft principles are being considered as part of the Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy, which is currently being developed by my Department. My officials continue to work collaboratively with the Department of Education in taking forward the work of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme Steering Group.
Early Years Support for Deaf Children
Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give an update on his department's input into the development of an inter-departmental strategy on early years support services for deaf children, identified through the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, which was introduced in 2005. (AQW 1274/07)
Mr McGimpsey: A Support Services Sub-group of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) Steering Group, comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Education (DE) and the voluntary sector was set up. As part of the work of this sub-group, DE commissioned an audit of existing provision in relation to the impact of the NHSP on Educational Services for the Hearing Impaired. The key findings of the DE audit, which was completed in March 2006, indicate that existing Education and Library Boards (ELBs) Hearing Impaired Services can cope with an increased demand. DE has asked the ELBs to continue to keep the resources required for the impact of the NHSP under review.
An initial audit of current service delivery in respect of family support and multi-agency working was also carried out by the sub-group. Following this, Family Friendly Development days were held with the multidisciplinary teams from every children’s hearing service and paediatric hearing service site in Northern Ireland and more than 150 professionals attended. Recommendations emanating from this audit are being considered as part of the Physical and Sensory Disability Strategy, which is currently being developed by my Department.
Drug and Alcohol Co-Ordination Teams
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of funding his department has allocated to community groups involved in anti-drugs initiatives, broken down by parliamentary constituency, in each of the last five years. (AQW 1279/07)
Mr McGimpsey: We are unable to provide the information in the manner requested.
The following Table shows the breakdown of funding allocated to the local Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Teams from DHSSPSNI in respect of the Alcohol and Drugs Budget for the last five years which includes funding to community and voluntary based organisations.
Year/Board |
Northern |
Southern |
Eastern |
Western |
Annual Total |
2006/07 |
1,514,484 |
960,780 |
1,991,818 |
1,877,961 |
6,345,043 |
2005/06 |
1,485,844 |
941,842 |
1,952,348 |
1,838,214 |
6,218,248 |
2004/05* |
1,449,604 |
918,870 |
1,904,730 |
1,793,380 |
6,066,584 |
2003/04 |
1,174,248 |
776,459 |
1,618,273 |
1,629,639 |
5,198,619 |
2003/02 |
1,145,608 |
757,521 |
1,578,803 |
1,589,892 |
5,071,824 |
Total |
6,769,788 |
4,355,472 |
9,045,972 |
8,729,086 |
28,900,318 |
* Substitute Prescribing Funding introduced April 2004 (approx £920k)
Omagh Health Services
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what are his proposals for health professionals in the Omagh area to deliver acute services. (AQW 1297/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Health services in Omagh are, and will continue to be, delivered by a wide range of professionals including primary care teams, allied health professionals, dental practitioners, pharmacists, hospital clinical staff and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).
Our future plans include the provision of two new hospitals in the South West, a new acute hospital to the north of Enniskillen and a new local hospital at Omagh. The hospital at Omagh will provide a wide range of services including urgent care, outpatients, diagnostics, some inpatient provision, day surgery and renal dialysis. These services will be delivered as necessary by a wide range of health professionals.
Health Care Services in Co Tyrone
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the health care situation in Co. Tyrone, compared to that in other areas of Northern Ireland. (AQW 1298/07)
Mr McGimpsey: Equality of access to health care services for all within Northern Ireland is a priority for my Department, and my officials continue to develop policy that will deliver modern high quality services to the whole population, including those in Co. Tyrone.
In support of this aim I am fully committed to progressing the implementation of Developing Better Services and the provision of high quality hospital services for the population of Northern Ireland, including the South West. The significant investment being spent on two state of the art hospitals, a local hospital in Omagh and an acute hospital to the North of Enniskillen, will, in conjunction with enhanced primary and community care services, allow us to continue to provide modern, high quality services for the 21st century designed to meet patient needs.
GP Recruitment in Co Tyrone
Dr Kieran Deeny asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the impact that the closure of the three acute hospitals (Omagh, Magherafelt and Dungannon) providing for the people of Co. Tyrone is having on GP recruitment in the area. (AQW 1299/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The Western Health and Social Services Board has confirmed that it has not experienced difficulties in the recruitment of GPs by practices in the Co Tyrone area.
However, to allow for the further development of primary and community care services, my Department has taken steps to increase the numbers of GP training places, and additional investment over the next three years will see a yearly increase in the annual output of trained GPs. In 2007/08 funding has been provided for 55 training places, rising to 65 by 2009/10.
Satellite Cancer Centre in the North-West
Mr Pat Doherty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland regarding the establishment of a satellite cancer centre in the north west. (AQW 1306/07)
Mr McGimpsey: I have had no discussions with the Irish Minister for Health and Children about the establishment of a satellite cancer centre in the north west.
Specialist regional services for cancer in Northern Ireland, including radiotherapy services, are provided by the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital (BCH), which opened in March last year. The Cancer Centre was developed to meet Northern Ireland’s needs with respect to radiotherapy until 2015.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, is currently assessing the potential of further collaboration and co-operation to improve the health of the population and the provision of health services for people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The provision of cancer services is one area that will be explored within that process.
Response Times for Queries
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his proposals to ensure that the Northern Health and Social Care Trust puts in place an effective system of communication with specific timescales within which responses to letters, emails and telephone calls should issue. (AQW 1309/07)
Mr McGimpsey: I have delegated the responsibility for answering this question to the Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. I understand that she has replied as follows:
The Northern Health and Social Services Trust strives to ensure that all letters, emails and phone calls that are received are responded to as quickly as possible.
We attempt to deal with all enquiries from MLAs in relation to specific cases as quickly as possible, taking into consideration the individual circumstances of the case. However, the maximum time for responses to be made would be 20 working days, in accordance with the timescales laid down within the Complaints Procedure.
As advised in my email to you on 29 June 2007, I would ask you to process any correspondence or phone calls through my office at Trust Headquarters and I will ensure that a prompt response will be made and, where the nature of the enquiry may require time to compile, you will be kept advised.
Prevention and Awareness of Fraud
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to report on the steps taken to prevent fraud arising out of compensation claims against Health and Social Services Boards, Health and Social Care Trusts and other agencies. (AQW 1316/07)
Mr McGimpsey: In addition to general guidance on fraud awareness and prevention the Department has put in place measures to ensure financial probity when HSC organisations are handling claims. HSS Boards and HSC Trusts and agencies are expected to report their compliance rates against controls assurance standards and these are audited on an annual basis.
Respite Care
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the criteria that must be met to qualify for respite care; which organisation determines the criteria; and what measures are in place to ensure that assessments for respite care are subject to section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 1321/07)
Mr McGimpsey: The need for all social care services is subject to individual assessment by the appropriate professional staff against agreed criteria. Health and Social care Trusts agree access criteria with their Health and Social Care Boards to reflect local levels of need and the availability of resources. Respite care is just one of the needs that may be identified as part of a care assessment. As with all public bodies, Health and Social Care Boards and Trusts are required to comply with the requirements of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in carrying out their functions, including assessment of care needs.
Review of Clinical Pathology Service
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail whether his department has carried out an impact assessment on the provision of health-related services if the pathology laboratory at Altnagelvin Hospital is centralised to a location in Belfast or Dundonald; and what is his assessment of the impact upon patients in the north-west region, in the absence of such a service. (AQW 1332/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There is no proposal to relocate the pathology laboratory at Altnagelvin Area Hospital to Belfast or Dundonald.
On 28 November 2006 the Department issued for consultation the recommendations of a review of clinical pathology laboratory services in Northern Ireland. The report of the review makes twenty-three recommendations which aim to ensure the sustainability of high quality hospital laboratory services across Northern Ireland. Included in the recommendations are proposals for reconfiguration of the current service delivery profile.
Under the proposals, all pathology services currently provided at Altnagelvin Area Hospital would continue to be provided there on the present basis with the exception of histopathology and cytopathology services where, it is proposed, that a single laboratory in Belfast should provide services to the whole of Northern Ireland. An integrated team of pathologists, clinical scientists, biomedical scientists and cytoscreeners would provide a service across the region, with part of that team permanently located at Altnagelvin Area Hospital. Large acute hospitals, including Altnagelvin, would retain facilities for urgent diagnostic work in these specialties.
The consultation period on the Pathology Review ended on 28 February 2007 and the Department is currently considering the responses. Final recommendations on the review will be announced later in the year.
Burials in grounds at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of people who lie buried in the grounds of the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital in Omagh; (b) the planned timetable and process for the exhumation and reburial of these bodies; and (c) whether the records for, or identities of, those buried in the grounds are known to his department. (AQW 1333/07)
Mr McGimpsey: A survey of the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital site commissioned by the Western Health and Social Care Trust has indicated that at least 140 unmarked graves may be present in a small portion of the site which is unconsecrated ground. Further work is currently in progress to establish the total number of people who have been buried there.
The timing and details of an exhumation and reburial process cannot be finalised at this time until further evidential information is gathered under archaeological license.
Some details of identities of those buried in the grounds have been found in the Hospital Chaplaincy records but many of these are incomplete. As part of the exhumation and reburial process, procedures will be put in place, in conjunction with the archaeological team, to gather and record available information on all remains found.
Legal Service Fraud
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list those solicitors known to have defrauded (a) Health and Social Care Trusts; and (b) Health and Social Services Boards, in cases where the solicitors were acting on behalf of these organisations; and to outline the steps taken to recover associated monies. (AQW 1379/07)
Mr McGimpsey: There has been one case of suspected fraud involving the senior partner in Brangham and Bagnall solicitors which provided legal services to a number of HSS Trusts and one HSS Board. Following a forensic investigation, a firm of solicitors acting on behalf of the Department and the HPSS has initiated civil proceedings to recoup the losses through the insurance protection scheme in respect of the legal profession. This action is currently ongoing.
Waiting Times
Ms Carál Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average time a patient who has self-harmed, and presents in an Accident and Emergency department, waits to see a psychiatrist; and to outline, broken down by parliamentary constituency, the number of such patients that were discharged without a referral to a psychiatrist. (AQW 1397/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1397/07, by the 23 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Nursing Staff
Ms Sue Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of money that is paid to agencies for the supply of nursing staff, across all hospitals in Northern Ireland. (AQW 1404/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question, AQW 1404/07, by the 23 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Suicides in Craigavon Area
Mr George Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in light of the recent suicides in the Craigavon area, to detail the resources that have been, and will be in the future, allocated to the area to provide counselling and other advisory services to young people; and what discussions he has had with the Minister of Education regarding the provision of a quality counselling service in this area. (AQW 1429/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1429/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Health Centre in Trillick
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the schedule for the delivery of a new health centre in Trillick, Co. Tyrone; and to provide detail on the budget being made available for this project. (AQW 1442/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1442/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Cushendall Fire Station
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the feasibility of combining Cushendall Fire Station with an ambulance station, when it is rebuilt. (AQW 1443/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1443/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Ambulance Times
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to comment on an incident on 25 June 2007, when the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service took almost two hours to transport an injured child from Glenarm to Antrim Hospital. (AQW 1445/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1445/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Ambulance Cover
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he recognises that there is a shortage of ambulance cover in North and East Antrim; and if he has any plans to increase that cover. (AQW 1446/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1446/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Blood Samples
Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail whether blood samples of local haemophiliac patients are being tested, without their knowledge, for variant CJD. (AQW 1461/07)
Mr McGimpsey: It will not be possible to reply substantively to your Written Assembly Question AQW 1461/07, by the 24 July 2007. I will reply before the end of recess.
Regional Development
Bus Lay-Bys and Shelters
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail, for each of the last three years, the amount spent by his department on (a) improving bus services; (b) providing, repairing or improving bus lay-bys and shelters; (c) establishing new conventional bus services linking isolated communities to villages and towns; and (d) developing innovative demand-responsive services for residents in deep rural areas in (i) Craigavon Borough Council area; and (ii) Banbridge District Council area. (AQW 930/07)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr Murphy): I understand that my Department’s Roads Service has spent approximately £147,000 over the last three financial years in providing and improving bus lay-bys and shelters in the Craigavon and Banbridge Council areas. The breakdown of this investment, which involves improving linkages to bus shelters, is as follows:
Council Area |
Year |
Costs |
Measures |
Craigavon Borough Council |
2006/07 |
£32,000 |
Bus lay-bys have been provided at Drumgor 2 and Tullygalley East. |
2005/06 |
£41,200 |
Bus lay-bys have been provided at Drumgor 1, Moyraverty Road, Main Street Waringstown and Lake Street Lurgan Footway Link. |
|
2004/05 |
£46,800 |
Bus lay-bys have been provided at Drumlyn Hill, Drumgor 1, Belfast Road Dollingstown, Long Lane, Levin Road Lurgan. |
|
Banbridge District Council |
2006/07 |
£21,000 |
A bus stop and lay-by have been provided at Lawrencetown. |
2005/06 |
£6,000 |
A bus lay-by has been provided at Ballybrick/Glenburn/ Mays Corner. |
|
2004/05 |
£Nil |
I am advised that the provision and maintenance of bus shelters by Roads Service is carried out through a contract with a private advertising company, at no cost to Roads Service.
During the past three years my Department has provided support to road passenger services as follows:
Year |
Amount |
2004/05 |
£36,967,000 |
2005/06 |
£58,132,000 |
2006/07 |
£61,214,000 |
Part of this expenditure has been aimed specifically at residents of the two council areas.
My Department has supported the provision of services for residents in deep rural parts of the Council area through providing Rural Transport Funding to Down Armagh Rural Transport as follows:
Year |
Amount |
2004/05 |
£56,000 |
2005/06 |
£63,125 |
2006/07 |
£82,275 |
In 2006/07 my Department spent £10,911 on door-to-door transport services in the Craigavon urban area and £16,912 in the Banbridge urban area. The door to door scheme is a transport service for people living in urban areas (defined as areas whose population is in excess of 10,000) who, through disability, find it difficult or impossible to use mainstream public transport.
Affordable Housing
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans she has to set a planning policy to allow for affordable housing in the North Coast area, with particular reference to the mid-Glens area. (AQW 1094/07)
Mr Murphy: The Department for Regional Development has lead responsibility for regional planning policy on the provision of affordable housing through the planning system. Accordingly, your question has been passed to me to answer.
In response to the growing affordability issue and complexity of the problem, the Government commissioned Sir John Semple to undertake an independent review into affordable housing in September 2006. His report, published on 4 April 2007, contained eighty wide-ranging recommendations which impact on a number of Departments. The Minister for Social Development has agreed to Chair an Interdepartmental Group to consider the Semple recommendations in greater detail and focus effort on progressing those recommendations which are accepted.
Existing regional planning policy is set out within Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 12 – ‘Housing in Settlements’ published in July 2005. PPS 12 explained that it was not considered appropriate at that time to impose an arbitrary level of affordable housing to be delivered by the private market. However, if the situation warranted, mechanisms to address affordable housing would be considered further (PPS 12, Para 51). Officials in my Department have been liaising with colleagues in the Department for Social Development, Department of the Environment (DOE), and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to consider the need to revise PPS 12. Consideration is being given to the need for a broader definition of affordability, and to the most appropriate mechanism to secure affordable housing through the planning system. This work will need to take account of the advice of the Interdepartmental Group which is considering the Semple recommendations.
At present the primary vehicle to facilitate a local supply of affordable housing is through the identification of land for social housing purposes in development plans prepared by DOE Planning Service. The North Coast and the Mid-Glens area are covered by the North East Area Plan 2002 and the Draft Northern Area Plan 2016. The latter, which was published prior to PPS 12, contains Policy HOU 5 - Meeting Community Housing Needs. This seeks to address social or specialist housing needs where there is an identified need and it also makes reference to the broader issue of affordable housing. These matters will be addressed at an independent examination of the draft Plan that will be conducted in public.
Resurfacing in Castle Street
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the footpath, kerbs and carriageway at Castle Street, Comber. (AQW 1131/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that, in general, the footways and carriageways in Castle Street, Comber, are in reasonable condition. However, numerous service openings over the years, particularly in the southern side footway detract from its appearance. Roads Service is also concerned about vehicles mounting the footway at some of the narrower sections of Castle Street to pass oncoming traffic.
In order to address this situation, Roads Service has plans to raise the kerbing and resurface the footway along the southern footway of Castle Street. While it would wish to undertake the work in this financial year, staff have been made aware of possible works in the area by two utilities. You will appreciate that in these circumstances, Roads Service would be reluctant to commence the scheme until the utility work has been completed in order to avoid a situation where a newly surfaced footway is re-excavated so soon after completion. Contact is being made with the utilities with a view to having their work brought forward if possible.
Finally, I am further advised that there are no plans to resurface the carriageway in Castle Street at this time.
Road Safety on the A43 Cushendall Road
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale for completion of the footpath from Martinstown to the local church. (AQW 1157/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is aware of concerns over road safety issues on the A43 Cushendall Road and has been monitoring the safety record of the road.
The provision of a footway on the A43 from Martinstown to the Chapel has been included in the programme to be undertaken this financial year.
In addition a collision remedial scheme at the location of the fatal collision that occurred on New Year’s Day 2007, near Cargan, is also programmed to be undertaken this financial year. Work will include the provision of kerbing, resurfacing and additional warning signage.
A route study is currently being carried out on the A43 to identify any further warning signage or road markings that may be appropriate to ensure that drivers are fully aware of the road layout. Any works identified will be addressed during this financial year.
Signs in Glarryford Area
Mr Daithí McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale within which the new directional signage for Rasharkin will be erected at the Frosses Road/Station Road (Glarryford) junction. (AQW 1158/07)
Mr Murphy: I am pleased to inform you that my Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that the new direction sign to Rasharkin at Frosses Road /Station Road, Glarryford, was erected on 2 July 2007. This sign complements a series of other new direction signs recently erected within the Glarryford area.
Erection of Advertising Signs
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of occasions, in each of the last five years, that Roads Service has (a) removed illegal advertisements from Roads Service property; and (b) directed the removal of illegal advertisements from Roads Service property. (AQW 1182/07)
Mr Murphy: As you may be aware, the erection of advertising signs, without lawful authority, within the curtailage of a public road is an offence under The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. Under the Order, my Department’s Roads Service may remove any such signs and may recover any expenses reasonably incurred. The erection of such signs can be unsightly, can create a distraction for road users and can be dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists.
In general Roads Service aims to have the signs removed as soon as possible and local personnel undertake periodic checks to identify offences. If resources permit, an attempt may be made to have the signs removed by agreement. However, on occasions, particularly in urban areas where there may be extensive violations, Roads Service may take immediate action to have the offending signs removed without consultation.
In relation to part (a) of your question, I am advised that within Roads Service’s Eastern Division, where the erection of such signs is a particular problem, a means of recording the unlawful signs removed was introduced in 2005. In the other three divisions, where the problem is not as acute, details are not retained. However, it has been possible to provide an estimate of the numbers involved in those divisions. These figures are summarised in the table below:
No of Signs Removed |
||||
Northern |
Southern |
Eastern |
Western |
|
2005/06 |
- |
- |
4780 |
- |
2006/07 |
1700* |
1500* |
4557 |
1175* |
2007/08 to date |
- |
- |
1660 |
- |
* Estimated figure.
Details of the number of occasions when Roads Service directed the removal of illegal advertisements are not held.
Erection of Flags
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of occasions, in each of the last five years, that Roads Service has (a) removed illegally erected national flags from Roads Service property; and (b) directed the removal of illegally erected national flags from Roads Service property. (AQW 1184/07)
Mr Murphy:
First of all, I should explain that my Department’s Roads Service has signed up to the Multi Agency Protocol, arising from ‘A Shared Future’ – the policy and strategic framework for good relations in Northern Ireland. This protocol, which was published by the Government on 4 April 2005, addresses the issue of the display of flags in public areas. The aim of the Protocol is to provide a pro-active approach, with support from communities and their representatives, to address the removal of flags from arterial routes, town centres and from particular locations, such as interface areas or near schools, hospitals and churches.
The Protocol recognises that an effective resolution to the issues surrounding flags and emblems is more likely to be achieved through co-operation with local communities. It requires widespread community support, for the partnership established by the Protocol to be effective.
When inter agency consultation is required by the protocol, the Agency that is in the most effective position to consult, negotiate or resolve the situation will take the lead, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland assuming this responsibility where appropriate. The Police also take the lead where the display of any flags or emblems is causing tension, or having a detrimental affect on the quality of life in a community.
Under the protocol, Roads Service will, when called upon by the lead Agency, provide the access equipment and resources to remove unwanted flags, once agreement has been reached on their removal, particularly if their location proves to be inaccessible to members of the community concerned. In doing so, as a responsible employer, Roads Service has to take account of the possible risk to their workers in removing flags and emblems.
You may also be interested to know that research of flagging on arterial routes during July/September 2006 shows a decrease of almost 40% of symbols by the end of the reporting period. This includes flags, bannerettes and bunting.
With regard to the removal of illegally erected national flags, I must advise that Roads Service does not record the type or affiliation of illegally erected flags. However, the table below details the number of occasions that Roads Service has removed illegally erected flags from its property in the past three years (no records are held prior to 2004/05):
Year |
No of Occasions when Roads Service removed illegal erected flags |
2004-05 |
9 |
2005-06 |
20 |
2006-07 |
35 |
Erection of Flags
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of occasions, in each of the last five years, that Roads Service has (a) removed paramilitary flags or symbols from Roads Service property; and (b) directed the removal of paramilitary flags or symbols from Roads Service property. (AQW 1186/07)
Mr Murphy: I refer the Member to my recent reply to his Assembly Question AQW 1184/07 in which I explained the multi-agency protocol for the removal of illegally erected flags.
With regard to the removal of illegally erected paramilitary flags or symbols, I must advise that my Department’s Roads Service does not record the type or affiliation of illegally erected flags or symbols. However, the table below details the number of occasions that Roads Service has removed illegally erected flags and symbols from its property in the past three years (no records are held prior to 2004/05):
Year |
No of Occasions Roads Service removed illegal erected flags and symbols |
2004-05 |
84 |
2005-06 |
39 |
2006-07 |
55 |
Bonfire Management
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Regional Development what are the responsibilities of the Roads Service in relation to bonfires that are erected on its property, in particular in relation to (a) public liability insurance in the event of a serious injury; (b) damage to ground; and (c) section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 1188/07)
Mr Murphy: I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service does not approve of, or support the unauthorised use of departmental property either for the siting of bonfires, or for the storage of bonfire materials. It is Roads Service policy to remove such material, particularly where there is a danger to road users or nearby residents. My Department has discretionary powers, contained in the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993, which deal with obstructions on an adopted highway. This does not, in law, make Roads Service liable to pay compensation to persons whose property is damaged. Liability for property damage rests with those responsible for erecting the bonfire.
While Roads Service would wish to respond as positively as possible to instances of this problem, taking into account its statutory obligations, including those arising under Section 75 (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, there are some sensitive aspects to be considered.
Bonfire management is an interagency issue and it is not always easy to find quick fix solutions when problems arise. The support, co-operation and involvement of local communities is an important factor and this was recognised in the report of the interagency group which produced guidelines on bonfire management. A copy of the report can be found on the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service website: www.ehsni.gov.uk. A copy of this report is available in the library.
Roads Service’s experience has been that many of the complaints received from the public are related to the stockpiling of materials on sites adjacent to public roads. In most cases, these sites are not owned by Roads Service. On occasions where the overspill from bonfire stockpiles obstructs the public road or footway, Roads Service will remove it or arrange for it to be pushed back off the road onto the bonfire site, in consultation with the police and local communities as necessary. However, Roads Service has a duty of care to its staff and the immediate and ongoing safety of personnel tasked with removal work is always taken into account in consultation with the police and other parties.
There are relatively few instances where bonfires are actually brought onto the public road for lighting. However, where bonfires are lit on or near the public road, Roads Service will arrange for burnt out debris to be removed and will carry out any repairs to carriageways, footways and street lights that may be needed.
Free Travel
Mr David Burnside asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend the free bus and rail travel scheme to cover women at state pension age of 60. (AQW 1191/07)
Mr Murphy: I have no current plans to introduce free travel for women aged 60 and over. However, following a review of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme, I have made bids as part of the Budget 2007 process to secure the resources to extend the Scheme in a number of ways, including lowering the eligible age for free travel for all men and women to 60. Any extension of the scheme will be dependent upon securing the necessary resources which means that the case for such an extension will need to be considered alongside not only other possible changes to the scheme, but against many other spending priorities which will be put before the Executive later this year. An extension of the scheme would also require that both equality impact and public consultation processes were successfully completed.
Investment in Rail Network
Mr Mark Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will outline his department's expenditure on improving the railway line between Derry/Londonderry and Belfast, for each of the last three years; and to detail the amount his department intends to spend on this work in each of the next three years. (AQW 1207/07)
Mr Murphy: In 2003, the Railways Review Group (RRG) was established to consider the immediate investment needs of the NIR network and in particular, those of the lines north of Ballymena and Whitehead. As a result of the RRG report, Ministers agreed to provide total funding of £23.6 million (£17.2 million of which was capital) to maintain services on these lines at their present levels and to prevent deterioration. Further investment in the rail network was not envisaged until an assessment had been made of the benefits of the investment to date, including the purchase of the 23 new train sets. Accordingly, there has been no expenditure on improvements to the Derry line in the last three years.
However, Translink has recently submitted to the Department an economic appraisal of options in support of a £12.0 million project to deliver track life extension on parts of the Ballymena to Derry Line. This is currently being evaluated by the Department’s Economists ahead of the business case being forwarded to DFP for approval. Meantime, problems have arisen on the line close to Ballymoney where wet beds are leading to deterioration of the track. This requires urgent attention to avoid speed restrictions or possibly closure. The Department has already approved a capital grant of £489,000 to enable this to be addressed.
With regard to the future, as part of an inter departmental working group, my Department has worked in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways to examine a range of investment options for future railways provision. As a result, I have now submitted a bid for additional funding to upgrade the Derry line as part of the second Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. Future levels of spending on the line and on the rail infrastructure generally will be considered by the Executive Committee in producing ISNI 2 and Budget 2007, and future budget allocations will therefore be set as a result of that process. I cannot predict the outcome at this stage but I am hopeful that it will be possible to invest on rail infrastructure generally and on the Derry line in particular to enable services to be improved.
Balleykelly and Dungiven By-Passes
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to specify a completion date for (a) the Ballykelly bypass; and (b) the Dungiven bypass. (AQW 1229/07)
Mr Murphy: (a) Ballykelly bypass
My Department’s Roads Service advises that a bypass of Ballykelly is not currently included in their major works programme. However, a scheme was included in an additional £400 million package of proposed Strategic Road Improvement (SRI) schemes which was published for public consultation in 2006.
Work on the assessment of the expanded SRI Programme is at an advanced stage. However, as it has not yet been finalised, I am presently not in a position to advise on details of its content or timing.
(b) Dungiven bypass
Proposals for a bypass of Dungiven have been merged with plans to dual the A6 from east of Dungiven to Derry. Work on the development of the scheme has progressed and an initial report on the various corridor options has been completed. Roads Service proposes to commission consultants, imminently, to expand on this work and to bring forward a preferred route.
It is envisaged that it may take several years to complete the statutory procedures and, ultimately, the timing of the scheme will be dependant on the availability of funding. However, the scheme is currently planned to commence in the latter part of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan period, which ends in 2015.
Water and Sewerage Services
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale for completion of repairs to the sewerage system at the junction of Tamlough Park, Ballykelly, and the main Derry/Londonderry to Limavady Road, to prevent the leakage of sewerage from a manhole at this location. (AQW 1231/07)
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.
Water and Sewerage Services
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to provide a mains water supply free of charge, to those rural residents still without a mains supply. (AQW 1232/07)
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 this question.
Cullybackey Road Bypass
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister of Regional Development when he will bring forward plans for a road bypass for Cullybackey. (AQW 1252/07)
Mr Murphy: I would refer the Member to my recent answer to AQW 1025/07.
Rail Fares
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Regional Development what was the average rise in rail fares (a) across Northern Ireland; and (b) on the three busiest rail routes, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1257/07)
Mr Murphy: The average rise in rail fares in Northern Ireland, on local lines, in the last three years was as follows:
- 2007/08 No increase.
- 2006/07 10.0% increase.
- 2005/06 5.0% increase.
The three busiest rail routes in Northern Ireland in terms of passenger journeys are
- Portadown to Belfast;
- Bangor to Belfast; and
- Larne to Belfast.
The average rise in fares on these lines was the same as the Northern Ireland local line average.
Rail Routes
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister of Regional Development to detail the three busiest rail routes in Northern Ireland, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1260/07)
Mr Murphy: The three busiest rail routes in Northern Ireland in terms of passenger journeys are:
- Portadown to Belfast;
- Bangor to Belfast; and
- Larne to Belfast.
The passenger journeys on these routes for the last three years are as follows:
Passenger Journeys (millions)
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
|
Portadown |
1.9 |
2.2 |
2.5 |
Bangor |
1.5 |
1.9 |
2.0 |
Larne* |
1.8 |
1.5 |
1.7 |
* the drop in Larne line passenger journeys in 2005/06 was the result of disruption to service caused by track relay.
Dualling of the A3 Portadown to Armagh Road
Mr William Irwin asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend the proposed dualling of the A3 Portadown to Armagh road, to cover the entire route. (AQW 1265/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service published a consultation document listing proposals to expand the Strategic Road Improvement Programme in July 2006. This expanded Programme contained proposals to construct a dual carriageway from Portadown to Richhill which is the more heavily trafficked section of this route. The schemes which were included were selected on the basis of environment, safety, economy, accessibility and integration (which are the Government’s five key criteria for transportation projects).
The responses that the Department received to this consultation document are being considered at present, and included a request for a dual carriageway from Portadown to Armagh.
While this assessment is at an advanced stage it is not yet finalised, and I am therefore not in a position to confirm which schemes, including the extent of dualling on the A3, may be added to the current Strategic Road Improvement Programme.
Bonuses Payable to Northern Ireland Water Staff
Mr George Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to explain why the bonuses payable to Northern Ireland Water staff for 2006/2007 were set by Northern Ireland Water, a private company, for employees who were civil servants in the year for which the bonuses were payable. (AQW 1267/07)
Mr Murphy: The assets and liabilities in respect of Water Service (including responsibility for bonuses payable to staff) were transferred to Northern Ireland Water Limited (NIW) on 1 April 2007. NIW staff who were NI Civil Servants, were covered by the NICS 2006/07 pay award, and who were eligible for bonus payments, have received bonuses in accordance with the terms of that settlement.
Traffic Calming Measures
Mrs Michelle O'Neill asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the feasibility of placing traffic calming measures on all roads outside schools, in order to enhance road safety for children. (AQW 1275/07)
Mr Murphy: The demand for traffic calming greatly exceeds the capacity of my Department’s Roads Service to provide schemes. An assessment procedure enables Roads Service to identify sites where the greatest benefits may be achieved, primarily in terms of accident reduction.
Traffic calming is only considered on routes subject to a speed restriction. Other traffic management measures, such as signs and road markings, may, however, be used to improve road safety at locations where traffic calming is not considered appropriate. Hence, while traffic calming measures may be introduced in the vicinity of some schools, it is not considered feasible to place them on all roads outside schools.
The issue of safer travel to schools has been recognised and Roads Service, in partnership with the Department for Education, the Department of the Environment’s Road Safety Branch, the Education and Library Boards, the Health Promotion Agency, Translink and Sustrans, is delivering the Travelwise NI, Safer Routes to Schools Initiative. This initiative, together with the Speed Management at Rural Schools initiative, which aims to introduce safety measures to manage speeds outside rural schools where the national speed limit (60mph) applies, encourages the increased use of sustainable travel options and ensures that journeys to school are safer.
In addition, the use of variable speed limits outside schools on rural roads, where the national speed limit applies, is being considered. The use of variable signs, which are displayed only when relevant, offers a way in which the drawbacks of permanent speed limits at schools can be minimised and may actually enhance driver acceptance of any restriction imposed. It is intended to establish pilot sites in 2008.
Parking Enforcement
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Regional Development what is the rationale behind the 'persistent offender' section of Parking Enforcement Unit; and to detail how such measures are implemented. (AQW 1280/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that there is no section within the Parking Enforcement Unit dealing specifically with ‘persistent offenders’.
I can advise that it is intended to give consideration to clamping or removing the vehicles of people who persistently disregard parking and waiting restrictions, even if they pay their penalties. This would provide an additional deterrent to those people who are regularly prepared to park illegally and pay any penalty charges that this may incur. However, the main purpose of this clamping or removing vehicles facility would be to recover debts owed to Roads Service by people who have not paid their Penalty Charge Notices. The timescale for introducing such a facility, and the criteria for identifying persistent offenders, are currently under consideration.
Water and Sewerage Charges
Mr David McNarry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the amount of funding, for the years 2008/09 and 2009/10, that his department will receive from the Department of Finance and Personnel, in order to offset water charges. (AQW 1293/07)
Mr Murphy: On 10 May, the Executive agreed to the deferral of water and sewerage charges in this financial year (2007/08). The Executive also decided to conduct a comprehensive review to address the longer term approach that should be adopted in relation to financing water and sewerage services. The funding requirements of the Department for Regional Development for 2008/09 and 2009/10 will be considered as part of the Budget 2007 process and should be informed by stage 1 of the Executive’s review.
Display of Flags
Mr John Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans for the removal of paramilitary flags and emblems, or any messages of support for such organisations, from lamp posts on public roads owned by his department. (AQW 1310/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has signed up to the Multi Agency Protocol, arising from ‘A Shared Future’ – the policy and strategic framework for good relations in Northern Ireland. This protocol, which was published by the Government on 4 April 2005, addresses the issue of the display of flags in public areas. The aim of the Protocol is to provide a pro-active approach, with support from communities and their representatives, to address the removal of flags from arterial routes, town centres and from particular locations, such as interface areas or near schools, hospitals and churches.
The Protocol recognises that an effective resolution to the issues surrounding flags and emblems is more likely to be achieved through co-operation with local communities. It requires widespread community support, for the partnership established by the Protocol to be effective.
When inter agency consultation is required by the protocol, the Agency that is in the most effective position to consult, negotiate or resolve the situation will take the lead, with the Police Service of Northern Ireland assuming this responsibility where appropriate. The Police also take the lead where the display of any flags or emblems is causing tension, or having a detrimental affect on the quality of life in a community.
Under the protocol, Roads Service will, when called upon by the lead Agency, provide the access equipment and resources to remove unwanted flags, once agreement has been reached on their removal, particularly if their location proves to be inaccessible to members of the community concerned. In doing so, as a responsible employer, Roads Service has to take account of the possible risk to their workers in removing flags and emblems.
You may also be interested to know that research of flaging on arterial routes during July/September 2006 shows a decrease of almost 40% of symbols by the end of the reporting period. This includes flags, bannerettes and bunting.
Knockmore Railway Line
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (a) the number of trains that have used the Knockmore railway line since its discontinuation in 2003; (b) what types of trains these were; and (c) the date on which the last train travelled on the line. (AQW 1323/07)
Mr Murphy: The number of trains that have used the Knockmore line since 29 June 2003 (when the line ceased to be used for scheduled services) is 236.
The types of trains were:
- 194 trains used for training purposes (for new train drivers);
- 11 ballast trains (for infrastructure works);
- 24 passenger trains (using the line as a diversionary route in times of emergency), and;
- 7 empty trains (performing repositioning activities in support of the above mentioned passenger trains).
- The date the last train travelled the line was 9 February 2007 (for training purposes).
Knockmore Railway Line
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's expenditure on maintaining the Knockmore railway line in (a) 2006; (b) 2005; (c) 2004; and (d) 2003. (AQW 1324/07)
Mr Murphy: Expenditure on maintaining the Knockmore railway line for the financial years in question was as follows:
2006/07 |
£109,000 |
2005/06 |
£120,000 |
2004/05 |
£171,000 |
| 2003/04 | £121,000 |
Traffic Calming Measures
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's expenditure on traffic calming measures in (a) the Strangford constituency; and (b) the other 17 constituencies, in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 financial years. (AQW 1328/07)
Mr Murphy: Financial allocations for Traffic calming schemes follow the guidelines contained in the 10 year Regional Transportation Strategy.
The proposed spend in the Strangford constituency for 2007/08 is £30,000. The spend in the other 17 constituencies is planned at £2,270,000.
It is not possible to give accurate figures for our proposed expenditure on traffic calming measures in the financial year 2008/09, but it is anticipated that the total financial allocation for Roads Service will be similar to this year. The individual financial allocation for the Strangford constituency will be dependent upon the prioritising of proposed schemes in the constituency, in competition with other proposed schemes within the Roads Service division serving this geographical area.
Maintenance of Private Wellls
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to ensure that Northern Ireland Water maintains the wells that provide the water supply to homes, draining water from the Clay Lakes at Shrigley, Killyleagh. (AQW 1335/07)
Mr Murphy: Northern Ireland Water is not responsible for maintaining private wells. The Department of the Environment has oversight of private supplies.
Street Lighting
Mr Raymond McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to install overhead street lighting from the entrance to the City of Derry/Londonderry airport on to the A2. (AQW 1337/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that there is street lighting on the access road from the City of Derry Airport to the main A2 Clooney Road including the junction on the A2. There are currently no plans to install any additional street lighting on the A2 at this location.
However, under proposals to dual the A2 from Maydown Roundabout to the City of Derry Airport, the proposed new junctions will include appropriate street lighting.
Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by his department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1346/07)
Mr Murphy: The Department for Regional Development conducted three staff surveys in 2005/2006 at a cost of £347. There were no surveys in 2006/2007.
Traffic Calming Measures
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development (a) what criteria is used to assess whether a location merits traffic calming measures; and (b) how are these locations prioritised. (AQW 1359/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is committed to the achievement of the targets outlined in The Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy, through the implementation of road safety engineering measures and, in this context, we place high priority on the introduction of traffic calming schemes in residential areas.
Roads Service receives many requests for traffic calming schemes and, as demand greatly exceeds the capacity to supply these measures, priorities must be established. I should also explain that the funding for traffic calming measures is allocated on a Divisional basis and not by individual Council or Constituency area.
On receipt of a request for the provision of traffic calming measures, Roads Service will carry out an assessment of the area in question. The assessment procedure takes into account various factors such as; personal injury collision statistics; the volume, type and speed of vehicles using the road; environmental factors including the presence of schools, playgrounds, hospitals, clinics, shops, public buildings; and whether the road in question is used as a through route.
The findings of the assessment process are used to give each site a priority rating and list these in merit order. If a scheme is identified and included in Roads Service’s traffic calming programme, implementation is subject to the successful completion of residents’ consultation and legislative processes. If objections are received to proposals to traffic calm a particular road, it may mean that Roads Service will not be able to implement the scheme.
Bypass for Kilrea
Mr Adrian McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has for a bypass for Kilrea. (AQW 1361/07)
Mr Murphy: I should explain that the composition and delivery of the major works programme of my Department’s Roads Service, 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, with priorities focused on the key Transport Corridors, it was not possible to include a bypass for Kilrea within the substantial but finite level of funding available.
Roads Service is currently considering responses to a consultation exercise on a further £400m of major works proposals. Work on this reassessment is at an advanced stage, but it has not yet been finalised. Therefore I am not yet in a position to advise on the schemes which may be added to our programme.
Flooding in West Winds Estate, Newtownards
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of dealing with blockages and flooding in the drainage system in the West Winds estate, Newtownards. (AQW 1363/07)
Mr Murphy:
My Departments Roads Service has advised that it is unable to provide detailed costs of work associated with the flooding incidents in the West Winds Estate, Newtownards, arising as a result of blockages in the storm drainage systems.
Roads Service personnel responded to a number of flooding incidents in the area and costs incurred were not recorded specifically for each location.
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it is unable to provide detailed costs of work associated with the flooding incidents in the West Winds Estate, Newtownards, arising as a result of blockages in the storm drainage systems as they are not responsible for all the sewers and drains within the estate and consequently any information provided would be incomplete.
Drainage System in West Winds Estate, Newtownards
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to replace the drainage system in the West Winds estate, Newtownards, with specific reference to the replacement of the current piping system. (AQW 1367/07)
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 issue raised is an operational matter, I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) to write to you in response to this question.
Moss Road, Ballygowan
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development if an upgrade of the Moss Road, Ballygowan, is part of the Minor Works programme. (AQW 1378/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service advises that it had planned to resurface the Moss Road, but that the scheme had to be postponed, pending the completion of developer-led road works associated with a housing development adjacent to the Moss Road.
Roads Service also has an ongoing minor improvement scheme at Moss Road, to enhance the sightlines at the junction with the Ballykeigle Road.
There are no plans to carry out any other minor improvement schemes along this road at this time. I have, however, asked Roads Service officials to make contact with you to discuss any further improvement measures you have in mind.
Rural Plannning Policy
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the rural planning policy in relation to replacement dwellings; and to detail whether the policy specifies that a single storey dwelling shall be replaced with a single storey dwelling. (AQW 1382/07)
Mr Murphy: Policy CTY 5 of draft Planning Policy Statement 14 ‘Sustainable Development in the Countryside’ governs applications for ‘replacement dwellings’ in the countryside. This policy allows for a replacement dwelling where the visual impact would not be significantly greater than that of the existing dwelling and which takes into account the character of vernacular buildings in the locality. Approval to replace older dwellings deemed as examples of a vernacular tradition of building may be withheld although permission to upgrade rather than replace is likely.
Principal amongst the considerations in all cases is that residential use has not been abandoned. This is assessed by considering a number of matters, including:
- The physical condition of the dwelling;
- The period the dwelling has not been in use;
- Whether there has been any intervening use; and
- Evidence of the owner’s intentions.
The policy does not specify that the replacement must be like-for-like, that is to say, replace a single storey with a single storey, but rather that the siting and design of the proposed new dwelling combine to ensure that an appropriate level of integration within the landscape is achieved and that the visual impact is not significantly greater than the existing dwelling house to be replaced. Each case is likely to be different and must therefore be considered on its individual merits.
Upgrading the A5/N2 Route
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to meet with Ministers in the Republic of Ireland's government, to secure early progress on the issue of upgrading the A5/N2 route from Derry/Londonderry to Dublin. (AQW 1394/07)
Mr Murphy: long with the Chancellor’s package announced on 22 March, the Irish Government confirmed its intention to make available a contribution of £400million/€580million, to help fund an unprecedented package of infrastructure investment, including a major new roads programme to provide dual Acarriageway standard on routes within Northern Ireland serving the North West Gateway of Letterkenny/Derry and on the eastern seaboard corridor from Belfast to Larne.
The Northern Ireland Executive has confirmed its acceptance in principle to taking forward the development of these two major roadworks projects and the North / South Ministerial Council at its Plenary Meeting on 17 July 2007 agreed the proposed investment.
Resurfacing Scheme
Mr Patsy McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to resurface the Drumenny Road, from its junction with Ballinderry Bridge Road and the Diamond, Ardboe; and if he will give an indicative timescale for the completion of this work. (AQW 1414/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service have advised me that a resurfacing scheme on a 1 kilometre stretch of the Drumenny Road, between Mullan Road and Derrycrin Road, is planned for the 2008/2009 financial year. It is also planned to surface dress the 1.6 kilometres stretch, from Battery Road to the Diamond, in the 2008/2009 financial year.
A third stretch, of 0.75 kilometres in length, from Ballinderry Bridge Road to Mullan Road, is scheduled to be resurfaced after the completion of sewerage and housing development works, which is expected in the 2009/2010 financial year.
These three stretches, when completed and taken with resurfacing work carried out over the past 3 years, will see the complete length of the B161 Drumenny Road resurfaced.
Increase in Traffic Volume
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the increase of traffic volume in Northern Ireland, (a) overall; (b) in cities; and (c) in major towns, in the last five years; and to detail the projected traffic volume in five years' time. (AQW 1426/07)
Mr Murphy:
My Department’s Roads Service does not categorise traffic flows into groups such as traffic flow in cities or major towns, due to differences in the characteristics of traffic flows in different towns. Traffic flow is dependent on a number of factors, including the network of roads within the town and whether there is a major trunk road through the town (e.g. Dungiven). Therefore, some of the traffic on major roads within a town may not be solely a reflection of the characteristics of the town that the road passes through.
The increases in overall traffic volumes across Northern Ireland are provided in the table below.
Year |
Overall % Increase |
2006 |
Not yet available |
2005 |
1.4% |
2004 |
0.6% |
2003 |
1.18% |
2002 |
5.4% |
2001 |
0.73% |
The 10 year Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS), published in 2002, contains an estimate of traffic growth over the lifetime of the Strategy. Estimates made at that time suggested that traffic volumes would grow at under 2% per annum over the period 2002 - 2012. Roads Service continues to use this figure. This is comparable with National Rates of Traffic Growth for Great Britain which forecast traffic growth to be between 1.18% and 1.83% per annum to 2010.
BACKGROUND
- 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 is calculated.
- Roads Service produces an annual Traffic and Travel Information Report, which presents the traffic volumes in a variety of formats for each site. Traffic flows obtained from these census points are used to calculate the overall increase in traffic using the road network.
- Roads Service produces a traffic growth figure for the whole of Northern Ireland. This is not disaggregated into any further sub groups, such as cities or major towns.
- Forecasting is a difficult and uncertain process. Traffic growth varies from road to road, and no average forecast can be expected to predict accurately growth everywhere. Traffic growth is dependent on several different sets of factors.
- Growth in the number of car trips originating in a location will depend, for example, on growth in the number of people living there and growth in the proportion of people who own cars. Any area where employment and population are growing rapidly would consequently experience a high rate of traffic growth.
Congestion Charges
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration has been given to the implementation of congestion charges in Northern Ireland's major urban areas; and, if so, to detail the rate at which these charges would be fixed. (AQW 1427/07)
Mr Murphy: The issue of congestion charges was considered during the development of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP). I have recently reviewed my Department’s position on this issue and can confirm that I agree with the policy position stated in paragraph 7.27 of the BMTP. As such, I do not propose to give further consideration to the implementation of congestion charging in urban areas in the North at this time.
Regional Transportation Strategy
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to encourage greater use of public transport by commuters, with particular reference to increased traffic volume on Northern Ireland's roads. (AQW 1428/07)
Mr Murphy:
In pursuit of the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) which is aimed at encouraging more use of public transport and greater levels of walking and cycling, my Department, Roads Service and Translink are working together to make public transport more attractive and a real alternative to the private car. The RTS vision is to have a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment and which actively contributes to social inclusion and everyone’s quality of life. Examples of actions already taken or currently being pursued are:
- Some 23 new train sets were recently introduced to the rail network. This has helped to achieve an increase in patronage of 31% between 2002 and 2007;
- The Department is bidding for additional funding to upgrade the Derry line and enhance rail services generally with the purchase of more new trains;
- A study is currently underway into the feasibility of two pilot Rapid Transit routes in the Belfast area. Rapid Transit is a form of public transport that offers faster and more reliable services;
- Between 2003 and 2007 DRD assisted Translink in the purchase of 542 new buses at a cost of almost £71million. It also plans to provide a further £61million for more new buses in the period to March 2009. The modernised fleet has already helped generate an increase in passenger numbers of 15% over the two years to March 2007;
- Park and ride schemes are being promoted from locations on the outskirts of Belfast and Roads Service and Translink are working in partnership to deliver an agreed Quality Bus Corridor network for the Greater Belfast area. Elsewhere, infrastructure and service improvements are being undertaken. Raised kerbs for urban bus stops and at well-used stops in housing areas will help all passengers, including those with buggies and wheelchairs, to board fully accessible low floor buses. A minimum frequency level for local bus services is envisaged and priority measures will be introduced for buses entering or exiting bus stations;
- Roads Service, through its Travelwise initiative, is raising awareness of a range of sustainable transport measures, including the promotion of public transport to employers, commuters and schools. This entails undertaking information days for businesses, holding public events, placing articles in the media and working directly with school management teams; and
- A pilot ‘Personalised Travel Planning’ scheme recently began in South Belfast to promote sustainable travel, including public transport.
Car Parking in Omagh
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will consider making Roads Service-owned car parking facilities adjacent to Tyrone County Hall, Omagh, available to the public at weekends; and if he will consult with the Western Education and Library Board, Omagh District Council and the Department of the Environment regarding creative solutions to practical parking problems in Omagh. (AQW 1439/07)
Mr Murphy: I am informed that the car park located adjacent to County Hall, Omagh, forms part of premises managed by the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service who have stated that on the basis of legal and security advice, it would not be appropriate to open the car park for public use at weekends in the interests of public and staff safety.
I can confirm, however, that all of my Department’s Roads Service-owned car parks are available to the public at weekends. Roads Service officials will also be happy to discuss solutions to any roads-related problems with interested parties and indeed some discussion has already taken place with Omagh District Council and representatives from Omagh traders regarding car parking provision. Should Omagh District Council consider that there is merit in having a meeting with representatives from the Department of the Environment and the Western Education and Library Board my Roads Service staff, based in Omagh, would be willing to attend.
Disabled Parking Spaces
Mrs Iris Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what are his plans to introduce disabled parking spaces in Dundonald village. (AQW 1448/07)
Mr Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has no proposals at present to provide further disabled parking spaces in Dundonald village. However, if the Honourable Member feels that there is a need for additional disabled spaces at specific sites in Dundonald, she should forward the details to the Divisional Roads Manager for Eastern Division, Mr Tom McCourt, Hydebank, 4 Hospital Road, Belfast, BT8 8JL, for consideration.
I should add that Roads Service officials have regular contacts with relevant interest committees/groups, such as Disability Action’s Regional Access Committee and the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee’s (IMTAC) Personal Mobility Working Group. These contacts provide the mechanism for any perceived deficiencies in provision for those with disabilities to be brought to our attention and is in addition to the processing of applications for disabled parking bays, that may be submitted by individual blue badge holders.
A55 Knock Road Widening Scheme
Dr Alasdair McDonnell asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will make a statement on the proposed development of the A55 Knock Road; and to outline the reasons for the selection of Option D as the preferred option. (AQW 1459/07)
Mr Murphy:
Over the past year my Department’s Roads Service has been developing a number of options for the A55 Knock Road widening scheme, to be considered in more detail upon commencement of the formal statutory procedures, which I announced on 14 May 2007.
As part of this work Roads Service officials held a two-day informal public consultation in June 2006; public meetings were also held on 11 November 2006 and 17 January 2007 and a further meeting with residents was held on 27 March 2007.
Now that the statutory procedures have formally commenced, Roads Service will carry out a detailed evaluation of the environmental impacts of the scheme, including a further evaluation of alternative options, the provision of right-turn facilities and the traffic impacts on the surrounding area. This work will be used to prepare an Environmental Statement, which will be published for public consultation.
Concurrent to this, detailed land vesting proposals will also be published. Following receipt of all objections and comments on these proposals, it may then be decided to hold a public inquiry. If this is the case, it will only be after receipt of the Public Inquiry Inspector’s report that a final decision will be taken on the scheme’s progression.
With regard to your reference to the preferred option, I am advised that Roads Service presented 3 improvement options for inspection at the public consultation in June 2006 and at a subsequent meeting with local residents on 17 January 2007. During this period officials continued to progress the preliminary design, while giving due consideration to the comments made.
I am informed that at a presentation to the Roads Service Chief Executive and Board members in early February 2007, permission was given for commencement of formal statutory procedures for the scheme. While this decision was based on a preferred option, I should stress that the assessments include an evaluation of alternative scheme options, including those suggested by the residents association.
The preferred option was chosen as a cost effective way of providing 2 lanes in each direction between Glen Road and Kings Road, with improvements to the junction at Shandon Park and right turn facilities for side road traffic and private entrances. An alternative option to construct a dual carriageway with parallel service roads would provide little additional benefit in terms of improved journey times or road safety and would be significantly more expensive. It would also have the biggest impact on the environment and local property.
At the meeting with residents held on 27 March 2007, officials advised that no final decision had been taken regarding the scheme to be implemented and that such a decision would only be made after a formal consultation had been carried out and a public inquiry held, if required.
Finally, I can confirm that all those affected by the A55 Widening Scheme, including local residents, will have an opportunity to express their views and objections to the scheme when the Environmental Statement and other Statutory Orders are published in due course.
Social Development
Housing Executive Accomodation
Mr Declan O'Loan asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people on the list for Housing Executive accommodation in the Ballymena Borough Council area, compared to the amount of accommodation available in that area; and what are her plans to provide accommodation for those who have been on the list for over a year. (AQW 1137/07)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms Ritchie): At 31 March 2007, there were 1,411 applicants on the Housing Executive waiting list, of which 695 had been on the waiting list for more than one year. At the same date, 755 of the total applicants were deemed to be in housing stress. Of those, 402 had been on the waiting list for more than one year.
At 31 March 2007, the Housing Executive had 2,743 tenanted properties within the area covered by the Ballymena District Office. Re-lets accommodated 226 applicants during the year.
The Social Housing Development Programme plans to provide an additional 137 homes in the Borough Council area over the current five-year planning period. The Ministry of Defence site at St Patrick’s has the potential for mixed use development. In addition to current plans, part of the site may transfer for social housing, with potential for up to 60 houses.
Tenant Payments
Mr John O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of housing benefit paid to those renting privately owned houses, broken down by Housing Executive Office, for the years (a) 2003/04; (b) 2004/05; (c) 2005/06; and (d) 2006/07; and also to give the total amount paid for each of the above years. (AQW 1152/07)
Ms Ritchie: Due to limitations imposed by its payments system, the Housing Executive is currently unable to separate the total amounts paid per District Office to tenants of private landlords from those paid in respect of tenants of registered social landlords. The figures in the table below therefore contain both sets of payments for the years 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07. The Housing Executive is taking steps to separate these payments for the future.
A change in accounting methodology for the year 2006/07 means the total includes the amount of overpaid housing benefit that has been repaid by claimants and landlords. In previous years the total was net of the amounts repaid. This change means that the increase in expenditure between 2005/06 and 2006/07 is overstated. During the years in question the caseload for private tenancies and registered Housing Association tenancies was split on an approximate 70%/30% basis.
NIHE OFFICE |
2003-2004£ |
2004-2005£ |
2005-2006£ |
2006-2007£ |
BELFAST |
39,628,830.81 |
45,149,655.22 |
47,339,517.79 |
55,203,995.24 |
BANGOR DISTRICT OFFICE |
5,063,360.53 |
5,752,130.49 |
6,288,312.88 |
7,018,547.43 |
NEWTOWNARDS DISTRICT |
3,559,209.04 |
4,045,792.31 |
4,754,499.95 |
5,584,571.27 |
CASTLEREAGH DISTRICT OFFICE |
2,387,826.35 |
2,708,769.05 |
3,038,592.08 |
3,427,287.99 |
LISBURN DISTRICT 1 |
2,836,118.70 |
3,223,174.31 |
3,643,954.36 |
4,142,035.28 |
LISBURN DISTRICT 3 |
1,873,564.59 |
2,120,169.38 |
2,839,298.69 |
3,607,880.78 |
DOWNPATRICK DISTRICT |
5,802,712.40 |
6,580,290.63 |
7,356,873.96 |
8,561,270.09 |
BANBRIDGE DISTRICT |
2,335,494.94 |
2,645,958.46 |
3,064,063.56 |
3,705,121.92 |
NEWRY DISTRICT |
11,058,834.25 |
12,607,929.64 |
13,228,374.57 |
13,915,812.21 |
ARMAGH DISTRICT |
4,480,104.11 |
5,089,722.05 |
5,188,648.99 |
5,680,298.80 |
LURGAN DISTRICT |
4,929,482.18 |
5,627,831.92 |
6,554,975.35 |
7,466,709.39 |
PORTADOWN DISTRICT |
3,666,110.94 |
4,168,533.56 |
4,504,774.41 |
5,017,796.51 |
DUNGANNON DISTRICT |
3,870,141.31 |
4,384,771.95 |
4,503,302.94 |
4,943,470.76 |
FERMANAGH DISTRICT |
4,273,586.12 |
4,851,407.31 |
4,780,736.98 |
5,206,020.47 |
BALLYMENA DISTRICT OFFICE |
4,251,750.71 |
4,879,041.64 |
5,293,758.59 |
5,913,731.15 |
ANTRIM DISTRICT OFFICE |
2,023,183.99 |
2,295,896.21 |
2,611,397.99 |
2,945,219.77 |
NEWTOWNABBEY DISTRICT 1 |
1,997,972.61 |
2,271,439.01 |
2,629,153.11 |
2,970,954.97 |
NEWTOWNABBEY DISTRICT 2 |
2,334,601.41 |
2,648,425.55 |
2,916,715.69 |
3,340,841.31 |
CARRICKFERGUS DISTRICT OFFICE |
2,275,209.36 |
2,592,789.00 |
2,990,099.46 |
3,453,758.34 |
LARNE DISTRICT OFFICE |
2,626,359.63 |
2,975,866.35 |
3,357,547.00 |
3,600,927.47 |
BALLYCASTLE DISTRICT OFFICE |
1,617,776.72 |
1,832,570.49 |
1,930,159.05 |
2,180,690.06 |
BALLYMONEY DISTRICT OFFICE |
1,723,830.89 |
1,954,298.57 |
2,258,517.31 |
2,618,212.94 |
COLERAINE DISTRICT OFFICE |
4,688,399.34 |
5,303,058.97 |
5,545,421.47 |
6,307,711.17 |
WATERLOO PLACE DISTRICT |
8,191,259.52 |
9,339,294.57 |
9,724,749.16 |
10,508,859.49 |
WATERSIDE DISTRICT |
6,550,629.93 |
7,460,808.85 |
8,689,451.93 |
9,894,377.65 |
COLLON TERRACE DISTRICT |
5,163,359.15 |
5,853,693.10 |
6,922,327.97 |
7,935,088.96 |
LIMAVADY DISTRICT |
2,385,898.74 |
2,719,252.63 |
3,118,919.19 |
3,552,688.18 |
MAGHERAFELT DISTRICT |
2,036,515.09 |
2,312,046.09 |
2,522,620.10 |
2,678,690.12 |
STRABANE DISTRICT |
3,723,825.41 |
4,226,215.05 |
4,841,109.79 |
5,810,788.57 |
OMAGH DISTRICT |
5,191,315.05 |
5,841,479.66 |
6,043,174.19 |
6,657,909.12 |
COOKSTOWN DISTRICT |
2,041,126.14 |
3,029,577.59 |
2,598,017.66 |
2,896,417.72 |
TOTAL Non NIHE HB SPEND |
154,588,389.96 |
176,491,889.61 |
191,079,066.17 |
216,747,685.13 |
Good Relations
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister for Social Development what discussions she has had with the Northern Ireland Office regarding the removal of 'peace walls'. (AQW 1154/07)
Ms Ritchie: My Department works with communities that are frequently divided by boundaries. All too often this division is marked by a peace wall. I believe these barriers can reinforce division and discourage the development of good relations between people, and I heartily wish to see them removed.
I recognise however that the peace walls in many areas are there because of fear.
I believe the best way of removing this fear is through a process of engagement. Developing good relations between our communities is a very significant part of what DSD does. Our daily work in supporting and developing the capacity of communities, in promoting shared space through regenerating our cities and towns leads to positive engagement between communities. My department is committed to a range of positive action through the A Shared Future strategy and I intend to drive forward this side of our work.
To date I have had no discussions with NIO on this matter but intend to do so in the future.
Social Housing
Ms Anna Lo asked the Minister for Social Development to list all housing executive estates that are currently under consideration with a view to designating them as shared future housing areas. (AQW 1155/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has proposed, through a selection process and community consultation, designating 30 existing social housing areas as shared future neighbourhoods, over a pilot three year period. The selected estates will be announced on completion of the consultation period.
Housing Benefit Claimants
Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of claimants of housing benefit, broken down by (a) District Council area; and (b) Westminster constituency, in the last three years. (AQW 1165/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive does not hold information on claimants broken down by District Council area or Westminster constituency. The table below shows the numbers of claimants of housing benefit in the last three years broken down by Northern Ireland Housing Executive district office administrative area.
DISTRICT |
2006-2007 |
2005-2006 |
2004-2005 |
BELFAST 1 |
6747 |
6533 |
6158 |
BELFAST 2 |
6240 |
6298 |
6243 |
BELFAST 3 |
7492 |
7424 |
7145 |
BELFAST 4 |
5786 |
5864 |
5930 |
BELFAST 5 |
2570 |
2677 |
2732 |
BELFAST 6 |
2767 |
2913 |
2982 |
BELFAST 7 |
2378 |
2530 |
2573 |
BANGOR |
3702 |
3717 |
3662 |
NEWTOWNARDS |
4265 |
4198 |
4235 |
CASTLEREAGH |
3272 |
3361 |
3248 |
LISBURN |
4142 |
4110 |
4007 |
POLEGLASS |
2687 |
2558 |
2480 |
DOWNPATRICK |
4058 |
3964 |
3810 |
BANBRIDGE |
2416 |
2322 |
2210 |
NEWRY |
6029 |
5994 |
6100 |
ARMAGH |
2942 |
2974 |
2991 |
LURGAN |
4052 |
4048 |
3898 |
PORTADOWN |
2605 |
2607 |
2520 |
DUNGANNON |
3056 |
3036 |
2943 |
FERMANAGH |
3370 |
3464 |
3500 |
BALLYMENA |
3748 |
3743 |
3682 |
ANTRIM |
2586 |
2687 |
2636 |
NEWTOWNABBEY 1 |
2382 |
2433 |
2432 |
NEWTOWNABBEY 2 |
2549 |
2549 |
2507 |
CARRICKFERGUS |
2321 |
2312 |
2277 |
LARNE |
2077 |
2120 |
2119 |
BALLYCASTLE |
1327 |
1314 |
1273 |
BALLYMONEY |
1940 |
1903 |
1866 |
COLERAINE |
4236 |
4249 |
4220 |
DERRY 1 |
4677 |
4697 |
4650 |
DERRY 2 |
4242 |
4175 |
4121 |
DERRY 3 |
4197 |
4181 |
4090 |
LIMAVADY |
2240 |
2226 |
2193 |
MAGHERAFELT |
1988 |
1974 |
1985 |
STRABANE |
3680 |
3514 |
3500 |
OMAGH |
3423 |
3411 |
3400 |
COOKSTOWN |
1784 |
1795 |
1774 |
TOTAL |
129973 |
129875 |
128092 |
DSD Spend on Consultancy Services
Mr David Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her department's projected spend on consultancy services, in the 2007/2008 financial year. (AQW 1177/07)
Ms Ritchie: The projected spend on consultancy services in the 2007/2008 financial year for the Department for Social Development is £2,785,053. This spend relates to Urban Regeneration and Community Development Group.
Public Housing in East Derry/Londonderry
Mr George Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has for the provision of more public housing in East Derry/Londonderry. (AQW 1221/07)
Ms Ritchie: The East Derry/Londonderry area comprises the Coleraine and Limavady districts.
In Coleraine, plans are to start 23 additional houses in 2007/08 and 118 additional houses over the following four year period.
In Limavady, plans are to start 11 additional houses in 2007/08 and 27 additional houses over the following four year period.
Market Value of Housing Executive Properties
Lord Browne asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the valuation process for Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties, prior to sale. (AQW 1242/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has appointed, through a tendering process, external professionally qualified valuers to determine the market values of its properties.
When a tenant’s eligibility to purchase has been established, the valuer is instructed to carry out a market valuation of the property. There is a 21 day target for completion of this valuation. The valuation forms the basis of an offer to purchase which is made to the tenant. If a tenant is dissatisfied with the market value placed on a property, a request for a re-determination (i.e. a revaluation) can be made. The re-determination is carried out by the District Valuer (Valuation and Lands Agency) and is binding on the tenant and the Housing Executive.
New Build Scheme for Comber
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to give a timescale for commencement of the new build scheme for Upper Crescent, Comber. (AQW 1243/07)
Ms Ritchie: BIH Housing Association plan to start this 50 house scheme in the latter part of this year.
Works Contract
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development what criteria is used by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to determine that a contractor is no longer suitable for tendering for Housing Executive schemes. (AQW 1245/07)
Ms Ritchie: Different criteria apply to two levels of contract.
Firstly, where the value, or aggregated value, of any proposed Works Contract exceeds £3,611,319, the Housing Executive is regulated by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (PCR 2006). For such contracts, the Housing Executive pre-qualifies contractors for the tender list. If the contractor, its directors or any other person who has powers of representation, decision or control of the contractor has been convicted of any of the offences detailed in Part 4 Regulation 23 of the PCR 2006, the contractor is excluded from the procurement process. The Housing Executive undertakes financial checks on all applicants to determine their capability to undertake a contract of the value of the proposed works. The Housing Executive also evaluates the technical ability to perform the works, including skills, efficiency, experience and reliability. This also includes previous performance on works of a similar nature and value.
Secondly, for Works Contracts valued at less than £3,611,319, the Housing Executive is regulated by its Standing Orders. The Housing Executive also takes account of Public Sector Procurement Guidance and procurement best practice in line with the rest of the Public Sector in Northern Ireland. Additionally, and again in line with all public sector bodies, the Housing Executive uses Constructionline to assess the competence of contractors to undertake the works. The Housing Executive will also use information held by it as regards performance by contractors on past and current schemes
Egan Initiative
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to list those contractors that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), under the Egan Initiative, has determined unsuitable for the award of tenders in any forthcoming NIHE schemes, due to poor delivery of work in previous schemes. (AQW 1246/07)
Ms Ritchie: Under the Achieving Excellence in Construction (Egan) initiative, the Housing Executive is currently procuring a Framework Contract of three to five firms to undertake its Revenue Replacement/
External Replacement programme. This procurement is regulated by Public Contracts Regulations 2006. Tender documents issued to 13 contractors and completed tenders were to be received by the Housing Executive on 5 July 2007. The Housing Executive intends to award the Framework Contract in Autumn 2007. I have asked the Housing Executive to provide you with the information requested when this procurement exercise has been completed.
Egan Contracts
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development what measures the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has put in place to prevent contractors that have been awarded tenders from subcontracting to contractors that have been judged unsuitable by NIHE; and what action will be taken against contractors found using such practices. (AQW 1247/07)
Ms Ritchie: Under Achieving Excellence in Construction (Egan) contracts, contractors are required to submit information as regards their supply chain management and details of the aspects of work which they propose to sub-contract together with details of their proposed sub-contractors. All Housing Executive contracts require contractors to seek the prior approval of the Contract Administrator if they intend to sub-contract any portion of the works.
Northern Ireland Civil Service Special Bonus Scheme
Mr Mervyn Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of non-pensionable bonuses that were paid to staff in her department in each of the last three years; and what steps she has taken to ensure that such bonuses are not used as a cheaper alternative to an appropriate salary increase. (AQW 1248/07)
Ms Ritchie: Non-pensionable bonuses can be paid to staff at all grades to reward performance in two ways, as part of the annual pay award, or under the Northern Ireland Civil Service Special Bonus Scheme.
Performance related bonuses paid as part of the annual pay award are an important and integral element of the Northern Ireland Civil Service reward strategy, and are used to acknowledge and reward higher performing staff.
The Special Bonus Scheme is designed to reward members of staff in particularly demanding tasks or situations during the year or where good performance was achieved under particularly adverse conditions.
The award of performance related bonuses is therefore regarded as being complementary to, rather than as a substitute for, the award of consolidated pay increases.
The number of non-pensionable bonuses paid to staff in the Department for Social Development in the last 3 years is detailed in the table below.
YEAR |
PERFORMANCE RELATED BONUSES |
SPECIAL BONUS SCHEME |
2004/2005 |
6289 |
1303 |
2005/2006 |
5637 |
1661 |
2006/2007 |
5897 |
1970 |
Please note that information can only be provided in relation to staff currently employed by the Department.
Sale of Housing Executive Property to Tenants
Lord Browne asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the standard procedure for selling Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties to tenants. (AQW 1301/07)
Ms Ritchie: The standard procedure for selling Housing Executive properties is detailed in the Housing Executive’s ‘Homes for sale: a tenant’s guide to house purchase’ information booklet which is included with every house sale application form issued to tenants. The publication is available on the Housing Executive web site at www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Homes_for_SaleJune 05.pdf and also at all the Housing Executive District Offices. A copy has been placed in the Assembly Library.
The timescales for selling properties is as follows:
- Application to offer - 10 weeks
- Tenant acceptance period - 6 weeks
- Acceptance of offer to issue of contract - 8 weeks
- Tenant acceptance of contract - 8 weeks
- Signed contract of completion - 10 weeks
- Average time from application to completion is 10 months.
Sale of Housing Executive Property to Tenants
Lord Browne asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the time scale for selling Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties to tenants. (AQW 1302/07)
Ms Ritchie: The standard procedure for selling Housing Executive properties is detailed in the Housing Executive’s ‘Homes for sale: a tenant’s guide to house purchase’ information booklet which is included with every house sale application form issued to tenants. The publication is available on the Housing Executive web site at www.nihe.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Homes_for_SaleJune 05.pdf and also at all the Housing Executive District Offices. A copy has been placed in the Assembly Library.
The timescales for selling properties is as follows:
- Application to offer - 10 weeks
- Tenant acceptance period - 6 weeks
- Acceptance of offer to issue of contract - 8 weeks
- Tenant acceptance of contract - 8 weeks
- Signed contract of completion - 10 weeks
- Average time from application to completion is 10 months.
Redevelopment of Queen's Parade, Bangor
Mr Brian Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development to give a timescale within which her department will produce its revised plans for the redevelopment of Queen's Parade Bangor. (AQW 1317/07)
Ms Ritchie: DSD has employed GVA Grimley to conduct a detailed analysis of the current development proposal and to consider it in light of the views expressed during a public consultation in 2006. The consultants have completed a number of elements of the work and will shortly be meeting with the developer to discuss some concepts which GVA believe to be important to the success of the scheme.
Once these core concepts have been agreed, there will be a second round of public consultation to test the public view of the revised concept and to inform GVA Grimley’s report to DSD. Subject to the GVA report, the Department will prepare a development brief which will bring together all the objectives, concepts and design principles which would contribute to the proper planning of the area. The Department will then invite Karl Greenfarm Ltd, as the major landholder, to respond to the brief. Once the Department receives a response it will then enter a period of negotiation with the developer, if necessary, to refine the scheme.
It is anticipated that this process should be completed by April 2008. At that stage, we would hope to have plans which DSD could support and which could be progressed into the Planning system.
Grant Funding to Forbairt Feirste
Mr Nelson McCausland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the amount of funding given by her department to Forbairt Feirste, in each year since 1998. (AQW 1318/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Department for Social Development provided £7,000 in grant funding to Forbairt Feirste in 1998 for the appointment of consultants to develop an existing proposal for an Irish language business centre for West Belfast. There has been no further funding awarded to this organisation since 1998.
Demolition of Housing Executive Property
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister for Social Development to outline the proposed timetable for the demolition of Northern Ireland Housing Executive-owned houses in the Antrim Borough Council area, which are vacant and in a state of disrepair, and which are not in line for any further repairs. (AQW 1322/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has identified 20 flats for demolition within the Dunamoy Drive area of Stiles. The appointed contractor is currently on site removing asbestos from the dwellings and the demolitions will be completed before the end of July 2007.
The Housing Executive has identified a further 32 flats and maisonettes in Chaine Court, Ballycraigy and is in the process of rehousing the remaining three tenants to allow the demolition of the affected properties during this financial year.
Housing Executive Owned Properties in Antrim Borough Council
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive-owned properties in the Antrim Borough Council area that are (a) unoccupied; and (b) in a state of disrepair; and to outline when a programme of repairs will commence. (AQW 1325/07)
Ms Ritchie: At 30 June 2007 there were a total of 241 vacant Housing Executive properties within the area covered by the Housing Executive’s Antrim District Office, as detailed below.
Awaiting Imminent Relet |
Pending demolition |
Included in improvements schemes |
Used for decanting |
Pending sale/transfer |
Total |
30 |
49 |
31 |
37 |
94 |
241 |
A total of 36 of these properties require major repairs, although 5 are in the process of being sold. The remaining 31 dwellings are included in current or future planned improvement schemes to allow them to be relet.
Work is underway on 3 properties, with 19 scheduled to start later in 2007/08 and 9 scheduled to start in 2008/09.
DSD Staff Surveys
Mr Stephen Moutray asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of staff surveys carried out by her department in each of the last two years; and what was the total cost of carrying out such surveys. (AQW 1347/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Department for Social Development carried out the following surveys during the last 2 years:
Year |
Number of Surveys |
Costs |
April 2005 – March 2006 |
7 |
1 survey - cost £1,200 (estimate). 2 survey – nil cost. 4 surveys - minimal cost – carried out within existing resources. |
April 2006 – March 2007 |
10 |
1 survey cost £387.92 (estimate). 9 surveys - minimal cost – carried out within existing resources. |
Tendering for NIHE Contracts
Miss Michelle McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the process of appeal against determinations by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) that a contractor will no longer be suitable for tendering for NIHE schemes. (AQW 1358/07)
Ms Ritchie: Contractors who are unsuccessful in meeting the qualifying criteria for contracts are offered a debriefing at each stage of the procurement process. This is undertaken by the Chairperson of the Evaluation Committee, with a procurement officer present. The contractor is given details of each area scored by the Committee and is informed of areas which did not meet the qualifying criteria.
In the event of the contractor not being satisfied with the reasons given an appeal can be made to the Head of Procurement who will subsequently meet the contractor, hear the evidence and take legal advice before issuing a written detailed and reasoned adjudication to the contractor.
The tender documentation indicates that a final appeal may be made to the Courts in Northern Ireland.
Bonfire Management
Dr Stephen Farry asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in relation to bonfires that are erected on its property, in particular, in relation to (a) public liability insurance in the event of a serious injury; (b) damage to ground; and (c) section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. (AQW 1380/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive ‘self insures’ against all public liability claims up to a limit of £500,000. This includes injury liabilities which arise from incidents on Housing Executive property, including bonfire related incidents. Catastrophe insurance is secured to cover up to £10m in respect of single incidents, where claim settlement costs exceed the self-insured limit of £500,000.
A good relations and community led approach to best manage bonfires, to reduce their numbers and reduce the cost of reinstating sites is in place. Support is given to local communities to focus on more acceptable expressions of culture, which extends to the control of bonfires by way of local agreements. One of the general benefits in providing support to improve bonfire management is reduced clean up costs and repairs to the ground.
Clearance of bonfire sites identified as being greater than 1.5msq in diameter is dealt with as part of the Grounds Maintenance contract. All burnt litter and debris less than this, is considered part of normal litter lifting operation through the response maintenance programme. Within seven days of a bonfire being burnt, all bonfire debris, including ashes and material not burnt or scattered, are removed. Grass areas damaged are made good.
Local bonfire management initiatives are monitored closely to ensure good relations duties under Section 75 (part 2) and community relations policy into action on the ground, through a partnership approach.
Combating Anti-Social Behaviour in Housing Executive Areas
Mr Fra McCann asked the Minister for Social Development what measures she will implement to combat anti-social activity in housing estates across Northern Ireland. (AQW 1415/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Housing Executive has in place Anti-Social Behaviour Policies and Procedures to address anti-social activity when it arises on its estates. The Housing Executive receives approximately 4,500 reports of anti-social behaviour each year to its 35 District Offices. The vast majority of these reports relate to low level anti-social behaviour (pets or noise), which are resolved by the District Office without recourse to legal action.
There does, however, remain a need to provide some form of cautionary or supportive intervention. This may take the form of a warning letter to the perpetrator advising them of their unacceptable behaviour. Over 60% of all cases are resolved with a warning letter. Other options available include the use of:
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts or mediation if both parties are willing to participate.
Working with another agency (social services, health trust etc.) should an underlying vulnerability be identified which may have contributed to the reported anti-social behaviour.
Where the reported anti-social behaviour is of a more serious and persistent nature the Housing Executive will use its legal powers (as contained in the Housing (NI) Order 2003 and the Anti Social Behaviour (NI) Order 2004) to stop the anti-social behaviour and protect the wider community. All legal action is dependent on the quality of evidence available. To this end, agencies will work closely with victims and communities to ensure that those who engage in serious anti-social behaviour are brought before the courts. Work also goes on with the PSNI and other statutory and voluntary sector organisations to secure sufficient evidence to support:
- A Decree for the repossession of a property
- An Injunction to stop the anti-social behaviour
- An Anti -Social Behaviour Order (ASBO)
Urban Development Grant Scheme
Mr Fra McCann asked the Minister for Social Development what financial assistance is available to businesses in the Castle Street, King Street and Bank Square area, in addition to Public Realm Development funding. (AQW 1416/07)
Ms Ritchie: The Department’s Urban Development Grant scheme is available, subject to satisfactory appraisal and approval of eligible proposals, to businesses in the King Street area since it falls within Lower Falls Neighbourhood Renewal area.
Housing Executive Community Centres
Mr Thomas Burns asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive houses in the Antrim Borough Council area that are (a) used as community centres; and (b) used as community centres, but are currently underused or vacant. (AQW 1417/07)
Ms Ritchie: There are nine Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties in the Antrim Borough Council District currently being used as community centres. None are vacant or currently underused.
Affordable Housing
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development if she will undertake a review of the sale of Northern Ireland Housing Executive stock to tenants, as part of a wider affordable housing strategy, with a view to increasing the number of homes that are owner-occupied. (AQW 1424/07)
Ms Ritchie: Sir John Semple’s independent review into affordable housing in Northern Ireland made eighty recommendations, including a Review of the House Sales Scheme. The Interdepartmental Group which I have established is tasked with considering all of Sir John’s recommendations and will examine how the House Sales Scheme can make a contribution to affordable housing.
Affordable Housing
Mr Barry McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development to outline her plans to address the need for affordable housing in the (a) Omagh District Council area; and (b) the Strabane District Council area. (AQW 1425/07)
Ms Ritchie: My Department is tackling the issue of affordable housing through a variety of programmes and schemes including the Social Housing Development Programme, a house sales scheme for social tenants, the housing benefit system and the shared equity scheme operated by Co-ownership Housing Association.
Sir John Semple’s independent review into affordable housing in Northern Ireland made eighty recommendations, which are wide ranging and will impact on a number of Departments. I have therefore established an Interdepartmental Group, which is tasked with considering all of Sir John’s recommendations. This group met on 5 July, and will meet bi-monthly, and report at the end of the first year. An action plan with target dates will be agreed shortly.
Specifically for Omagh and Strabane, the Social Housing Development Programme for the next 5 years comprises 52 and 95 units, respectively.
Incapacity Benefit Appeals
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of oral tribunals on Incapacity Benefit appeals that were processed to conclusion; and the number of these that overturned the original decision, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1431/07)
Ms Ritchie: The information requested is not available separately in relation to oral and written tribunals. The information provided relates to appeals which were determined either by way of an oral hearing or decided by the tribunal on the papers alone.
The total number of Incapacity Benefit appeals that were processed to conclusion and the number of these that had the original decision overturned were:
Total Appeals |
Number Allowed |
|
2004/2005 |
3,126 |
1,170 |
2005/2006 |
3,855 |
1,270 |
| 2006/2007 | 4,406 | 1,616 |
Disability Living Allowance Appeals
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of oral tribunals on Disability Living Allowance appeals that were processed to conclusion; and the number of these that overturned the original decision, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1432/07)
Ms Ritchie: The information requested is not available separately in relation to oral and written tribunals. The information provided relates to appeals which were determined either by way of an oral hearing or decided by the tribunal on the papers alone.
The total number of Disability Living Allowance appeals that were processed to conclusion and the number of these that had the original decision overturned were:
Total Appeals |
Number Allowed |
|
2004/2005 |
5288 |
1493 |
2005/2006 |
5304 |
1546 |
| 2006/2007 | 4563 | 1560 |
Incapacity Benefit Appeals
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of written tribunals on Incapacity Benefit appeals that were processed to conclusion; and the number of these that overturned the original decision, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1433/07)
Ms Ritchie: The information requested is not available separately in relation to oral and written tribunals. The information provided relates to appeals which were determined either by way of an oral hearing or decided by the tribunal on the papers alone.
The total number of Incapacity Benefit appeals that were processed to conclusion and the number of these that had the original decision overturned were:
Total Appeals |
Number Allowed |
|
2004/2005 |
3,126 | 1,270 |
2005/2006 |
3,855 | 1,270 |
| 2006/2007 | 4,406 | 1,616 |
Disibility Living Allowance Appeals
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of written tribunals on Disability Living Allowance appeals that were processed to conclusion; and the number of these that overturned the original decision, in each of the last three years. (AQW 1434/07)
Ms Ritchie: The information requested is not available separately in relation to oral and written tribunals. The information provided relates to appeals which were determined either by way of an oral hearing or decided by the tribunal on the papers alone.
The total number of Disability Living Allowance appeals that were processed to conclusion and the number of these that had the original decision overturned were:
Total Appeals |
Number Allowed |
|
2004/2005 |
5288 | 1,493 |
2005/2006 |
5304 | 1,546 |
| 2006/2007 | 4563 | 1,560 |
Pension Credit
Mr Peter Weir asked the Minister for Social Development, further to AQW 416/07, to outline why it was not possible to provide a breakdown of new claimants for pension credit by constituency; District Council area and Social Security Office, when a similar breakdown was provided for pension credit claimants in AQW 379/07. (AQW 1444/07)
Ms Ritchie: The questions relate to different subject data. AQW 379/07 requested details of the number of people in receipt of Pension Credit, and AQW 416/07 asks for the number of new claimants for Pension Credit for the last five years. The answer to AQW 416/07 was provided on the basis that new claims referred to the number of claims to Pension Credit regardless of their outcome; allowed, disallowed or withdrawn. The Agency does not retain information relating to allowed, disallowed, withdrawn claims by constituency, District Council area and Social Security Office and could not therefore provide the information requested in that format.
However, the Agency does hold a subset of information in the format requested in relation to the number of allowed claims to Pension Credit and this is set out in the tables below:
Table 1: Pension Credit Claimant Onflows by Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office boundary: 2003/04 to 2006/07
2003/2004 |
2004/2005 |
2005/2006 |
2006/2007 |
|
Andersontown |
346 | 317 | 214 | 157 |
Antrim |
616 | 332 | 204 | 131 |
Armagh |
386 | 258 | 194 | 111 |
Ballymena |
787 | 374 | 311 | 130 |
| Ballymoney | 490 | 249 | 190 | 119 |
| Ballynahinch | 322 | 154 | 97 | 50 |
| Banbridge | 423 | 238 | 163 | 92 |
| Bangor | 841 | 415 | 270 | 132 |
| Carrickfergus | 446 | 192 | 138 | 65 |
| Coleraine | 627 | 321 | 244 | 137 |
| Cookstown | 235 | 169 | 142 | 80 |
| Corporation Street | 668 | 480 | 355 | 201 |
| Downpatrick | 299 | 208 | 119 | 87 |
| Dungannon | 298 | 233 | 199 | 96 |
| Enniskillen | 554 | 397 | 269 | 175 |
| Falls Road | 282 | 270 | 216 | 145 |
| Foyle | 436 | 391 | 340 | 239 |
| Holywood Road | 948 | 545 | 381 | 180 |
| Kilkeel | 148 | 100 | 91 | 42 |
| Knockbreda | 779 | 382 | 248 | 135 |
| Larne | 363 | 180 | 133 | 88 |
| Limavady | 259 | 163 | 129 | 77 |
| Lisburn | 796 | 409 | 283 | 147 |
| Lisnagelvin | 404 | 288 | 206 | 150 |
| Lurgan | 559 | 339 | 274 | 145 |
| Magherafelt | 408 | 341 | 166 | 92 |
| Newcastle | 215 | 127 | 92 | 40 |
| Newry | 565 | 433 | 315 | 197 |
| Newtonabbey | 672 | 344 | 244 | 126 |
| Newtownards | 551 | 321 | 246 | 114 |
| Omagh | 323 | 246 | 190 | 105 |
| Portadown | 427 | 239 | 187 | 97 |
| Shaftesbury Square | 404 | 229 | 166 | 95 |
| Shankhill Road | 393 | 195 | 176 | 109 |
| Strabane | 333 | 275 | 225 | 149 |
Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans
Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to specify the date on which her department made the decision to redefine Action Plans devised by local Neighbourhood Partnerships as 'agendas for change'; and whether this change had prior Ministerial approval. (AQW 1452/07)
Ms Ritchie: Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans, developed by Neighbourhood Partnerships to identify and prioritise local needs have not been formally redefined and remain central to the successful implementation of Neighbourhood Renewal. Whilst some of the actions in these plans lend themselves to early implementation, others will require further discussion with relevant statutory bodies to ensure they provide the most appropriate and effective response to the identified need. As such, these Action Plans provide an "agenda for action" in each neighbourhood.
Belfast Regeneration Office
Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development what level of statutory involvement the Belfast Regeneration Office has secured in regard to (a) funding of; and (b) representation on, Neighbourhood Partnerships in West Belfast. (AQW 1453/07)
Ms Ritchie: Most Neighbourhood Partnerships are not formally constituted bodies and do not, therefore, directly receive funding. My Department has, however, made money available for technical assistance to enable the Partnerships to develop Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans for their areas. The money awarded by DSD is normally managed by a lead partner organisation. For example, the Colin Neighbourhood Initiative Partnership which had been in existence before Neighbourhood Renewal receives funding from Department for Social Development (DSD) to deliver a number of programmes and the Greater Shankill Partnership which is core funded by DSD as one of the 5 Belfast Area Partnerships.
The following table shows the statutory organisations that are represented on each of the Neighbourhood Partnerships in West Belfast and Greater Shankill. In addition, BRO has established an inter-Departmental group to consider how best to implement Neighbourhood Renewal actions that cut across a number of Neighbourhood Renewal Areas in Belfast.
Neighbourhood Renewal Area |
Statutory Body represented on Neighbourhood Partnership |
Andersonstown |
Belfast City Council Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Council for Catholic Maintained Schools Department for Employment and Learning Department for Social Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Greater Falls |
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Department for Social Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Greater Shankill |
Belfast Education and Library Board Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Department for Social Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Lenadoon |
Belfast City Council Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Council for Catholic Maintained Schools Department for Employment and Learning Department for Social Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Upper Springfield/Whiterock |
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Department for Employment and Learning Department for Social Development Northern Ireland Housing Executive |
Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships
Mr Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Development to explain whether future funding for community activity from her department is conditional upon applicants providing written evidence that they are (a) endorsed by the Neighbourhood Partnership; and/or (b) providing services congruent with the Neighbourhood Partnership draft action plan, otherwise known as 'agenda for change'. (AQW 1454/07)
Ms Ritchie: My Department provides funding for community activity through a number of programmes including Neighbourhood Renewal, each with different criteria. In relation to Neighbourhood Renewal specifically, funds continue to be available to support services and activities where these clearly address local priorities and needs as identified in Action Plans, developed and agreed by individual Neighbourhood Partnerships.