This publication contains the written answers to questions tabled by Members. The content of the responses is as received at the time from the relevant Minister or representative of the Assembly Commission and has not been subject to the official reporting process or changed in any way.

Friday 26 October 2007

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

Agriculture and Rural Development

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

All-Ireland Parliamentary Forum

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister what discussions have taken place in relation to the development of an all-Ireland Parliamentary Forum.

(AQW 536/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): At the North South Ministerial Council Plenary in Armagh in July, the Council noted the provisions of the St. Andrews Agreement relating to a North South Parliamentary Forum. The Council recognised that any development of a joint parliamentary forum was a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas.

It was agreed that officials from the two administrations would make contact with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and report back to the NSMC at the earliest opportunity on the prospects for the development of such a forum. Officials in OFMDFM have written to the Clerk of the Northern Ireland Assembly. We have been advised that the Speaker has commissioned some preliminary research into the format of such a Forum and how best it could operate. We understand that he also discussed the development of the Forum with his counterpart in the Oireachtas during his recent visit to Dublin.

Victims' Groups

Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to detail the meetings attended by (i) the First Minister; and (ii) the deputy First Minister, with representatives of victims' groups, since assuming office.

(AQW 617/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since assuming office on the 8^th May 2007, (i) the First Minister has not met representatives of victims’ groups in an official capacity. However he has met a number of groups and individuals in a personal capacity in his role as MP and MLA. The deputy First Minister met representatives of the Disabled Police Officers Association on the 21^stMay.

Equality Legislation

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 339/08, to explain why it has not contacted other legislatures to investigate how EU Directives on equality have been implemented in other Member States; and to detail whether or not it will now hold such meetings.

(AQW 624/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each Member State has an obligation to implement European Directives within set time limits and to determine how best to do so in a way which gives effect to the requirements of the Directives and takes account of each Member State’s own national legislation.

Given that implementation of Directives is a matter for each Member State, how others comply with Directives, whilst of interest, is not directly pertinent. We do not therefore normally contact other Member States nor do we plan to do so. However, to ensure consistency of approach across the Member State, officials have regular contact with their counterparts in Great Britain.

As equality is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of this administration to consider how the requirements of equality Directives impact on Northern Ireland and to bring forward legislation specific to Northern Ireland to implement those Directives.

Policy consideration on the appropriate transposition of EU Directives into domestic law includes consideration of the degree of flexibility available to the Member State and the devolved administration. In doing so we are also required to meet our statutory equality obligations and comply with the Human Rights Act 1998.

If the Member State does not fully implement a directive within a specified timeframe it is likely that the EU will commence infraction proceedings which usually take the form of daily fines until full implementation is achieved. The Member State therefore has limited discretion in the implementation of directives.

Equality Legislation

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 339/08, to detail how it will ensure that EU Directives on equality will be implemented to cater for Northern Ireland's particular local situation, in the absence of evidence of how other regions have implemented such Directives to best suit their local needs.

(AQW 626/08)

Equality Legislation

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQW 339/08, to detail whether or not, as part of the department's ongoing contact with counterparts in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, it will also establish contact with other regions of the European Union, in order to gather information from all sources to investigate the degree of flexibility available when bringing forward equality proposals, with a view to protecting (i) freedom of speech; (ii) the right to protest; and (iii) defining and implementing harassment provisions, so as to grant greater exemptions for people of religious conviction.

(AQW 631/08)

Staff Team Building

Mr S Moutray asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the total cost of (i) staff away days; and (ii) staff team building exercises, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 808/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The total cost of (i) staff away days; and (ii) staff team building exercises held in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister in each of the last three complete financial years is provided in the table below. The period covered includes 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005, 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006 and 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007. For completeness, information is also provided for the current financial year, from 1 April 2007 to 30 September 2007.

Financial Year	Type of Event and Cost of Each
	Away Days	Team Building Exercises
1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005	£9,890.43	£337.43
1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006	£26,466.61	£3,853.58
1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007	£24,240.00	£45.00
1 April 2007 to 30 September 2007-	£11,485.87	Nil

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mrs N Long asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within the department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 821/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The good relations impacts have been assessed and taken into account in the advice and recommendations provided to Ministers on the OFMDFM bid relating to the Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review. The equality, poverty/social inclusion, and sustainable development impacts of these financial proposals have also been considered. The completion and consideration of these "High Level Impact Assessments" is a fundamental aspect of the Comprehensive Spending Review and Priorities and Budget 2007 processes.

Planning Appeals

Mr J Wells asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of appeals lodged with the Planning Appeals Commission, since 1 April 2007.

(AQW 904/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a statutory appellate body established under Article 110 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to decide a wide range of appeals against decisions of the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service and to report on various matters under planning and other legislation.

Given the independent tribunal status of the Commission, we have asked the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you. We understand the Chief Administrative Officer, of the Commission has responded to you in the following terms:-

"The total number of appeals received by the Commission since the 1 April 2007 and up to the 30 September 2007 is 1035. As of the 30 September 2007 the Commission has a total of 3108 appeals for determination.

I enclose a copy of our latest statistical information which is updated and downloaded to the publication page of our website www.pacni.gov.uk at the start of each month.

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

Planning Appeals Commission

Mr J Wells asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of appeals currently being considered by the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 906/08)

I enclose a copy of our latest statistical information which is updated and downloaded to the publication page of our website www.pacni.gov.uk at the start of each month.

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

Commissioned Report

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answer to AQO 379/08, to give a definition of the term 'a private report'; to detail the number of such reports that were (i) commissioned; and (ii) received by the department, during the periods 1 January 2006 to 7 May 2007; and since 8 May 2007; and to detail the other kinds of reports commissioned by the department.

(AQW 911/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The term private report was made in the reference to the Deloitte Touche report on "The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy". This phrase means that it was a report completed not within OFMDFM but from an external source. This report was commissioned by the previous administration in March 2006 and was conducted and finalised during direct rule and is an independent piece of research.

The following table provides information on the number of such reports commissioned and received by the Department, during the periods 1 January 2006 to 7 May 2007 and since 8 May 2007 to 30 September 2007. The total numbers stated for reports that were commissioned and received do not correlate because reports that were commissioned in one period may not have been received until a later period or not received to date. No other kinds of reports were commissioned by the Department.

Reports Commissioned and Received By OFMDFM

1 January 2006

To

7 May 2007

8 May 2007

To

30 September 2007

Commissioned

Received

Commissioned

Received

Number of Reports

Budget Underspend

Mr G Savage asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the department's projected underspend for this financial year.

(AQW 965/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: On the basis of outturn for the six-month period ended 30 September 2007, OFMDFM is not projecting any underspend for this financial year.

Integrated Development Fund

Mr G Adams asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will reaffirm the support for, and safeguarding of, resource funding pledged to projects in west Belfast and greater Shankill, through the pilot Integrated Development Fund.

(AQW 1063/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Under the current arrangements, all outline pilot projects supported by the Integrated Development Fund (IDF), will have an entitlement to funding of the amount previously agreed by Ministers, subject to the provision and approval of the required economic appraisals for the respective projects.

Any further funding applications for individual projects, above the agreed amount or beyond the specified timescales, will be a matter for relevant lead Departments. Departments will consider such applications on the basis of their competing priorities and available resources.

Public Service Agreements

Ms S Ramsey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if they will confirm that children will be identified as a priority under target setting in the current round of Public Service Agreements, specifically in relation to (i) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister; (ii) the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure; (iii) the Department for Employment and Learning; and (iv) the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(AQW 1068/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive is determined to seize this opportunity to deliver a better future for all our people. In support of this, work has been ongoing to develop our first Programme for Government which will set out our strategic priorities for the next three years. The Programme for Government will be supported by a framework of Public Service Agreements (PSAs) which will confirm the key actions we will take in support of our priorities, and the outcomes and targets we aim to achieve.

Our approach to developing PSAs has been directed by a focus on the key cross-cutting issues and challenges we face rather than along departmental structures as was previously the case. This will help ensure a more co-ordinated response across Government to the key issues and outcomes to which we are committed. Within that framework, improving the outcomes and life chances for children will continue to be a key objective for the Executive.

Executive Committee Meeting

Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the process by which the minute of the Executive Committee meeting held on 8 October 2007 was drafted, circulated for comment and approved.

(AQW 1147/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The minutes of the meeting of the Executive which took place on 8 October 2007 were prepared in the normal manner. An Executive Secretariat official who attended the meeting took notes of the proceedings and prepared a set of draft minutes. With the approval of the Secretary to the Executive these were passed to us for consideration and approval to issue. The draft minutes were subsequently issued to Executive Ministers on 17 October 2007 for consideration at the meeting the following day. At that meeting, the draft minutes were approved by the Executive without amendment.

Links With Scotland

Mr J Spratt asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of maintaining links with Scotland for the mutual benefit of both countries; and what steps it is taking to encourage all Northern Ireland departments to co-operate, where possible, with their Scottish counterparts.

(AQO 493/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We recognise the strong historical bond that exists between our countries and the importance of maintaining close links with Scotland for our mutual benefit.

In June, we signed an agreement with the Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, to work closely together and to consolidate and strengthen the social, educational and cultural relationship between our two countries.

Departments are taking forward work on strengthening links with Scotland across a range of sectors of mutual interest and through the work of the British Irish Council.

Co-operation is also ongoing at Executive level. We had the opportunity to meet Alex Salmond during our recent visit to the US and there have been a series of meetings between Executive Ministers and their Scottish counterparts on a range of issues including, Tourism, economic co-operation, fisheries, environment, higher education, culture, arts and leisure.

Meetings with Ministerial Counterparts

Mr D Burnside asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the number of meetings that it has had with Ministers of the Government of the Republic of Ireland; and to detail the number of meetings that it has had with Ministers of the United Kingdom Government, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly.

(AQO 516/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Since 8 May this year, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister have attended 3 meetings with Ministers of the Southern Government, one of which was the NSMC Plenary meeting in Armagh on 17 July; 6 meetings with UK Government Ministers, of which 3 were with the Secretary of State; and 3 meetings with the Scottish First Minister.

We hosted the British Irish Council Summit in Belfast in July which was attended by Ministers of each of the participating administrations. We also had separate discussions with the British Prime Minister during the Summit.

Ministers also participated in 2 Joint Ministerial Committee meetings on Europe, which were attended by UK Government Ministers and Ministers from the Scottish Government and Welsh Executive

Public Appointments

Mr K McCarthy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of the effectiveness of the appointments process as detailed in its publication, 'A Guide to Public Appointments in Northern Ireland', in meeting the needs of the general public.

(AQO 562/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In the interests of openness and transparency, responsibility for ensuring the effectiveness of the public appointments process is delegated to an independent statutory Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Commissioner publishes a Code of Practice and audits departmental public appointment processes to establish whether the Code of Practice is being observed. The Commissioner has the power to investigate complaints.

The Commissioner also publishes an annual report which is available to the public that provides information on the observance by departments of the Code of Practice, an account of the outcome of the audit process and any complaints investigated.

The procedures set out in the Commissioner’s Code of Practice are underpinned by the principles of selection based on merit, independent scrutiny in the selection process, equality of opportunity and a process that is open and transparent.

In 2005 the Department published a guide to public appointments to raise awareness of public appointment opportunities; explain how the public appointment process works in practice; and to help people engage with the process to the best of their ability.

A Shared Future and Racial Equality Strategy

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what budget is being sought, in order to resource 'A Shared Future and Racial Equality Strategy'.

(AQO 590/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The department currently spends in the region of £25m to support good relations including good race relations activities. This includes approximately ₤17m under the Special European Programme, Measure 2.1 for Peace and Reconciliation.

We are unable to provide any details of the bid for future resources until the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review Budget and Priorities 2007 exercise is made known.

Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington

Mr L Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to expand the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington, following the success of the recent Smithsonian exhibition.

(AQO 538/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Northern Ireland Bureau’s strategy over the last four years has pro actively developed networks and contacts in other regions in the United States. Recent Ministerial visits, including those during the Smithsonian Festival, have convinced us of the need to further develop these networks and this may lead to an expanded role for the Bureau, particularly in New York and Boston.

The feasibility of any possible expansion will be investigated by the new Director of the Bureau when he takes up post in November 2007.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give its assessment of whether or not the Sustainable Development Strategy target to obtain 40% of all electricity consumed in Northern Ireland from indigenous renewable energy sources, beyond 2025, will be achieved.

(AQO 537/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister has lead policy responsibility for Sustainable Development and we are fully committed to promoting a strong, stable and sustainable economy with a strong healthy and just society while at the same time maintaining and improving our natural resources.

Climate change is one of the most severe problems we face today. The Sustainable Development Strategy identified the potential locally to develop renewable energy sources as an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Older Persons' Commissioner

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the costs incurred in appointing an independent party to undertake work on behalf of junior Ministers, to review the case for an Older Persons' Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

(AQO 536/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have committed to carrying out the review for an Older People’s Commissioner by December 2007 and work will be undertaken by an independent party. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister will seek quotations through a competitive tendering process, from those seeking to do this work and who are on the Northern Ireland Civil Service Management Consultancy Framework Agreement select list. Until the contract of work has been awarded it will not be possible to provide costs.

Investment Strategy

Mr J Dallat asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made, and what plans it has to review, the impact of the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland on equality of opportunity, generally, and on access to job opportunities across Northern Ireland.

(AQO 587/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive is currently developing a new Investment Strategy, which will be published shortly for consultation along with the draft Programme for Government and the draft Budget. A full Equality Impact Assessment is being carried out on the Investment Strategy and the result of this work will be published in tandem with the draft Investment Strategy document.

The substantive infrastructure investment programmes that the Executive will outline in the Investment Strategy have the potential to make impact positively on access to job opportunities across Northern Ireland.

Victims' Commissioner

Mr F Cobain asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the final stages of the appointment process for the Victims' Commissioner; and to give a timescale within which the successful candidate is likely to take up the post.

(AQO 549/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We would refer the Member to our statement on 8 October in which we stated that we intend to announce the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors before the end of this year.

Public Appointments

Ms A Lo asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give an assessment of the effectiveness of its arrangements for ensuring racial equality in public appointments.

(AQO 559/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The overriding principle of the public appointment process is that selection is based on merit. We are committed to equality in the public appointments process and believe that existing arrangements support this aim.

In the interests of openness and transparency, responsibility for ensuring the effectiveness of the public appointments process is delegated to an independent statutory Commissioner for Public Appointments.

The Commissioner publishes a Code of Practice setting out procedures which are underpinned by the principles of selection based on merit, independent scrutiny in the selection process, equality of opportunity and a process that is open and transparent. The Commissioner’s Code of Practice requires Departments to comply with their statutory duty under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 when making Ministerial appointments to public bodies and to have due regard for the need to promote equality of opportunity.

Existing legislation prohibits the selection of candidates on the basis that they are, for example, of a particular religion, gender or race. Decisions about who to appoint must be based solely on skills and abilities and not on factors that could be construed as discriminatory.

We are aware however, that some sections in our society are under represented on the Boards of public bodies and, following the reception we hosted on 9 May 2007, remain committed to recognising and encouraging greater participation by the minority ethnic community.

Victims' Commissioner

Mr A Maginness asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner, with specific reference to whether or not this appointment should be based on merit.

(AQO 589/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: All appointments are subject to the public appointments procedures. The Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is committed to the principles of public appointments, based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process.

Attacks on Orange Halls

Mr A Bresland asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its assessment of continued attacks against Orange Halls, including the destruction of an Orange Hall in Strabane; and if it will make a direct representation to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on this matter.

(AQO 496/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We totally deplore these acts and condemn utterly those people who carry out such attacks, which are a scourge on our society. We are totally committed to moving society forward to make a real difference to the lives of all our people.

On Tuesday 11 September the Assembly debated the motion: ‘that this Assembly condemns all attacks on Orange Halls and calls on all political parties to use their influence to stop such sectarian attacks.’

As responsibility for policing and justice is still a reserved matter, Junior Minister Kelly made an undertaking to the Assembly to forward the report of the debate to the Secretary of State. We wrote to the Secretary of State on the 3^rd October and reiterated our strong condemnation of any such attacks and sought his support in doing all that he could to bring all those responsible to justice.

Legislative Programme for 2007/2008

Mr S Wilson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which it intends to publish the legislative programme for 2007/2008; and to detail the number of pieces of legislation on this programme.

(AQO 494/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We wrote to the Speaker on 19 October on behalf of the Executive to set out its Legislative Programme for the 2007-2008 session of the Assembly. Including the three Bills which were introduced to the Assembly before the Summer Recess and which are currently before Committee, we anticipate that 18 Bills will be progressed during this session.

Victims' Commissioner

Mr D O'Loan asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline why it did not consider any of the existing candidates for the position of Victims' Commissioner to be suitable for appointment.

(AQO 543/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The people who were deemed appointable under the direct rule process can, if they so wish, have their names carried forward into the newly extended process. They won’t have to reapply, will not be re-interviewed, and will be considered along with any further applicants who are deemed appointable.

Maze Site Development

Mrs D Kelly asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will outline a timetable for a decision to be made on the future of the Maze site.

(AQO 593/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: A decision on the proposed development of the Maze/Long Kesh site will be made following receipt of the business case, which is currently being finalised. Following detailed examination of the value for money case and assessment of affordability the development proposal will be brought to the Executive for formal consideration.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within her department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 822/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has complied with all the good relations procedures required by OFMDFM and DFP in respect the Department’s Comprehensive Spending Review proposals. These procedures are in line with Section 75 requirements and A Shared Future policy. The Department’s compliance has been achieved through the completion of High Level Impact Assessments for all bids submitted to DFP.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within her department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 823/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has taken account of the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ by following the good relations procedures required by OFMDFM and DFP in respect the Department’s Comprehensive Spending Review proposals. These procedures are in line with Section 75 requirements and A Shared Future policy. The Department’s compliance has been achieved through the completion of High Level Impact Assessments in relation to DARD’s proposals.

National Ploughing Championships

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail (i) the number of departmental representatives who attended the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in the Republic of Ireland, in their official capacity; (ii) the total cost to her department of their attendance; and (iii) what is her assessment of the benefit of this to the farming community in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 895/08)

Ms M Gildernew: A total of 21 DARD officials attended the ROI National Ploughing Championships, which was a 3 day event. Officials manned the DARD exhibition stand. On average, 7 DARD officials manned the stand each day.
The total cost to DARD was £27,459 (£20,601 for staff and £6,858 for exhibition build).

The DARD exhibition at the ROI National Ploughing Championships, which also included an Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) exhibit (AFBI is a Non-Departmental Public Body of DARD), afforded the opportunity to promote the NI agri-food industry and rural community at Ireland’s largest agricultural event. Around 165,000 people attended the event and NI was well represented amongst the large number of visitors and trade exhibitors. The DARD exhibition promoted a wide range of services, which generated awareness amongst a large audience. The exhibition included several businesses that received funding from the NI Rural Development Programme 2000-2006 and these businesses received significant interest in their products.

In addition, DARD/AFBI officials identified potential opportunities for mutual collaboration on an all island basis, for example animal disease control, fisheries management and rural development, which could bring much benefit to the NI agri-food sector and rural community.

My own attendance provided DARD and the new Executive a firm voice at this major agricultural event. I had the opportunity to speak directly with President McAleese, The Tanaiste –Brian Cowan, my counterpart - Mary Coughlan, The Minister of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs- Eamon O’Cuiv, and the Minister of State, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Trevor Sargent – on agri-food and rural issues These included, importantly, the current animal disease situation and the approach being taken to prevent the arrival of Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue diseases in the island of Ireland.

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of establishing the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute; and to provide a detailed breakdown of the expenditure.

(AQW 901/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The additional identifiable costs incurred in the lead-up to the establishment the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) were as follows :-

			£’000(rounded)
Change Management Team		60
Change Manager			30
Staff Conference Costs		10
Corporate Publicity		15
Refurbishment of Offices		100
ICT Costs			250
Consultancy			65
Finance System		115
Launch Costs		5
	Total		650

No additional resources were made available to DARD in relation to these set up costs for AFBI. These costs were met from within the DARD Resource Consumption budget for 2005/06.

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the projected running costs for the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, for each of the next three years.

(AQW 902/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The projected net costs to the NI Block for running the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) for each of the next three years are as follows:-

AFBI Running Costs	Projected
	Expenditure	(£million)
2008-2009	32.2
2009-2010	31.5
2010-2011	30.3

Budget Underspend

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's projected underspend for this financial year.

(AQW 926/08)

Ms M Gildernew: As part of the October Public Expenditure Monitoring Review, my Department identified Resource Current pressures totalling £7.2m. At this stage it is therefore anticipated that there will be no underspend in Resource Current expenditure. However, the Resource Current budget will be kept under review during the remainder of the financial year.

My Department has sought DFP approval to roll forward £5.1m of Capital budget from this financial year to 2008/09. In the event that this £5.1m Capital is not removed from the Department’s baseline in this financial year, it will emerge as underspend at the year end. At this stage no other Capital underspend is anticipated. However, the Capital budget will be kept under review during the remainder of the financial year.

Departmental Offices

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has for her department's offices across Northern Ireland; to detail the impact that these plans will have on services; and to outline in full any anticipated job losses.

(AQW 977/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Currently all DARD frontline services are not available from every DARD office in the North and opening times for these offices vary. I plan to introduce a new way of working called DARD Direct which will help to standardise the service we provide, to improve the efficiency of customer transactions and to provide more choice in how and when transactions are conducted. This would be enabled, in part, by bringing together staff from all the main services, at 10 single locations. To ensure that we continue to provide rural communities with equitable access, these locations would need to be strategically placed across the North.

DARD Direct will involve the main customer facing DARD services including Veterinary Service, Grants & Subsidies Inspection Branch, Countryside Management Branch, CAFRE Development Advisers, Quality Assurance Branch, Rural Connect and Customer Service Improvement Branch. Regionally based staff from these branches, under this proposal, would be headquartered at one of these 10 locations, so some current offices are likely to close. I am aware of recent media speculation that DARD will make large job cuts solely by closing regional offices through rolling out DARD Direct. It has arisen because consultation on the roll-out proposal has been inaccurately linked to part of the Budget process, where all Departments including DARD will have to make reductions in expenditure on administration and absorb the cost of pay settlements. The fact is that nothing has been decided on this front yet and it is likely that any job reductions which have to be made will fall across most areas of the Department.

In advance of formal consultation, we are canvassing the views of key stakeholders this proposal might affect. No decision has yet been made on the final locations of these offices. Inishkeen House, Enniskillen is the exception because it has already been modified to test the DARD Direct model.

Local Community Fund

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, pursuant to her answer to AQW 302/08, if she will give a timescale within which the review of the Local Community Fund will be completed; and to detail what input Local Strategy Partnerships and community groups will have in relation to the review.

(AQW 990/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The review of the Local Community Fund is due to be completed in early 2008. Intermediary Funding Bodies responsible for the delivery of the Programme, including Local Strategy Partnerships, and community groups will be consulted during the review process.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Maritime Museum

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will investigate the potential for a maritime museum, adjacent to the recently announced Titanic project; and the potential for developing such a project based on the unique vessels that are already in local waters.

(AQW 758/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, through the National Museums Northern Ireland will give priority consideration to the development of a Maritime Museum. Naturally options for locations will include the Titanic Quarter.

Arts Council Funding

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a breakdown of funding given by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to each district council, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 887/08)

Mr E Poots: A breakdown of funding given by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to each district council in each of the last three years is shown in the attached table.

Sources of funding include exchequer, lottery and Re-Imaging Communities programmes.

Council area	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Total

Antrim	222,732	84,000	0	306,732
Ards	0	0	11,840	11,840
Armagh	45,000	50,000	140,000	235,000
Ballymena	0	0	0	0
Ballymoney	168,450	0	0	168,450
Banbridge	5,000	30,003	0	35,003
Belfast	538,718	737,369	54,000	1,330,087
Carrickfergus	0	0	16,425	16,425
Castlereagh	5,000	30,003	0	35,003
Coleraine	12,000	36,200	40,600	88,800
Cookstown	65,367	28,000	90,000	183,367
Craigavon	336,681	46,383	66,500	449,564
Derry	180,254	0	18,300	198,554
Down	69,969	68,000	92,250	230,219
Dungannon	0	42,000	10,990	52,990
Fermanagh	470,039	48,000	129,750	647,789
Larne	19,628	0	0	19,628
Limavady	0	0	0	0
Lisburn	66,929	0	50,580	117,509
Magherafelt	0	0	0	0
Moyle	147,215	9,180	0	156,395
Newry and Mourne	0	0	49,820	49,820
Newtownabbey	221,350	0	0	221,350
North Down	198,448	0	22,500	220,948
Omagh	0	57,000	100,000	157,000
Strabane	248,000	0	55,000	303,000
Total	3,020,780	1,266,138	948,555	5,235,473

Budget Underspend

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's projected underspend for this financial year.

(AQW 925/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department has just completed a review of its spending plans and priorities and currently does not project an underspend for this financial year.

Foras na Gaeilge

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 232/07, to detail whether or not Foras na Gaeilge has started to translate the minutes of its board meetings into English and to post them on the English language section of its website.

(AQW 1002/08)

Mr E Poots: The decision to have the minutes of the Foras na Gaeilge Board meetings translated into English and posted on the English language section of their website has not yet been taken by the Board. This will be discussed at the next Board meeting due to be held on 2 November 2007.

Ordnance Survey

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to liaise with district councils to ensure that new buildings and dwellings are included on all Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland maps as soon as possible.

(AQW 1008/08)

Mr E Poots: Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland^® (OSNI^®) has worked with district councils for many years. This includes district councils being users of OSNI’s products, and close collaboration in the creation and maintenance of Pointer, the definitive address file for Northern Ireland.

Information on the location of new properties is gathered by OSNI from many sources, and accurate, timely change information is vital for OSNI as it continues to improve the currency of its databases in line with its ministerial targets. District councils provide change information via updates to the Pointer dataset and four district council representatives sit on the Pointer Project Board.

Land & Property Services (LPS) is also working with Building Control sections in district councils to provide timely data to support property valuation. As OSNI prepares to merge into LPS in April 2008, OSNI managers are working with LPS colleagues to consolidate data flows between district councils and LPS/OSNI. This will support the ongoing improvement of LPS datasets, including the up-to-dateness of the mapping database.

Community Arts Projects

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what funding arrangements his department has put in place for community arts projects based in North Belfast.

(AQW 1048/08)

Mr E Poots: Government funding for the arts in Northern Ireland is disbursed through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Funding is not ring-fenced for any particular area but must be applied for in competition with other applications. Funding awarded to community arts projects in North Belfast in the last two financial years and in 2007/08 to date is detailed in the attached table.

Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what arrangements his department has put in place to resource the Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies.

(AQW 1050/08)

Mr E Poots: DCAL recognises the significant role the Arts, Culture and Sport play in supporting people of all ages with mental health and learning disabilities subject to budgetary considerations. DCAL will endeavour to maintain and develop policies and programmes consistent with the Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies.

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of staff employed by the Fisheries Conservancy Board.

(AQW 1137/08)

Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board currently employs 19 staff consisting of a Chief and Deputy Chief Executive, one support manager, 4 other administrative staff, 11 fisheries officers and a cleaner.

The Department has currently budgeted £464,000 to be paid to the FCB in 2007/2008. This includes payment for bailiffing services carried out by FCB on the Department’s Public Angling Estate, the Salmon Management Plan and deficit funding to ensure the FCB remains operationally viable. This budget is likely to increase once FCB functions transfer to the Department to take account of transferred staff and operational costs. These additional costs have been included in the bid to secure additional funding to carry out the FCB functions in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Provisions to abolish the FCB and transfer its functions to the Department are included in the Draft Public Authorities Reform Bill which will be taken forward by OFMDFM and is included in the Legislative Programme for the 2007/2008 Assembly Session. The timing of the transfer will depend on when this Bill is passed.

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the budget currently allocated to the Fisheries Conservancy Board; and whether or not that budget will be increased, with the transfer of interest to his department.

(AQW 1139/08)

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the timescale for the transfer of interest from the Fisheries Conservancy Board to his department.

(AQW 1140/08)

Education

Unoccupied Desks

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of unoccupied desks expected in (i) controlled schools; (ii) maintained schools; (iii) integrated schools; and (iv) Irish language schools, in each of the next five years.

(AQW 24/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department does not have projections for the future level of surplus places in each sector. In the 2006/07 school year there were an estimated 55,100 surplus places in schools in the North of Ireland - 36,600 in primary schools and 18,500 in the post-primary schools. The breakdown of this information by school sector is as follows:

Sector	Estimated Surplus Places in Primary Schools	Estimated Surplus Places in Post-Primary Schools
Controlled	17,200	7,900
Maintained	18,200	9,300
Integrated*	800	300
Irish-Medium	400	0
Voluntary Grammar	not applicable	1,000
Totals	36,600	18,500

* Controlled integrated and grant maintained integrated schools have been grouped together.

Based on the population projections from the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency (NISRA) the school-age population is projected to decline by approximately 15,000 in the period 2007 to 2012 as follows:

Year	Projected decrease in the school population in the 5-18 age-range
2007/08	- 4,228
2008/09	- 3,495
2009/10	- 2,433
2010/11	-2,721
2011/12	-2,183

Changes in pupil numbers are not the only factor affecting the numbers of surplus places. Changes to the schools’ estate through capital works and as a result of proposals from school authorities for closures or amalgamations also impact on the estimated numbers of surplus places.

Governing Body of the SELB

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she intends to restore democratically elected representatives and independent members to the governing body of the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 355/08)

Ms C Ruane: In the interests of local accountability I would be keen that the members of the SEELB Board take up their former responsibilities as soon as possible. However, in the context of the many changes and challenges facing the South Eastern Education and Library Board, it is essential to ensure that there would be no return to the difficulties which the Commissioners inherited when they were appointed in July 2006 and that the stability which has since been achieved is sustained. I am therefore arranging to meet with a cross-section of Board members in the near future to explore their readiness to take up their former responsibilities and to deliver those effectively. That meeting will help inform decisions on how best to move forward.

New-Build School

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she will consider the provision of a new-build school for St Gerard's Educational Resource Centre, Upper Springfield Road, Belfast, taking into account the school's special needs unit.

(AQW 575/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education is in the process of arranging a feasibility study with the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools in order to identify site options for the school. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by January 2008. Subject to the conclusions of the feasibility study, an economic appraisal would be undertaken to examine the best way of addressing the building needs of the school.

Extended Schools Funding

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education if she will explain why St Brigid's Primary School, Ballymena, is not entitled to extended schools funding, despite having a significant number of pupils from the Dunclug area, who were previously entitled to this funding when they attended St Joseph's Primary School, which is now closed.

(AQW 639/08)

Ms C Ruane: Entitlement to extended school funding does not transfer with pupils. St Brigid’s Primary School is not located in a Neighbourhood Renewal Area or a deprived ward and does not have a sufficient percentage of pupils claiming free school meals to qualify for funding.

Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 29/08, to detail the number of responses that were received in December 2002, from the individuals and organisations listed; whether or not views were sought specifically in relation to the proposal for Middletown Centre of Excellence for Autism; and if she will place the letter seeking views and the responses received in the Assembly Library.

(AQW 777/08)

Ms C Ruane: There were a total of 17 responses from education and health providers in the North. The views were sought specifically in relation to the proposal for the Middletown Centre for Autism. A copy of the letter that issued from this Department in December 2002 and the accompanying Briefing Paper will be placed in the Assembly Library. The consent to the release of individual responses was not sought in 2002 and therefore the summaries of the North’s education and health sector responses will be placed in the Assembly Library. A similar letter issued from the Department of Education and Science (DES) Joint Chair of the Steering Group to their education and health providers. It is not for this Department to publish the responses sought by the DES in the South.

School Financial Deficits

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 337/08, to outline the ten largest financial deficits run by schools in Northern Ireland, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 797/08)

Ms C Ruane: The 10 largest financial deficits in each of the 5 years from 2002/03 to 2006/07 are as follows:

2002/03 £	2003/04 £	2004/05 £	2005/06 £	2006/07 (Provisional) £
-788,352	-817,549	-784,714	-563,425	-482,425
-487,853	-628,229	-609,044	-441,331	-447,199
-347,165	-347,741	-372,301	-413,878	-440,538
-291,653	-346,286	-348,023	-343,910	-339,886
-260,270	-294,216	-306,657	-329,297	-337,967
-256,194	-277,119	-302,809	-328,410	-334,198
-228,975	-246,176	-290,639	-289,355	-318,321
-220,475	-242,336	-281,870	-280,297	-315,990
-217,959	-202,279	-275,076	-279,554	-309,936
-215,006	-185,654	-239,125	-247,994	-282,249

The total cost of schools financial deficits in each sector, in each of the last five years is as follows:

Sector	2002/03 £k	2003/04 £k	2004/05 £k	2005/06 £k	2006/07 (Provisional) £k
Controlled	-5,678	-6,531	-8,723	-8,984	-7,067
Maintained	-5,482	-5,898	-7,976	-9,618	-6,626
Irish Medium	-238	-206	-280	-265	-253
Integrated	-78	-124	-161	-207	-217
Voluntary Grammar	-2,051	-1,796	-1,637	-1,872	-2,761

School Financial Deficits

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 337/08, to detail the total cost of financial deficits run by schools in each sector, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 798/08)

Ms C Ruane: The 10 largest financial deficits in each of the 5 years from 2002/03 to 2006/07 are as follows:

2002/03 £	2003/04 £	2004/05 £	2005/06 £	2006/07 (Provisional) £
-788,352	-817,549	-784,714	-563,425	-482,425
-487,853	-628,229	-609,044	-441,331	-447,199
-347,165	-347,741	-372,301	-413,878	-440,538
-291,653	-346,286	-348,023	-343,910	-339,886
-260,270	-294,216	-306,657	-329,297	-337,967
-256,194	-277,119	-302,809	-328,410	-334,198
-228,975	-246,176	-290,639	-289,355	-318,321
-220,475	-242,336	-281,870	-280,297	-315,990
-217,959	-202,279	-275,076	-279,554	-309,936
-215,006	-185,654	-239,125	-247,994	-282,249

The total cost of schools financial deficits in each sector, in each of the last five years is as follows:

Sector	2002/03 £k	2003/04 £k	2004/05 £k	2005/06 £k	2006/07 (Provisional) £k
Controlled	-5,678	-6,531	-8,723	-8,984	-7,067
Maintained	-5,482	-5,898	-7,976	-9,618	-6,626
Irish Medium	-238	-206	-280	-265	-253
Integrated	-78	-124	-161	-207	-217
Voluntary Grammar	-2,051	-1,796	-1,637	-1,872	-2,761

Scientific Explanations of the Origin and Development of Life

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail what correspondence she has received in relation to the teaching of scientific explanations of the origin and development of life in science classes, since assuming office.

(AQW 811/08)

Ms C Ruane: To date I have received 7 letters from the public and 14 Written Assembly Questions on this issue.

Scientific Explanations of the Origin and Development of Life

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to outline the process through which (i) pupils may request that scientific data pointing to explanations for the origin and development of life, other than Darwinian evolution, be made available in science class; and (ii) parents may make such a request on behalf of their children.

(AQW 812/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not tell teachers how to teach, as that is a matter for their professional judgement. Issues regarding a school’s teaching should be raised in the first instance through representation to the Board of Governors. It is important to bear in mind that, whilst the revised curriculum offers greater opportunities for alternatives to evolutionary views to be explored, this could be in areas such as RE.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within her department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 826/08)

Ms C Ruane: As part of the current Budget 2007 process, Departments were obliged to undertake high level impact assessments in respect of each bid submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The purpose of these high level impact assessments was to ascertain the equality and good relations implications for each funding proposal submitted and assessments were undertaken in accordance with Section 75 (1) and (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland also produced a briefing paper for Departments on the importance of mainstreaming equality and good relations considerations into the Comprehensive Spending Review and Priorities and Budget, and this paper was also used to inform the development of my Department’s bids.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Education to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within her department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 827/08)

Ms C Ruane: I understand that this report was a piece of independent research which was commissioned by the previous administration. It represents the views of Deloitte Touche and was not taken into account in my department’s approach to the Budget 2007 process.

Glastry College

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what steps she will take to ensure that mobile classrooms in Glastry College are maintained to the highest standard, whilst the new school is being built.[R]

(AQW 882/08)

Ms C Ruane: The upkeep and repair of mobiles at controlled and maintained schools is the responsibility of Education and Library Boards. Funding for this is met from the Boards’ recurrent budgets.

In the case of Glastry College the South Eastern Education and Library Board has responsibility for maintaining the mobile classrooms until such time as the new school is built. In doing so they must work within budget limits and ensure that any expenditure on mobiles during this period represents value for money.

Glastry College

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding her department will make available to Glastry College to assist with the maintenance of mobile classrooms, whilst the new school is being built.[R]

(AQW 883/08)

Ms C Ruane: The upkeep and repair of mobiles at controlled and maintained schools is the responsibility of Education and Library Boards. Funding for this is met from the Boards’ recurrent budgets.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the criteria used to determine which classroom assistants should be graded as classroom assistants (additional special needs).

(AQW 941/08)

Ms C Ruane: Following intensive talks that were facilitated by the Labour Relations Agency over the weekend of 13 and 14 October, the employers and the unions have agreed to hold further negotiations during the rest of October. The terms of the proposed offer are primarily a matter for the employers and the unions and it would not be appropriate or helpful for me to comment on the possible outworkings of the proposed offer whilst talks remain at such an advanced stage.

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of classroom assistants employed in special schools, who will be graded as classroom assistants (additional special needs).

(AQW 942/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to encourage all classroom assistants to consider training to NVQ Level III, and to provide funding to cover the cost of such courses.

(AQW 943/08)

Ms C Ruane: As Educational Bodies, the Department of Education and the Education and Library Boards always encourage their staff to consider their own development needs and to avail of opportunities to achieve their own potential.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the precise number of classroom assistants that will be budgeted for, in each of the three grades.

(AQW 944/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that classroom assistants currently working 32.5 hours per week will be considered as full-time employees, despite the change to the 36 hour divisor; and that no reduction in hours will be enforced.

(AQW 945/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education if she will undertake to examine the difficulties for classroom assistants who are attached to a specific child on a short-term contract, with regard to payment protection.

(AQW 949/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that between 30% and 50% of classroom assistants will see an increase in their hourly rate of pay, under the proposed pay settlement.

(AQW 950/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to explain the reasons why classroom assistants must be evaluated on the basis of a 36 hour week, despite the fact that it is impossible for them to work more than 32.5 hours per week; and if she will undertake to remedy this situation as soon as possible.

(AQW 951/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education if she will provide a detailed example of the back pay owed to a classroom assistant working in a special needs school with SEN allowance, currently on SCP 15, and having been in full-time employment for the past 18 years.

(AQW 955/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Access Audits

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 327/08, to indicate when the access audit of each school will be completed.

(AQW 959/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has a programme to carry out access audits in every school. At the present time over 700 audits have been completed. It is the intention of the Department to have all schools in the estate audited by the end of March 2009.

Entitlement Framework

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 191/08, to outline what vocational courses will be guaranteed under the entitlement framework.

(AQW 960/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under the Entitlement Framework all pupils will be guaranteed access to a greater range of applied (vocational) courses and it will be for individual schools to decide which courses to offer their pupils, based on an assessment of their pupils’ needs as well as discussions with other schools, other providers and employers. The courses (both general and applied) which can contribute to a school’s curricular offer under the requirements of the Entitlement Framework are listed in the Approval of Qualifications circular issued by the Department of Education (DE) which is updated on a continual basis.

In terms of raising of standards, we will continue to use assessment and other information on school performance along with inspection to promote and raise the highest possible educational standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the education and training sectors and the forthcoming school improvement policy will include a particular focus on the use of both performance data and inspection findings to improve performance.

Measuring the success of our school systems over a longer period and in wider economic terms will always present challenges. However, we know from employers the importance of ensuring that our young people leave compulsory schooling with the highest possible standards of literacy and numeracy, with qualifications that are relevant to the economy here and with the lifeskills needed to succeed in the world of work and in wider society. That is why we are committed to bringing forward strategies on school improvement, on literacy and numeracy and, in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning, on careers advice, information, education and guidance to support the focus that the revised curriculum already has on delivering balanced, relevant learning opportunities for all our young people.

Educational Standards

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 191/08, what action she is taking to ensure that educational standards are raised to so that young people have the necessary skills to progress into employment.

(AQW 966/08)

Educational Standards

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 191/08, to detail the means through which her department will measure the success of the contribution made by increased educational standards and improved skills against the long-term economic success of Northern Ireland.

(AQW 967/08)

Educational Standards

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 191/08, what plans she has to measure the success of her department's efforts to raise educational standards and ensure that young people have the necessary skills to progress into employment.

(AQW 968/08)

Bullying

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's strategy to prevent bullying, whilst children are travelling to and from, and attending, secondary school.

(AQW 972/08)

Ms C Ruane: All grant-aided schools are required, by law, to have measures in place to address all forms of bullying among pupils as part of their discipline policy. The Department has issued guidance to schools on this; however, it is for each school to decide, taking account of its own ethos and circumstances, what behaviours and situations will be covered by its policy.

When developing a policy, a school community must decide on its position in respect of pupil behaviour off site and out of school hours, for example while travelling to and from school. The school’s position should be clearly set out in the discipline policy and the entire school community, including pupils, parents and staff, should be fully aware of it and its implications.

Astroturf Facilities at Limavady Grammar School

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education if she will undertake, as a matter of urgency, to resolve the problems surrounding the after-school use of the new Astroturf facilities at Limavady Grammar School.

(AQW 980/08)

Ms C Ruane: I understand that the Western Education & Library Board has instructed its legal advisors to prepare a draft agreement between the Board and Limavady Borough Council for the community use of the new pitch. Until the terms and conditions, including insurance arrangements, have been agreed between the Board and the Council, the Board is unable to allow community use of the facility. The WELB is working to ensure that community use happens as soon as possible and in line with statutory requirements.

Review of Public Administration and the Education and Skills Authority

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not her department carried out a risk assessment prior to the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of Public Administration, and the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.

(AQW 994/08)

Ms C Ruane: Risk Assessment is an integral part of the management of the RPA Programme in Education. In my Department a RPA Programme Management Board (PMB) which was established in December 2005, oversees both the Department of Education and the Education and Skills Authority Implementation Team (ESAIT) elements of the overall programme. The PMB is supported by a Programme Management Office (PMO) which is accountable to the PMB and provides it with assurances on the overall programme.

Education and Skills Authority

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of individuals involved in the risk assessment in relation to the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority; and the costs associated with (i) salaries; (ii) travel/subsistence; and (iii) the secretariat.

(AQW 995/08)

Ms C Ruane: Risk assessment is an integral part of the management of the RPA Programme in education and indeed the work of my Department in general. It is therefore not possible to specifically quantify the numbers of individuals involved and the costs associated with risk assessment in relation to the programme.

Classroom Assistants

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to explain what will happen when the pay protection for classroom assistants concludes at the end of the review period.

(AQW 1016/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail whether the 36 hour divisor for classroom assistants was agreed upon during or after their job evaluation.

(AQW 1017/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of classroom assistants who will be offered a 36 hour week in their contracts.

(AQW 1018/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Classroom Assistants

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail what criteria she is using to evaluate the jobs of classroom assistants.

(AQW 1019/08)

I hope however that the recent progress that has been achieved will lead to an agreed settlement being reached in the very near future.

Education and Skills Authority

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money allocated in order to establish the Education and Skills Authority by 31 March 2008.

(AQW 1052/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Education and Skills Authority (ESA) is to be established by 1 April 2009 at the latest rather than 31 March 2008. Funding to establish ESA will be considered in the course of the Budget 2007 process, the outcome of which has yet to be determined.

Available Year Eight Places

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of year eight places available in (i) Strangford College; (ii) Movilla High School; (iii) Regent House; (iv) Donaghadee High School; and (v) Glastry College.

(AQW 1070/08)

Ms C Ruane: The number of year eight places approved at each of the schools (their admissions number) for the 2007/08 school year is as follows:

Strangford College: 80

Movilla High : 180

Regent House : 210

Donaghadee High : 76

Glastry College : 110

Academic Best Practice

Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to disseminate the academic best practice of the leading grammar schools in Northern Ireland to secondary schools, so that overall school performance can be enhanced.

(AQO 406/08)

Ms C Ruane:

Best practice, academic and non-academic, is not confined to grammar schools. Very many schools can point to good practice and all are encouraged to develop further that good practice, to disseminate it within their own school and to share examples with other schools. This is an area which I am keen to develop and am considering in the context of a new school improvement policy which will be the subject of consultation next month.

Employment and Learning

National Minimum Wage

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on reported plans to replace the National Minimum Wage with regional variants.

(AQW 787/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): I have had no such discussions on this reserved matter.

Following media reports about the possible introduction of regional variants to the minimum wage, officials from my Department met with officials from the Low Pay Commission (LPC), which reports to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. LPC officials confirmed that there were no proposals to replace the National Minimum Wage with regional variants. My officials also spoke to officials from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform who confirmed that no such proposals were being considered.

You will be aware from the debate on 11 September that, in common with most Members, I am opposed to any move to replace the National Minimum Wage with regional variants. I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to enclose a transcript of the Assembly debate and to advise him of the Assembly’s concern at this proposal.

Workforce Development Forum

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the appointment process for members of the Workforce Development Forum.

(AQW 792/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Interim working groups, comprising representatives from employers groups, District Councils and Further Education, were established in each of the new Regional College areas to take forward the formation of local Workforce Development Forums (WDF). The role of the interim groups was to identify a prominent business figure in each of the areas to chair the group, and to seek nominations for WDF members from various interested local bodies.

The six Workforce Development Forums bring together the supply and demand sides of the skills issue at sub-regional levels to identify local skills training needs and to articulate a strategic response to those needs from within existing resources. These are employer-led structures and they invite membership from those whom they deem to be most relevant to the work being undertaken by the Forum. While my Department has sought to encourage a wide representation on each group, we have also tried to allow the WDF to respond to local employers’ needs as they perceive them.

Workforce Development Forum

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail whether or not representatives of bodies from outside Northern Ireland are entitled to sit on a Workforce Development Forum.

(AQW 793/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Workforce Development Forums (WDF) are employer-led structures and they invite membership from those whom they deem to be most relevant to the work being undertaken by the Forum. This may include representatives of bodies from outside Northern Ireland, if the local Forum deems that they have something additional to offer to the group’s work.

The North West WDF was established in 2006 as a cross border Forum, to include cooperation on skills for the entire region, including north east County Donegal. Representatives from Donegal employers, the County Council, FÁS, and Letterkenny Regional College are members of the North West WDF.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within his department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 828/08)

Sir Reg Empey: For each spending proposal within the Department of Employment and Learning’s Comprehensive Spending Review bids an impact assessment was completed to assess whether it might impact positively or negatively from both an equality and promotion of good relations aspect. None of the spending proposals were found to have an adverse impact from a good relations standpoint and over half were deemed to have a positive impact.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within his department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 829/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Key themes from the Deloitte report, for example on access to higher education and helping people into work and raising the skills of the Northern Ireland workforce, are reflected in the Department’s strategic objectives and associated Comprehensive Spending Review spending proposals. The report will continue to provide useful information as DEL seeks to make a leading contribution to support economic growth and prosperity.

Course Fees

Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of recent increases in the fees for citizens over the age of 60 registering for non-vocational college courses in several colleges, including the Southern Regional College; and if he will clarify the interpretation of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 in relation to these courses.

(AQW 876/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Under the current arrangements between the Department for Employment and Learning and the Further Education sector, it is the responsibility of individual colleges to set the level of fees, including concessionary fees, for the courses they provide. The Department does not interfere in this process. Therefore, the Department is not in a position to make an assessment of the course fees being charged by colleges.

In the past it was common practice for colleges to automatically offer age-based concessionary fees, for example a discount for senior citizens. The interpretation of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R No. 261) being used is that colleges are no longer able to offer concessionary fees to senior citizens on the basis of age alone for any of the courses they provide, including non-vocational courses. However, not all colleges have been adopting this definition, and the Department is asking the FE sector to consider this matter further.

Projected Underspend

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his department's projected underspend for this financial year.

(AQW 924/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department fully recognises the importance of Financial Management and has detailed procedures and processes in place to minimise the level of any underspend.

As we are only midway through the current financial year it is not possible to forecast underspends with any degree of precision.

Graduate Jobs

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline what estimate he has made of the number of graduates employed in non-graduate jobs for each of the last five years.

(AQW 939/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department does not hold information on the number of graduates employed in non-graduate jobs for each of the last five years. However, research published by the Department in October 2005, investigating the early careers of graduates from Northern Ireland, showed that: -

approximately 17 per cent of the surveyed 1999 cohort of graduates from NI Higher Education Institutions were employed in non-graduate occupations four years after graduation.

approximately 13 per cent of the surveyed 1995 cohort of graduates from NI Higher Education Institutions were employed in non-graduate occupations seven years after graduation.

Workers' Educational Association

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to ensure that the Workers' Educational Association can continue to provide supportive funding to organisations such as the Ballybeen Women's Centre.

(AQW 1007/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department’s contract with WEA for the delivery of community based further education will expire in August 2008. Any proposed future arrangements for this type of provision will be considered in consultation with all interested parties, including WEA.

The Department is not aware of the nature and extent of any links between WEA and other voluntary/community organisations.

Further Education Concession Fees

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the changes that have been made to the concession fees for disabled and elderly people and those on benefits, that were previously available to students at the former North Down and Ards Institute; and what is his assessment of whether or not these changes have affected the number of students enrolling on courses this term.

(AQW 1058/08)

Sir Reg Empey: As incorporated bodies, further education colleges are responsible for their own curriculum offers and set their own fees policies. It is, therefore, for each individual college to set any fee charges, including concessionary fees, for its further and higher education course provision.

When North Down and Ards Institute merged with East Down and Lisburn Institute to form the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) as part of the recent re-structuring of the FE sector, one of the tasks SERC had to carry out was a rationalisation of the fees policies of the individual colleges that were merging to form a single fees policy for the new college. This would have taken account of factors such as the different concessionary fees offered by the three merging colleges, both in terms of the percentage reduction allowed and the criteria for allowing a concession. As a general principle, SERC, when setting its fees policy, attempts to take account of learners’ ability to pay – in this context, SERC is of the view that disability is not, necessarily, an indication of financial hardship.

In addition to the above factors, in the past it was common practice for colleges to offer age-based concessionary fees, for example a discount for senior citizens. However, following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R No. 261) on 1^st October 2006, colleges are no longer able to offer concessionary fees automatically to senior citizens on the basis of age alone.

However, disabled students and senior citizens could be eligible for concessions based on the other concessionary fees criteria set by SERC such as Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income based), Guaranteed Pension Credit, students holding an income based NHS Exemption Certificate or students on a low income.

Due to the nature of data capture in colleges, it is too early to have information on the level of college enrolments for the 2007/08 academic year. Therefore, it is not possible at this time to assess the number of students enrolling on courses this term.

University Tuition Fees

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has, and what investigatory work has been carried out by his department, in relation to the removal of university tuition fees for citizens of Northern Ireland, who are receiving their education at universities in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1084/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Any change to the current variable tuition fee arrangements must be informed by an independent review to ensure we maintain world class institutions and secure equitable access to universities for all who are able to benefit.

A review of variable tuition fees is planned to take place in FY2008/09. In England, it is proposed to establish an independent Commission reporting to Parliament. As a substantial number of Northern Ireland students study elsewhere in the UK, I have asked my officials to liaise with counterparts in other jurisdictions operating variable fees to ensure that, when we are initiating the Northern Ireland review, we take a consistent approach in terms of scope and independence.

Student Enrolments

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of Northern Ireland citizens enrolled on university courses at institutions in Northern Ireland, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1085/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department does not hold information on the citizenship of students, but does hold information on the domicile of students enrolled at NI Higher Education Institutions. Domicile refers to a student's permanent or home address prior to entry to Higher Education.

The total number of NI domiciled students enrolled at NI Higher Education Institutions in each of the last 5 available years is given in the table below:

Academic Year	Total
2001/02	42,730
2002/03	44,135
2003/04	45,705
2004/05	47,300
2005/06	47,615

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5.

Engineering Degrees

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he will take to encourage more students to participate in degree courses in the various engineering disciplines, in order to meet the growing demand for people with engineering qualifications.

(AQW 1090/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Education, has initiated a review of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, or STEM, subjects. As part of this, a working group is currently considering a strategy for the further development of STEM subjects in schools and Further Education colleges. The group is considering issues such as teacher supply, a comparative lack of integration amongst the components of STEM and a need to better develop the links between schools, further education and industry, particularly in respect of careers guidance.

SEMTA, the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies Sector Skills Council, has included an Action Point on improving careers promotion and sector attractiveness, in its Sector Skills Agreement Action Plan for Northern Ireland. It is recognised that this can only be achieved through the co-ordination of careers activities, strengthening employer links with the Universities and employer support for careers initiatives.

Northern Ireland Universities are working to complement the work of Government in aiming to increase the number of high quality school-leavers going on to take STEM subjects at university. The Queen’s University of Belfast has launched a scholarship scheme – the first of its kind in the United Kingdom – which will help to ensure future economic competitiveness and attract high-quality students. The scheme, for students entering the University in 2008, offers awards of £1,000 to all students achieving three As at A-level who go on to study a STEM subject at Queen's University.

Island-Wide Employment Opportunities

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning if he will undertake to explore, with his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, the establishment of a joint information programme to provide graduates with details of island-wide employment opportunities, in order to minimise the loss to the economy resulting from graduates seeking employment overseas.

(AQW 1091/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department’s Employment Service and its counterpart FAS already collaborate closely to ensure that job seekers, including graduates, have access to notified job vacancies in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Both employment services provide links to each others websites thereby making all vacancies accessible throughout Ireland North and South.

In addition, a range of pan-Ireland graduate-specific initiatives exist which are designed to provide access to careers and job opportunities. In the circumstances I am of the view that our graduates are already well served by these facilities

Engineering Students

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of students studying for engineering degrees; and the current number of students who are expected to qualify in each engineering discipline.

(AQW 1092/08)

Sir Reg Empey: (a) The number of enrolments on Engineering courses at Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions in 2005/06 is detailed below:

Level of Study	Total
Postgraduate	545
First Degree	2,180
Other Undergraduate	405
Total	3,130

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5 and therefore numbers may not sum to totals.

(b) The Department does not hold information on the number of students who are expected to qualify from particular courses. However, the number of students who qualified from Engineering courses at Northern Ireland Higher Education Institutions in 2005/06 is detailed in the table below:

	Postgraduate	First Degree	Other Undergraduate	Total
General engineering	50	25	30	105
Civil engineering	25	110	0	135
Mechanical engineering	10	100	5	115
Aerospace engineering	5	25	0	25
Electronic & electrical engineering	55	85	5	150
Production & manufacturing engineering	5	20	0	30
Chemical, process & energy engineering	15	20	0	35
Others in engineering	15	10	0	25
Total	180	400	40	620

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)

Notes: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 5 and therefore numbers may not sum to totals.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within his department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 831/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The Deloitte Touche report does not of itself form an agreed basis for future policy development. The report focuses on just one of a range of issues which must be considered

As regards good relations, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process, DETI reviewed all areas of policy to ensure consistency with the delivery of the vision for Northern Ireland set out in the "A Shared Future – Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland" which was published in 2005.

High Level Impact Assessments (HLIAs), were also completed for DETI Resource bids. These impact assessments examined equality, anti poverty/social inclusion, good relationship, and sustainable development impacts of bids.

A summary of the HLIAs was forwarded to the Department of Finance and Personnel for its consideration when making recommendations on allocations across the NI Block.

The Strategic Investment Board is considering the good relations impact of Capital Investment.

Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail all communications between his department and the Department of the Environment, including those from special advisers, in relation to the planning application from Seaport Investments for a visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway, prior to 10 September 2007.

(AQW 891/08)

Mr N Dodds: As part of its work in developing the public sector-led proposal, DETI wrote, on 8 March 2007, to DoE requesting an early decision on the private sector proposal and referring to car parking issues relating to the public sector project. DoE replied on 13 March noting the need for an early decision on the private sector application and agreeing to a meeting on the car parking issues.

Officials from both Departments met on 29 March 2007 to discuss planning and car park issues surrounding the public sector proposal.

On 7 June I met Minister Foster to discuss a number of issues which touched upon the responsibilities of both Departments. The Giant’s Causeway was one of those issues. My officials wrote again to DOE on 1 August asking for an early decision on the private sector planning application. DoE replied on 10 August noting that they had completed their consideration of the application and that their Minister wished to discuss the outcome with me. On 21 August, accompanied by officials, I met Minister Foster who advised that she was minded to approve the Seaport application, but that before making an announcement she needed to have further discussions with her officials, some of whom were on leave.

Between 6 and 10 September there were discussions and emails between officials in both Departments regarding the detail of Minister Foster’s and my announcements of 10 September. There has been no correspondence between Special Advisors.

Ballycastle to Campbeltown Ferry

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide an update on the position regarding the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry.

(AQW 1030/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Scottish Government, which has lead responsibility for the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry service, has produced a discussion paper setting out the relevant issues including possible procurement processes and timetables. My officials are in discussions with Scottish Government officials about the details and will bring advice forward to me in due course. I will consider further, in partnership with my Scottish counterpart, once I am in receipt of the necessary advice.

Regional Tourism Partnerships

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the additional funding that will be made available to the Regional Tourism Partnerships.

(AQW 1037/08)

Mr N 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).

NITB is looking at the possibility of further funding for regional development with my department and is bidding for an additional £1m per annum for regional development from the EU Competitiveness and Employment Programme 2007-13 to focus on product development and visitor servicing initiatives.

Sustainable Energy

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the potential for sustainable energy generation in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland; and whether or not the market for sustainable energy would be best developed in the context of a single market.

(AQW 1060/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department, in co-operation with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural resources (DCENR) in the Irish Republic has recently completed a Grid Study of the potential for increased electricity generation from renewable sources on an all-island basis.

Initial indications from the study results are that there is scope for a significant increase in renewable generation across the island. However, exploiting this potential will require investment in both renewable technologies and grid strengthening.

The Departments are currently considering the results of the study prior to a decision of its publication.

While the study considers the development of renewables in the context of a single all-island market, there are no plans at present to adopt a single approach to encouraging that development across the two separate jurisdictions.

Sustainable Energy

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans his department, in conjunction with its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, has to explore mechanisms to allow a single market for sustainable energy, which includes the necessary subventions to maximise the potential of the wind resource, which is particularly strong on the west coast of Ireland.

(AQW 1061/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Single Electricity Market (SEM) for wholesale trading is due to commence operation from 1 November 2007 and represents the culmination of extensive work by my Department and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) in the Irish Republic. Decisions on the SEM will be taken in the manner which is best calculated to secure a diverse, viable and environmentally sustainable long-term energy supply in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, subject to the principal objective and duty to protect the interests of consumers.

As an integral part of plans for the development of renewables across the island of Ireland, DETI and DCENR are currently completing a major Grid Study in relation to the potential for different renewable technologies on the island in 2020 and the implications for future network development.

Subvention measures in support of sustainable energy remain a matter for the respective jurisdictions. The Renewables Obligation is the main support mechanism for large scale wind energy in Northern Ireland while the Irish Republic operates a Feed-in Tariff. There are no plans for harmonisation of these measures across the whole island.

Prospecting Licence

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the nature of the prospecting licence being sought by Lonmin Plc in North Antrim; (ii) what minerals are being sought in respect of this licence; and (iii) what rights, including rights of entry, are provided by such a licence.

(AQW 1078/08)

Mr N Dodds: The licences being sought by Lonmin Plc in North Antrim would permit the company to carry out an agreed scheme of unobtrusive prospecting activities which may include collation of existing data, soil and stream sampling analysis, mapping of rocks and geophysical surveys using hand held instruments. If evidence of minerals were found, the company would be permitted to drill test boreholes usually using a rig mounted on a tractor.

The company is prospecting for all minerals including gold and silver for which it has applied, as required for precious metals, for a separate crown licence.

The Company is required under the legislation to seek agreement of any landowner whose land it wishes to enter.

Environment

Planning Applications

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside that have been received in each Divisional Planning Office, since (i) 16 March 2006; and (ii) 7 September 2007.

(AQW 868/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster):

No of Applications for Single Houses in the Countryside
Divisional Planning Office	Apps Received since 16 March 2006	Apps Received since 07 September 2007
Ballymena	852	198
Belfast	88	5
Craigavon	1301	195
Downpatrick	712	62
Londonderry	685	93
Omagh	2381	1059
All Divisions	6019	1612

Planning Applications

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside that have been received by the Planning Service, in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 869/08)

Mrs A Foster: The number of planning applications received since January 2000 for single dwellings in the countryside is listed in the table below. I regret the Planning Service only has readily accessible information on its computer system from 2000. Site history details before that date would require an examination of our paper files and would be disproportionately costly to produce.

Rural Single Dwelling Applications received by Planning Service

Year	00-01	01-02	02-03	03-04	04-05	05-06	06-07	07 YTD
Planning Service Total	7,794	8,381	10,558	13,994	16,530	15,301	2,991	2,170

These figures have been extracted from a live dataset which is continuously updated and validated. They should therefore be regarded as indicative only at this point in time and should not be compared with any previous figures published by the Agency.

Planning Applications

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside that have been submitted to the Planning Service since 7 September 2007.

(AQW 884/08)

Mrs A Foster: The number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside that have been submitted to the Planning Service since 7 September 2007 is 1612. The breakdown of the applications by division is shown in the table below.

No of Applications for Single Houses in the Countryside received since 7/9/2007 by Division

Ballymena

198

Belfast

5

Londonderry

93

Craigavon

195

Downpatrick

62

Omagh

1059

All Divisions

Areas of Special Scientific Interest

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment what progress has been made in relation to the implementation of the recommendations of the 2003 Northern Ireland Audit Office Report on Areas of Special Scientific Interest; and, for those areas of the report that have not been acted upon, to outline the reasons why these recommendations have not been implemented.

(AQW 890/08)

Mrs A Foster: Following the issue of the initial report of the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) on Areas of Special Scientific Interest in March 2003, the Department has made substantial progress in the implementation of the recommendations.

The NIAO published a further related report on 19 July 2005 entitled ‘Departmental Responses to Recommendations in NIAO Reports’. This report detailed, under the ten questions contained therein, key issues and associated recommendations arising from the initial report, together with the Department’s responses to them.

My officials in the Environment & Heritage Service take the view that recommendations made by the NIAO in 2005 have, with one exception, been appropriately addressed in a way which meets operational needs. The exception is the recommendation for a Service Level Agreement to be established between EHS and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. This is being progressed through a Memorandum of Understanding that is nearing completion.

EHS will seek confirmation of its position from the NIAO during its annual review which is expected to take place in January 2008.

I will write to the Member at that point to let him know the outcome.

Planning Applications

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether or not planning applications for housing developments in Rasharkin are being (i) delayed; and (ii) refused, due to inadequate sewerage infrastructure in the village.

(AQW 920/08)

Mrs A Foster: Planning applications are not being delayed or refused for housing developments in Rasharkin due to inadequate sewerage infrastructure in the village.

However, in one case a developer has been asked to contact Northern Ireland Water to discuss options for dealing with waste water treatment, including providing a permanent facility at his own expense, because the existing waste water treatment option does not have the capacity to deal with the proposal.

Planning Application

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether or not a planning condition requesting a pumping station to be put in place has been attached to the approval of planning application X2007/0315/F; and if this is for a low density or high density pumping station.

(AQW 931/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department would advise that planning application (X/2007/0315) for an amended dwelling design in substitution of planning permission (X/2002/1205/F) was received on 8 March 2007 and is still under consideration. No decision has yet been reached.

The application in question will be serviced by a septic tank.

Areas of Special Scientific Interest

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of Areas of Special Scientific Interest that have been designated, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 934/08)

Mrs A Foster: The number of Areas of Special Scientific Interest designated in each of the last five years are given in the table below

Period	Number Designated
1/04/2003 to 31/03/2004	15
1/04/2004 to 31/03/2005	13
1/04/2005 to 31/03/2006	2
1/04/2006 to 31/03/2007	15
1/04/2007 to 30/09/2007	10

Demolition of Unauthorised Developments

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail all unauthorised developments that have been demolished as a result of enforcement action taken by the Planning Service, since 1 April 2001.

(AQW 935/08)

Mrs A Foster: The total number of unauthorised developments that have been demolished or removed as a result of enforcement action since 1^st April 2001 is 46. This figure includes unauthorised buildings and other permanent structures. The breakdown is as follows:

Dwellings Houses: 6

Permanently Sited Mobile Homes: 6

Other Buildings (including domestic outbuildings): 24

Walls, Fences and other Ancillary Structures: 10

Total: 46

Bull Bars

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to introduce legislation making it illegal for private vehicles to have bull bars fitted.

(AQW 937/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have no plans to introduce legislation making it illegal for private vehicles to have bull bars fitted.

As from 25 May 2007, the use of bull bars or frontal protection systems on passenger cars is subject to the requirements of EC Directive 2005/66/EC which was implemented by amendment to UK-wide EC Type Approval Regulations. All new cars must therefore conform to the technical requirements of this Directive before being registered, sold or entered into service for the first time. Similarly, all bull bars offered for sale as accessories must also be approved to the standards of the Directive and carry an approval mark.

Bull bars fitted prior to 25 May 2007 are subject to the general safety requirements of Construction and Use Regulations.

The Directive does not prohibit bull bars, which if manufactured using flexible or compliant material can offer improved protection for pedestrians, but sets out specific performance provisions that allow them to be marketed provided it is shown they do not reduce the level of safety provided by the base vehicle.

Planning Service Staff Vacancies

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of staff vacancies in the Planning Service at present.

(AQW 938/08)

Mrs A Foster: Planning Service currently has 72.5 vacancies representing a vacancy rate of 8.3%. The vacancies relate to 39 specialist planning and 33.5 administrative posts.

These vacancies remain despite the Planning Service having recently completed a major external recruitment and an internal promotion exercise.

A further recruitment competition for casual specialist staff has just concluded, so the majority of the planner vacancies will be filled within the next 6-8 weeks when pre-appointment checks have been completed.

In addition, the NICS promotion competitions for administrative staff which are currently underway should assist with filling administrative vacancies as successful staff become available for posting.

The Planning Service is conscious of the pressures created by vacancies arising from staff turnover. The Agency has raised the issue of increasing levels of resignations by planners 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.

Marine Bill

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to ensure that the interests of Northern Ireland are represented in the Marine Bill; and if she will confirm that the provisions of this Bill will be UK-wide.

(AQW 1009/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials have been working closely with officials in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure that Northern Ireland’s representation in the Marine Bill takes full and appropriate account of the devolution settlement.

I can confirm that the Scottish Government announced its intention in June 2007 to introduce a Scottish Marine Bill.

Review of Environmental Governance

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the changes her department will implement as a result of the Review of Environmental Governance.

(AQW 1023/08)

Mrs A Foster: As yet, we have not made any decisions about changes to be made as a result of the Review of Environmental Governance.

Any decisions will be agreed with the Executive and announced in the Assembly in the appropriate way.

Renewable Energy Schemes

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for renewable energy schemes submitted in each of the last three years, broken down by (i) Divisional Planning Office; and (ii) district council area.

(AQW 1049/08)

Mrs A Foster: All planning applications for windfarms that connect to the National Grid are dealt with in Planning Service Headquarters (Special Studies). The Departmental Divisional Planning Offices have received many other renewable energy applications eg for small domestic solar panels/ single turbines for domestic/specific uses, etc but these are not specifically recorded on the Planning System and it would be impossible in the time available, etc. to examine the paper files.

In the last 3 years, Planning Service HQ has received the following numbers of windfarm applications:

Year	No of Applications	Divisional Planning Office	District Council Area	No of Applications
2005	16	Omagh	Omagh	6
		Omagh	Strabane	5
		Omagh	Fermanagh	2
		Londonderry	Londonderry	1
		Belfast	Newtownabbey	1
		Londonderry	Ballymoney	1
2006	22	Omagh	Omagh	8
		Omagh	Fermanagh	3
		Londonderry	Ballymoney	2
		Omagh	Strabane	2
		Ballymena	Ballymena	2
		Omagh	Dungannon	2
		Belfast	Newtownabbey	1
		Ballymena	Antrim	1
		Londonderry	Limavady	1
2007	2	Londonderry	Limavady	1
		Omagh	Omagh	1

National Park

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to issue a consultation document on the issues related to the proposed National Park designation for the Mournes/Slieve Croob area of South Down.

(AQW 1077/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Mourne National Park Working Party presented me recently with its recommendations about the proposed Mourne National Park. I will seek the opinions of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside and the Environment and Agriculture and Rural Development Committees. The views of these bodies will help me decide how to proceed.

Illegal Dumping

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of the Environment if she will confirm that leachate from an illegal dump is polluting the County River at Kilcoo, Co. Fermanagh; and what plans she has to deal with this issue.

(AQW 1115/08)

Mrs A Foster: I am aware of the illegal landfill site at Slattinagh in Co Fermanagh. On 20 June 2006 officials in the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) instigated a prosecution against the operators of the site which resulted in them being found guilty of depositing waste without a licence and with keeping, treating and disposing of waste in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution or harm to human health. EHS officials have also formally applied to the authorities in the Republic of Ireland to have approximately 4500 tonnes of waste removed from the site.

At present there is no conclusive evidence that leachate from the site is causing pollution. Biological water quality monitoring by EHS in the County River, some 6 km downstream of the site, has detected a slight decline in water quality over the past 3 years. However, there is no evidence that this has been caused by the site at Slattinagh. EHS is considering carrying out an additional monitoring programme to help identify the source of the decline.

Industrial Zoned Land

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of the Environment to provide a detailed breakdown of the availability of industrial zoned land in the Omagh and Strabane District Council areas.

(AQW 1182/08)

Mrs A Foster: The last survey of industrial land take up was carried out by Planning Service in the Autumn of 2005. This established that, of the 94 hectares zoned in Omagh District, two thirds remain undeveloped while less than one third of the 23 hectares zoned in Strabane District remains undeveloped.

The Omagh Area Plan 2002 zoned 83.6 hectares of industrial land in Omagh town of which 55.7 hectares remain undeveloped. A further 10.5 hectares were zoned in Fintona, Dromore and Carrickmore of which 6.92 hectares remain undeveloped.

The Strabane Area Plan 2001 zoned over 15 hectares in Strabane town of which 3.85 hectares still remain undeveloped. A further 8 hectares were zoned in Castlederg, Newtownstewart and Sion Mills of which 3.8 hectares remain undeveloped.

A review of industrial land needs for West Tyrone is currently being undertaken as part of the preparation for the West Tyrone Area Plan 2019.

Carbon Footprint

Rev Dr R Coulter asked the Minister of the Environment what action she is taking, financial and otherwise, to enable communities and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.

(AQO 514/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Member will be aware that OFMDFM’s Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy identifies that responsibility for sustainability lies with all government Departments, including my own. I take my responsibility very seriously.

To enable communities, individuals and society in general to reduce their carbon footprint I am providing leadership in the following ways.

I am bringing forward to the Assembly a legislative consent motion to extend the provisions of the UK Climate Change Bill to Northern Ireland. The Bill will signal to all the importance of the issue and provide the possibility of future schemes to reduce emissions.

I am working with the Sustainable Development Commission to progress work on behavioural change, including both community and individual action. I am to receive a report on this before Christmas.

My officials have also been drafting new planning policy aimed at promoting renewable energy in appropriate locations to help in meeting the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Preparation of this policy is at an advanced stage and I will be circulating this to Executive Colleagues for consideration in due course.

I have provided specific support for the Community Eco-Challenge project, started in April 2007 and sponsored by DOE (supported under the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund). The project is about working with local community groups and households to identify those areas which impact on their carbon footprint such as transport and energy and to help reduce their Ecological Footprint through simple lifestyle changes. A total of £250k has been allocated to the project over a 2-year period.

I have also been out there with communities and individuals demonstrating my interest, listening to their views, highlighting the issues, and supporting the organisers by my attendance at "green" or environmental fairs. I have been, for example, to two recent events in Castlewellan and the King’s Hall concerned with reducing carbon footprint and related sustainability matters.

Infraction Proceedings

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on infraction proceedings brought by the European Commission on matters that fall within the remit of her department.

(AQO 553/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department is currently involved with 25 cases involving infraction proceedings by the European Commission in the areas of waste management, water quality and regulation, natural heritage and planning.

Infraction proceedings constitute formal legal proceedings between the Commission and the Member State and for that reason I cannot provide details of individual cases. However, I can give an assurance that my officials are working positively with the Commission and, where appropriate, with their counterparts in UK Government Departments and the other devolved administrations to resolve all the outstanding issues associated with these cases.

Review of Public Administration

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to hold discussions with stakeholders, regarding the Review of Public Administration.

(AQO 531/08)

Mrs A Foster: When I launched the Review in July 2007 I stated that I was committed to working in partnership with the local government, business and community and voluntary sectors to win consensus on the future shape of local government in Northern Ireland. This remains my position.

In order to meet this commitment, I and my Ministerial colleagues on the Executive Sub Committee are determined that there be significant stakeholder engagement in the review, all working together to prepare for and deliver the change which will achieve the strong, effective and efficient local government that we all want. To this end a major stakeholder conference took place in September aimed at validating the emerging Vision for local government arising out of earlier engagement with stakeholders.

Following the Executive’s consideration of the emerging findings of the review, and the Sub Committee’s proposals for the next stage in the process, I released the Emerging Findings paper to stakeholders last Friday. Our aim is to test the emerging findings with local government as a sector and with other stakeholders, so that the Executive Sub Committee can take those views into account in presenting its final report and recommendations to the Executive.

To provide opportunities for focused consideration and discussion on the issues a regional stakeholder conference and four sub-regional events are taking place over the course of the next few weeks. I have also invited stakeholders to make written comments on the emerging findings, if they feel this to be appropriate.

I would encourage as many organisations and individuals as possible to respond to the proposals set out in the emerging findings paper. I want to hear what people have to say, as do my colleagues on the Executive Sub Committee and the Executive Committee as a whole.

Road Safety

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the amount of funding that has been allocated to road safety; and what is her assessment of the success of the road safety advertising campaign.

(AQO 530/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department’s budget for road safety for 2007/2008 is approximately £54 million. This comprises allocations of £5.3 million for Road Safety Division and £48.7 million for the Driver Vehicle Agency. This does not take account of any income.

Research indicates that advertising campaigns have been very successful in improving attitudes and changing behaviours. I am satisfied that road safety advertising campaigns have made a significant contribution to the reduction in road traffic casualties to date.

Infraction Proceedings

Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of the Environment what discussions she has had with the European Commission regarding infraction proceedings, in respect of the delivery of the Birds and Habitats Directive in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 550/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have not been directly involved in any discussion with the Commission on these matters. My officials have, when necessary and appropriate, held discussions with the Commission in relation to a number of individual infraction cases, in association with colleagues in DEFRA and the other devolved administrations. These discussions have always been positive and my officials will continue to work closely with the Commission to ensure Northern Ireland’s obligations in delivering the objectives and requirements of the relevant European laws are fulfilled.

Climate Change

Mr M Brady asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she has taken to address the issue of climate change and global warming on an all-island basis, in conjunction with her counterpart in the Republic of Ireland.

(AQO 570/08)

Mrs A Foster: Climate change is the greatest environmental threat to Northern Ireland right now. It is currently addressed through a mix of devolved and reserved instruments.

The Kyoto Protocol set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions against 1990 baseline levels by 2012. The European Union agreed to meet an 8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through a special arrangement. This special arrangement allows the EU's target to be redistributed between Member states to reflect their national circumstances, requirements for economic growth, and the scope for further emission reductions.

The UK agreed to reduce its emissions by 12.5% against the 1990 baseline whilst the Republic Of Ireland was allowed a 13% increase. For the UK to reduce and the ROI allowed to emit more, two different strategies have been employed making it difficult for an all-island approach.

In addition, the main instrument to deliver the reductions is the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Because this is delivered at Member State level there is no scope for an alterative all-island scheme.

Because climate change action involves a mix of reserved, (e.g. fiscal policy) and devolved action, it will be natural that policy will have a Westminster focus.

Whilst our political and economic structure makes it difficult to address climate change on an all-island basis, my officials remain in contact with their counterparts in the Irish Republic to discuss policy development.

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment what formal training planning officers have received in relation to Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside, and its implementation.

(AQO 547/08)

Mrs A Foster: After the publication of any new planning policy measure, Planning Service as a matter of practice provides relevant professional staff in all Divisions with both formal and informal training supported by written guidance. In the case of draft Planning Policy Statement 14 prepared by DRD, Planning Service provided formal training to all its senior professional managers at the time of its publication and this was complemented by the provision of guidance and local informal training through its well-established network of working and decision-making groups.

Cooperation between the Environment and Heritage Service and the Environmental Protection Agency

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to provide an update on co-operation between the Environment and Heritage Service and its counterpart in the Republic of Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency.

(AQO 569/08)

Mrs A Foster: I am delighted to note the significant co-operation between the EHS and EPA. Officers are maintaining a close working relationship through regular planned meetings and an ad hoc exchange of information.

The Environmental Enforcement Network Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Working Group meets regularly to discuss matters concerning cross-border movements of waste. Officers have agreed targets to carry out road side checks in conjunction with District Councils in the Republic of Ireland and verification checks of trans-boundary movements. Information, intelligence and evidence are routinely shared to enable more effective tackling of cross-border waste crime.

Shared work in support of the implementation of the EC Water Framework Directive has led to the development of new monitoring, classification, information and reporting tools. This work has also forged improved technical links with the rest of the UK and Europe.

Planning Policies

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on updating the suite of planning policies.

(AQO 552/08)

Mrs A Foster: Given that the planning system has to respond to continuously changing circumstances and emerging issues, the review and update of planning policy is an ongoing process. We bring forward new and revised planning policies as necessary to facilitate the proper economic and environmental development of the Region.

This year’s programme includes the publication of final policy statements on Renewable Energy, Residential Extensions and for the Control of Development in Airport Public Safety Zones.

In addition we will consult on draft policy statements for Renewable Energy and Natural Heritage and progress the preparation of PPS 1, which will update the key principles behind the planning system and highlight its role in achieving sustainable development and in meeting the challenges of climate change.

Biodiversity

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to help protect biodiversity.

(AQO 578/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department continues to safeguard biodiversity through a comprehensive programme of designating Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) for nationally important species and habitats. There are currently over 250 ASSIs and I intend to designate in the region of 200 additional sites by 2016. I would also note that over 50 sites have also been designated under the Habitats and Birds Directives.

In addition, I intend to undertake a review of the Wildlife Order (NI) 1985, which is the principal legislation relating to statutory protection of our important species. As part of this review I will propose additional powers to combat wildlife crime and a statutory duty on public bodies to promote and protect biodiversity when undertaking their functions.

I have also written to Ministerial colleagues to remind them of their responsibilities to implement the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy, which was published in August 2000 and to seek an update on measures which their Departments are taking to promote biodiversity. Each Department has undertaken to produce a Biodiversity Implementation Plan.

Report of the Mourne National Park Working Party

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of the Environment to give a timescale within which she will make a formal response to the Report of the Mourne National Park Working Party.

(AQO 546/08)

Council for Nature, Conservation and the Countryside

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the role of the Council for Nature, Conservation and the Countryside.

(AQO 532/08)

Mrs A Foster: The role of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside is set out in the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. In summary, it is

to advise my Department on matters relating to nature conservation;

to enquire into and report on matters affecting the natural beauty or amenity of any place in Northern Ireland;

to advise my Department on the establishment and management of national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, areas of special scientific interest and nature reserves;

to advise me on the establishment and management of marine nature reserves.

Garden Grabbing

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of the Environment what action she is taking to combat 'garden grabbing' by developers.

(AQO 554/08)

Mrs A Foster: In recognition of public concern on this matter and pending the outcome of the policy consideration by a joint group of officials within both the Department of the Environment and the Department for Regional Development, I asked some months ago that all Planning Service staff be reminded of the need to consider fully the impact on the established residential character when processing applications for new residential development. To this end a Planning Circular on the assessment of planning applications for residential development in urban areas, villages and other small settlements was issued to Planning Service operational staff in August 2007.

Finance and Personnel

Staff Team Building

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the total cost of (i) staff away days; and (ii) staff team building exercises, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 809/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The total cost of (a) staff away days and (b) staff team building exercises in the Department of Finance and Personnel in each of the last three years are set out in the table.

Year	Cost of Away Days (£)	Cost of Team Building Exercises (£)	Total Cost (£)
2004-05	26,139	24,255	50,394
2005-06	36,170	16,601	52,771
2006-07	31,689	9,196	40,885

Review of Domestic Rating

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will explain the concept of 'ability to pay', within the context of the current review of domestic rating.

(AQW 815/08)

Mr P Robinson: ‘Ability to pay’ is a subjective concept but the majority view from the recent consultation exercise appears to define it as the direct relationship between tax liability and current income.

Capital values on their own are not a sufficiently reliable proxy for income and there needs to be checks and balances associated with the system. I believe this can be achieved through the provision of well targeted reliefs so that those people who are unable to pay are adequately protected.

This is the primary focus of Strand 1 of the ongoing Executive Review of Rating and as Minister responsible I will endeavour to deliver changes by April 2008 to achieve that aim.

Domestic Rating

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to explain why an equality impact assessment was not carried out, in respect of his department's decision to create a cap for properties valued at £500k or higher, within the current domestic rating regime.

(AQW 816/08)

Mr P Robinson: The decision to create a cap for properties valued at £500k or higher was taken by the previous direct rule Administration and I do not therefore have access to the steps taken to arrive at that decision.

Domestic Rating

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give a timescale within which equality impact assessments will be conducted into the different options within Strands 1A, 1B and 2 of the current review of domestic rating.

(AQW 817/08)

Mr P Robinson: A full EQIA process was undertaken and published in respect of the impact of a capital value system. Monitoring continues and it is worth noting that following publication of the new values, NISRA undertook a major study by matching the capital values to census information at individual household level. This study is available on the Rating Reform Website.

It is considered that most of the Strand 1A and many of the Strand 1B issues fall into the category of mitigating measures relating to existing policies and therefore will not be subjected to a new 7 stage EQIA process. Nevertheless, as noted above, my Department has considered or is actively considering all measures in the light of likely differential impact on Section 75 groups.

Other proposals which are not in the nature of mitigating measures (all the Strand 2 policies) must be subjected to full EQIA before any legislation can be presented to the Assembly.

Workplace 2010

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions he has had with departmental staff based at Rathgael House, in relation to the relocation of jobs under the Workplace 2010 plan.

(AQW 818/08)

Mr P Robinson: There have been extensive consultations between the Workplace 2010 team and senior officials in Rathgael House as the strategic plan for the office estate has developed. These discussions have specifically included options for the location of both DE and DFP departmental headquarters under Workplace 2010. DFP also held a public consultation during summer 2006 as part of an Equality Impact Assessment. All staff in Rathgael House had the opportunity to respond and a number participated in focus groups on the issue. Their responses were considered in the final Equality Impact Assessment report.

I am fully aware of the issues relating to Rathgael and have had discussions with members of North Down Borough Council on the matter.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within his department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 839/08)

Mr P Robinson: As part of the current Comprehensive Spending Review process, Departments were obliged to undertake high level impact assessments in respect of each bid submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The purpose of these high level impact assessments was to ascertain the equality and good relations implications for each funding proposal submitted and were undertaken in accordance with Section 75 (1) and (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Equality Commission for NI also produced a briefing paper for Departments on the importance of mainstreaming equality and good relations considerations into the Comprehensive Spending Review, Priorities and Budget and this paper was also used to inform the development of my Department’s bids.

In respect of the report ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’, this piece of independent research was commissioned by the previous administration and represents the views of Deloitte. My department is continually reviewing the delivery of its public services. In doing so, it focuses on the needs of those who access its services and on the requirement upon all public bodies to ensure value for money.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within his department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 840/08)

Graduate Entry to the NICS

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of direct entrant graduates recruited by the Northern Ireland Civil Service, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 856/08)

Mr P Robinson: The table below shows the number of direct entrant graduates appointed by the NICS:

Financial Year	Graduate Staff Officer Appointments
2003 – 2004	95
2004 – 2005	63
2005 – 2006	31
2006 – 2007	22
2007 – 2008	56

Ministerial Cars

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail whether or not an environmental impact assessment was carried out, prior to the purchase of the new Ministerial cars.

(AQW 933/08)

Mr P Robinson: The process involving the purchase of new Ministerial cars was completed prior to the restoration of devolution on 8 May 2007. However, I understand that while no formal environmental impact assessment was carried out, as part of the procurement process officials specified strict CO2 emissions requirements that the cars had to meet or better. Additionally information was requested regarding the percentage of each car that could be recycled after use. I am assured that the vehicles chosen were the best available under both criteria.

Budget Underspend

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his department's projected underspend for this financial year.

(AQW 961/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Department does not project an underspend at this point in the financial year. In-year Monitoring rounds provide opportunities for budgets to be refined in the light of emerging pressures and reduced requirements. The final projected expenditure will be established at the February Monitoring round.

Childcare Vouchers

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will explain the reasons why the salary sacrifice scheme for Childcare Vouchers has not been made available to employees of the Northern Ireland Civil Service; and if he will provide details of the equality impact assessment conducted in relation to this scheme.

(AQW 1031/08)

Mr P Robinson: In relation to the decision to delay the introduction of the salary sacrifice scheme in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and compensation for staff, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies I gave my hon. Friends the Members for North Down and Lagan Valley to AQO 210/08 during oral question time on 24 September 2007.

In accordance with my Department’s obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 this policy was screened and it was assessed as not having a significant impact on equality of opportunity. It was therefore not necessary to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment.

My officials have had no discussions with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs about the position of employees who cannot avail of the salary sacrifice scheme because of delayed introduction.

Childcare Vouchers

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what compensation will be made available to employees of the Northern Ireland Civil Service who have suffered a loss, as a result of the decision not to introduce the salary sacrifice scheme in respect of Childcare Vouchers.

(AQW 1032/08)

My officials have had no discussions with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs about the position of employees who cannot avail of the salary sacrifice scheme because of delayed introduction.

Childcare Vouchers

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions his officials have had with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in relation to the implementation of a scheme that will allow employees of the Northern Ireland Civil Service to have their case examined on (i) an annual basis; or (ii) an ad-hoc basis, in respect of those employees who cannot avail of the salary sacrifice scheme in respect of Childcare Vouchers.

(AQW 1033/08)

My officials have had no discussions with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs about the position of employees who cannot avail of the salary sacrifice scheme because of delayed introduction.

Rating of Agricultural Land

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what consideration his department is giving to the rating of agricultural land.

(AQW 1034/08)

Mr P Robinson: Under the current rating system agricultural land is not valued nor rated and there are no plans to do so. However as you are aware the current review of the new domestic rating system that was introduced by Direct Rule Ministers in April 2007 is examining a wide range of options for change in the short and longer terms, which were included in terms of reference agreed by the Executive. Strand 2 of the review is addressing longer term issues including possible alternatives to the current arrangements and one such alternative, is Land Value Taxation.

I have commissioned the Ulster University to investigate the experience of other jurisdictions that have used Land Value Taxation as a revenue raising measure and I understand they have shared some of their preliminary findings with the DFP Committee. It is clear from the preliminary evidence provided by the Ulster University that in those countries that apply land value taxation, agricultural land normally forms part of the tax base.

However, their work is not yet complete and therefore no decisions have yet been taken. Once I have had time to consider their full findings and taken the views of the DFP Committee I will bring forward my recommendations to the Executive later in the year.

Meeting Requests

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of meeting requests received from MLAs; the number of these that were declined; the number that were accepted; and the party affiliation of those MLAs whose meeting requests were declined.

(AQW 1067/08)

Mr P Robinson: Since the restoration of devolution on 8 May I have received 32 separate requests from MLAs for a meeting. Of these, 30 were accepted. The remaining 2 both related to an issue that was addressed before the meetings could take place and, consequently, no further action was necessary. The two Members involved belong to the UUP and DUP.

Departmental Funding

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will confirm that children will be identified as a priority in the allocation of departmental funding for the next three years, specifically in relation to (i) the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister; (ii) the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure; (iii) the Department for Employment and Learning; and (iv) the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

(AQW 1069/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Executive’s proposed strategic priorities and associated public expenditure allocations for the next three years will be set out in the draft Programme for Government and draft Budget, to be published for consultation on 25 October.

Childcare Vouchers

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will explain the reasons why the salary sacrifice scheme for Childcare Vouchers has not been made available to employees of the Northern Ireland Civil Service; and if he will provide details of the equality impact assessment conducted in relation to this scheme.

(AQW 1093/08)

In accordance with my Department’s obligations under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 this policy was screened and was assessed as not having a significant impact on equality of opportunity.

It was therefore not necessary to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment.

Industrial Derating

Mr R Newton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will make a statement on industrial derating.

(AQO 527/08)

Mr P Robinson: Earlier this year my Department engaged the Economic Research Institute (ERINI) to undertake a study into the effectiveness and impact of the policy to phase out industrial derating. A preliminary draft Report has been received from them and it is being considered by my officials. I expect a final Report by the end of the month and following Committee and Executive considerations, I will make a statement to this Assembly of my intentions for the CSR period and the longer term.

In the meantime I will have to outline my intentions for next year as part of the budget process. The final report will not be available before then, but I do have their preliminary report, which takes a hard look at the impact of this measure and identifies concerns about its potential long term effect on some firms. There is enough evidence contained in it on which to base a decision for next year.

I will not say much more about that until the budget statement, however, members may be aware of my line of thinking on the matter: if the focus and centrepiece of Government policy is economic growth, it would be inconsistent to make life more difficult for businesses.

What we cannot do is move backwards, because this is likely to be an issue with the EU in terms of State Aid.

Information Technology

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is his assessment of the information technology system used by the Land and Properties Agency (Rating Division); and to detail what action he is taking to improve communication between the Rating Division, Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

(AQO 528/08)

Mr P Robinson: The first phase of the replacement rate collection system went live in September 2006 to support the introduction of rating reform in April 2007. Rate bills, based on capital value for domestic properties and net annual value for non-domestic properties, were successfully issued on schedule. Whilst there have been problems with the system, key improvements and enhancements have now been delivered. The remaining phases of the project are on schedule, but the project plan may need to be amended to accommodate any changes arising from the Review of Rating Policy.

Land and Property Services meets regularly with the Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to highlight and resolve issues of joint concern, and to work in partnership wherever possible. Information is exchanged through a number of computer interfaces to secure efficiencies, reduce processing times and prevent and detect fraud.

Classroom Assistants' Dispute

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what bid has been received from the Minister of Education, for funding to address the classroom assistants' dispute.

(AQO 585/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Department of Education has registered that a potential pressure may arise as a consequence of resolving the current dispute between classroom assistants’ and the employers (Education and Library Boards).

However, in light of the current constrained public expenditure environment, the Department must first look to manage this issue from within existing allocations.

Lyons Review

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is his assessment of the implications of the Lyons Review into local Government finance, in relation to the present review of rating in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 522/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Lyons Review has implications for the present review of rating in Northern Ireland in terms of providing valuable research and analysis to help inform policy decisions here. The recommendations do not apply to Northern Ireland. Although there are significant differences between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK in terms of our system of local taxation and our structure of local government, there are issues on which there is much common ground. Issues around take up of reliefs, the impact of property tax on pensioners, barriers to providing relief for those on low incomes, such as the savings limit and suggestions for providing more automatic discounts.

I met Sir Michael Lyons a couple of weeks ago and spent some time with him examining those recommendations which could have application in Northern Ireland and may help us refashion the rating system here to make it more acceptable. I will continue to draw from the experience of others in this difficult area of policy, especially established experts in this field such as Sir Michael Lyons.

Budget Underspend

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what is his assessment of underspending in previous budgets on children's services within Northern Ireland, when compared to other regions of the United Kingdom; and to detail what action he is taking to address this underspend.

(AQO 526/08)

Mr P Robinson: Budgetary control within NI is primarily based on the nature of the service, as opposed to the ultimate recipient. On this basis it is not possible to provide the information sought.

This position was emphasised by the recent publication by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, ‘An Analysis of Public Expenditure on Children in Northern Ireland’, which highlighted the complexities of measuring the level of expenditure on any particular age group.

It also indicated the difficulties of comparisons between regions of the level of spend on particular groups as services may be provided in a variety of ways.

Flood Compensation

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail how the £5 million made available to flood victims in June was spent; and the amount he maintains in a civil contingencies fund, to meet such eventualities.

(AQO 510/08)

Mr P Robinson: The latest figures provided by the Department of the Environment indicate that 1,179 claims, at £1,000 each, have been paid, totalling £1,179,000. Direct costs to councils of £64,000 and contracted services costs of £189,000 have also been reimbursed. There are outstanding costs of some £68,000 giving a total expenditure to date of £1.5 million.

In the current climate of constrained public expenditure it would be unwise to hold unallocated funding to cover eventualities that may not materialise and, in doing so, deprive other public services of much needed funding.

However, as has been demonstrated by our response to this incident, we maintain sufficient flexibility within the current public expenditure system to react to such emergencies.

Business Rates

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, prior to any re-evaluation of the non-domestic business rate, if he will establish a standardised measurement of footfall which could be used to determine the level of business rates, in light of the impact of out-of-town shopping on town centres.

(AQO 509/08)

Mr P Robinson: Shops in Northern Ireland are assessed on the basis of rental value. If out of town shopping is impacting on town centre rental levels this will be reflected in the new assessments following the revaluation. The basis of assessment is set out in legislation and is a well established approach based on market evidence. Whilst footfall figures can assist the assessment process I do not believe that they alone should be used as the basis for determining business rates.

Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will explain the reasons for announcing a new efficiency watchdog, the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit, at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy on 27 September, and not in a Ministerial statement to the Assembly.

(AQO 518/08)

Mr P Robinson: As the Member will be aware, on many occasions Ministerial announcements are made in places other than the Assembly Chamber. This also applies to Ministers from his own party, and I do not recall any Assembly questions being tabled by him on those occasions.

In this case, the announcement was in respect of a new Unit within my own Department, within existing legislative process and to be financed from within existing resources. On this basis, and particularly in the context of the conference theme – "Delivering More for Less : The Big Squeeze" - I feel this approach was entirely appropriate.

I am currently considering the composition and remit of the Unit, and will want to consult the Assembly Committee for Finance and Personnel on this issue.

Efficiency Targets

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what efficiency targets have been set for Government departments in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 539/08)

Mr P Robinson: Northern Ireland Departments have been set a 3% per annum cash releasing efficiency savings target over the period 2008-09 to 2010-11. This builds on the work of Direct Rule Ministers. My own view is that this is at the low end of what can be achieved, hence I am establishing a Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit (PEDU), to examine the scope for further efficiencies, and improvements in performance and delivery in NI departments and the wider public sector.

Public Service Jobs

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to replace public service jobs that have been lost, or are about to be lost, in East Derry/Londonderry.

(AQO 583/08)

Mr P Robinson: There are currently no plans to replace public service jobs that have been lost, or are about to be lost in the Parliamentary Constituency of East Londonderry. However I understand that the Social Security Agency has relocated thirty jobs from Belfast to East Londonderry, with plans for a further four next month. The roll out of the Department for Employment and Learning’s Pathway to Work Initiative will also result in additional posts in Coleraine.

I made a statement to the Assembly on 24 September 2007 outlining the Executive’s agreement to initiate a time-bound review of policy on the location of public sector jobs in Northern Ireland. I intend to take further detailed proposals on the terms of reference for the review to the Executive shortly.

End-Year Flexibility

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel if he will make a statement on his discussions with HM Treasury, in relation to end-year flexibility.

(AQO 506/08)

Mr P Robinson: As part of the ongoing work on the Comprehensive Spending Review, I have had a series of discussions with the Treasury on this issue.

As a result I have been able to secure access to our full stock of End Year Flexibility over the CSR period. This represents an increase of some £295 million over the position offered by the Chancellor in May.

Approval of Government Expenditure

Mr T Clarke asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline the role of his department in approving expenditure by Government departments.

(AQO 517/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Ministerial Code confirms the principles set out in Government Accounting Northern Ireland that ‘no expenditure can be properly incurred without the approval of the Department of Finance and Personnel’.

My department exercises this responsibility, on behalf of the Assembly, with the objective of ensuring good financial management and value for money.

Northern Ireland Direct Project

Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what progress has been made in relation to the Northern Ireland Direct project.

(AQO 505/08)

Mr P Robinson: NI Direct is one of my key priorities and is being developed to provide simple, high quality and efficient access to government services through a single 3 digit telephone number and website. It is to be introduced on a phased basis starting with an upgrade of the existing service that I expect to be operational from autumn 2008 and which will deal with first point of contact enquiries on a range of services including rates, planning and General Registrar’s Office.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Budget

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 485/08, to detail the amount of his department's annual budget that is set aside in order to cover compensation claims; and what percentage of the overall health budget that this represents.

(AQW 956/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): My Department’s budget for 2007-08 is £4009 million, of which £11 million has been set aside to cover clinical negligence compensation claims. This represents 0.27 percent of the overall DHSSPS budget.

Compensation to Patients

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his AQW 485/08, to give a timescale within which he expects outstanding compensation claims to be concluded, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 957/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested has been set out in the tables below.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	Undetermined
2002/03	23	5	16	2	0	0
2003/04	36	5	25	6	0	0
2004/05	38	7	25	6	0	0
2005/06	31	4	22	5	0	0
2006/07	36	5	25	6	0	0

Green Park Healthcare HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	Undetermined
2002/03	3	0	3	0	0	0
2003/04	1	0	1	0	0	0
2004/05	5	3	1	1	0	0
2005/06	16	2	12	2	0	0
2006/07	19	1	17	1	0	0

Mater Hospital HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	7	1	4	2	0
2003/04	16	5	11	0	0
2004/05	10	2	8	0	0
2005/06	23	5	8	10	0
2006/07	28	0	5	23	0

North & West Belfast HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	0	0	0	0	0
2003/04	1	1	0	0	0
2004/05	1	1	0	0	0
2005/06	6	6	0	0	0
2006/07	2	0	2	0	0

Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	Undetermined
2002/03	34	10	22	2	0	0
2003/04	42	11	31	0	0	0
2004/05	59	17	41	1	0	0
2005/06	66	12	54	0	0	0
2006/07	76	8	33	33	2	0

South & East Belfast HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	1	0	1	0	0
2003/04	0	0	0	0	0
2004/05	1	0	1	0	0
2005/06	2	2	0	0	0
2006/07	0	0	0	0	0

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Causeway HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	6	4	2	0	0
2003/04	9	8	0	1	0
2004/05	8	3	3	2	0
2005/06	18	4	10	4	0
2006/07	18	4	6	4	4

Homefirst Community HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	4	2	1	1	0
2003/04	3	1	0	2	0
2004/05	0	0	0	0	0
2005/06	1	1	0	0	0
2006/07	1	0	0	0	1

United Hospitals HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	25	7	18	0	0
2003/04	23	9	14	0	0
2004/05	43	14	28	1	0
2005/06	26	8	17	1	0
2006/07	63	11	20	32	0

NI Ambulance Service Health and Social Services Trust

NI Ambulance Service HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	0	0	0	0	0
2003/04	1	0	1	0	0
2004/05	2	0	0	2	0
2005/06	1	1	0	0	0
2006/07	1	0	0	1	0

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Down Lisburn HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	8	2	4	2	0
2003/04	10	2	5	3	0
2004/05	23	5	2	16	0
2005/06	23	1	6	16	0
2006/07	33	1	3	29	0

Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	29	4	7	18	0
2003/04	30	5	9	16	0
2004/05	40	4	9	26	1
2005/06	41	6	14	17	4
2006/07	38	1	7	16	14

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Armagh and Dungannon HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	0	0	0	0	0
2003/04	3	2	0	0	1
2004/05	1	0	0	0	1
2005/06	5	1	4	0	0
2006/07	2	0	0	0	2

Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	2010/11	Undetermined
2002/03	12	2	5	4	1	0
2003/04	17	3	8	4	0	2
2004/05	23	2	7	13	1	0
2005/06	24	1	7	15	1	0
2006/07	40	2	12	26	0	0

Craigavon & Banbridge Community HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	0	0	0	0	0
2003/04	1	1	0	0	0
2004/05	0	0	0	0	0
2005/06	0	0	0	0	0
2006/07	3	2	1	0	0

Newry & Mourne HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	11	1	2	8	0
2003/04	13	1	7	5	0
2004/05	12	0	5	7	0
2005/06	9	0	2	7	0
2006/07	14	2	1	10	1

Western Health and Social Care Trust

Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	28	16	10	0	2
2003/04	38	25	7	0	6
2004/05	26	12	4	0	10
2005/06	45	4	14	3	24
2006/07	35	3	5	3	24

Foyle HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	2	0	2	0	0
2003/04	4	0	2	2	0
2004/05	3	1	1	1	0
2005/06	3	0	1	2	0
2006/07	0	0	0	0	0

Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust

Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	Expected Year of Settlement
Year of Claim	Number of claims outstanding as at 30 September 2007	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10	Undetermined
2002/03	30	4	11	12	3
2003/04	14	2	7	5	0
2004/05	19	2	11	3	3
2005/06	25	6	11	6	2
2006/07	17	1	1	3	12

Every effort is made by Health and Social Care Trusts to resolve these issues. However, once the claimant initiates the legal process other factors outside of the Trust’s control influence the speed of resolution of the claim. These factors include the decision-making time for the individual claimant concerned; time required to gather medical and other evidence and the time necessary to engage with the court processes.

Practice-Based Commissioning

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the benefits of practice-based commissioning in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 973/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I am currently considering the future shape of our health and social care systems in Northern Ireland. While I agree that changes need to be made, it is unlikely that there will be further changes before April 2009 because of likely legislative requirements and practical considerations around restructuring.

I want to be sure that the changes we make will deliver the best outcome for the people of Northern Ireland. Health and social care structures must meet local needs and must be sustainable in the long-term.

The current integrated health and social care system in Northern Ireland has many strengths and I want to capitalise on those strengths. As part of this process I will consider how the various methods of commissioning could contribute to this.

Commissioning Groups

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the progress of the work of local commissioning groups.

(AQW 974/08)

Commissioning Groups

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the benefits of establishing community commissioning associations.

(AQW 975/08)

Reformed Health Structures

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what representations he has received requesting early decisions to be taken on reformed health structures.

(AQW 976/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: To date I have received letters from the Chairman of the British Medial Association (NI) dated 13 September and from the Chairman of the General Practitioners Committee of the BMA(NI) dated 27 September 2007 regarding the impact of any delay in taking decisions on the new health and social care structures. In response to these letters, I met with representatives of the British Medical Association on 11 October and plan to meet representatives of the General Practitioners Committee to discuss, amongst other things, their concerns in this regard.

British Heart Foundation

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will make a statement on the provision of funding to British Heart Foundation nurses, after the cessation of British Heart Foundation funding for these positions.

(AQW 981/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I appreciate the service that British Heart Foundation (BHF) nurses provide in supporting and caring for patients with heart failure.

No definite decision has been taken regarding the long term funding of these positions.

It will be a matter for the commissioners to prioritise how funding is used when funding from BHF ceases, taking into account local circumstances, the evaluation of the individual schemes, the strategic objectives established for the Health and Social Care (HSC) sector and demands and pressures generally at that time for access to a wide range of cardiac and cardiology services.

I would like to assure you of my commitment to develop cardiac services for the benefit of people living with all forms of heart disease. In that context, a Regional Cardiac Network has been established to develop more integrated, responsive and cost-effective cardiac services for the people of Northern Ireland. This will help to ensure the development of patient focused services running seamlessly through primary, secondary and tertiary care. The outcome of this work will be used to inform the development of a commissioning framework for cardiac services.

AIDS and HIV Prescriptions

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons why people suffering from AIDS and HIV must travel to Belfast in order to receive their prescriptions and medication; and why local pharmacies cannot provide this service.

(AQW 1022/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: It is assumed this question refers to specialist HIV and AIDS medicines, as people with HIV or AIDS can obtain prescriptions for non-specialist medicines from their GPs and have their medicines dispensed by local pharmacies in the same way as other patients.

Treatment for HIV and AIDS is managed regionally by the Genito Urinary Medicine Clinic at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast which provides a specialised clinic with three dedicated consultants. HIV and AIDS therapies are of significant pharmacological complexity and involve combinations of drugs with significant potential for toxicity and complex interactions. These require specialised monitoring which GP practices are unable to carry out. Responsibility for prescribing specialist HIV and AIDS drugs therefore remains with the consultant or specialist clinician based at the Royal and responsibility for supply rests with the hospital pharmacy.

Lymphoedema

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what provision is currently in place for patients suffering from lymphoedema.

(AQW 1027/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: From 2007/08 an additional £500,000 per year has been allocated to support the implementation of high quality specialist lymphoedema care throughout the province. Lymphoedema services across NI are currently delivered in a variety of healthcare settings in the primary, community and secondary care sectors. The voluntary sector also provides valuable specialist lymphoedema services to patients.

It is planned that the additional funding will allow clinical teams in each trust area to lead on the further development of services locally. Each trust team will strengthen services already in place and improve coordination across all of the relevant specialties (physiotherapy, oncology, palliative care, genetics, dermatology and vascular surgery). In addition plans include the creation of a consultant led complex case clinic which will rotate around a number of locations to provide a regional service.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of business cases that have been (i) prepared; and (ii) approved by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1028/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is set out in the table below:-

	02/03	03/04	04/05	05/06	06/07
No of Business Cases Prepared by NIFRS	109	71	73	51	21
No of Business Cases Approved by NIFRS	109	71	73	51	21

The figures refer to business cases which fall within the NI Fire and Rescue Service’s delegated limits for expenditure projects.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the proposals for a new Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service facility in Ballymena.

(AQW 1029/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) advises that the replacement of Ballymena Station has been identified as a high priority in its Strategic Development Plan.

NIFRS is working closely with consultants appointed by DHSSPS and the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) to develop outline business cases for estate, fleet and equipment over a 10 year investment period.

Bamford Review and Investing for Health Strategies

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what arrangements his department has put in place to resource the Bamford Review and Investing for Health Strategies.

(AQW 1046/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability has set out a vision for the improvement of services over the next 15 years. A bid has been submitted through the Comprehensive Spending Review to start implementation of the recommendations in the Report.

There are many actions which contribute to Investing for Health within and beyond my Department. In respect of resourcing the strategy a total of around £22.5 m has been invested by DHSSPS this year. This total includes funding for implementation of a range of healthy lifestyle strategies and contributes to implementation of the Investing for Health Partnerships’ local Health Improvement Plans.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of incidences of civil disturbance that took place when the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was present, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1072/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of incidences of civil disturbance that Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended in each of the last 3 financial years is shown below:

Year

Mobilised Civil Disturbance Incidents

2004/2005

425

2005/2006

548

2006/2007

357

* NIFRS records incidents as "Civil Disturbance" related where one or more of the following conditions apply:

Incidents attended by NIFRS where the cause of fire has been the result of "Civil Unrest". [Petrol bomb attack, rioting etc.]

Incidents where NIFRS have had to withdraw due to hostilities or where they come under attack.

Incidents where NIFRS are called in to deal with fires following a spate of Civil Unrest.

Regional Development

Blue Disability Badges

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to eradicate the unlawful use of blue disability badges.

(AQW 860/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I can advise that the Parking Enforcement Unit within my Department’s Roads Service, has been working closely with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) on all aspects of parking enforcement relating to the use of Blue Badges, since responsibility for parking enforcement passed to them in October 2006.

Roads Service and IMTAC have agreed that there should be a dual approach to tackling the unlawful use of the Blue Badges, namely, raising awareness on the use of Badges and supporting this with enforcement against those people who continue to abuse the scheme.

In June this year IMTAC undertook an extensive publicity exercise as part of their Baywatch campaign, to raise awareness of inconsiderate parking in disabled parking bays and the difficulties caused by people using Blue Badges when they are not authorised to do so.

On 8th October, my Department issued a press release explaining that enforcement in this area would be increasing. It also encouraged people not to abuse the scheme and warned that Badges may be confiscated if abuse continued.

Roads Service is committed to tackling this issue by continually raising awareness of the problem and taking enforcement action when necessary. However, levels of enforcement must be set according to available resources and other enforcement demands.

I should point out that enforcement action against people who abuse the scheme is extremely difficult. Traffic Attendants have to gather information on drivers and vehicles where they believe the badge is being misused. In some circumstances this can only be done by questioning the driver when they park or return to the vehicle. This will result in attendants spending long periods observing vehicles, taking them away from other enforcement duties.

With regard to your question relating to the display of information on either side of the Blue Badge, I can advise that my Department is preparing to issue a consultation document in respect of a number of changes to the Blue Badge scheme. The proposed changes include the alteration of the design of the Badge, and the inclusion of clearer instructions about which side of the Badge must be displayed. Subject to Executive Committee approval, the consultation paper should be issued to interested parties in the very near future. Any suggestions relating to the badge design will be considered as part of the overall consultation process.

Blue Disability Badges

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he will give to ensuring that the necessary information is displayed on both sides of blue disability badges.

(AQW 861/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can advise that the Parking Enforcement Unit within my Department’s Roads Service, has been working closely with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) on all aspects of parking enforcement relating to the use of Blue Badges, since responsibility for parking enforcement passed to them in October 2006.

Illegally Erected Monuments

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of illegally erected monuments on property owned by the Roads Service.

(AQW 862/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to AQW 862/08, my Department’s Roads Service has advised that there are some 106 illegally erected monuments on public roads. Of that figure, 72 relate to road traffic accident fatalities while the other 34 relate to the troubles.

With regards to AQW 863/08, Roads Service has advised that no illegally erected monuments have been removed by them in any of the last three years.

Finally, with regards to AQW 864/08, I can advise that Roads Service does not approve of, or support, the unauthorised use of departmental property for illegally erected monuments. However, taking account of its statutory obligations, including those arising under Section 75 (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, there are some sensitive aspects surrounding roadside monuments, and as such Roads Service operates a toleration policy.

Unless such structures pose a danger to road users, or there is a clear indication that their removal would have widespread local support, no immediate action will generally be taken.

Illegally Erected Monuments

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of illegally erected monuments that have been removed by the Roads Service, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 863/08)

With regards to AQW 863/08, Roads Service has advised that no illegally erected monuments have been removed by them in any of the last three years.

Unless such structures pose a danger to road users, or there is a clear indication that their removal would have widespread local support, no immediate action will generally be taken.

Illegally Erected Monuments

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he will take to address the issue of illegally erected monuments on property owned by the Roads Service.

(AQW 864/08)

With regards to AQW 863/08, Roads Service has advised that no illegally erected monuments have been removed by them in any of the last three years.

Unless such structures pose a danger to road users, or there is a clear indication that their removal would have widespread local support, no immediate action will generally be taken.

Independent Water Review Panel

Mr J Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total cost of the independent water review panel, to date.

(AQW 870/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Independent Water Review Panel was appointed in June 2007 and since that date it has incurred expenditure of approximately £120k. This figure is made up of £63k in respect of the Panel Members’ fees and expenses; £35k in respect of the salaries of the administrative support staff and £22k in respect of general running costs.

106A Service From Lisburn to Antrim

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of passengers who have used the new 106A service from Lisburn to Antrim; and the number of passengers who have boarded or alighted the bus at Belfast International Airport.

(AQW 908/08)

Mr C Murphy: The new service from Lisburn to Antrim has been operational since 3 September 2007. Based on the latest ticketing information from Wayfarer (up to 6 October 2007) the statistics are as follows:

The total number of passengers on the service was 5,227.

The total number of passengers using the stop at Belfast International Airport was 685.

Unadopted Roads

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail all roads in the Crumlin area that remain unadopted; and to list the roads that are unadopted because a private developer has defaulted on a road-building bond.

(AQW 909/08)

Mr C Murphy: In the case of private streets that have been determined through the planning process, it is the responsibility of developers to bring roads and sewers up to the required standard for adoption by my Department.

The following is a list of roads in the Crumlin area that remain unadopted and are subject to Private Streets Order Legislation:

Bramblewood, Ballytromery Road, Crumlin

Glenoak Grange, Crumlin

St James Meadow, Cidercourt Road, Crumlin

The Mews, Cidercourt Road, Crumlin

Ballytromery Avenue, Ballytromery Road, Crumlin

Riveroaks, Mill Road, Crumlin

Millwater Lodge, Mill Street, Crumlin

Maple Park, Lurgan Road, Crumlin

Main Street, Crumlin

Of the above, the Bramblewood development, Ballytromery Road, remains unadopted and the developer has defaulted on the road building bond.

In addition, no road bond was put in place for the Glenoak Grange development before the developer went into liquidation.

If the Member requires any further information for a particular development he should feel free to contact my officials in Roads Service.

Road Safety

Mr W Irwin asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to improve road safety at Auglish Cottages on the main Portadown to Newry Road, focusing on (i) the current risk surrounding vehicular access to the cottages; and (ii) the speed of oncoming traffic.

(AQW 915/08)

Mr C Murphy: Auglish Cottages are located on the A27 Newry to Portadown Road, which is subject to the national speed limit of 60mph. My Department’s Roads Service assessed this location, in conjunction with the Police, following several requests to have the speed limit reduced to either 30mph or 40mph. I am advised, however, that given its rural character, coupled with the limited extent of development, it would not be appropriate or effective to introduce a reduced speed limit at this location.

However, as part of its ongoing monitoring of collision information, Roads Service has identified a poor collision history at the crossroads on the southern approach to Auglish Cottages and is currently developing a scheme to include in a future improvement works programme. Also, as the enforcement of speed limit restrictions is a matter for the Police, your concerns will be brought to their attention.

In relation to risks associated with vehicular access to the cottages, as I am sure you will appreciate, it would be an impossible task for Roads Service to be responsible for every private access onto a public road. However, where safety at a private access remains the responsibility of individual landowners, I can confirm that Roads Service would be happy to advise in any reasonable way.

Sewerage Infrastructure

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the work that has been carried out to Rasharkin's sewerage infrastructure to date; (ii) the timescale within which it will be brought to an appropriate standard; and (iii) the reasons for the delays in carrying out this work.

(AQW 921/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it recognises the sewerage infrastructure at Rasharkin requires upgrading in order to prevent out-of-sewer flooding and to cater for future development in the area.

In order to reduce the risk of flooding pending a major upgrade, NIW undertook work to improve the capacity of the sewerage system in the vicinity of Main Street. However, it was recognised that a residual risk of flooding remained, particularly at Sunnyside Street, which has been prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

An upgrade scheme for Rasharkin was originally included in Northern Ireland Water’s Capital Works Programme for 2005/06, but further work was required on the original proposal to take into account additional development in the area and to ensure the design was fit for purpose. This resulted in an improved scheme design which required additional funding of around £370,000 to provide adequate foul and storm sewers. This major scheme is now a priority in the Capital Works Programme for 2007/08 and work is scheduled to commence in December 2007, subject to all statutory approvals. The work is expected to take seventeen months to complete.

NI Water's Budget

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail NI Water's budget; and to give a detailed breakdown of this expenditure, for each of the last three years.

(AQW 922/08)

Mr C Murphy: The financial requirements for Northern Ireland Water (NIW) were determined as part of the process to develop its Strategic Business Plan. The company submitted its 2007/08 Budget to the Department by 30 April 2007 in accordance with the governance arrangements. However due to the decision not to introduce charges in 2007/08 the Budget required revision. The Department has not yet approved the revised Budget.

As NIW came into existence on 1 April 2007 there are no figures available for the breakdown of its expenditure over each of the last three years. The company has been established with a new financial framework which is not directly comparable with its predecessor. However, the Annual Report and Accounts for Water Service for each of the last three years are available in the Assembly Library.

PriceWaterhouseCooper

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the role of PriceWaterhouseCooper within NI Water; and to detail the annual cost of this consultancy.

(AQW 923/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that Pricewaterhouse Coopers’ role is to provide support and advice to the company in relation to Transformation Partnering; Customer Billing, Customer Relations and Mobile Work Management; and on a range of Financial Matters. In this role Pricewaterhouse Coopers is undertaking contracts to build additional capability required by Northern Ireland Water under regulation; to enable its efficiency programme; and to advise the company and the Department on the procurement and delivery of effective systems of customer billing. All of the contracts were independently procured by the Central Procurement Directorate of the Department of Finance and Personnel by way of open and competitive tenders.

As Northern Ireland Water was only created on 1 April 2007 the costs to the company can only be provided from that date. From 1 April 2007 to 19 October 2007, Pricewaterhouse Coopers has undertaken work to the value of £2.3 million for Northern Ireland Water. (Exclusive of VAT)

NI Water

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his letter dated 20 July, what discussions NI Water has had with the Environment and Heritage Service regarding 'the abandonment of the private works with flow transfer through the pumping station to the inlet of the existing retention as an interim measure pending construction of the new works'; and what decisions have been taken in relation to this matter.

(AQW 953/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that they wrote to the Environment and Heritage Service on 16 July 2007 regarding the possibility of the flow transfer of the private works at Motelands development site at Ballyhalbert. I understand that Environment and Heritage Service are still considering this matter and will let NIW have comments on the matter in the near future. I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW, Katharine Bryan, to respond directly to you when this happens.

Waste Water Treatment

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the progress of the interim waste water treatment facility at Ballyhalbert; and to specify when construction will start.

(AQW 954/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the Chief Executive, Katharine Bryan, in response to your previous Assembly Question, informed you on 4 July 2007 that Northern Ireland Water was "in negotiations with a local landowner with a view to renting lands to the rear of Ballyhalbert village to site a temporary wastewater treatment works". The negotiations are still ongoing. Northern Ireland Water remains confident that the outcome will facilitate construction of the interim works to commence towards the end of this financial year. The treatment facility will not be operational for at least 12 months from the date work commences. Northern Ireland Water will endeavour to improve on the completion date.

Bridge at Narrow Water

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the Government of the Republic of Ireland's commitment, in its Programme for Government, to provide a bridge at Narrow Water, linking the counties of Louth and Down.

(AQW 978/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Irish National Development Plan contains proposals for significant Irish Government Investment in North/South projects and initiatives for mutual benefit. The Irish Government has stated its desire to agree and implement these with the British Government and a restored Northern Ireland Executive in the period 2007 – 2013.

The Irish Government has outlined its priorities for agreement on joint projects with the North to include "improved access for tourism and other opportunities along the Eastern corridor, including better links between County Louth and County Down in Northern Ireland".

Whilst it is my understanding that the National Development Plan does not make specific reference to a bridge at Narrow Water, I understand that the Department of Transport and the Marine recently granted Louth County Council funds to undertake a technical study to obtain further information on the likely costs of a bridge at Narrow Water, and to explore issues such as the potential impact on the environment.

You will be aware that my Department’s Roads Service is carrying out a similar study relating to the Newry Southern Relief Road. It has been agreed that the outcomes of these studies will be made available to officials.

Free Public Transport

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to prioritise free public transport for children and young people with special educational needs; and, if such plans are already in place, to give a timescale within which they will be implemented, and an estimated cost for their implementation.

(AQW 985/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have no plans to introduce free public transport for children and young people with special educational needs.

My colleague, Caitríona Ruane, Minister for Education, has advised that the home to school transport arrangements for pupils with special educational needs lie outside the standard arrangements applied, and are tailored to each individual child. If health care professionals deem transport provision necessary as part of the child’s statementing process, then transport will be provided using whatever mode of transport that is recommended, to whichever school is deemed most suitable to meet that child’s needs. The Department of Education funded home to school transport provision for 7,367 pupils with a statement of special educational needs, at a total cost of £12.4 million in 2005/06.

Road Signage

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he will give to providing road signage to the Acorn Centre in Ahoghill and the Millennium Centre in Loughgiel, in light of the community service provided by these centres.

(AQW 989/08)

Mr C Murphy: In relation to the Millennium Centre in Loughgiel, I understand that signage was provided from the junction of Lough Road and Ballyveely Road in 2002.

In relation to the Acorn Centre in Ahoghill, unfortunately I must repeat the position conveyed to you by my Department’s Roads Service earlier this year. This indicated that signage may only be erected to direct road users to community halls and centres where:

there is difficulty in locating them; or

where there is a clear road safety reason to do so; and

they fulfill the following criteria:

they are non-denominational;
they are owned or managed by or on behalf of a local council; and
evidence is available that the hall is used extensively by large numbers of visitors drawn from outside the immediate catchment area.

Having carried out an assessment, and based on the information currently available to Roads Service, my officials have concluded that the Acorn Centre does not qualify for signage.

Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will investigate, as a matter of urgency, the potential for improving the Jordanstown Road in Newtownabbey, between the railway bridge and the new junction with the Monkstown Road, in order to further protect pedestrians and motorists using this increasingly busy route.

(AQW 1000/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service advise me that it carried out a survey of vehicular and pedestrian movements at the Jordanstown Road/Monkstown estate junction on 5 October 2007. Following analysis of the survey results, preliminary work will be undertaken on a scheme to provide a pelican crossing at the junction. The scheme will be included in a list with other potential schemes to be considered for prioritisation and possible inclusion in the Roads Service 2008/2009 programme of works.

Energy Consumption and Emissions

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development, in light of the various commitments to reduce energy consumption and emissions in Northern Ireland, to outline any major initiatives planned to improve the performance of, and reduce, emissions from the transport sectors; and to detail any associated targets.

(AQW 1021/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Regional Transportation Strategy seeks to reduce people’s reliance on the private car and improve the use of public transport, cycling and walking, thereby reducing energy consumption and emissions from transport. Bids have been made through the Budget 2007 process to continue to provide significant levels of investment for bus and rail travel. My Department is continuing with the introduction of Quality Bus Corridors in the Belfast Metropolitan Area and of Park & Ride sites to encourage the use of bus or rail, and is carrying out a feasibility study into a rapid transit network for the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The Travelwise initiative also encourages walking, cycling and public transport use. The Travelwise Car Scheme encourages 2 or more people to travel together to reduce travel costs, congestion, pollution, and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Sustainable Development Strategy identified the need to take steps and identify targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Targets will be considered as part of the mid term Review of the Regional Transportation Strategy. The Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan and Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan indicate that targets for reducing emissions of Nitrogen Oxides and particulates from road traffic will be specified in Local Air Quality Management Action Plans.

Road Deaths

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Regional Development what further action the Roads Service will take at the junction of the Largy Road, the Carnearney Road and the Loughbeg Road, in light of the recent road accident that led to the death of a motorcyclist.

(AQW 1035/08)

Mr C Murphy: It is with regret that my staff and I learn of a death on our roads. However, the circumstances surrounding the recent collision which led to the death of a motorcyclist at the Largy Road/Carnearnery Road/Loughbeg Road junction are currently under investigation by the PSNI and it would be inappropriate to comment until the facts surrounding this collision are known. I should add that road safety continues to be one of Roads Service’s top priorities. We are fully committed, along with other agencies, such as the Police and DoE’s Road Safety Education Branch, to doing all that we can to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads.

However, I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service is currently considering the findings of a ‘Whole Route Study’ which was recently completed on the B52, Largy Road. I have therefore asked Roads Service to notify you of their conclusions as soon as their assessment is complete.

Ticket Machines

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to ensure that all ticket machines, used by conductors employed by Northern Ireland Railways, are able to read smart passes and concessionary fare cards.

(AQW 1043/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink/NIR is responsible for ensuring that ticketing machines have the capacity to read smart passes and concessionary fare cards. Currently these machines have the capacity to read the complete range of smart passes and fare cards. If an individual machine should fail, responsibility for fixing the problem rests with NIR.

Speed Restrictions

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm that legislation that is currently in place would enable him to introduce a 20 miles per hour speed limit within (i) towns, villages and cities; and (ii) residential areas.

(AQW 1044/08)

Mr C Murphy: As responsibility for setting speed limits rests with my Department, your question has been referred to me as Minister for Regional Development to answer.

I can confirm that my department, under current legislation, has the powers necessary to introduce 20 miles per hour speed limits in towns, villages, cities and in residential areas.

Roads

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps his department has taken to ensure that (i) roads are not dug up unnecessarily by third parties (including utilities); and (ii) when roads are dug up, that they are reinstated to the highest standards.

(AQW 1062/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is fully aware of the issues associated with road openings by third parties, given the level of activity across the North in recent years and significant progress has been made to ensure roads are reinstated to an appropriate standard.

I should, however, explain that Utility Companies have a statutory right to open public roads and footways to install and maintain their equipment. Because of this, Roads Service has no control over the number of openings made by utilities, although they do have powers, under the Street Works (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 as amended by the Street Works (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2007, to regulate the process.

Utility street works are coordinated under the Order, with coordination being facilitated by a computerised system, called the Northern Ireland Street Works Register and Notification System (NISRANS). Roads Service and all main utility companies have access to this system to view planned works and comment on proposals, should there be any issues or potentially conflicting works.

With regard to the second part of your question, I can confirm that established policy is in place which requires utilities to reinstate roads and footways to the standards expressed in the Specification of the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads, issued under the Order.

Roads Service officials continue to inspect and monitor street works on an ongoing basis, to ensure that the work of utilities complies fully with the specification. Additionally, utilities are required to have at least one operative in each squad who has been trained in street works and holds a current registration card. Each site must be visited by a trained street works supervisor from the relevant third party on a daily basis.

Roads Service also operates a strong enforcement policy, particularly where serious infringements of the legislation occur. In recent years a number of utilities have been successfully prosecuted for breaches of the Street Works Order.

The number of road openings by other third parties, such as private developers, is rather small by comparison. They are usually carried out under either the Private Streets (Northern Ireland) Orders 1980 and 1992 (if the work is associated with a new housing development) or, (for most other cases) by Agreement or Consent issued by Roads Service under either the Private Streets or Roads Orders respectively or the Planning (NI) Order 1991.

In each case Roads Service has no supervisory role as to the way this work is carried out, other than to ensure that it meets the required specification and layout. However, where the consent has been contravened, Roads Service has the power to rectify serious infringements and recover the costs from the developer’s bond.

Departmental Correspondence

Mr J Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what instructions he has issued to staff in his department, in relation to references to (i) Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Northern Ireland; (iii) the United Kingdom; and (iv) Great Britain, in departmental correspondence.

(AQW 1089/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have not given any instruction to staff in respect of the references listed by the Member. However, in any correspondence to be signed by me, or speeches that I will deliver, I have advised that I prefer to use the terms Derry and the North.

Rail Link Between Waterside Railway Station and Coleraine Railway Station

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) his department's bid for funding; (ii) the amount of finance secured; and (iii) a breakdown of expenditure, in relation to the upgrade of the rail link between Waterside Railway Station and Coleraine Railway Station, between 27 July 2000 and 14 October 2002.

(AQW 1116/08)

Mr C Murphy: The bids for railway infrastructure and rolling stock lodged as part of the 2000 Comprehensive Spending Review and the funding received, were as follows:

	Total
Bids	£122.0m
(element included for lesser used lines)	(£4.3m)
Funding secured	£102.5m

The bid for the "lesser used lines" was to cover the lines north of Ballymena and Whitehead.

Translink carried out a range of projects during the period 27 July 2000 to 14 October 2002 on the line between the Railway Station at Waterside and Coleraine Railway Station. Translink have provided a breakdown of that expenditure as follows:

Castlerock Resignalling	£231,415

Coleraine to Londonderry Track	£28,385

Coleraine Integrated Transport Centre	£670,078

Castlerock Re-lay	£23,929

Coleraine Footbridge	£127,393
Points and Crossing – Coleraine	£38,155
Slope Stabilisation	£200,601
Castlerock Tunnel Lighting	£43,698
River Bann Bridge	£20,153

Coleraine Passenger Information System	£98,484
Magilligan Platform	£12,502
Coleraine Train Describer	£87,390
Total	£1,582,183

In addition to the above, expenditure was incurred on the following items:

Fencing
Station Condition Improvements
Accommodation crossings improvements
Vegetation clearance

These were network–wide projects and Translink cannot identify expenditure that relates solely to the line between Derry and Coleraine.

Hightown Bridge

Mr D Ford asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to alleviate the difficulties of people living and working in the Hightown and Mallusk areas of Newtownabbey, as a result of the closure of the Hightown Bridge from Sunday 21 October.

(AQW 1122/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service advises that the Hightown Road Bridge, which is 50 years old, has been assessed as being under strength and requires to be replaced. This work is being undertaken in association with the contract to widen the M2 at this location.

The current closure to vehicular traffic for a period of 6 weeks from 22 October 2007 is necessary to facilitate work on the diversion of essential British Telecom services that cross the bridge, in advance of demolition works to be undertaken next year and to ensure that these essential services are maintained. Pedestrian access will be maintained across the Hightown Bridge during the 6-week period.

During the closure a signed diversionary route will be available via Mallusk Road, Scullions Road, Sandyknowes Roundabout and Antrim Road, in both directions.

In order to reduce the impact of the closure on the travelling public Roads Service has:

made full time the existing part time signals at Sandyknowes Roundabout;

adjusted the signal timings on the A8 and M2 southbound offslip of the roundabout to accommodate extra traffic on Scullions Road;

adjusted signal timings to Mallusk Road from Hightown Road and Mayfield Link to help accommodate displaced traffic;

made adjustments to the traffic signals along the Antrim Road Line to help deal with the expected increase in traffic along this route;
introduced additional monitoring of the junction and surrounding area for a period until traffic patterns stabilise; and
undertaken publicity to advise people of the closure, including:

Letters distributed to residents of Hightown Estate, Derry Road and Mallusk Areas;

Notification to Newtownabbey Council and Councillors;

Notification to Glengormley Chamber of Commerce and Glengormley Town Centre Management;

Notification to Emergency Services;

Notification to Translink;

Notification to Edmund Rice School;

Advertised the closure through the media;

Notices of closure posted on bridge; and

Liaison with elected representatives.

Translink has also put in place a Shuttle Bus that will operate in the peak periods over the next 6 weeks between Edmund Rice School and Scullions Road to link with the service between Antrim Road and Roughfort.

Following this initial 6-week closure, the road will be reopened on 3 December to facilitate the run up to the Christmas period. The road will be closed again in January for approximately one year, during which time the bridge will be demolished and rebuilt.

Belfast to Coleraine Express Bus

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of passengers using the 218 Belfast to Coleraine express bus service, in the last three years.

(AQW 1127/08)

Mr C Murphy: In the last three operational years passenger numbers on the Belfast to Coleraine express were as follows.

Year	Passenger Numbers on the 218 Express
2004/05	283,035
2005/06	303,071
2006/07	312,577

These figures include those who have travelled from Belfast to Coleraine and vice versa, as well as those boarding and alighting at intermediary stops.

Hightown Bridge

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the reasons why a temporary bridge will not be erected across the M2 to replace the Hightown Bridge, when it is demolished for reconstruction in December 2007/January 2008.

(AQW 1209/08)

Mr C Murphy: The 50 year old Hightown Road Bridge has been assessed as being under strength and in need of replacement. This work is being undertaken as part of the contract to widen the M2 at this location. Initially, the bridge will be closed for a 6-week period, from Monday 22 October 2007, to allow essential utility work to be undertaken in anticipation of the bridge’s demolition next year.

In preparation for these works, Roads Service officials considered a number of possible temporary traffic management options. These included the provision of a temporary bridge across the M2 motorway adjacent to the existing structure. This option was discounted, due to the close proximity of properties along both sides of the Hightown Road and the geometry of the existing Derry Road and Mallusk Road, making it impossible to construct the necessary approach roads to a temporary bridge at this location.

However during both closures a signed diversionary route will be available via Mallusk Road, Scullions Road, Sandyknowes Roundabout and Antrim Road, in both directions. Pedestrian access will be maintained across the Hightown Bridge during the 6-week period.

Roads Service has also introduced changes to traffic signals at a number of key junctions on the diversion route and will continue to monitor traffic conditions during the bridge closures.

Officials are currently considering the introduction of additional signals at the Scullions Road access onto Sandyknowes Roundabout, for the longer term closure during the planned demolition and rebuilding of the bridge.

Social Development

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how good relations considerations have been taken into account within her department's bid, in relation to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 835/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): As part of the current Comprehensive Spending Review process, Departments were obliged to undertake high level impact assessments in respect of each bid submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Social Development to detail how the Deloitte Touche report, ‘The Cost of Division – A Shared Future Strategy’ is being taken into account within her department's approach to the current Northern Ireland Comprehensive Spending Review.

(AQW 836/08)

Ms M Ritchie: As part of the current Comprehensive Spending Review process, Departments were obliged to undertake high level impact assessments in respect of each bid submitted to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Village Planning Day

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to progress the redevelopment of the Village area in South Belfast, following the 'Village Planning Day' held on 9 July 2007.

(AQW 855/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I am making arrangements for a further Planning Day to report on progress on the Village area. The economic appraisal for the first phase of the Urban Renewal proposal is at present being considered and financial bids were lodged with the Strategic Investment Board as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. My Department awaits information from Representative Groups who were to identify, in their opinion, the streets in worst physical condition.

Housing Executive Insurance Claims

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of insurance claims that have been lodged with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or its insurance companies, broken down by district council area, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 873/08)

Ms M 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 its property.

The tables below detail the number of Public Liability Claims lodged with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in each of the last three years, including those claims involving personal injury, by District Council area, for the period 2004/05-2006/07.

Housing Executive Insurance Claims

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of personal injury claims that have been lodged with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in each of the last three years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 885/08)

Ms M 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 its property.

Housing Executive Insurance Claims

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, broken down by district council area, the number of claims lodged in respect of damage to houses owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive due to (i) renovations; (ii) repairs; and (iii) natural disasters, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 886/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information is not available. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive does not record Public Liability claims by cause.

Conway Mill

Mr G Adams asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to finance the refurbishment of Conway Mill.

(AQW 912/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Department for Social Development is the lead funder of the redevelopment of Conway Mill. The Department’s Belfast Regeneration Office has granted £1.2million from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund towards the project, which has an overall budget of £4.3 million. The redevelopment project has now been formally initiated and an Employer’s Agent has recently been appointed to manage the project. The estimated start time for work on site is June 2008.

New Build Social Housing Scheme

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether or not the new build social housing scheme for Rasharkin will commence on the agreed start date; and, if not, to give the reasons for the delay.

(AQW 919/08)

Ms M Ritchie: A scheme at Church Road, Rasharkin is programmed to go on site during 2008/09. This site is owned by the Housing Executive and Triangle Housing Association has been nominated to deliver the scheme. Both are working to achieve the target on site date but there may be a problem with the capacity of the sewerage system at present to accommodate a connection to the sewer for this development. Every effort will be made to resolve this issue.

Housing Executive Insurance Claims

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of personal injury claims to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, broken down by district council area, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 928/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Expenditure on Public Liability Claims (PLC) made to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, for the last three full financial years was as follows:

PLC expenditure for 2004/05-2006/07 by District Council area

Council	2004/2005 £k	2005/2006 £k	2006/2007 £k	Total £k
Antrim	50	69	22	141
Ards	26.5	53	38	117.5
Armagh	29	11	8.5	48.5
Ballymena	16	10	33	59
Ballymoney	8	5	10	23
Banbridge	30	10.5	16	56.5
Belfast	553	676	435	1.6m
Carrickfergus	19	61	33	113
Castlereagh	73	58	65	196
Coleraine	22	8	21	51
Cookstown	0	2	0.2	2.2
Craigavon	50	80	52	182
Londonderry	223	185	123	531
Down	22.5	40	44	106.5
Dungannon	69	38.5	2	109.5
Fermanagh	25	10	2	37
Larne	14.5	29	15	58.5
Limavady	22.5	17	39	78.5
Lisburn	91	57	56	204
Magherafelt	41	31	35	107
Moyle	0	0	13.5	13.5
Newry & Mourne	53	68	150	271
Newtownabbey	88	49	437	574
North Down	47	20	11	78
Omagh	20	16	13	49
Strabane	53.5	18	45	116.5
Total	1.6m	1.6m	1.7m	4.9m

These figures include claims involving both personal injury and property damage.

Housing Executive Insurance Claims

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether or not the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's insurance companies have settled the issue in relation to claims for burst water tanks; and to confirm the timescale for settling claims, broken down by Housing Executive district area, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 929/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive self-insures against all Public Liability Claims up to a limit of £500,000. This includes property damage and personal injury liabilities which arise from incidents on its property. Claims for damaged cold water storage tanks are treated in the same manner as any other claim made to the Housing Executive. As these largely fall below the £500,000 limit, settlements are met from the Housing Executive’s own budget and do not involve an insurance company. There are no set timescales for dealing with insurance claims since the assessment of whether the Housing Executive has been negligent depends on a variety of factors. However the Housing Executive strives to deal with claims as efficiently as possible. Thirty four claims under £250 were settled in-house by the Housing Executive in 2006/07 and a further 50 were settled by claims handlers working on the Housing Executive’s behalf. A small number of claims progress to Court, while others may be resolved without recourse to the Housing Executive, for example, by contractors.

Burst Water Tanks

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of water tanks that have burst in Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties, broken down by Housing Executive district area, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 930/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information is not available in the form requested.

However, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive replaced a total of 1258 storage and expansion tanks for the financial years 2004/05 to 2006/07. The reason for replacement included wear and tear, scheme work and damage. The cause of the replacement is not recorded.

Child Support Agency

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has for the Child Support Agency; to detail the impact that these plans will have on services; and to outline in full any anticipated job losses.

(AQW 983/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I intend to bring forward similar Child Support policy changes for Northern Ireland as those outlined in The Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill in Great Britain.

The four principles for reform should tackle child poverty, promote parental responsibility, provide a cost effective and professional service and be simple and transparent. The changes include:

removing the requirement for parents with care who claim benefits to be treated as applying for child maintenance;

encouraging parents to make their own arrangements by increasing the amount of maintenance which parents with care on benefit can keep before their benefits are affected (known as "disregard");

simplifying and streamlining the child maintenance assessment process by, for example, using the latest available tax year information as the basis for calculating child maintenance;

improving collection and enforcement processes; and

increasing efforts to collect and manage debt.

I have also concluded that the existing Northern Ireland Child Support Agency should be wound up and service delivery brought under the direct control of my Department. This offers the best long term solution for Northern Ireland, minimising the need for organisational change and allowing us to concentrate on maintaining and improving services to parents with care and non-resident parents, and ultimately children.

In relation to the matter of job losses, the size of the new Child Support organisation has not been determined and I am therefore not in a position to assess the impact on staffing levels.

Public Housing Units

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of units of public housing that have been provided in (i) Newcastle; (ii) Castlewellan; (iii) Downpatrick; and (iv) Ballynahinch, in the last two years.

(AQW 1012/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Twenty four homes were started or completed in Newcastle and 12 in Ballynahinch in the last two years. The current Social Housing Development Programme makes provision for 77 units in Downpatrick, 35 in Newcastle and 7 in Castlewellan over the next 3 years.

Land for social housing has been very difficult to acquire in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle and Castlewellan due mainly to high cost and competition from the private sector.

Housing Associations are actively seeking sites in areas where housing need has been identified and the Housing Executive is reviewing its own land holdings and working with others to try to identify suitable development opportunities. In addition to the schemes formally identified within the programme, Housing Associations have identified 4 potential sites in Newcastle; 3 in Castlewellan; 5 in Ballynahinch and 8 in Downpatrick. Work is underway to determine the feasibility of developing these sites with a view to acquisition.

The Housing Executive also has a detailed site investigation programme underway in areas of housing need across Northern Ireland as a whole. Newcastle, Ballynahinch and Downpatrick are included within this study.

Public Housing Units

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of units of public housing that will be provided in (i) Newcastle; (ii) Castlewellan; (iii) Downpatrick; and (iv) Ballynahinch, in the next two years.

(AQW 1013/08)

Land for social housing has been very difficult to acquire in Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Newcastle and Castlewellan due mainly to high cost and competition from the private sector.

Housing Executive Waiting List

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people who are on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list in (i) Newcastle; (ii) Castlewellan; (iii) Downpatrick; and (iv) Ballynahinch.

(AQW 1014/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At 30 June 2007 the total waiting list figures were as follows; Newcastle 261, Castlewellan 111, Downpatrick 299 and Ballynahinch 162. Of these totals the following had more than 30 points; Newcastle 152, Castlewellan 63, Downpatrick 162 and Downpatrick 112.

Warmer Homes Scheme

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development what steps she has taken to ensure that people who are entitled to payments from the Warmer Homes Scheme are not subjected to any delay; and that such payments are increased in line with rising fuel costs and inflation.

(AQW 1024/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Warm Homes Scheme does not provide payments to eligible householders, rather a range of energy efficient measures such as a variety of insulation, including cavity wall and loft insulation, as well as an oil or natural gas energy efficient central heating system to those eligible householders over 60 years of age.

Despite current funding of just over £20 million, the Scheme is oversubscribed. However, my Department is endeavouring to keep delays to a minimum. Maximum grant limits for measures are regularly increased.

Voluntary and Community Sector Funding

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether or not all funding provided by her department to the voluntary and community sector is guided solely by objective need.

(AQW 1026/08)

Ms M Ritchie: As Minister for Social Development I am committed to tackling poverty and disadvantage and building communities right across Northern Ireland. All funding allocated by my department to the voluntary and community sector is subject to appraisal in line with Treasury guidance, this includes objective assessment of need.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what arrangements her department has put in place to resource the Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies.

(AQW 1047/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The decisions on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 have not yet been finalised.

Housing Executive

Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development to detail whether or not the Northern Ireland Housing Executive will remain the principal housing body, in relation to the management and delivery of social housing.

(AQW 1064/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At present I have no plans to make any changes to the current arrangements.

Housing Selection Scheme

Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development what is her assessment of the housing selection scheme, in relation to the allocation of houses in areas of high demand; and to outline whether or not she intends to review this policy, in line with the commitment made by direct rule Ministers.

(AQW 1065/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Common Selection Scheme is based on the fundamental principle that assessment and prioritisation of applicants and allocation of accommodation are undertaken on the basis of greatest housing need. It is also underpinned by the principles of fairness, equity and openness. The Scheme is considered to be more objective and sensitive to individual needs than its predecessor, measuring the competing needs of applicants and their varying characteristics more sensitively.

The Scheme provides for an assessment of housing need on an equitable basis throughout Northern Ireland. Through recognising a wide range of housing circumstances the Scheme aims to ensure that those in the greatest overall housing need are housed first.

While the general view is that the Scheme meets its objectives and is regarded as fulfilling its function well, whether in areas of high or low demand, it is acknowledged that there are supply / demand issues in certain areas. Given that the waiting list of applicants assessed in accordance with the Selection Scheme is in essence a "queuing list" for a decreasing number of houses becoming available, it is inevitable that some will get housed more quickly than others and applicants who choose to queue for such high-demand areas are, as a consequence of exercising this choice and supply / demand imbalances, likely to wait a disproportionate length of time for rehousing.

This is one of a number of issues which has been the focus of research over the last few months into Social Housing Need and Access. This research has looked at a number of issues, including the need to review of a number of aspects of the Common Selection Scheme and other models of meeting housing need. The research report is currently being finalised. This may well result in changes to the Common Housing Selection Scheme.

Housing Executive Waiting List

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people (i) currently on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list; and (ii) who are deemed to be homeless, in South Antrim.

(AQW 1123/08)

Ms M Ritchie: At 31 March 2007 the total waiting list figure for South Antrim was 2,557 of which 763 had Full Duty Applicant status.

Vacant Residential Properties

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of vacant residential properties in the South Antrim constituency, broken down by electoral ward.

(AQW 1124/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information is not available in the format requested. Information compiled from Rates Collection Agency and Housing Executive records shows 2,285 vacant Northern Ireland Housing Executive and private residential properties in the Antrim and Newtownabbey District Council areas at September 2006. The data is not available at electoral ward level.

Vacant Residential Properties

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Social Development to outline how she intends to bring vacant residential properties in the South Antrim constituency into productive use, in order to tackle the housing problems in this area.

(AQW 1125/08)

Ms M Ritchie: An Empty Homes Team is currently developing an appropriate strategy to address vacant properties across all tenures. Further work is required to determine both the location and suitability of these dwellings in order to bring them back into use. I have asked the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to let me have a report into Empty Homes as quickly as possible.

Community Transformation Initiative

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister for Social Development to detail what elements were contractually and legally binding within the Community Transformation Initiative, which directly linked Ulster Defence Association decommissioning to funding by her department.

(AQW 1126/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The contract with regard to the Conflict Transformation Initiative states that "Any evidence that there is not a sustained reduction in the level of paramilitary activity and anti-social behaviour associated with paramilitary in the target areas may be considered as indicative that the project is not pursuing its identified outcomes."

Community Transformation Initiative

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the precise time at which her officials took action regarding her announcement, made in the Assembly on Tuesday 16 October 2007, regarding the Community Transformation Initiative; and the precise time at which her instructions were officially issued to the managing agents of the project.

(AQW 1128/08)

Ms M Ritchie: My officials spoke with a representative of Farset Youth & Community Ltd on Tuesday 16 October between 4.00-5.00pm to confirm the content of my announcement to the Assembly. A termination notice is currently being prepared and will be sent to Farset Youth & Community Ltd in due course.

Community Transformation Initiative

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the exact costs of winding up the Community Transformation Initiative, in accordance with her instructions, or, if unable to give exact costs, to detail the estimated costs; and to give a breakdown of these estimations.

(AQW 1130/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I am not in a position to give exact costs of the termination of the project at this time. I can confirm the estimated normal project costs for one month are in the region of £37,000.

I understand that Farset Youth & Community Ltd will seek some additional costs that they claim they have incurred in establishing this project. I have no information on what these costs are likely to be.

Actual costs will be dependent on the terms of the termination of contract which is still being finalised.

Former Military Sites

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development to provide details on the former military sites that have been nominated for transfer to the Executive.

(AQW 1179/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Executive has approached the British Government in relation to the free transfer of all remaining redundant military sites. DSD has already had to purchase a number of such sites at full market cost and is currently in the process of so doing in relation to the Grosvenor site in Enniskillen for a mixed tenure housing scheme.

DSD is also currently working to explore possible acquisition of the St Lucia and Lisanelly sites in Omagh and the St Patricks site in Ballymena and is acting on behalf of Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in respect of acquisition of the Forkhill site in Armagh.

Acquisition of Lisanelly Barracks and St Patricks barracks would be the subject of Executive approval because of the very substantial sums involved and the fact that DSD is facilitating a range of possible uses by other Government Departments. The process would obviously be greatly facilitated should these redundant military sites be gifted to the Northern Ireland Executive by the British Government, as has been requested.

Assembly Commission

Assembly Research and Library Service

Mr D McKay asked the Assembly Commission if the Assembly Research and Library Service has adequate staffing levels to deal with its workload.

(AQW 952/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Research and Library Service has recently appointed 14 researchers from the Brook Street Employment Agency to cover vacancies created by temporary promotions and transfers to other areas of Assembly business that were required to ensure Assembly readiness for restoration. Researcher vacancies also arose due to staff resigning posts over the 4 and a half year suspension period. The agency researchers have shown themselves able to deal with the Assembly’s current workload though three vacancies remain in the fields of agriculture / rural development, geographical information systems and statistics. Efforts continue to locate staff in these fields and further appointments are expected soon.

Open recruitment to appoint permanent research staff is set as a high priority and will be initiated once the current temporary hold on recruitment is lifted.

Over the suspension period the Service lost proportionally more librarians than it did researchers. Since specific professional qualifications in information management are required for library posts the agency route has not proven to be as successful. The Service is seeking to use the Interchange scheme to temporarily fill vacancies until such time as open recruitment can occur. In the interim, the current library team has prioritized customer facing work and has the support of an administrative support team to carry out this function. Hence, short-term library workloads are being dealt with satisfactorily while longer term initiatives are underway to ensure full staffing within the Service.

Tree Planting Initiatives

Mr L Cree asked the Assembly Commission what plans it has to engage in further tree planting initiatives in the grounds of the Stormont estate, in order to support the Woodland Trust in its 'Tree Planting for All' campaign.

(AQW 1117/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): Tree planting within the Stormont Estate is the responsibility of the Department of Finance and Personnel, who manage the grounds. The Assembly Commission is assured however, that tree planting forms an integral part of their operations and is regularly monitored and reviewed by the Estate Management Unit.

With the Estate moving towards biodiversity and sustainability targets, Estate Management Unit has begun a programme of propagating native plants from seeds taken within the estate in an effort to become self sufficient.

Renewable Energy Sources

Mr L Cree asked the Assembly Commission to detail whether or not it has carried out an environmental feasibility study to introduce renewable energy sources, as a means of generating power for Parliament Buildings.

(AQW 1118/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission is committed to adopting a proactive approach to energy management in Parliament Buildings and Annexe C and as such has established links with the Public Sector Energy Committee (PSEC) and Carbon Trust to take this forward. As recently as Friday 19th October secretariat staff attended an energy training course run by PSEC to be kept abreast of the most up to date policies and strategies.

The Commission is in the process of preparing a bid to identify potential projects within Parliament Buildings that could receive funding from the Central Energy efficiency Fund, which supports projects which will advance energy management in public sector buildings.

A feasibility study was carried out to ascertain if biomass boilers could be installed within the Stormont estate however it was determined that it would not be suitable for Parliament Buildings.

The Commission is currently undertaking an environmental audit which will include the following:

current environmental management at Parliament Buildings (including inter alia recycling, procurement, energy usage);
a desk-study examining examples of best practise for 'greening' public buildings of this type, especially listed buildings;
recommendations for progressing these ideas towards implementation;
new Parliaments' buildings and the measures that they have built in; and
examples of environmentally enhancing/beneficial features that have been built in to public buildings and non governmental buildings, listed and otherwise.

Following this the Commission will look at implementing the findings from the report.

Friday 26 October 2007

Written Answers to Questions

Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister

All-Ireland Parliamentary Forum

Victims' Groups

Equality Legislation

Equality Legislation

Equality Legislation

Staff Team Building

Financial Year

Type of Event

and

Cost of Each

Away Days

Team Building Exercises

Comprehensive Spending Review

Planning Appeals

Planning Appeals Commission

Commissioned Report

Reports Commissioned and Received By OFMDFM

1 January 2006

To

7 May 2007

8 May 2007

To

30 September 2007

Commissioned

Received

Commissioned

Received

Budget Underspend

Integrated Development Fund

Public Service Agreements

Executive Committee Meeting

Links With Scotland

Meetings with Ministerial Counterparts

Public Appointments

A Shared Future and Racial Equality Strategy

Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington

Sustainable Development Strategy

Older Persons' Commissioner

Investment Strategy

Victims' Commissioner

Public Appointments

Victims' Commissioner

Attacks on Orange Halls

Legislative Programme for 2007/2008

Victims' Commissioner

Maze Site Development

Agriculture and Rural Development

Comprehensive Spending Review

Comprehensive Spending Review

National Ploughing Championships

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute

Budget Underspend

Departmental Offices

Local Community Fund

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Maritime Museum

Arts Council Funding

Council area

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

Total

Budget Underspend

Foras na Gaeilge

Ordnance Survey

Community Arts Projects

Bamford Review and Investment for Health Strategies

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Education

Unoccupied Desks

Sector

Estimated Surplus Places in Primary Schools

Estimated Surplus Places in Post-Primary Schools

Year