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 09 November 2007
Written Answers to Questions
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Agriculture and Rural Development
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Education
Employment and Learning
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Environment
Finance and Personnel
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Regional Development
Social Development
CORRIGENDUM
Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister
Public Private Partnerships
Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the success of Public Private Partnerships, in relation to creating a positive attitude to projects within the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.
(AQW 757/08)
The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): In taking forward the Investment Strategy, our priority must be the delivery of high quality, well maintained assets and facilities which can provide effective services for the public, support positive social change and enhance our environment. People using our services must be our priority and understandably they want the timely delivery of investment projects at the least overall cost to the taxpayer. Public Private Partnerships offer one route to deliver these benefits.
A number of major projects are planned to be taken forward as Public Private Partnerships under the Investment Strategy including:
- a new college for Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education;
- the Alpha drinking water project;
- the Omega waste water project;
- the new hospital project for the South West;
- Road improvements between Beech Hill and Cloughogue which completes dualling of the A1 between Belfast and the border;
- the up-grading of the M1/Westlink; and:
- the Belfast Schools Project.
The financial commitments entered in to in a Public Private Partnership provide a physical asset and a guaranteed service to specified performance levels during the life of the contract. Under conventional procurement the public sector would still have to meet the costs of maintaining the asset and providing the service. The key consideration in deciding how to procure new capital investment in the Investment Strategy is value for money, positive social outcomes and enhancing our environment. Decisions on individual projects are taken on this basis.
Carbon Footprint
Mr W Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not it has commissioned research on the carbon footprint of those on low incomes, compared to those on high incomes.
(AQW 1185/08)
Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: OFMDFM has not commissioned research on the carbon footprint of those on low incomes, compared to those on high incomes. Literature reviews relating to behavioural change have been carried out within the department during 2007, and a recent study, Northern Limits (2004) suggests that the Ecological Footprint of Northern Ireland residents is approximately 11% below the UK average, with 43% of the footprint being generated through materials and waste.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Fishing Licences
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to the inclusion of blue-fin tuna in fishing licences.
(AQW 1143/08)
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): There is no participation in the targeted fishery for blue-fin tuna by the UK fleet although all UK vessels are permitted to retain a small by-catch of 2 fish per month when the fishery is open. Blue-fin tuna is mainly of interest to the EU countries that border the Mediterranean who between them share some 57 % of the total allowable catch. Stocks of blue-fin tuna are managed by an organisation called the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The European Commission negotiates on behalf of the EU Member States in ICCAT.
Compensatory Allowances for Tuberculosis and Brucellosis
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that compensatory allowances for tuberculosis and brucellosis remain in line with the increasing cost to farmers in purchasing dairy cows and replacement stock.
(AQW 1161/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the Tuberculosis Control Order ( Northern Ireland) 1999 and the Brucellosis Control Order ( Northern Ireland) 2004, where my Department slaughters or causes an animal to be slaughtered the compensation payable by the Department for the animal shall be the market value of the animal.
The market value of the animal means the price which might have reasonably have been obtained for it at the time of valuation from a purchaser in a market if it had been free from disease. The valuation is not intended to be a replacement value for the animal.
Currently compensation for Brucellosis reactors is paid at either 75% of the DARD valuation or a ceiling value which is based on market reports, whichever is lower. For pedigree animals, the DARD valuation is based on a market value for commercial, non pedigree cattle and the ceiling value based on market reports is increased by £300. For all other animals removed and slaughtered for Tuberculosis or Brucellosis they are paid at an amount equal to their market value as determined by the DARD valuer.
My Department’s Livestock Valuation Officers regularly attend livestock sales to record prices and assessment of the quality of the animals passing through these sales. These sales can be locally in the North, or in the South of Ireland or in Britain and this enables a broad spectrum of livestock to be assessed and the market price recorded.
This ongoing updating of knowledge of current market values combined with the Valuation Officers expertise in the field is used to determine a market value for each animal inspected.
Milk Production
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the percentage of milk produced in Northern Ireland that is processed in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1162/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The percentage of raw milk produced here and processed locally (including that processed for the liquid market) in 2006 was 68%. The percentage of raw milk produced which was processed here for the liquid market was 14% while that for manufactured products was 54%.
Locally Produced Food
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to hold discussions with representatives of the Northern Ireland food industry, in relation to the design and wording of labels on locally produced food for display on supermarket shelves.
(AQW 1166/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I understand your desire to have locally produced food clearly labelled in supermarkets. However, my Department is only responsible for the labelling of beef and has no influence over the labelling of other food products. DARD inspectors, working with local authority Environmental Health Officers, ensure that all beef on sale is labelled with compulsory country of origin and traceability information. Other terms, such as, “Product of Northern Ireland” or “Northern Irish Reared” may be used voluntarily when labelling beef, provided they have been verified and approved by DARD.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for general food labelling. Under current legislation, food products do not have to be labelled with the place of origin, unless failure to do so would mislead the customer. The FSA is currently consulting with industry on its revised country of origin labelling guidance which is aimed at helping manufacturers, producers, retailers and caterers to comply with the law and to encourage them to give more voluntary origin information in a helpful and informative way.
fundamental review of EU labelling legislation is currently taking place which will consider changes to the existing legal requirements for mandatory origin declarations and the controls on how mandatory and voluntary declarations are made. When the European Commission produces its proposals the FSA will consult widely with industry stakeholders. My officials are always available to provide advice to industry about compliance with the Beef Labelling Regulations. Advice on other labelling legislation is available from the Food Standards Agency.
Chemical Sprays
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the impact of the prohibition of the use of chemical sprays on farmland; and what consideration she has given to whether or not this ban is in keeping with good farming practice.
(AQW 1169/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I am not aware of any general prohibition on the use of chemical sprays on farmland. However participants in DARD’s agri-environment schemes are not permitted to use pesticides on particular habitats to maintain the biodiversity value of these.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make available her department's assessment of the potential for energy production from farm waste and energy crops.
(AQW 1193/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department has outlined the assessment of the potential for energy production from farm waste and energy crops in the DARD Renewable Energy Action Plan. The focus of this plan has been to shape a coherent support framework that will enable the land based and rural sectors to realise the potential that renewable energy production presents.
The Department recognise that renewable energy technologies will create opportunities for livestock farmers as assessed and reported by the Expert Group on Alternative Use of Manures (EGAUM) in March 2006.
Work is currently underway to establish a Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence at the AFBI site in Hillsborough. This demonstration and research facility will further identify the potential for energy production from waste and energy crops.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make available her department's analysis of the most appropriate business models for farm based technologies in relation to energy production from farm waste and energy crops.
(AQW 1196/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Currently, my Department is establishing a Renewable Energy Centre of scientific excellence within the Agri Food and BioSciences Institute at Hillsborough.
This demonstration and research facility, will provide a unique opportunity to obtain an appropriate research and knowledge base in relation to renewable energy technologies. Once established we can then assess the most favourable business models for farm based technologies in relation to energy production from farm waste and energy crops within Northern Ireland.
Focussed on research findings CAFRE will continue to deliver a tailored technology transfer programme, seeking to increase awareness and knowledge of renewable energy deployment.
Energy Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what action she is taking to ensure that farmers are provided with the necessary information, training and financial, and non-financial, support for diversification into energy production.
(AQW 1197/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department provides information and support for farmers wishing to diversify into energy production through the College of Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and under the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP). Information is also provided on the DARD website.
CAFRE deliver tailored education, training and technology transfer programmes to those entering and within the industry in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment
These programmes are focused on increasing awareness and knowledge of renewable energy issues among the farming and broader rural communities to enhance their capacity to exploit current and future opportunities.
AFBI has a key role to play in the development of a Renewable Energy Centre of scientific excellence at AFBI Hillsborough. The programme of research will support the continued development of renewable energy options appropriate to the land-based sector in the North.
Axes 1 and 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2007 -2013 include measures aimed at supporting renewable energy products and energy efficient technologies. Detailed information on these measures is currently being developed.
DARD supports the growth of crops for energy under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. Aid of €45 per hectare is payable for all crops used for the production of energy products, with the exception of those grown on set-aside land.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1212/08)
Ms M Gildernew: During the last financial year my Department spent £703,788 on consultancy in the following categories.
Category |
Amount |
Policy appraisal and review |
137,732.80 |
Strategic management |
10,480.00 |
Organisational development |
47,182.00 |
Economic appraisal |
33,709.52 |
Feasibility study |
8,291.41 |
Projects |
450,475.54 |
Surveys |
8,500.00 |
Marketing |
2,368.00 |
Other |
5,049.15 |
Motor Homes in Forest Parks
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's strategy to better promote, and provide enhanced facilities for, motor homes in forest parks.
(AQW 1230/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department, through the Forest Service, is currently reviewing its recreational provision in Forest Parks, including the provision of facilities for motor homes. This will include the preparation of a Recreational Strategy, which will examine a range of issues relating to recreation and will propose options for recreational provision into the future. I hope to agree and publish a Strategy in the next business year. In addition, my Department, in partnership with the Strategic Investment Board, commissioned a feasibility study to identify specific options for recreational development. This study focused on the two most popular forest parks, Tollymore and Castlewellan and was completed in May 2007. My officials are considering the recommendations of this study with a view to securing partnership agreements to develop recreational facilities over the next few years, within the context of the proposed recreational strategy.
All-Ireland Animal Health Strategy
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will confirm that her department plans to ease restrictions in relation to trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the beef industry, as part of the proposed all-Ireland animal health strategy.
(AQW 1236/08)
Ms M Gildernew: As I have already announced, the All-island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy is one of my key priorities. I believe that full co-operation on animal health issues on the Island of Ireland can help facilitate trade and secure a level playing field for trade North and South .
The ultimate objective of the Strategy will be the free movement of animals on the island. This will be achieved by the alignment of policies and controls.
I will be discussing the Strategy with my Ministerial colleague in Dublin, Mary Coughlan TD, at the North South Ministerial Council Agriculture Sectoral meeting, which will take place on 9 November.
Organic Farming Industry
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her department is taking to support the organic farming industry in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1237/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which was approved by the European Commission in July 2007, I hope to offer a new Organic Farming Scheme to assist farmers who wish to convert from conventional to organic production.
The new Scheme should provide increased levels of support for the organic livestock sector, with additional support for the organic cereal and horticulture sectors. DARD proposes to pay the following amounts to farmers to cover the first five years of conversion to organic production:
Horticulture (including top fruit) - £670
Arable - £570
Other Improved Land - £470
These payments are on a ‘per hectare’ basis, and will be apportioned over the five years.
I also hope to offer an ongoing post-conversion payment of £30 per hectare per year for such land, which is certified organic, under the proposed Organic Option in the new Countryside Management Scheme.
In addition to this, CAFRE (Greenmount Campus) continues to provide education, advice and ongoing support in relation to organic farming. It also develops and tests new technologies appropriate to the local organic sector.
Energy Savings
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's assessment of the potential for energy saving and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farming and land use; and to make a statement on her department's planned actions and budget allocations in relation to energy and greenhouse gas savings.
(AQW 1247/08)
Ms M Gildernew: To date, my Department has not formally assessed the potential for energy saving and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from farming and land use. Instead, my Department has focused on exploiting opportunities that renewable energy presents for the land based sector, as outlined in its Renewable Energy Action Plan.
These various activities in relation to renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency initiatives will have a positive impact on energy saving and reduction of greenhouse gases within the agricultural community.
A funding package of £4.2 million has been secured for renewable energy initiatives which include a renewable energy centre of excellence at AFBI Hillsborough and a technology transfer programme through CAFRE. Subject to EU approval, DARD also proposes to introduce an Energy from Agri-Food Waste Challenge fund, providing grant support of £10m for renewable energy projects.
In addition, research by AFBI into pro-active and innovative ways to lower greenhouse gas emissions from farming continues.
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail any equality impact assessment or rural proofing that has been carried out in relation to proposals to close her department's local offices.
(AQW 1262/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department proposes to establish a network of 10 DARD Direct ‘one stop shops’ across the province, which will increase accessibility to our services and help to standardise the service we provide to our customers by improving the efficiency of transactions.
The Department is just about to initiate a pre-consultation exercise with key stakeholders, which will inform a full EQIA/subsequent consultation exercise.
Job Losses
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the location of her department's local offices that are currently being assessed for potential closure; and what is her assessment of any associated job losses.
(AQW 1263/08)
Ms M Gildernew: Currently no decisions have been taken on the location of DARD Direct offices across the North, with the exception of Inishkeen House, Enniskillen as it has already been modified to test the DARD Direct service delivery model. It is proposed to have 10 DARD Direct offices strategically located across the North so that the vast majority (90%) of farm businesses are within 16 miles of a ‘one stop shop’. My Department will be carrying out a full EQIA/consultation on the proposal. I will make decisions on office locations after I have had time to consider responses to this.
As part of the Budget process all departments, including DARD, will have to make reductions in expenditure on administration and absorb the cost of pay settlements. It is likely that any job reductions which have to be made as part of this process will fall across most areas of my department. However, no decisions about potential job cuts in DARD have been made yet.
Forestry Land
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to convert limited areas of forestry land for the growing of environmentally friendly and cash producing crops, such as willow.
(AQW 1269/08)
Ms M Gildernew: I have no plans to convert areas of forestry land to Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) willow. My Department’s main strategic objective is to expand conventional forestry, through funding provided under the NI Rural Development Programme, to increase the area of land under woodland. However, expansion of more specialist types of plantation, such as SRC willow used to generate renewable energy, will also be eligible for assistance under the Woodland Grant Scheme.
Badger Culling
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to introduce badger culling to control bovine tuberculosis in Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1281/08)
Ms M Gildernew: The Badger Stakeholder Group has now agreed to the commissioning of a survey of the badger population in the North. The protocol for the badger population survey is designed to establish their numbers and distribution in the North. It was drawn up in close consultation with EHS officials. It is necessary to collect this information about badger populations to inform any future decisions relating to badgers. The survey field work is commencing this month and the report of the work will be completed by May 2008.
Both Britain and the South are progressing work on developing a vaccine against TB for use in badgers, as a long term strategy, and this is something that we will also need to consider as a long-term option. However, Any agreement to remove or vaccinate badgers in the North would need to be based on science and supported by economic appraisal, and would require the agreement of officials in DOE/EHS, Ministers of both Departments, DARD and DOE Assembly Committees, and possibly also the Executive, as the badger is a protected species.
My Department is current assessing and considering the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Sir David King’s report, published on the 22 October 2007 which was commissioned by UK Ministers to review the Independent Scientific Group report on Cattle TB.
Farmers have played a crucial role in TB control in the North and have contributed significantly to its decline over the past 4-5 years. They will continue to play a pivotal role in the reduction in cattle-to-cattle transmission. It is also important that they take all reasonable precautions to protect their herds from possible infection by badgers. Herdkeepers are currently advised to take practical steps to reduce badger and cattle contact, for instance by preventing the access of badgers to cattle sheds and feed stores over the winter.
Newtownards Canal
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail which organisation has responsibility for the Newtownards canal, in particular the upkeep of the canal banks; and what responsibility the Rivers Agency has in relation to the cleaning of the canal.
(AQW 1282/08)
Ms M Gildernew: A major section of the Newtownards Canal between its outlet at Strangford Lough and a grille just upstream of the Belfast Road is designated within the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973. As such it is maintained by Rivers Agency as necessary to ensure free flow in the channel. While the upkeep of the bank is the responsibility of adjacent landowners, Rivers Agency removes overhanging trees, and vegetation from the banks if these are causing, or are likely to cause, obstruction to flows in the channel.
Nitrates Directive
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what assistance, financial or otherwise, her department will provide to allow farmers to meet Nitrates Directive targets by 2009.
(AQW 1310/08)
Ms M Gildernew: My Department is providing financial assistance through the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme to help farmers invest in improved slurry storage facilities and to meet Nitrates Directive targets by 2009. Budget provision has been secured to fund all valid scheme applications at a grant rate of 60%.
DARD has been highly proactive in its provision of advice and support to farmers. A Guidance booklet and summary A3 poster on the Nitrates Action Programme has been issued to all farm businesses. Numerous meetings have been held with organisations and farming representatives. A significant number of telephone queries have been answered and over 2,700 farmers attended a series of 150 information meetings organised by CAFRE. Since April 2005 Countryside Management Branch have released 43 press articles relating to the Nitrates Directive and a series of press articles on the main elements of the Action Programme is ongoing. Advice on the Nitrates Directive has been and will continue to be a key feature of the DARD display at events such as the Balmoral Show and Winter Fair.
To help farmers comply with the manure storage and nitrogen loading measures of the Action Programme, two calculators are available on the RuralNI website. Three additional nutrient management calculators will be available in early 2008 and CAFRE’s ongoing programme of environmental workshops is being extended to include nutrient management planning.
EU approval has been secured for a derogation for individual grassland cattle farms. This will help many intensive dairy farms comply with the Nitrates Directive, by enabling them to maintain higher stocking rates, subject to certain additional nutrient management conditions and an annual application. A programme of CAFRE workshops, a guidance booklet and comprehensive press coverage will be provided to assist farmers who want to avail of the derogation.
Culture, Arts and Leisure
Sports Council
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the projects in West Tyrone that have been funded by the Northern Ireland Sports Council in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
(AQW 268/08)
The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on the 1 st of October 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.
During the financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) has provided the following exchequer and lottery funding to projects in West Tyrone:
Exchequer Funding
Year |
Applicant Organisation |
Project title |
Grant Amount (£) |
2004/05 |
Omagh District Council, c/o Omagh Leisure Complex, Old Mountfield Road Omagh BT79 7EG |
Employment of a Community Sports Development Officer (Year 2 of a 3-year programme) |
8,636 |
2005/06 |
Omagh District Council, The Grange, Mountjoy Road, Omagh Co Tyrone, BT79 7BL |
Employment of a Community Sports Development Officer (Year 3 of a 3-year programme) |
9,142 |
In addition to this, in April 2006, SNI made a three-year commitment to 34 identified Governing Bodies of Sport totalling just under £4.4m for the period April 2006 to 31 March 2009. The investment was made in relation to SNI recognised Governing Bodies of Sport who will have either a Northern Ireland or Ulster remit.
SNI also distributes funding on behalf of DCAL to the Ulster Council Gaelic Athletic Association. Details of funding are as follows:
Year |
Award Amount (£) |
2005-06 |
200,000 |
2006-07 |
600,000 |
2007-08 |
600,000 |
TOTAL |
1,400,000 |
This funding is in relation to the appointment of 29 new posts, seven of which will be dedicated to improving the governance and administration of the sport (Business Development Manager and six County Administrative Managers – including County Tyrone) with the remaining 22 dedicated to games development at a provincial and county level.
A further grant of £8,284 has been paid to Tyrone GAA County Board in respect of Safety Management.
Lottery Funding
Year |
Applicant Organisation |
Project title |
Grant Amount (£) |
2005/06 |
Mna Na Deirge, Castlederg |
Provision of equipment and coaching for Castlederg Ladies GFC |
2,085 |
2005/06 |
Dergview Football Club Limited, Castlederg |
Development of new junior football team through fun week and year long programme. |
4,592 |
2005/06 |
Donemana Cricket Club |
Development of a plan to develop a community facility in the area. |
5,000 |
2005/06 |
Omagh District Council |
Community Multi-Sport Programme |
92,589 |
2005/06 |
Youth Sport Omagh Ltd |
Funding for a Community Programmes Manager |
66,063 |
2006/07 |
Strabane Sigersons GAA |
Funding for summer coaching camp |
2,000 |
2006/07 |
Dergview Juniors, Castlederg |
Funding to host a multi-sports fun week and attend first aid and child protection course. |
3,986 |
2006/07 |
Omagh Special Olympics Club |
Funding for provision of weekly sessions in football and swimming |
1,500 |
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1168/08)
Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure incurred expenditure of £1,208,111.24 on consultancy in the financial year 2006/07.A breakdown of this expenditure by category of consultancy is detailed on the following page.
Category |
Amount |
1. policy appraisal and review |
£38,248.06 |
2. strategic management |
£4,000.00 |
3. organisational development |
£26,400.20 |
4. performance management |
NIL |
5. accountancy |
NIL |
6. audit |
NIL |
7. economic appraisal |
NIL |
8. internal audit |
£17,939.29 |
9. feasibility study |
NIL |
10. quality accreditation |
£3,046.14 |
11. investment appraisal |
£93,067.70 |
12. corporate governance |
£99,822.50 |
13. projects |
£851,636.45 |
14. surveys |
NIL |
15. marketing |
NIL |
16. market research |
NIL |
OTHER |
£73,950.90 |
TOTAL |
£1,208,111.24 |
Appointment of the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the proposed timetable for the appointment of the chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1205/08)
Mr E Poots: The competition to appoint the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland is ongoing. Subject to a successful outcome to the competition the appointment of the Chairperson of Sport Northern Ireland will be made by 1 January 2008.
Irish League Club Grounds
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he will take to encourage Irish League football clubs to share grounds, in order reduce both capital and revenue spend and to help such grounds to meet UEFA standards.
(AQW 1207/08)
Mr E Poots: Decisions about Irish League football clubs sharing grounds is a matter for the ground owners and clubs, as is responsibility for ensuring such venues meet UEFA standards. However, Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, runs a number of programmes to which any Irish League clubs, with proposals for ground sharing, can apply for assistance. In addition, I have already advised both the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Irish League clubs that, in my view, ground sharing is an option which some clubs may need to consider in order to help them meet UEFA standards.
Fisheries
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the protection given to fisheries in Fermanagh, taking into account that only one Fisheries Conservancy Board officer is employed to cover Co. Fermanagh.
(AQW 1216/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) currently deploys one Conservation and Protection Officer to protect fisheries in Fermanagh. The officer has support and assistance of two FCB Conservation and Protection Officers from Co Tyrone, and the Department’s Fisheries Staff stationed at Riversdale, Co Fermanagh have provided additional support during 2007 on request from FCB.
The FCB advise me that in the period 1 January 2007 to 30 September 2007 they conducted the following fisheries conservation and protection work in Fermanagh:-
- 188 man hours on EHS agency work including river sampling, pollutions investigation and pollution prosecutions;
- 98.5 man hours on input to various agencies on planning and work proposals, EHS Consent to Discharge and consultation documents in relation to fisheries protection impacts;
- 283 man hours on shore bailiffing patrols / surveillance on an agency basis on DCAL fisheries;
- 399 man hours on shore bailiffing patrols / surveillance on on non-DCAL fisheries; and
- 339.5 man hours on boat bailiffing patrols / surveillance.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will confirm the sea-worthiness of boats owned by the Fisheries Conservancy Board that are currently in commission.
(AQW 1217/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) has confirmed the following vessels are sea-worthy:
- 2 x 11 metre rib
- Cygnus Tornado
- 6.1 metre rib
- 2 x Dell Quay Dory
- Dromidair 16 foot fibre glass dinghy
- Pioneer 12 foot PVC
- 2 x 4 metre Honda Inflatable
The FCB have considered that sea-worthy in this case has been taken to mean - fit to operate in the intended environment (which may not necessarily be the marine environment).
The FCB have confirmed the following vessels are not considered sea-worthy:
- Tornado 6 metre rib (Repair to fuel line required)
- Bayliner Trophy (Inspection pending to determine cost-effectiveness of continued operation)
- Orkney 590 TT (Not in commission)
- 14 foot Dory (Not in commission)
- 18 foot Ernecraft (Not in commission)
The following vessels are notionally owned by the FCB but maintained, insured and operated by Clogher & District Angling Club:
- 2 x 19 foot Sheelin GRP boats (acquired under the EU INTERREG funding programme)
The FCB is to be abolished under the Review of Public Administration and its staff, assets and liabilities transferred to DCAL. The Department has commissioned FCB accountants to perform a physical audit check of all assets. Once this has been performed DCAL fisheries officers will ascertain the sea-worthiness of all FCB boats on behalf of the Department.
Junior Soccer
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what steps he is taking to ensure that junior soccer is not neglected, generally, and in Comber and Ballygowan, in particular.
(AQW 1218/08)
Mr E Poots: Responsibility for ensuring that junior soccer is not neglected, both generally and in Comber and Ballygown in particular, rests with the governing body for football, the Irish Football Association (IFA). To ensure junior soccer is not neglected, Junior Leagues have been established together with a Committee to oversee these leagues which is affiliated to the IFA.
Ulster-Scots Academy
Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail when he intends to revisit the reinstatement of funding to the Ulster-Scots Academy, which was surrendered recently.
(AQW 1219/08)
Mr E Poots: All Departmental budgets, including that of the Ulster-Scots Academy Implementation Group, will be reviewed in the December monitoring round.
MLA Meetings
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure 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 1241/08)
Mr E Poots: A total of 17 meeting requests have been received from MLAs to date; 4 were declined and 13 were accepted. Of those requests that were declined, 2 were from Sinn Fein MLAs and 2 were from DUP MLAs.
European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the availability of the good practice guidance for civil servants about obligations relating to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
(AQW 1255/08)
Mr E Poots: The “European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages Guidance on meeting the UK Commitments in Respect of Irish and Ulster Scots” as revised in August 2005 is available to the public on the DCAL website (http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/index/languages/charter_guidance_2.htm) in English, Irish or Ulster Scots. Guidance is also available to civil servants on Departmental intranet sites and hard copies may be obtained by contacting Departments
Audiovisual Productions in Irish
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what funding is made available by his department for audiovisual productions in Irish.
(AQW 1256/08)
Mr E Poots: Northern Ireland Screen on behalf of my Department administers an Irish Language Broadcast Fund which in the current financial year has a budget of £3 million. A number of funding streams in the arts and other areas would also be able to consider applications for audiovisual productions in Irish in competition with other proposals.
Irish Language Provision
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what arrangements are in place for district councils and public bodies to (i) accept submissions from the public in Irish; (ii) to answer correspondence in Irish; and (iii) to encourage the public to submit applications in Irish.
(AQW 1258/08)
Mr E Poots: The Government has ratified provisions under Article 10 of the Council of Europe Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which require local and regional authorities to ensure that users of Irish are able, and/or are encouraged to submit oral or written applications in this language. There is no obligation under this Charter on bodies to respond in Irish.
Decisions on the practical implications of the Charter are a matter for each district council and public body in its own right, including arrangements to facilitate the obligations above.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the seaworthiness of the Fisheries Conservancy Board boat, which was sent to help patrol the east coast in relation to netting problems.
(AQW 1283/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) advises me that a Tornado 6 metre rib was despatched for use if required in the Newcastle / Kilkeel areas but it was found upon inspection to require repair and is not currently seaworthy.
They also advise me that the local Fishery Conservation Officer, who has extensive knowledge and experience of the area, has been conducting extensive mobile patrols in the area and that he is satisfied that these mobile patrols are effective and that boat patrols are not currently required.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, following his meeting with the Ulster Angling Federation on 4 September 2007, what action he is taking in relation to problems faced by Lough Neagh fish dealers; and if he will confirm whether or not the Fisheries Conservancy Board has visited fish dealers around Lough Neagh to check stocks of fish being sold.
(AQW 1285/08)
Mr E Poots: The Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) functions include enforcement of statutory provisions with respect to salmon and inland fisheries including inland commercial fishing and the sale and movement of fish in Northern Ireland.
The FCB advise me that in the current year officers have conducted surveillance, quay checks, inspection of dealers’ premises and dealers’ registers to deter and apprehend those involved in the illegal sale of and movement of Lough Neagh fish.
During these operations they apprehended poachers on Lough Neagh, seized illegal nets close to a fish dealer’s quay in the Lough Neagh area, confiscated trout nets from a supplier to a fish dealer, seized 1,000 yards of nets from a boat of a supplier to a fish dealer, seized 500 yards of illegal nets which are believed to be associated with a Lough Neagh fish dealer and lifted nets from a river mouth on Lough Neagh.
Legal proceedings have been instigated in respect of a net seizure on Lough Neagh.
Fisheries Conservancy Board
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will explain the reasons why the Fisheries Conservancy Board is holding funds of approximately £150,000, which could be made available to angling clubs to compensate them for lost fish stocks.
(AQW 1303/08)
Mr E Poots: There are a variety of reasons why court awards made to the FCB in respect of pollution incidents have not been implemented. The FCB has advised that the complexity of re-stocking/reinstatement programmes and staff pressures had combined to delay implementation. The necessary technical expertise to progress this work is not currently available within the Board. My Department has sought details of all court awards since 1999 (and any outstanding before this date) from FCB including full explanations regarding any delays/non-implementation. The Department is working closely with the Board to second vital expertise to assist in this work. The Board has been asked for a plan of action on how it intends to prioritise outstanding re-stocking/reinstatement work and to consider a consultancy tender exercise as an alternative means of managing this work.
For clarification the balance in the FCB restocking/reinstatement account stood at £110,590.60 at 29 October 2007.
Education
Middletown Centre for Autism
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to outline whether the directors for the Middletown Centre for Autism (Holding) Company Ltd proportionally represent the religious composition of the Northern Ireland community; and to detail the religious composition of, and the selection and appointment procedures for, the directors.
(AQW 9/08)
The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department of Education appointed two directors to the Middletown Centre for Autism (Holdings) Limited on 26 May 2004. Nominees for potential candidates for the two DE posts were canvassed from within the Department and set against criteria to consider those with relevant and specific experience in finance, autism and capital building projects. Those appointed were selected from the list available because they best met the necessary criteria.
The Department of Education is not able to disclose the religious denominations of its directors individually.
Autism
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education to outline the services that are currently offered by the Western Education and Library Board for autistic children living in the Western Board Area; and what steps are being taken to support autistic children and their families in West Tyrone.
(AQW 271/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am advised by the Chief Executive of the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) of the current position and steps being taken in relation to services for children with autism living in the WELB area. This includes the provision for children with autism and their families living in West Tyrone.
The WELB has established an Autism Advice and Intervention Service and has expanded the number of staff in recent months. This team has specialist ASD Teachers, 2 Autism Intervention Officers and 1 Senior Educational Psychologist. The Board is currently recruiting a Head of Autism Service.
The WELB autism service accepts referrals from the Board’s Educational Psychology Service, which is involved in the assessment of children who may have autism, and from multi-disciplinary assessment clinics. It provides:
- advice and support to individual teachers and assistants,
- individual interventions with individual children and young people,
- advice to parents in relation to pre-school children who are not yet accessing pre-school provision, as well as parental advice in relation to children who are of compulsory school age.
- in-service training for teachers and assistants that is both centre-based and school based. This is planned and delivered in accordance with the need of schools and is available in pre-school, nursery, primary, post-primary and special school settings.
The WELB provides autism-specific classes in 5 of its special schools, namely: Foyleview School, Derry; Belmont School, Derry; Knockavoe School, Strabane; Elmbrook School, Enniskillen and Arvalee School, Omagh.
Children with autism and their families in West Tyrone access the support services and provision that have been established throughout the Board area. In addition, children and their families in West Tyrone should be able to benefit from proposed autism specific provision attached to mainstream schools.
Nursery Units
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why the original proposals for nursery units at St Brigid's Primary School and St Colmcille's Primary School, Ballymena, are not going ahead; and the basis on which this decision was made.
(AQW 641/08)
Ms C Ruane: The development proposal to establish single nursery units at each of the two new maintained primary schools in Ballymena, St Brigid’s Primary School and St Colmcille’s Primary School, was turned down in January 2007. I understand that this decision was taken on the grounds that there was already existing, adequate pre-school provision in the area.
Teaching Staff
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of people employed as teachers in (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley, who do not hold professional teaching qualifications.
(AQW 849/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not currently hold information on the teaching staff at the three schools as they are not yet in receipt of funding.
School Funding
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of funding given by her department to (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley.
(AQW 850/08)
Ms C Ruane: Approval for funding is conditional on minimum year 1 intakes being achieved and confirmation that school accommodation and sites are suitable. The processes for checking that conditions are met have not yet been completed and therefore my Department has not provided any funding to these schools to date.
Teaching Staff
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teaching staff employed in (i) Gaelscoil na Daroige, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach, Crumlin; and (iii) Gaelscoil Éanna, Glengormley.
(AQW 851/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not currently hold information on the teaching staff at the three schools as they are not yet in receipt of funding.
Wi-Fi
Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary schools in which wi-fi units have been installed; and what plans she has to install this technology in other schools.
(AQW 907/08)
Ms C Ruane: Wireless connectivity has been provided to all primary schools as part of the rollout of laptops which will support the use of computer-based assessment for P5 pupils in the autumn term.
It is planned that all nursery, post-primary and special schools will also have wireless connectivity by the end of the school year, although any school has the option of declining a WiFi connection if it wishes.
Classroom Assistants
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to ensure that educational services continue at Riverside Special School in Ballyclare, in the event that the classroom assistants' dispute continues indefinitely, and in light of the fact that some children have already been told to stop attending the school.
(AQW 910/08)
Ms C Ruane: I assume the member is referring to Riverside Special School in Antrim. The non-availability of classroom assistants to support children with special educational needs in Riverside Special School, Antrim, and indeed all children with special educational needs, whether in a special school or mainstream setting, is regrettable and an obvious cause of concern to parents and schools.
The interest of children with special educational needs must be paramount and during industrial action the arrangements for those children most affected by the strike action must be carefully considered. The education and library boards (ELBs) have advised the Department of a range of contingency measures that they put in place to assess whether or not special schools can remain open and whether or not the needs of individual children can be met in the absence of classroom assistance. In order to make these decisions ELBs have undertaken a risk assessment exercise to ensure that the child’s safety is fully taken into account. Where an assessment of risk carried out by the school determines that a child’s safety cannot be assured, then that child’s attendance at school would not be appropriate.
Governors of Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir
Mr N McCausland asked the Minister of Education to detail the governors of Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir in Derry/Londonderry.
(AQW 948/08)
Ms C Ruane: The members of the Board of Governors of the Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir are:
Representing the School Trustees
Ms L Kelly
Roibeard Mac an Bheatha
Donncha MacNiallais
thaigh Dhu ire Ros Ui Ma
Representing the Western Education and Library Board
Mr T Doherty
An tUas Deaglan O Cearnaigh
Representing Parents
Ms S McFeely
Representing Teachers
Ms Maura Armstrong
The Acting Principal as an ex officio member
id Mr R Mac Daibhe
Members Co-opted
Ms P McCartney
Ms A Crilly
Review of the Planning and Management of the Education Workforce in Schools
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) when the fundamental review of the planning and management of the education workforce in schools will take place; and (ii) the length of time the review is expected to take.
(AQW 1015/08)
Ms C Ruane: This will be an important and wide-ranging review, and it is right that I give careful consideration to its scope, its terms of reference and its methodology. Work on these issues is under way in my Department and I will make an announcement in due course, to include details of the proposed timeframe for the review, which will look at the all the main groups of staff in schools, including the roles of teachers and classroom assistants .
Equality Impact Assessment
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not her department carried out an equality impact assessment prior to the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of Public Administration, and the establishment of the Education and Skills Authority.
(AQW 1053/08)
Ms C Ruane: The implementation of the Review of Public Administration in education will require two Acts of the Assembly, and a programme of organisational change over a number of years. At each stage of implementation, proposals will be subject to equality impact assessments. Preliminary screening of the proposals to be included in the first Bill has been completed, and the results will be published for public consultation in the near future.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm what qualifications will be recognised when classroom assistants are allocated their pay bands.
(AQW 1055/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that f ollowing the implementation of the job evaluation process, qualifications will no longer determine the grade that a classroom assistant is placed on; qualifications will continue to be considered in the process of recruitment and appointment.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm that an NVQ Level III is used as the minimum qualification required, in current advertisements for the recruitment of classroom assistants.
(AQW 1056/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that NVQ Level III (or equivalent qualification as recognised by the Education and Library Boards) is not used as the minimum qualification required in current advertisements for the recruitment of classroom assistants. It is used by Boards as necessary for short-listing purposes in cases where the candidate pool is so large that the school must introduce a higher level of qualification in order to affect a manageable short-list. Advertisements regularly ask for experience or a qualification, this qualification is normally NVQII or above.
Classroom Assistants
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister of Education if she will confirm which body will grade classroom assistants under the new system; and to detail what criteria this will be based upon.
(AQW 1057/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Management Side of the Education and Library Boards, i.e. the employer, has advised that the job evaluation process has determined that there are three grades of classroom assistant; classroom assistant (general); classroom assistant (special needs), and classroom assistant (additional special needs). It will be for each school principal in consultation with each individual classroom assistant to determine which is the most appropriate grade in the circumstances pertaining in that school. For classroom assistants carrying out duties associated with the care of pupils with special needs verification will be sought from the Head of Special Education Branch in the relevant Board. The criteria used in the evaluation of these posts were those contained within the Greater London Whitley Job Evaluation Scheme as used by the Boards.
Garryduff Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the timetable for the commencement of works at Garryduff Primary School.
(AQW 1095/08)
Ms C Ruane: The works to provide a semi-permanent extension and car parking facilities at Garryduff Primary Scholl are being taken forward by the North Eastern Education and Library Board. The Board has advised that additional land is required to facilitate this new provision however difficulties in purchasing the land means that the scheme cannot proceed at present. The Board understand that a planning application for the new provision will be progressed for consideration by Ballymoney Council at the end of November 2007.
Ballycastle High School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education if she will make a statement on the provision of a new building for Ballycastle High School.
(AQW 1096/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board are undertaking an economic appraisal for a new building for Ballycastle High School. The economic appraisal is expected to be forwarded to the Department for consideration shortly.
New School for St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the timetable for the commencement of the new school for St. Patrick's and St. Brigid's Primary School, Ballycastle.
(AQW 1097/08)
Ms C Ruane: Planning of the proposed new school for St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballycastle is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that construction work will start on site early in the new year.
Straid Billy Primary School
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail when suitable car parking arrangements will be provided at Straid Billy Primary School.
(AQW 1099/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board sought to negotiate the acquisition of land adjacent to Staid Billy Primary School to provide additional car parking though it has not been possible to reach agreement with the land owner. The North Eastern Education and Library Board are therefore not able to progress the scheme at the present time.
School Crossing Patrols
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school crossing patrols in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 1105/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Education and library boards advised that they have provided the following number of school crossing patrols in 2005, 2006 and 2007:
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
BELB |
129 |
125 |
114 |
NEELB |
156 |
155 |
153 |
SEELB |
111 |
126 |
119 |
SELB |
183 |
158 |
162 |
WELB |
182 |
146 |
140 |
TOTAL |
761 |
710 |
688 |
School Crossing Patrols
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to outline the Education and Library Boards' policy in relation to the provision of crossing patrols at primary schools; and if she will arrange for this policy to be reviewed, in conjunction with the Minister for Regional Development, with a view to introducing a new policy for the provision of school crossing patrols, or pedestrian crossings near to schools.
(AQW 1106/08)
Ms C Ruane: The legislative power regarding the road safety of pupils is contained in paragraph (6) of Article 52 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 as amended by Article 23 of the Education (NI) Order 1997, and states that “With a view to assisting in the prevention of accidents, a board may carry into effect such measures as may be set out in a scheme framed by the board and approved by the Department”.
Education and library boards use jointly agreed criteria to assess a location for the provision of a school crossing patrol. The criteria are based closely upon those developed by the Local Authorities Road Safety Officers’ Association and in use, at present, in England, Scotland and Wales. The criteria include measuring the volume of traffic, investigating sight lines, and counting the number of children crossing a road unaccompanied by an adult. Following a request for an assessment, boards will only provide patrols where sites exceed the thresholds set out in the criteria. Boards may also remove crossing patrols from locations where it can be demonstrated that the danger has abated to levels that fall below thresholds.
The policy was last reviewed in 2005, and there are no plans to revise it in the immediate future.
Final Report of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail what progress has been made in implementing Part Two of the Final Report of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry.
(AQW 1148/08)
Ms C Ruane: I would refer the Member to the reply I gave his colleague the Member for Mid Ulster on 17 September 2007.
(Official Report Volume 23 No. 7, page 321 Column 2 and page 322 Column 1)
Sustainable Schools Policy
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she will publish her department's Sustainable Schools Policy.
(AQW 1150/08)
Ms C Ruane: I intend to bring forward proposals towards the end of the year for the consideration of the Education Committee, before the policy would be published.
New Transfer Process
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the progress made to date on formulating the new transfer process.
(AQW 1151/08)
Ms C Ruane: Since coming into office I have listened to as many views as possible on the merits of different forms of transfer. As a result of this I am convinced of the need for a system which matches pupils to provision and not to types of school, which places the child at the centre of the transfer process, and which recognises that 14 is an age when children are ready to choose a path that best meets their needs and abilities, be that an academic path, professional and technical path, or combination of both. I will bring forward proposals when the time is right and when I am sure I have the right solution.
Teaching of Modern Languages
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to introduce modern languages into primary schools.
(AQW 1152/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am keen for young people to have the opportunity to benefit from learning a second language from an early age and here we can learn from existing good practice. The Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has been running a modern languages pilot in primary schools. We can also draw on good practice from the Irish medium sector.
I am now putting a programme in place to provide peripatetic support for those primary schools who wish to introduce a second language during this school year, focussing mainly on Spanish and Irish. Officials are working with the Education and Library Boards to finalise arrangements for the programme, to begin in January 2008.
I am also awaiting recommendations, expected in March 2008, from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies which will inform a strategic approach to languages, including modern languages in primary schools.
Legal Proceedings Involving Education and Library Boards
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 680/08, to detail the nature of the disputes that resulted in the payment of compensation.
(AQW 1171/08)
Ms C Ruane: The disputes that resulted in the payment of compensation amounts, as provided by each Education and Library Board in answer to AQW 680/08, fall into four main categories as follows:
- Public Liability claims, e.g. when pupils or other third parties have been injured and have instigated legal proceedings which have resulted in a compensation payment;
- Employer Liability claims, e.g. when an employee has been injured and has instigated legal proceedings which has resulted in a compensation payment;
- Employment Cases, e.g. cases which relate to employment disputes which fall within the jurisdiction of the Industrial or Fair Employment Tribunal, by way of example unfair dismissal, sex discrimination, religious discrimination, equal pay and Disability Discrimination claims;
- Other Litigation claims which fall outside the ambit of paras 1-3 above by way of example contract disputes, (building/ procurement) property disputes.
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of pupils in Northern Ireland who gained five GCSE's at grades A*-C, including English and Maths, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1187/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of pupils in Northern Ireland who gained five GCSE's at grades A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1188/08)
Ms C Ruane:
The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of boys in Northern Ireland who failed to earn five GCSE's at grades A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1189/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of boys who failed to earn a single GCSE at grade A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1190/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
GCSE Results
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils in Northern Ireland who failed to gain a single GCSE at grade A*-C, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1191/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below provides the details requested.
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and mathematics |
Grammar |
92 |
92 |
91 |
92 |
92 |
Non-Grammar |
26 |
26 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
Total |
50 |
50 |
49 |
51 |
51 |
|
(2) Percentage of year 12 pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
95 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
96 |
Non-Grammar |
37 |
37 |
38 |
40 |
43 |
|
Total |
59 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
63 |
|
(3) Percentage of year 12 boys not achieving 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
7 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
Non-Grammar |
71 |
71 |
70 |
68 |
64 |
|
Total |
48 |
48 |
47 |
46 |
43 |
|
(4) Percentage of year 12 boys achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Non-Grammar |
38 |
36 |
35 |
31 |
29 |
|
Total |
24 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
|
School Type |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
(5) Number of year 12 pupils achieving no GCSEs at grades A*-C |
Grammar |
5 |
3 |
11 |
0 |
35 |
Non-Grammar |
4,934 |
4,904 |
4,505 |
3,896 |
3,543 |
|
Total |
4,939 |
4,907 |
4,516 |
3,896 |
3,578 |
Early Childhood Studies
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to awarding early years specialist status to graduates of the foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.
(AQW 1192/08)
Ms C Ruane: This qualification is currently not listed by the Department of Education among those recognised as suitable for persons who are not qualified teachers and who provide support and advice to the staff of funded pre-school centres through the role of early years specialist. However as it is equivalent to NVQ level 4, the Department will consider whether it would be suitable for inclusion in the list of qualifications currently recognised by the Department.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to detail her department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1211/08)
Ms C Ruane: The department spent £905,600.57 on external consultants in the 2006-07 financial year and breakdown of the expenditure is contained in the following table.
DEPARTMENT: Education |
|
|---|---|
Category |
Amount |
1. policy appraisal and review |
£274,522.65 |
2. strategic management |
£404,479.08 |
3. organisational development |
£84,335.00 |
4. performance management |
£12,250.00 |
5. accountancy |
£2,146.00 |
6. audit |
£28,206.35 |
7. economic appraisal |
£15,623.41 |
8. internal audit |
£0 |
9. feasibility study |
£0 |
10. quality accreditation |
£42,446.37 |
11. investment appraisal |
£0 |
12. corporate governance |
£20,190.36 |
13. projects |
£7,271.35 |
14. surveys |
£9,800.00 |
15. marketing |
£4,330.00 |
16. market research |
£0 |
Other |
£0 |
TOTAL |
£905,600.57 |
Draft Sports Development Strategy
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education, in view of the recent launch of the Draft Sports Development Strategy, what steps she is taking to ensure that all pupils attending grammar schools are offered the same opportunity to play soccer as any other sport.
(AQW 1215/08)
Ms C Ruane: I am keen for more young people to take part in physical activity because I recognise the benefits it can have for their health and well-being, their self-confidence and their academic achievement. That is why I have been working with the IFA and GAA to put a Curriculum Sports Programme in place to provide greater opportunities for our youngest pupils to develop their physical literacy skills and an enjoyment for sports through taking part in soccer or Gaelic games.
In recognition of the importance of physical activity, the revised curriculum includes PE as an Area of Learning in its own right, and includes games. It remains a matter for schools to decide on the specific games and extra-curricular activities they provide. I am aware that the IFA offers a range of soccer programmes and opportunities which post-primary schools, including grammar schools, can participate in and I understand that there are currently 43 grammar schools involved.
I await the outcome of the consultation and the final version of the Draft Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation with interest. My officials will be considering the issues relating to education and will continue to liaise with DCAL as appropriate.
Downs Syndrome
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail how the education system is meeting the needs of children with Downs Syndrome.
(AQW 1232/08)
Ms C Ruane: Under the Education ( Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the statutory responsibility for securing provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) rests with the Boards of Governors of schools Education and Library Boards (ELBs). The statutory duties which arise in regard to children with SEN relate to the individual needs of the child and are not dependant on a particular diagnosis.
I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the ELBs that children with Downs Syndrome are normally assessed by health professionals before they start school and referred to the appropriate ELB Educational Psychologist (EP) for assessment. They may subsequently be referred by the EP for pre - school provision such as the ELB’s Home Teaching Service, a special school nursery placement, a mainstream nursery placement with additional adult support or Toy Libraries attached to special schools.
In primary school settings a number of Downs Syndrome children are placed in mainstream schools with appropriate individual adult support. Other Downs Syndrome children may be educated in special education units or Learning Support Centres (LSCs) attached to mainstream schools or in special schools according to their assessed need. Within LSCs the pupils have a favourable pupil staff ratio and can work at a level commensurate with their need. In all cases the type of support provided will be entirely determined by the individual needs of the child taking into account all the advice received during the course of the statutory assessment and any parental preference.
Children with Downs Syndrome who have statements of special educational need have their progress reviewed annually via the annual review process. From the age of 14 as part of their transition arrangements they may also have access to Life Skills Programmes to facilitate their progressive independence in relation to adult services, training employment and further education as appropriate.
School Meals
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to introduce free healthy school meals for all children starting primary school, regardless of family circumstances, in light of the launch of this initiative in Scotland.
(AQW 1234/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have no plans at present to introduce free school meals for all children starting primary school. However, I will await with interest the results of the Scottish pilot project.
The Department of Education is already providing additional funding of over £3 million to the Education and Library Boards and other school authorities. The purpose of the funding is to improve the food and nutritional content value of school meals and to support the implementation of new nutritional standards for school lunches and other food in schools. The standards for all sources of food in schools came into effect at the beginning of the current school term.
Bus Passes
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 521/08, to detail the schools attended by the 1,388 pupils living in Crumlin and Glenavy who were issued with bus passes.
(AQW 1242/08)
Ms C Ruane: The North-Eastern and South-Eastern Education and Library Boards have advised that pupils residing in the Crumlin/Glenavy area, who are in receipt of Translink bus passes, attend the following schools:
Ballinderry Primary School |
Ballymacricket Primary School |
Crumlin Primary School |
St Joseph ’s Primary School |
Abbey Grammar School |
Antrim Grammar School |
Aquinas Grammar School |
Ballyclare High School |
Ballyclare Secondary School |
Belfast Royal Academy |
Cambridge House Grammar School |
Christian Brothers’ Secondary School |
Coláiste Feirste |
Crumlin Integrated College |
De La Salle High School |
Dominican College , Fortwilliam |
Edmund Rice College |
Fort Hill Integrated College |
Friends’ School, Lisburn |
Hazelwood College |
Hunterhouse College |
La Salle Boys’ School |
Lagan College |
Laurelhill Community College |
Little Flower Girls’ Secondary School |
Lurgan Junior High School |
Malone Integrated College |
Methodist College |
Parkhall High School |
Rathmore Grammar School |
Slemish College |
St Benedict’s College, Randalstown |
St Dominic’s High School |
St Eoghan’s Primary School |
St Francis De Sales Special School |
St Gemma’s High School |
St Genevieve’s High School |
St Louis ’ Grammar School, Ballymena |
St Louise’s Comprehensive College |
St Malachy’s College |
St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School |
St Mary’s High School, Lurgan |
St Michael’s Grammar School |
St Patrick’s College, Bearnageeha |
St Patrick’s High School, Lisburn |
St Paul ’s Junior High School |
St Rose’s High School |
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution |
Victoria College |
Wallace High School , Lisburn |
Integrated Schools
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) her department's expenditure on integrated schools and colleges in East Derry/Londonderry; and (ii) pupil numbers for such schools and colleges, in each year since 1999.
(AQW 1265/08)
Ms C Ruane: Details of expenditure and enrolment in each of the years from 1999/00 to 2006/07 are as follows:
School |
|
99/00 |
00/01 |
01/02 |
02/03 |
03/04 |
04/05 |
05/06 |
06/07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
£’000s |
Carhill Integrated Primary School |
Recurrent |
136 |
163 |
162 |
164 |
170 |
169 |
221 |
190 |
Capital |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
79 |
|
Enrolment |
50 |
47 |
48 |
43 |
41 |
45 |
43 |
44 |
|
Mill Strand Integrated Primary School |
Recurrent |
423 |
452 |
492 |
509 |
603 |
498 |
505 |
544 |
Capital |
0.7 |
0 |
55 |
37 |
0 |
4 |
138 |
5 |
|
Enrolment |
217 |
219 |
208 |
209 |
180 |
184 |
184 |
190 |
|
Roe Valley Integrated Primary |
Recurrent |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
81 |
189 |
282 |
Capital |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Enrolment |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
45 |
73 |
|
North Coast Integrated College |
Recurrent |
1,150 |
1,432 |
1,448 |
1,678 |
1,909 |
2,102 |
2,217 |
2,330 |
Capital |
190 |
638 |
739 |
181 |
26 |
92 |
33 |
11 |
|
Enrolment |
327 |
419 |
451 |
504 |
523 |
518 |
512 |
522 |
School Transport
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of school transport in each Education and Library Board, for each of the last five years.
(AQW 1270/08)
Ms C Ruane: The expenditure incurred through the provision of home to school transport in each Board area over the last five years is as follows:
|
BELB |
NEELB |
SEELB |
SELB |
WELB |
TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002/03 |
£4,017k |
£14,152k |
£11,877k |
£14,841k |
£12,317k |
£57,204k |
2003/04 |
£4,606k |
£15,255k |
£12,873k |
£15,216k |
£11,652k |
£59,602k |
2004/05 |
£4,425k |
£16,806k |
£13,285k |
£16,367k |
£13,167k |
£64,050k |
2005/06 |
£4,734k |
£16,507k |
£13,245k |
£16,334k |
£13,871k |
£64,691k |
2006/07 |
£4,914k* |
£16,507k |
£13,302k |
£16,056k |
£14,426k |
£65,205k |
* Estimated outturn. Actual figures unavailable at present.
School Transport
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the total cost of school transport by (i) buses; and (ii) taxis, for each of the last five years.
(AQW 1271/08)
Ms C Ruane: Education and Library Boards have incurred the following expenditure through the provision of transport assistance by all forms of school bus and taxis, in each of the last five years:
|
Buses |
Taxis |
|---|---|---|
2002/03 |
£47,098k |
£7,661k |
2003/04 |
£47,695k |
£8,458k |
2004/05 |
£52,926k |
£8,012k |
2005/06 |
£53,399k |
£7,989k |
2006/07^ |
£50,369k |
£6,589k |
^ The Belfast Board has not yet provided detailed outturn figures for the 2006/07 financial year. As such, the information provided only relates to the other four Boards.
School Transport
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the total cost of providing school transport in Northern Ireland; and to detail the cost per child, broken down by (i) maintained; (ii) controlled; (iii) Irish-medium; (iv) integrated; and (v) voluntary grammar sector, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1272/08)
Ms C Ruane: The table below shows the total expenditure incurred through the provision of home to school transport in the requested school management sectors, for each of the last five years:
|
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Controlled & Maintained* |
£41,573k |
£41,687k |
£44,441k |
£45,456k |
£39,093k |
Irish-Medium |
£343k |
£411k |
£488k |
£354k |
£313k |
Integrated |
£3,423k |
£4,340k |
£4,420 |
£4,241k |
£3,739k |
Voluntary Grammar |
£10,366k |
£11,464k |
£13,143k |
£12,835k |
£15,520k |
* Current statistics do not differentiate between pupils attending controlled and maintained schools. This category also includes special schools.
^ The Belfast Board has not yet provided detailed outturn figures for the 2006/07 financial year. As such, the information provided only relates to the other four Boards.
The unit costs for the provision of home to school transport for the requested management sectors for each of the last five years are as follows:
|
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Controlled & Maintained* |
£573 |
£587 |
£642 |
£661 |
£658 |
Irish-Medium |
# |
£842 |
£1,052 |
£738 |
£566 |
Integrated |
£458 |
£553 |
£557 |
£532 |
£471 |
Voluntary Grammar |
# |
# |
# |
# |
£586 |
* Current statistics do not differentiate between pupils attending controlled and maintained schools. This category also includes special schools.
^ The Belfast Board has not yet provided detailed outturn figures for the 2006/07 financial year. As such, the information provided only relates to the other four Boards.
# DE does not hold separate pupil number statistics on the Voluntary Grammar and Irish-Medium sectors for these years. These pupils are, therefore, included in the figures for the controlled and maintained sector.
It should be noted that the total expenditure incurred on school transport includes factors such as administration costs, building maintenance etc which have been excluded from the tables above as they are not related to individual sectors.
School Amalgamation
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail her Department's concerns in relation to the amalgamation of St Joseph's Primary School, Ahoghill and St Patrick's Primary School, Aughtercloney, in light of its request that the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools review the proposal.
(AQW 1286/08)
Ms C Ruane: The September 2007 enrolment at St Patrick’s Primary School Aughtercloney has reduced from 26 to only 6 pupils, and CCMS has therefore been asked to review the proposed amalgamation.
Renewable Energy
Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Education if she could outline her department's position on the installation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, in new build schools.
(AQW 1288/08)
Ms C Ruane: All new school buildings currently in planning are required to comply with the Achieving Sustainability in Construction Procurement – Sustainability Action Plan which promotes the use of renewable energy sources, including solar panels. Building Regulations also encourage the use of renewable energy sources. The Department is also willing to consider specific renewable energy issues raised in connection with any school project.
Children with Special Needs
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils registered as having special needs in the South Eastern Education and Library Board.
(AQW 1309/08)
Ms C Ruane: There were 11,519 children with special educational needs at schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board in 2006/07. A further 111 children attended voluntary and private pre-school centres.
Educational Psychologists
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of educational psychologists employed in each Education and Library Board area.
(AQW 1313/08)
Ms C Ruane: The Education and Library Boards employ the following numbers of full time equivalent Educational Psychologists.
BELB |
23.18 |
NEELB |
22.38 |
SEELB |
23.56 |
SELB |
27.28 |
WELB |
24.4 |
Educational Psychologists
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to detail the waiting time for assessment by an educational psychologist, broken down by Education and Library Board area, for each of the past five years.
(AQW 1314/08)
Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that the average waiting time for assessment by an Educational Psychologist, for each of the last five academic years except where indicated, is as follows:-
|
|
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
BELB |
Stages 3 & 4 |
5.7 weeks |
5 weeks |
4.6 weeks |
4 weeks |
4.3 weeks |
NEELB
|
Stages 3 & 4 |
30.3 weeks |
18 weeks |
16.9 weeks |
11 weeks |
11.4 weeks |
SEELB |
Stage 3 Stage 4 |
36.9 weeks 4.3 weeks |
40.4 weeks 4.1 weeks |
38.6 weeks 5.4 weeks |
26.4 weeks 5 weeks |
24.4 weeks 5.4 weeks |
SELB |
Stage 3 Stage 4 |
24 weeks 5 weeks |
24 weeks 5.2 weeks |
24 weeks 6 weeks |
30 weeks 6 weeks |
7.5 weeks 6 weeks
|
WELB |
Stages 3 & 4 |
7 weeks |
6.5 weeks |
7.5 weeks |
10 weeks* |
9 weeks* |
* calendar year
For BELB, NEELB and WELB the average time given is the combined waiting time for assessment by educational psychologists at both stages 3, non statutory assessments, and 4, statutory assessments of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs as these Boards use the Time Allocation model of service delivery. For SEELB and SELB this is given separately with the first row in each case referring to Stage 3 and the second row Stage 4.
Employment and Learning
MLA Meetings
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning 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 1240/08)
The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): To date I have received 12 meeting requests from MLAs. I have accepted 11 of these and declined 1. I declined to meet a member affiliated to the DUP, as the issue raised was the responsibility of another Minister.
Childcare Provisions
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has for the site of the current day care centre at the Belfast Metropolitan College's Gerald Moag campus.
(AQW 1278/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland are autonomous organisations and, as such, their Governing Bodies determine how best to utilise their estates.
The Governing Body for Belfast Metropolitan College has advised me that it has not yet decided on the future use of the site of the current day care centre at the Gerald Moag campus.
Childcare Provisions
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the childcare provisions he will put in place to replace the current childcare service at the day care centre at Belfast Metropolitan College's Gerald Moag campus.
(AQW 1279/08)
Sir Reg Empey: Further Education Colleges in Northern Ireland are autonomous organisations and, as such, their Governing Bodies determine which services and facilities should be offered; this includes any provision for childcare.
The Gerald Moag campus of Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) is operated by the Northwin consortium under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. The original PFI contract included the provision of a day care facility.
The College has informed me that, for the academic year 2006/07, only one third of all available childcare places at the campus were used by College students and staff. Given this relatively low usage, BMC informed Northwin in June 2006 that the day care facility should be withdrawn as it did not adequately meet its objective of providing a service for college students and staff.
The college is now reviewing the child care provision on offer throughout Belfast to the College’s students and staff. The Governing Body has also advised me that Northwin has not been invited to introduce alternative child care arrangements at the Gerald Moag building.
Education Maintenance Allowance
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to widen the education maintenance allowance scheme to include all students staying on in education, and not just students whose families meet the current means-tested income threshold of £30,810.
(AQW 1294/08)
Sir Reg Empey: There are no current plans to abolish the upper household income threshold for payment of Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs). The purpose of the EMA scheme is to encourage students from low-income households to remain in full-time education who may otherwise have left because of financial constraints on their families. It has been specifically designed to tackle this issue which, in the past, may have acted as a barrier for many young people who wished to continue with their education. The EMA is also designed to increase the employment potential of the young person, address the well-established link between low attainment and low income and encourage non-traditional learners.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1307/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The total consultancy expenditure for the Department for Employment and Learning for the financial year 2006/07 was £378,284. An analysis is given below:
Consultancy Category |
Actual Expenditure April 2006-March 2007 |
Total Management Advisory Category |
£244,906 |
Total Financial Advisory Category |
£6,437 |
Total Assurance Category |
£20,847 |
Total Human Resources Category |
£1,317 |
Total Internal Audit Category |
£2,900 |
Total Research Category |
£99,377 |
Total Marketing Category |
£2,500 |
GRAND TOTAL FOR DEL AND NDPBs |
£378,284 |
Training for Success
Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning when the personal learning plan template, to be used for all candidates enrolled on the 'Job Ready' strand of 'Training for Success', was implemented.
(AQW 1318/08)
Sir Reg Empey: The Personal Training Plan software was issued to all Suppliers on 16th October 2007.
Following discussions with Training for Success Suppliers in August 2007, the Department relaxed, for the first year of this new provision, the submission deadline for participants’ Personal Training Plans. The relaxation was designed to ensure that Suppliers had sufficient time to become familiar with the new provision and to train their staff accordingly.
Migrant Workers
Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking to facilitate the recognition of qualifications from outside the European Union, in order to assist migrant workers or immigrants with qualifications can play their full role in developing the economy.
(AQW 1339/08)
Sir Reg Empey: There is provision within my Department whereby anyone with qualifications from outside the European Union can ask the Department to map their qualifications to UK qualifications. This is done through the United Kingdom National Academic Recognition Information Centre ( UK NARIC), International Comparisons database, to which my Department subscribes. This service has been in operation since April 2002 and can be accessed by making direct contact with the Department.
Seagate Job Losses
Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to provide training opportunities for the staff at Seagate to gain meaningful employment.
(AQW 1341/08)
Sir Reg Empey: My Department will assist individuals to find alternative employment. Senior officials met with Seagate Technology management on Monday 5 th November 2007.
Seagate management has expressed a clear commitment to working with the Department and other Agencies to assist employees. The company is currently undertaking a statutory 90-day consultation period on the closure proposal.
The Department, in partnership with the Social Security Agency and other organisations, will provide advice on employment opportunities, job search, training and education opportunities, careers advice and benefits advice. This will be provided on-site as required. Training provision will be made available as appropriate in discussion with the company and employee representatives.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr G Campbell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to offer training and other assistance to the 900 employees of the Seagate factory in Limavady, in order to ensure that they have an adequate knowledge and skills base to obtain long-term sustainable employment in the north west.
(AQW 1363/08)
Sir Reg Empey: My Department will assist individuals to find alternative employment. Senior officials met with Seagate Technology management on Monday 5 th November 2007.
Seagate management has expressed a clear commitment to working with the Department and other Agencies to assist employees. The company is currently undertaking a statutory 90-day consultation period on the closure proposal.
The Department, in partnership with the Social Security Agency and other organisations, will provide advice on employment opportunities, job search, training and education opportunities, careers advice and benefits advice. This will be provided on-site as required. Training provision will be made available as appropriate in discussion with the company and employee representatives.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he has taken to ensure that his department maximises the delivery of services to Seagate employees affected by the impending closure of the factory in Limavady.
(AQW 1393/08)
Sir Reg Empey: My Department will assist individuals to find alternative employment. Senior officials met with Seagate Technology management on Monday 5 th November 2007.
Seagate management has expressed a clear commitment to working with the Department and other Agencies to assist employees. The company is currently undertaking a statutory 90-day consultation period on the closure proposal.
The Department, in partnership with the Social Security Agency and other organisations, will provide advice on employment opportunities, job search, training and education opportunities, careers advice and benefits advice. This will be provided on-site as required. Training provision will be made available as appropriate in discussion with the company and employee representatives.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment
Renewable Energy
Mrs D Kellyasked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to outline the mechanism that will be put in place to ensure that there will be a viable all-island market for electricity from renewable sources; and specifically, what subventions will be made available to ensure that generators of green electricity are able to supply electricity between jurisdictions.
(AQW 1239/08)
The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): Within the context of the European Union vision for more competitive regional energy markets, Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are leading the way in creating a Single Electricity Market (SEM) designed to promote competition and improve the security of supply in the electricity market on the island of Ireland. 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. The longer term aim is to develop a regional electricity market, comprising the United Kingdom, Irish Republic and France.
Plans for the development of renewables are included in this approach and, in this context, DETI and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) have recently completed a Grid Study of the potential for increased electricity generation from renewable sources on an all-island basis.
However, 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 renewables in Northern Ireland while the Irish Republic operates a Feed-in Tariff system and it is a condition of each mechanism that the electricity must be consumed in the jurisdiction of its generation. There are no plans at present to adopt a single approach to encouraging renewables development across the island.
Renewable Energy
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) what targets have been set in relation to renewable energy supply; (ii) how the expansion of the renewable energy supply industry is measured against these targets; and (iii) how the development of the industry has impacted on the price of technology and installation.
(AQW 1248/08)
Mr N Dodds: Northern Ireland ’s current renewable energy supply target is that 12% of electricity consumption in 2012 will be from indigenous renewable sources.
DETI monitors progress against this target using generation and consumption figures from the electricity supply industry. In 2006/07 indigenous renewables represented 3.8% of total consumption while a further 2% was provided by imports of renewable electricity.
No assessment has been carried out to date on the impact of renewables development on the price of the associated technology and installation. Moreover, the development of the Northern Ireland renewable supply industry could be expected to have only an insignificant impact on the costs of these global technologies.
Electricity Production
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the (i) amount of electricity produced; and (ii) associated level of greenhouse gas emissions, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1249/08)
Mr N Dodds: Figures on the total electricity produced in Northern Ireland is only available on a financial year basis.
Year |
Total Electricity Produced in Northern Ireland (GWh) a |
|---|---|
2006/07 |
9425 |
2005/06 |
9837 |
2004/05 |
7493 |
2003/04 |
7010 |
2002/03 |
6194 |
2001/02 |
7723 |
2000/01 |
8352 |
a Source: Northern Ireland Electricity plc
CO 2 is the main green house gas released during power generation (c. 99.5%). Small amounts of methane and nitrous oxide are also produced, however these amounts are so small they have not been included. The table below shows the levels of CO 2 in kilo tonnes in each of the last 5 years for which figures are available. CO 2 figures for electricity generation are not yet available for 2006 or 2007.
Year |
Kilo tonnes of CO 2 b |
|---|---|
2005 |
5264.2 |
2004 |
4734.5 |
2003 |
4867.5 |
2002 |
5051.2 |
2001 |
6418.4 |
b Source: Department of Environment
Renewable Energy Supply
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the impact of the renewable energy supply industry on (i) the environment; (ii) the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund; and (iii) household energy production technologies.
(AQW 1253/08)
Mr N Dodds: DETI have not commissioned any specific studies on the assessment of the impact of the renewable energy supply industry on the environment, the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF) and household energy production technologies to date. Increasing the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources impacts positively on the environment in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of the activities supported through the EREF focus on increasing the deployment of small scale renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The impact of the fund will be evaluated post March 2008. The review of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy market, which is due to complete shortly will identify gaps and barriers that exist in the current renewable energy and energy efficiency marketplace.
Power Stations
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the average level of CO2 emissions per GWh, supplied to the transmission system by each of the power stations in Northern Ireland, for each of the last three years.
(AQW 1274/08)
Mr N Dodds: The following table sets out the average level of CO2 emissions per GWh by each of the power stations in Northern Ireland for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Northern Ireland Power Stations: Tonnes of CO2 Emitted per GWh (2004-06)
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|---|---|---|---|
AES Kilroot |
960 |
968 |
960 |
Coolkeeragh ESB |
N/A (1) |
461 (1) |
374 |
Premier Power - Ballylumford |
470 |
479 |
506 |
Source (i): Department of the Environment
(ii): Individual Power Stations
(1) Figures for Coolkeeragh relate only to the operation of the current plant by Coolkeeragh ESB; this plant only became operational in June 2005.
Geo-Thermal Energy
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what assessment his department has made of the potential to harness geo-thermal energy in Northern Ireland, as indicated by the findings of the Tellus project.
(AQW 1311/08)
Mr N Dodds: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has, through Action Renewables, let a contract to research the potential for deep geothermal energy in Northern Ireland. The aim of the study is to assess the potential geothermal energy resources suitable for heating, using all available information including the recently completed Tellus airborne survey. Key potential end users in both existing and planned public and private sector developments will be matched to the best potential areas of locally sourced geothermal heat energy. The final project report will be available in March 2008.
In terms of shallow geothermal energy, Action Renewables is also working with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) to produce an internet-based report system that will allow Northern Ireland potential consumers to input a postcode and obtain an assessment of the suitability of the ground conditions for the installation of Ground Source Heat Pump systems.
The GSNI is also a partner in the GeoThermal Regulation - Heat (GTR-H) project. Its aims are to identify, and to establish a strategy to overcome, the main barriers to the development of low carbon geothermal energy in selected EU countries. The project will use the experience of partner countries with well-developed geothermal energy markets and efficient regulatory frameworks, to propose new legislation for those partner countries, such as Northern Ireland, where these do not yet exist. The introduction of geothermal energy legislation is likely to be an important factor when trying to attract private sector investment for high capital deep geothermal energy projects in Northern Ireland.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will undertake to make the East Derry/Londonderry constituency a priority for investment, due to the employment crisis triggered by the loss of 900 jobs at the Seagate factory, and the associated impact on the economy in the area.
(AQW 1357/08)
Mr N Dodds: The economic impact of the proposed closure on the East Derry/Londonderry constituency can only be fully understood following the completion of a skills base analysis and a study of the geographical distribution of the workforce.
Invest NI will continue to promote NI as a location for investment and will be supportive of any proposals brought forward which offer sustainable, long term and high calibre employment for all of NI.
The availability of a significant proven workforce in the East Derry/Londonderry constituency will be a factor very much to the fore of Invest NI’s consideration in discussions with potential investors.
Invest NI
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he will carry out, and publish, a geographical analysis of jobs created and/or funded by Invest NI in the last ten years.
(AQW 1394/08)
Mr N Dodds: Table 1 below provides an analysis, by Parliamentary Constituency Area, of jobs promoted and safeguarded, along with the amount of financial assistance offered to inward-investment projects by Invest NI (during the 5-year period 2002/03 – 2006/07), and the Industrial Development Board (during the 5 years 1997/98 - 2001/02). Planned investment figures are also presented, which represent the gross cost of projects being assisted.
It should be noted that these areas are not self-contained labour markets. A project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond constituency and council area boundaries. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas, although it is has been able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will be determined by the existing location of the business.
Table 1: SUPPORTED INWARD INVESTMENT PROJECTS BY PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY AREA (1997/98 - 2006/07)
PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY |
JOBS PROMOTED |
JOBS SAFEGUARDED |
ASSISTANCE OFFERED (£m) |
PLANNED INVESTMENT (£m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BELFAST EAST |
4,326 |
1,391 |
78.4 |
346.9 |
BELFAST NORTH |
3,539 |
218 |
27.6 |
100.0 |
BELFAST SOUTH |
9,025 |
893 |
76.3 |
320.1 |
BELFAST WEST |
1,984 |
60 |
25.6 |
86.2 |
EAST ANTRIM |
3,920 |
721 |
48.4 |
330.4 |
EAST LONDONDERRY |
312 |
2,200 |
28.4 |
130.2 |
FERMANAGH & SOUTH TYRONE |
1,390 |
417 |
18.9 |
89.6 |
FOYLE |
4,954 |
2,998 |
107.2 |
513.9 |
LAGAN VALLEY |
671 |
846 |
13.8 |
99.6 |
MID ULSTER |
313 |
118 |
4.9 |
35.5 |
NEWRY & ARMAGH |
1,681 |
30 |
11.2 |
36.8 |
NORTH ANTRIM |
279 |
1,245 |
11.0 |
56.9 |
NORTH DOWN |
1,041 |
231 |
6.1 |
29.4 |
SOUTH ANTRIM |
1,149 |
1,423 |
18.8 |
146.1 |
SOUTH DOWN |
611 |
810 |
10.4 |
30.0 |
STRANGFORD |
323 |
727 |
6.7 |
35.0 |
UPPER BANN |
954 |
3,141 |
27.5 |
145.4 |
WEST TYRONE |
716 |
1,446 |
14.3 |
73.2 |
TOTAL |
37,188 |
18,915 |
535.6 |
2,605.2 |
NOTES:
1. Figures relate to Invest NI/IDB clients only. There may also have been other externally-owned businesses investing in the area over the time period.
2. Job promotion data is not available for locally-owned clients.
3. Jobs promoted represent the number of jobs expected to be created by the project.
4. Jobs safeguarded represents the number of jobs that would have been lost if the project was not supported.
5. Figures include both first time inward investments and reinvestments by existing clients.
6. 1997/98 to 2001/02 relates to IDB, 2002/03 to 2006/07 relates to Invest NI.
7. Inward investment does not include business development activities, including R&D, training, knowledge management or trade development.
8. Planned Investment includes assistance offered by Invest NI.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what discussions he has had, with colleagues in the Executive, about establishing a special task force to implement a strategy for the future of Seagate employees who are facing redundancy.
(AQW 1396/08)
Mr N Dodds: On hearing of the announcement I confirmed with Executive colleagues that the relevant interaction between my Invest NI staff and counterparts in DEL was underway and that, whilst mindful of the company’s need to conduct employee consultation/briefing sessions, an appropriate level of interaction with the company management was in hand to ensure that all possible support and advice for the employees would be provided as soon as possible.
I am content that a sufficiently strong working relationship exists between staff in my department and those in DEL, and other departments as necessary, to ensure that a cohesive action plan is developed to address the specific needs of the employees and ensure the optimum outcome for the economy in general.
Environment
National Park
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of the Environment what immediate plans she has to meet with farmers and residents of the Mournes/Slieve Croob area of South Down, to discuss their concerns in relation to the possible designation of this area as a National Park.
(AQW 1170/08)
The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I am consulting the Environment Committee, the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside about the reports of the Mourne National Park Working Party. I will take their views into consideration when I decide how to proceed.
I have also agreed to hear the views of a small group of Ulster Farmers’ Union representatives from the Mourne area on the Working Party reports.
I will consider any further requests to meet key groups representing farmers or residents so that I may hear their views on the Working Party recommendations.
Planning Applications
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to ensure that Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments is more effectively enforced, when planning applications are being considered by the Planning Service.
(AQW 1181/08)
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 have asked for Planning Service to be reminded to ensure that the impact of new housing development on the character of established residential areas is fully considered in line with current policy objectives. Planning Circular (PC 03/07) ‘Assessing Planning Applications for Residential Development in Urban Areas, Villages and Other Small Settlements’ was issued in August 2007. I would stress that this circular summarises the objectives of current policy. It is intended as guidance and advice and is not in any way a new or revised policy statement.
Planning Applications
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications that have been refused as a result of Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments, in (i) 2003; (ii) 2004; (iii) 2005; (iv) 2006; and (v) 2007.
(AQW 1184/08)
Mrs A Foster:
No of Applications that have been refused as a result of Planning Policy Statement 7 |
|
2003 |
141 |
2004 |
147 |
2005 |
282 |
2006 |
360 |
2007* |
350 |
Source ARGO v8.3/MVM2020
Date of Run: 24 th October 2007
* up to and including 30 September 2007
Planning Applications
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether or not Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments will be taken into account when considering any future planning applications at 5-7 Chapel Road, Cushendall.
(AQW 1186/08)
Mrs A Foster: The policies contained within Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 7: Quality Residential Environments apply to all residential development proposals with the exception of proposals for single dwellings in the countryside. PPS 7 would therefore be taken into account when considering any future application for residential development at 5 – 7 Chapel Road, Cushendall. As the site is within a Conservation Area, consideration will also be given to PPS 6 – ‘Planning, Archeology and The Built Heritage’.
Planning Applications
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether or not Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments will be taken into account when considering a planning application for 24 apartments at 289-293 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena.
(AQW 1201/08)
Mrs A Foster: In assessing planning application G/2007/0664/F, a proposal for 24 apartments at 289-293 Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments, is one of a number of material considerations against which this application will be assessed.
Fly-Tipping
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what recent estimates her department has made in relation to the tonnage of waste involved in incidences of fly-tipping, accounted for as household waste, broken down by district council area.
(AQW 1202/08)
Mrs A Foster: The limited data available suggest that 189 tonnes of waste was flytipped in the first 6 months of 2007. However, this may not accurately reflect the scale of the problem.
My officials are working with District Councils to encourage the use of a new flytipping database (“Flycapture”) which would generate reliable statistics on flytipping across Northern Ireland and inform policy decisions for tackling the problem.
Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Lord Browne asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the proposed timetable for the introduction of legislation similar to the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
(AQW 1208/08)
Mrs A Foster: My officials are presently considering how the powers of district councils could be strengthened and extended to enable them to deal more effectively with a wide range of problems which affect the quality of life in our local environment or neighbourhoods. This work, which is known as the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda, also takes into account developments in England and Wales under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Primary legislation will be required to implement the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda. The draft Programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme for my Department and I am currently considering when to introduce this legislation in the light of the range of key goals set for my Department.
Industrial Zoned Land
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the availability of industrial zoned land in (i) Ballymoney Borough Council area; (ii) Ballymena Borough Council area; and (iii) Moyle District Council area.
(AQW 1243/08)
Mrs A Foster: (i) In July 2004, there were 12.09 hectares (29.9 acres) of industrial zoned land available within Ballymoney Borough Council Area.
(ii) In July 2004, there were 8.46 hectares (20.9 acres) of industrial zoned land available within Moyle District Council Area.
(ii) In October 2007, there were 34.92 hectares (86.25 acres) of industrial zoned land available within Ballymena Borough Council area.
Industrial land is monitored for area plan preparation purposes rather than annually. The figures for the Ballymoney and Moyle Council areas were produced during the preparation of the draft Northern Area Plan.
Vehicle Emissions
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail how she plans to reduce the amount of harmful vehicle emissions; and what plans she has to change the acceptable level of emissions for vehicle testing.
(AQW 1244/08)
Mrs A Foster: Construction standards for vehicles, including the standards that must be met for vehicle emissions, are set at a European Union level. The control of such emissions is therefore governed by a number of EC Directives and Regulations which set out the requirements for emission of vehicle smoke, vapour, gas, oily substances and noise.
Those requirements are implemented in Northern Ireland by the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (NI) 1999 and are applied according to the class of vehicle, date of first use and the relevant EC legislation.
Vehicle emissions are tested in accordance with the emissions requirements contained in the Construction and Use Regulations and it is an offence for a vehicle to be used on a road that does not comply with these.
My Department amends these Regulations as necessary in line with incoming EC Directives requiring implementation of new vehicle emissions standards.
Environmental Protection Agency
Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment if she will provide an update on the possible establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency.
(AQW 1245/08)
Mrs A Foster: I am carefully considering my approach to environmental governance. In so doing I will take account of the recommendations in “Foundations for the Future” in relation to an independent Environmental Protection Agency, of resource and wider policy considerations and of points which stakeholders have raised.
I will make a public statement on the way forward following discussion with my colleagues on the Executive.
Dibney Rivers Pollution
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 299/08, what steps she will take to prevent this type of pollution by the Department for Regional Development.
(AQW 1250/08)
Mrs A Foster: The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is responsible for the regulation of discharges from waste water treatment works, sewerage systems and water treatment works.
The new government owned company, Northern Ireland Water (NIW), is required to have discharge consents under the Water ( Northern Ireland) Order 1999 in respect of all its discharges. Each discharge consent contains conditions relating to the quality and quantity of effluent that may be discharged to the water environment. These consents take into consideration a number of factors including the requirements of relevant European Directives.
Since NIW was established on 1 April 2007, approximately 1100 waste water treatment works, 30 water treatment works and 300 sewerage systems have been issued with discharge consents. In addition, consents have been issued in respect of small waste water treatment works which detail the levels of treatment and maintenance required.
NIW, unlike its predecessor, Water Service, does not have crown immunity; and is operating under a normal regulatory regime and is subject to appropriate enforcement action for non-compliance with consent conditions and for any pollution incidents caused by a failure to properly maintain and operate its infrastructure.
Since 1 April 2007, 23 statutory samples have been taken of discharges from assets operated by NIW. In three of these 23 cases, Warning Letters have been issued under the Water (NI) Order 1999. The remaining 20 cases are at various stages of the enforcement process.
EHS has also been involved in the prioritisation of expenditure on waste water infrastructure for the first NIW Strategic Business Plan and will be engaged with the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation in the process of setting the level of funding for environmental improvement in the 2010 – 2015 investment period.
Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what steps she is taking to employ more staff in the enforcement section of the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office, taking into account that this office has 300 more enforcement cases than the Ballymena Divisional Planning Office.
(AQW 1251/08)
Mrs A Foster: I am conscious that the Enforcement Section in the Downpatrick Divisional Planning Office has been carrying vacancies in recent months. This has contributed significantly to a build up of enforcement complaints that are still to be investigated or which are under investigation.
I am pleased to say that progress has been made in filling the vacancies in this section and the one remaining vacancy will be filled in a matter of weeks, when pre- appointment checks have been completed.
I am satisfied that the current team structure, which now has a Principal Planning Officer also involved almost full-time directing its work, should start to make significant inroads into its caseload over the next few months.
The Planning Service will keep the situation under review and if caseloads do not decrease as anticipated then further action will be considered.
Planning Policy Statement 14
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to make available advice she has received in relation to the application of draft PPS14 retrospectively to 16 March 2006.
(AQW 1287/08)
Mrs A Foster: Draft PPS 14 was introduced on 16 March 2006 and applied to planning applications received after that date.
In his judgement of September 7 on the judicial review of PPS14 brought by Omagh District Council, Mr Justice Gillen concluded that DRD did not have the statutory powers to prepare and issue draft PPS14. In that judicial review there was no challenge of any kind to the substance or merits of draft PPS14 and the Judge observed that had draft PPS14 been issued by my Department it may well have been unobjectionable
On October 25 I reissued the policy provisions of draft PPS14 under the powers conferred by Article 3 of the Planning ( Northern Ireland) Order 1991 and said I would continue to apply them to planning applications received after 16 March 2006, until we have completed our reviews and developed new policies. I have not applied draft PPS 14 retrospectively.
Finance and Personnel
Special European Union Programmes Body
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what action he is taking to ensure that funding from the Peace III programme will be fairly distributed; and to outline what plans the Special European Union Programmes Body has to engage with rural Protestant communities in border areas.
(AQW 1153/08)
The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), as PEACE III Managing Authority, will work to ensure a fair allocation of Programme funds and will consider all appropriate steps to help ensure this outcome. As before, SEUPB will promote the Programme throughout the eligible area, actively encouraging applications from all communities in all areas, both urban and rural, and targeting social need.
EU PEACE funding will continue to be allocated objectively on the basis of the quality of the applications received. As before, applications for funding will be assessed openly and transparently using agreed selection criteria that reflect the Programme’s distinctive aims.
Evaluation and other research on EU PEACE funding indicates that both communities have benefited significantly from the available funding and that PEACE I and II have successfully targeted social need and achieved a wide geographical coverage.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1165/08)
Mr P Robinson: The total cost of consultancy in the Department of Finance and Personnel in the 2006-07 financial year is set out in the table attached.
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Personnel |
|
|---|---|
Category |
Amount £k |
1. policy appraisal and review |
- |
2. strategic management |
3,432 |
3. organisational development |
175 |
4. performance management |
- |
5. accountancy |
4 |
6. audit |
- |
7. economic appraisal |
11 |
8. internal audit |
- |
9. feasibility study |
66 |
10. quality accreditation |
- |
11. investment appraisal |
- |
12. corporate governance |
- |
13. projects |
733 |
14. surveys |
- |
15. marketing |
10 |
16. market research |
- |
Other |
- |
TOTAL |
4,431 |
Infrastructural Provision
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail his department's attempts to secure the £400 million promised by the Government of the Republic of Ireland, in order to address regional disparities in infrastructural provision.
(AQW 1183/08)
Mr P Robinson: In the context of the Funding Package for the incoming Northern Ireland Executive announced by the Chancellor on 22 March 2007, the Irish Government made available £400million (€580million), to fund a package of infrastructure investment, including a major new roads programme to provide dual carriageway standard on routes within Northern Ireland serving the North West Gateway of Letterkenny/Londonderry and on the eastern seaboard corridor from Belfast to Larne.
My officials are currently working with officials from the Department of Finance (RoI) on the various logistical issues associated with this contribution from the Irish Government.
Rates Relief
Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what steps he is taking to (i) provide rates relief to people who have had adaptations made to their homes due to their disability needs; and (ii) ensure that information on rates relief is made widely available to people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups in society.
(AQW 1260/08)
Mr P Robinson: Within the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland the Disabled Persons Allowance Scheme provides for a reduction to be awarded where a property has been adapted to meet the needs of a person with a disability.
The scheme was first introduced in 1978 and simplified in April 2007, as part of the rating reforms introduced under Direct Rule. The scheme was simplified because the majority of claimants had to wait over 6 months to obtain the allowance and it now provides for a standard 25% reduction for eligible persons. This standardised scheme is similar in many respects to the one that applies under The Council Tax but at 25% is a little more generous than the 20% reduction available in the rest of the UK.
This policy is currently being considered within the context of the NI Executive’s further review of the domestic rating system.
Land and Property Services has carried out an information and outreach programme about the new rate reliefs including an advertising campaign, designed to reach out to all, but with a specific emphasis on more vulnerable groups such as people on low incomes, people with disabilities and pensioners.
Land and Property Services also works with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Social Security Agency and the voluntary and advisory sector to provide information for the public, as well as workshops for advice workers, on the rate reliefs. Information on the rate reliefs is available in accessible formats such as Braille, CD and audio-tape.
Rates Relief
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the various types of rate relief and other incentives available to small businesses that are starting up.
(AQW 1320/08)
Mr P Robinson: A Farm Diversification Relief scheme was introduced in Northern Ireland on 1 April 2007 along similar lines to that in Great Britain, but based on NAV levels appropriate to Northern Ireland. Rate relief is set at 50% of full liability for a maximum of 36 months from 1 April 2007. The scheme applies to new small non-agricultural enterprises that are located in buildings that were previously agricultural - subject to a £7,000 NAV ceiling and is available to farmers themselves and their immediate families who satisfy a qualifying period.
There is currently no other specific rate relief available to small businesses that are starting up. However the Economic Research Institute is carrying out a study to assess the need for and value for money of a rate relief scheme for small businesses in Northern Ireland. As part of their considerations, they will examine the experiences of similar schemes operating in GB. I expect to have their conclusions by the end of the year and following that I will make a decision. There will be a judgement call here, we would either have to ask other businesses to pay more or we forgo the revenue. Like all new proposals, it would have to be considered in the context of other spending priorities.
I should add that small businesses, if they qualify under the legislation as industrial hereditaments, would, with other eligible businesses, receive rating at 30% of their total liability for this financial year. This level will apply and continue until March 2011 if the announcement on the matter in the draft budget is ratified following the consultation period in January 2008.
My colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, advises that Invest NI provides a comprehensive range of advice and financial support to new businesses, with individual programmes that are tailored to assist locally focused, export focused and globally focused start-ups. Invest NI also operates the www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk website which provides a single point of access to a comprehensive range of information and services to enable people starting a business to quickly find sources of local support and information.
Rates Relief
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to provide for rates relief to households currently receiving Housing Benefit, given the assumption that a separate water and sewerage charge will be added to the domestic rates bill.
(AQW 1323/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Strand One Report of the Independent Water Review Panel recommended that a single bill should be issued to consumers, with rates and water and sewerage charges separately identified. The Executive has noted this and further analysis is being undertaken by officials.
The rate relief provisions that support the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland are also currently subject to consideration within the context of the Executive Review of Domestic Rating.
HM Treasury Payments
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail whether or not payments to Northern Ireland from HM Treasury will be reduced as a consequence of the proposal that water and sewerage charges will be added to the domestic rates bill; and, if so, what is the annual estimate of this reduction; and what discussions have been held with HM Treasury about this matter, including any transitional arrangements.
(AQW 1324/08)
Mr P Robinson: The Strand One Report of the Independent Water Review Panel recommended that a single bill should be issued to consumers. If, as I envisage, this household bill was to incorporate the regional rate, the district rate and the charge for water and sewerage then this is simply a logistical issue. In this context, the Treasury has no locus in the matter.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to fund and/or participate in a special economic task force to address the crisis facing people in East Derry/Londonderry, who are directly or indirectly affected by the impending closure of the Seagate factory.
(AQW 1390/08)
Mr P Robinson: As demonstrated by my first draft budget with its primary focus on the economy, I intend to ensure that appropriate policies and funds are in place to deliver our objective of creating a new and vibrant economy for Northern Ireland.
Whilst there are currently no plans for a specific economic taskforce for East Derry / Londonderry, I will give my full support to Invest NI and DEL who will be working to ensure that the employees of Seagate are given every opportunity to develop their capabilities in this respect over the course of the coming months.
Health, Social Services and Public Safety
Enniskillen Fire Station
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service's efforts to resolve the dispute at Enniskillen Fire Station over the display of a photograph commemorating the Enniskillen bomb.
(AQW 1199/08)
The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): The Chief Fire Officer is working closely with firefighters based at Enniskillen Fire Station to find a local resolution to this matter. I am confident that this is the right approach to find an early and mutually acceptable outcome to this issue.
NHS Dentists
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will make a statement on the number of dentists accepting new NHS patients in South Down.
(AQW 1203/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: In the 12 months ending October 2007, there were 38 Principal dentists in South Down Constituency accepting new Health Service (HS) patients.
This number was calculated by comparing the number of registered patients with each dentist at November 2006, against the number of newly registered patients with each dentist at October 2007. It should be noted that newly registered patients will include those patients transferring from another dentist, as well as patients new to the NHS.
Specialist Nursing
Lord Browne asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in view of his department’s partnership with Queen’s University, Belfast, regarding a proposed campaign to increase the number of nurses specialising in mental health and learning disabilities, to detail what incentives are planned to encourage school leavers to consider this as a profession.
(AQW 1206/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The DHSSPS is preparing to run an advertising campaign in November to attract students to study both Mental Health and Learning Disability nursing. The campaign has the co-operation of all three Universities in Northern Ireland - University of Ulster, the Open University and Queen’s University. It also has the support of staff organisations.
Student nurses studying as full-time undergraduates in Northern Ireland receive a non-means tested bursary of £5770 per annum and do not pay course fees. They may also be entitled to other allowances including travel, dependency allowances and disability allowances.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1210/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: My Department is currently reviewing the classification of consultancy expenditure. When this exercise is complete I will write to the member.
Children and Young People's Funding Package
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will give an assurance that he will match, or better, the commitment given by direct rule Ministers in relation to the children and young people's funding package, in his department's budget from 2008 onwards.
(AQW 1222/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I understand the real and lasting differences that the initiatives funded under the children and young people’s package can have, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work.
However, until consultation on the draft Budget ends on 4 January 2008 and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about every single initiative. I do recognise that existing initiatives need early confirmation about their future levels of funding, and I can assure you that this will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
Children and Young People's Funding Packages
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will confirm that monies provided for under the children and young people's funding packages will continue to be included in the department's baseline.
(AQW 1223/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I understand the real and lasting differences that the initiatives funded under the children and young people’s package can have, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work.
However, until consultation on the draft Budget ends on 4 January 2008 and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about every single initiative. I do recognise that existing initiatives need early confirmation about their future levels of funding, and I can assure you that this will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
Children and Young People's Funding Package
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail how he intends to take forward the priorities set out in relation to the children and young people's funding package.
(AQW 1224/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I understand the real and lasting differences that the initiatives funded under the children and young people’s package can have, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work.
However, until consultation on the draft Budget ends on 4 January 2008 and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about every single initiative. I do recognise that existing initiatives need early confirmation about their future levels of funding, and I can assure you that this will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
Children and Young People's Funding Package
Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what steps he is taking to ensure that monies provided for in the children and young people's funding package will remain within his department's funding baseline from 2008 onwards.
(AQW 1225/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I understand the real and lasting differences that the initiatives funded under the children and young people’s package can have, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work.
However, until consultation on the draft Budget ends on 4 January 2008 and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about every single initiative. I do recognise that existing initiatives need early confirmation about their future levels of funding, and I can assure you that this will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
Children with Downs Syndrome
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's policies in relation to children with Downs Syndrome.
(AQW 1235/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has no policy specific relating only to children with Down’s Syndrome. Services to all disabled children are provided in line with individually assessed need and in accordance with relevant legislation.
Community Care Package
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of people currently living in the community who are awaiting a community care package; (ii) the number of people who have been waiting for more than 12 weeks; and (iii) the percentage of people who have been waiting for more than 12 weeks.
(AQW 1259/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: At 30 June 2007, 318 people living in the community were waiting for a community care package, 128 (40%) of these had waited 12 weeks or more.
Less than 12 Weeks |
12 Weeks or more |
All Persons Waiting |
||
Number |
% of Total Waiting |
Number |
% of Total Waiting |
|
190 |
60% |
128 |
40% |
318 |
Source: DHSSPS Information returns CC5b.
Pathology Laboratory at Altnagelvin Hospital.
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the future of the pathology laboratory situated at Altnagelvin Hospital.
(AQW 1267/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The pathology laboratory at Altnagelvin Area Hospital will provide appropriate clinical pathology services to support the clinical needs of secondary and primary care in its area.
On 28 November 2006 the Department issued for public consultation the recommendations of a review of clinical pathology laboratory services in Northern Ireland. The pathology review report makes twenty-three recommendations which aim to ensure the sustainability of high quality hospital laboratory services across Northern Ireland.
The consultation ended on 28 February 2007. 289 responses were received and my Department has been considering these in detail. I expect to make an announcement in the near future regarding the final recommendations for the future of pathology services, including those provided from the laboratory at Altnagelvin.
Physiotherapy Waiting Lists
Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average waiting times for patients who need physiotherapy, in each of the last five years.
(AQW 1273/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the average waiting time for physiotherapy is not collected centrally. Information is, however, collected on completed waiting times for a first outpatient appointment of an episode of care with a community physiotherapist, according to specific time bands. This is detailed in the table overleaf for the years ending 31 st March, 2003 to 2007, where a year refers to the period 1 st April to 31 st March.
During the year ending 31 st March 2007, 68,955 persons attended their first outpatient appointment with a community physiotherapist. Of these, 53,849 (78%) had waited less than 3 months, 12,086 (18%) had waited 3 to 6 months, and 3,020 (4%) had waited 6 months or more.
Over the last five years, the number of persons attending a first outpatient appointment with a community physiotherapist has increased by just under 25% (13,675).
Persons Attending their First Outpatient Appointments with a Community Physiotherapist by Length of Time Waited (1 st April 2002 – 31 st March 2007)
Year Ending |
Less than 3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6 Months or more |
All Completed Waits for First Appointment |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
Number |
% |
||
31 March 2007 |
53,849 |
78% |
12,086 |
18% |
3,020 |
4% |
68,955 |
31 March 2006 |
55,429 |
81% |
9,763 |
14% |
3,607 |
5% |
68,799 |
31 March 2005 |
47,710 |
77% |
11,179 |
18% |
2,897 |
5% |
61,786 |
31 March 2004 |
43,407 |
77% |
11,149 |
20% |
1,999 |
4% |
56,555 |
31 March 2003 |
44,489 |
80% |
9,447 |
17% |
1,344 |
2% |
55,280 |
Source: Departmental Information Return CP3
Midwifery Led Unit at Craigavon Area Hospita
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of expectant mothers turned away from the Midwifery Led Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital in the last twelve months, due to shortage of staff and resources.
(AQW 1275/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Southern Health and Social Care Trust have advised that they do not record the number of expectant mothers unable to be accommodated in the Midwifery Led Unit but it is not a regular occurrence. In the event of an expectant mother being unable to be accepted by the unit then they would be facilitated in the consultant led part of Craigavon Hospital’s maternity unit, where they would be looked after by Midwives with the same skills.
Midwifery Led Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of occasions on which the Midwifery Led Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital has had to close its birthing pool due to shortages of staff and/or resources, in the last twelve months.
(AQW 1276/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The birthing pool in the Midwifery Led Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital has not been closed in the last twelve months.
Staffing Levels at Craigavon Hospital
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of qualified nurses required to staff maternity wards in Craigavon Hospital safely; and (ii) the number of occasions upon which staffing levels have fallen below safety requirements, in the last twelve months.
(AQW 1277/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Currently around 88.64 whole time equivalent midwives are employed in the Maternity Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital, only trained midwives provide maternity care. The Southern Health and Social Services Trust have confirmed that they are satisfied that staffing levels in the midwife led unit over the past 12 months have been maintained to provide a safe service.
NHS Dentists
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of dentists in Portadown, Lurgan, Central Craigavon and Banbridge who carry out dental care and treatment on NHS patients.
(AQW 1280/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The table below provides detail of the number of practising NHS dentists and the towns where the dental surgeries are located:
|
Number of dentists who carry out dental care and treatment on NHS patients |
|---|---|
Portadown |
22 |
Lurgan |
17 |
Craigavon |
1 |
Banbridge |
12 |
TOTAL |
52 |
Source: Central Services Agency
Social Work Services
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to give his assessment of the adequacy of the resources available for the provision of social work services through the family and childcare programme.
(AQW 1289/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: During 2006/07 the planned recurrent expenditure for the Family and Childcare Programme of Care was in the region of £146 million. As with any expenditure programme for families in need, there are always additional demands for services which could be provided if additional resources were made available.
Research recently published jointly by OFMDFM, DFP and the NI Children’s Commissioner shows that expenditure on children’s social services in Northern Ireland is around 30% less per child than in England, Scotland and Wales.
In 2006/07, my Department was able to provide additional funding as part of the Children and Young People’s Funding Package amounting to £10.55 million developing priority services in support of looked after children, vulnerable young adults, child protection and children with special needs and disabilities. In the past three years we have invested an additional £6 million in Foster Care, £2 million in child protection, £2 million in residential Care and £2.5 million in Leaving and After Care. There has also been major reform of social work training, including the Degree in Social Work which was launched in 2004. Continued investment in qualifying training for social workers will ensure a continued supply of social work recruits to meet workforce and service needs.
Work is ongoing to ensure appropriate continuing professional development opportunities are available for social workers to ensure appropriate expertise is developed and skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date.
My Department has set out a wide range of proposals for the development of Family and Child Care services in both ‘Care Matters’ and ‘Families Matter’, both of which were issued for consultation this year. It is also clear that a number of recommendations included in the Bamford Review are also relevant to services within this Programme of Care.
We are moving ahead with major reforms of front line child protection services; with reform of adoption legislation; and we hope to move forward with a range of reforms arising from ‘Care Matters’.
In conclusion, this is an important area and I will continue to try to address the resource needs of this programme in the future. At present, however, my Department is not in a position to provide resources on a par with GB.
Management Staff
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of management staff employed in the Western Health and Social Services Board.
(AQW 1300/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of staff working in a management position in the WHSSB, including Local Commissioning Group (LCG) Board members, as at 30 th September 2007 was 94 (91.19 whole-time equivalent). This includes staff who may have management responsibilities for more junior grades or whose position has the potential to do so.
Source: Human Resources Management System
Attacks on Hospital Staff
Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of violent attacks on staff in hospital Accident and Emergency departments that have been reported to Health and Social Care Trusts, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 1317/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The number of violent (physical) attacks on staff in hospital Accident and Emergency departments in the last three years to 31 st March 2007 are 2004/2005 - 90, 2005/2006 – 104, 2006/2007 – 102.
Health Promotion Agency
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what resources have been allocated by the Health Promotion Agency to advertising the health reasons for teenagers under the age of consent to delay sexual activity.
(AQW 1321/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Health Promotion Agency (the Agency) has not allocated specific resources to the advertising of the health reasons for teenagers under the age of consent to delay sexual activity. However, the Agency has recently commenced work on the establishment of a programme which aims to effectively communicate the “Delaying Sex” message to young people. This will include the development and delivery of a training programme and supporting materials which can be used in a range of settings by those who work with and care for young people.
£400k was allocated in 2006/07 and 2007/08 to the HSS Boards towards implementing the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy. The Department has not provided specific funds to the Agency in relation to teenage pregnancy. However, whilst no funding has been allocated specifically to the delaying sex message, the Agency has carried out a range of related work including seminars in 2005 on the effectiveness of approaches to teenage pregnancy and parenthood work, and the role of parents in sex education, and it also advised an education theatre company on the content of a play supporting the objectives of the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy aimed at pupils aged 14 and over. It also produced a series of fact sheets on issues relating to sexual health. More recently the Agency has begun work on the establishment of a “Delaying Sex” programme for young people and those who work and care for young people.
Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what proportion of the £400,000 allocated to the Health and Social Services Boards, as a result of the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy, has been spent on achieving Target 3, which concerns teenagers under the age of consent delaying sexual activity.
(AQW 1322/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Many of the targets in Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy are inter-related. Health and Social Services Boards (Boards) therefore take a coordinated approach making links with other strategies, including sexual health, mental health and well-being and drugs and alcohol. Services are commissioned to take this into consideration. For this reason the funds allocated against one specific target cannot be accurately identified.
Each Board has an intersectoral multi-disciplinary group which advises the commissioning process by identifying priorities and agreeing the way forward in implementing the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy for that Board area. Examples of commissioned programmes and services which could be expected to help address the target specified include sexual health and relationships programmes; programmes supporting parents to communicate more effectively on risk-taking behaviours with young people; a peer education programme on sexual health and relationships; youth development programme within a youth centre setting; community based lay health worker programme targeting young people; training for teachers to support Relationship and Sexuality Education; employment of Nurses to provide education and support to looked after children; and a young people’s health clinic.
Expenditure on Hospital Services
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's expenditure on hospital services and community health per head of the population in Northern Ireland, compared with the amount spent per head in England, Scotland and Wales in each of the past five years.
(AQW 1325/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The table below sets out the comparative expenditure per head of population for current health expenditure as published in the Public Expenditure Survey Analysis (PESA) 2007. Expenditure on hospital services and community health is not readily available. 2005/06 is the most recent year for which outturn data is available.
Expenditure per head of population (current spend excluding capital) |
2001/02 |
2002/03 |
2003/04 |
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland |
1,051.90 |
1,138.72 |
1,269.80 |
1,338.93 |
1,466.59 |
England |
953.03 |
1,038.62 |
1,164.46 |
1,290.14 |
1,384.23 |
Scotland |
1,066.90 |
1,228.93 |
1,392.42 |
1,433.33 |
1,572.39 |
Wales |
1,033.94 |
1,140.11 |
1,299.53 |
1,398.83 |
1,464.89 |
The differential between Northern Ireland and England has reduced from 10.4% in 2001/02 to 5.9% in 2005/06. Higher comparative annual uplifts in England compared to N. Ireland will reduce this differential further.
These figures do not take into account the relative needs of the populations. A recent major exercise on comparative need, taking account of differences in age profile, deprivation levels and market forces factors, has shown that the health service in Northern Ireland requires 10% more resources per head than England due to its proportionately higher levels of need.
Breast Feeding
Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what targets he has set for breast feeding; and to give his assessment of how well these targets are being met.
(AQW 1327/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: “A Healthier Future - A Twenty Year Vision for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland 2005-2025” sets two targets for breastfeeding:
- by 2025, 70% of all infants will be breastfed by one week after birth (50% by 2010); and
- by 2025, 40% of all infants will still be breastfed at 6 months (20% by 2010).
Recent survey results show that the prevalence of breastfeeding (1) at one week of age in Northern Ireland increased from 37% in 2000 to 46% in 2005; and increased from 10% in 2000 to 14% in 2005 for infants still being breastfed at 6 months. Although breastfeeding rates here remain lower than England, Scotland and Wales, the increase over this period was greater in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. This shows a positive upward trend, and my Department will continue to monitor progress.
Source: Infant Feeding Survey 2005.
1 Prevalence of breastfeeding refers to the proportion of all babies who were wholly or partially breastfed at specific ages.
Closure of the Hightown Bridge in Mallusk/Glengormley
Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of whether or not the closure of the Hightown Bridge in Mallusk/Glengormley has had a negative impact on Ambulance Service and Fire and Rescue Service response times in the area.
(AQW 1427/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Both the Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service travel under ‘blue light’ conditions in response to emergency calls, thus ensuring that traffic gives way.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has advised that it can still achieve the required response times in the Glengormley / Mallusk Area whether the Hightown Bridge is open or closed.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has advised that the closure of the Hightown Bridge in Mallusk/Glengormley has not adversely impacted on response times in the area.
Intractable Epilepsy
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to meet the health requirements of children who suffer from intractable epilepsy.
(AQO 640/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Specialist hospital services, for children who suffer from intractable epilepsy, are provided at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The services are comparable to major centres in the UK. Typically diagnostic tests would include an electroencephalogram (EEG). Other investigations, for example CT or MRI scans could be used to exclude causes of epilepsy that may be amenable to surgery.
Treatment includes ketogenic diet and usually will include arange of medications either singularly or in combination dependent on the completeness of the patients response.
Cervical Cancer
Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will introduce a Human Papilloma Virus vaccination programme for 16 year old girls, this year, as a one-off initiative; and to develop a catch-up programme for other young women, to reduce cases of cervical cancer.
(AQO 617/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I would like to be in a position to confirm that I will be introducing a human papilloma virus vaccination programme aimed at reducing the number of deaths from cervical cancer in 2008/09. This decision though will be subject to the final figures emerging from the budgetary process.
The vaccination programme is intended to target girls around 12 years of age, as research has indicated that this is the ideal age for the vaccination. I am also hoping to put in place a catch-up vaccination programme for older girls but, again, I cannot confirm this in the current financial circumstances.
On 26 October the Department of Health in London and the Scottish Executive announced details of their plans for HPV vaccination over the coming three years and beyond. The Welsh Assembly Government is expected to announce similar plans in the near future. Northern Ireland must ensure that it does not fall behind the rest of the UK in regard to this cancer-prevention investment – if this happens it will be unprecedented in the field of immunisation.
Attacks on Medical Staff
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of staff in accident and emergency departments and ambulance staff, who have been injured at work as a result of drunken assault in the last three years, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQO 723/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Firstly, let me say that I utterly condemn all such attacks on healthcare staff. The specific information on the precise nature and location of attacks is not presently recorded; however, my officials are currently reviewing the range of data to be maintained by Health and Social Care Trusts.
5,449 cases of verbal and physical abuse against healthcare staff were reported during the period 1 st April 2004 to 31 st March 2005. This decreased to 5,382 in the period 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006 but rose again to 6,010 in the period 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007. These are alarming statistics and are totally unacceptable. Whilst the reasons and motivation for violent attacks is not known, I have no doubt that alcohol has contributed to a number of these incidents.
Nurses
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of nurses currently employed by the health service, who will reach their normal retirement age in each year from 2007-2010, broken down by Health and Social Care Trust.
(AQO 674/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The projected total number of nursing staff, both qualified and nurse support staff, set to retire between 2007 and 2010, is;
|
Nursing Staff |
|||||
|
Belfast Trust |
Northern Trust |
Southern Trust |
South-Eastern Trust |
Western Trust |
Total |
Those already at retirement age (60 years) |
31 |
15 |
19 |
21 |
15 |
101 |
Those projected to retire in year - 2007 |
43 |
30 |
35 |
17 |
30 |
155 |
-2008 |
62 |
40 |
38 |
34 |
36 |
210 |
-2009 |
83 |
41 |
50 |
41 |
38 |
253 |
-2010 |
86 |
47 |
58 |
46 |
33 |
270 |
Qualified Nurses by age and Trust at 30th June 2006 –
Normal retirement age 60
|
Qualified nursing staff |
|||||
|
Belfast Trust |
Northern Trust |
Southern Trust |
South-Eastern Trust |
Western Trust |
Total |
Those already at retirement age (60 years) |
31 |
14 |
11 |
19 |
10 |
85 |
Those projected to retire in year -2007 |
43 |
26 |
32 |
16 |
25 |
142 |
-2008 |
62 |
32 |
29 |
31 |
31 |
185 |
-2009 |
82 |
35 |
35 |
39 |
31 |
222 |
-2010 |
85 |
42 |
49 |
39 |
26 |
241 |
Nurse support staff by age and Trust at 30th June 2006 –
Normal retirement age 60
|
Nurse Support staff |
|||||
|
Belfast Trust |
Northern Trust |
Southern Trust |
South-Eastern Trust |
Western Trust |
Total |
Those already at retirement age (60 years) |
0 |
1 |
8 |
2 |
5 |
16 |
Those projected to retire in year -2007 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
13 |
-2008 |
0 |
8 |
9 |
3 |
5 |
25 |
-2009 |
1 |
6 |
15 |
2 |
7 |
31 |
-2010 |
1 |
5 |
9 |
7 |
7 |
29 |
Source: Human Resources Management System
Inpatients in Knockbracken Hospital
Mrs D Kellyasked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of people who are currently inpatients in the medium security facility in the forensic unit in Knockbracken Hospital, and who are awaiting discharge to appropriate secure accommodation.
(AQO 618/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are currently 32 in-patients in the medium security facility, the Shannon Clinic. The Shannon Clinic is a 34 bed unit in Knockbracken Healthcare Park which takes short and medium stay patients. At present, there is one patient being proposed for transfer to the community and another to St Luke's, Armagh.
Long-Term Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) how much funding has been allocated to treat long-term alcohol addiction; (ii) a breakdown of funding by Health and Social Care Trust, in number and percentage terms; and (iii) the residential inpatient facilities for treating patients with severe alcohol addiction and dependency problems, the capacity of these facilities, and which Trust areas have no such facilities.
(AQO 672/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety provides funding for core Health Board addiction services. These services cover both alcohol and drugs and therefore a separate breakdown for alcohol alone is not available. In answer to your specific questions
- The total amount of funding provided to Health Boards for the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction in the last financial year for which figures are available was £5,133,184.
- The breakdown by Board in numbers and percentage –
Northern Board |
£931.148 |
(18%) |
|---|---|---|
Southern Board |
£549,678 |
(11%) |
Eastern Board |
£2,401,944 |
(47%) |
Western Board |
£1,250,414 |
(24%) |
- The residential inpatient facilities for treating patients with severe alcohol addiction and dependency problems, and their current capacity across the five Health Trusts is described thus:
Trust |
Beds |
Facility |
Belfast |
10 |
Shaftesbury Square |
South Eastern |
14 |
Downshire (Ward 15) |
Western |
7 |
Alcohol Treatment Unit |
Southern |
10 |
St. Luke’s Armagh |
Northern |
10 |
Carrick 1 |
TOTAL |
51 |
|
|
||
Additional beds contracted by trusts
|
8 8 21 6 |
Ramona House Northlands House in the Wells Carlisle House |
Total |
43 |
|
All five Trusts have facilities for in-patient/residential addiction treatment
Hospital Admissions
Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline his policy on the admission of people over 65 to hospital, and on their treatment, once they have been admitted.
(AQO 707/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Decisions to admit to hospital, and the subsequent determination of treatment, reflect clinical decisions which take account of individual needs and service protocols. A patient’s age is not the deciding factor.
Lymphodeoma Services
Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the amount of funding available for lymphodeoma services; and to provide a breakdown of the distribution of this funding.
(AQO 615/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: £500,000 has been made available recurrently in 2007/08 to fund lymphoedema services. Each of the four Health Boards will share the funding on a capitation basis. This funding will support the development of a specialist lymphoedema network to facilitate the implementation of high quality lymphoedema care throughout the province. Plans include the creation of multidisciplinary teams in each trust with the necessary mix of skills and expertise to treat the condition effectively and a consultant led complex case clinic which will rotate around a number of locations to provide a regional service.
F1 Foundation Programme Trainees
Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of medical trainees, in the year after their graduation, who are (i) F1 Foundation Programme trainees; and (ii) in short-term training posts outside the F1 Foundation Programme.
(AQO 704/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are 231 F1 Training posts in the 2007 NI Foundation Programme.
- 187 posts are held by graduates from Queens University Belfast’s Medical School, with
- 44 posts held by graduates from outside of Northern Ireland.
There are no graduates in short term training posts outside of the F1 Foundation Programme
Radiotherapy Machines
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of whether or not the radiotherapy machines in the new cancer centre in Belfast are being used to full capacity; and to detail any instances where the machines have broken down; and the impact that this has had on patients.
(AQO 614/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: There are currently eight radiotherapy machines in the Cancer Centre and these are being used to their planned capacity. Existing demand for radiotherapy in Northern Ireland is fully met by the present level of service.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed that there has been only one occasion when a radiotherapy machine was out of service impacting on two patients who had their treatment start dates deferred by one day.
The Trust has also confirmed that all patients requiring radiotherapy are treated within standards recommended by the Royal College of Radiologists.
Review of Public Administration
Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has in place for staff in Health and Social Services Boards, who could be displaced as a result of the Review of Public Administration.
(AQO 706/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: Staff in Health and Social Services Boards who are displaced as a result of the Review of Public Administration will be dealt with under the same principles as all affected staff across the Health and Social Care sector.
Ministerial Meetings
Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to meet with his counterparts in the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly, to discuss matters of mutual interest.
(AQO 630/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I expect to meet Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Scottish Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, and Edwina Hart AM, Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services in the near future to discuss areas of mutual interest.
Additionally, officials in my Department are in regular contact and exchange information, with their counterparts in both Scotland and Wales, across a wide range of policy areas in which we share an interest.
Personal Health Matters
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to increase public awareness of personal health matters; and to develop a culture of 'self-check' for men and women.
(AQO 616/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: The Public Health strategy, “Investing for Health”, provides the framework within which my Department promotes the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This includes public information campaigns on sexual health, the dangers of smoking and the importance of sensible drinking, regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.
The Department is not currently engaged in any initiatives exclusively relating to men’s health. However, Men’s Health Week, co-ordinated by the Men’s Health Forum, aims to heighten awareness of preventable male health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of problems.
Information leaflets on breast screening which includes advice on breast awareness, [the term now used in place of “self examination”] are also available in a range of locations including GP surgeries and health centres.
Budget Implications
Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he will make a statement on the implications for his department, following the publication of the Northern Ireland budget.
(AQO 628/08)
Mr M McGimpsey: I have not agreed this budget. I have agreed a draft budget as a basis for general consultation with the Assembly and the general public.
Over the CSR period this will only provide a real terms increase of 1.1% per annum for Health. Although my budget will increase to over £4.2bn by 2010/11, this represents an increase of only £455m. Given that I have unavoidable pressures and existing commitments of some £700m in that year, I will need a significant element of my efficiency savings of £343m to be reinvested simply to meet these ongoing pressures.
This leaves a mere £16m to invest in new service developments next year.
By comparison, the Department of Health in England has seen a much larger rise of 3.7%.
Regional Development
All-Ireland Transport Facilities
Mr R McCartney asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to increase all-Ireland transport facilities.
(AQW 1177/08)
The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): My Department’s Roads Service has established excellent relations with the road authorities in the South, facilitated through the Cross Border Steering Group (CBSG), which delegates from Roads Service, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Irish Department for Transport attend. Chief Executives from Roads Service and the National Roads Authority share chairmanship of this group, which meets on a regular basis. CBSG discussions cover a range of roads policy issues including sharing details of respective roads programmes and the monitoring of cross border projects. These meetings provide joined-up planning between both jurisdictions to ensure that the Strategic Road Network is developed in a manner that will be of benefit to the whole island of Ireland.
You will be aware of the Irish Government’s intention to make available £400 million to help fund major roads programmes for the provision of dual carriageway standards on routes within the North on the Western Corridor, (Derry to the border at Aughnacloy), and the Eastern Seaboard Corridor (Belfast to Larne).The Executive has confirmed its acceptance, in principle, to taking forward these projects and Roads Service is now engaged with the NRA in developing a process for the governance, delivery, and funding of these projects.These projects highlight how progress is being made between both jurisdictions to develop the strategic road network to be of benefit to the whole island of Ireland.
My Department, together with the Department of Transport in the South, has also funded a research study into cross-border community based rural transport. The study is intended to help us understand what barriers there are to the development of cross-border community transport and to identify the level of demand and the need for these types of services. The report should be completed in November 2007.
Additionally, the All Ireland Free Travel Scheme for Older People became operational in April 2007. Under the rules of this Scheme, senior citizens in possession of a travel pass can use public transport services free of charge throughout the island of Ireland.
I am also making funding available to upgrade part of the Belfast to Dublin railway line between Lurgan and Lisburn.
Under the auspices of the British Irish Council, Ministers have agreed that the potential for further cooperation and collaboration in relation to transport planning and investment should be examined to further strengthen the integration of transport networks across geographical and jurisdictional boundaries in all eight administrations, including those on an all Ireland basis.
Finally, I can also advise that my Department is currently working with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the South to develop a collaborative Spatial Planning Framework. This will be a shared document which will set out how we will work together to implement both the National Spatial Strategy in the South and the Regional Development Strategy here, so that the whole island can share the benefits. This process will focus on improving infrastructure, more sustainable uses of resources, better transportation links and identifying priorities for action.
Road Management
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total length of roads managed by the Roads Service in the Western Division; the total annual expenditure for managing the roads network in that area, in each of the years (i) 2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; and (iii) 2006/07; and the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08.
(AQW 1198/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the total length of roads managed by it, in Western Division, is 8665 km.
The total annual expenditure by Roads Service, for managing the roads network in Western Division from 2004/05, 2005/06, and 2006/07 together with the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08, is detailed in the table below:
|
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital |
18,618 |
22,732 |
25,048 |
23,327 (1) |
Resource |
29,746 |
28,146 |
28,016 |
25,300 (1) |
Total |
48,364 |
50,878 |
53,064 |
48,627 (1) |
( 1 ) A nticipated expenditure.
In providing the above information I should explain that Roads Service does not simply split its total budget for capital expenditure on roads across all the district council areas. Major road improvements are prioritised on a countrywide basis taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environment impact and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council, constituency or county in which they are located.
Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measure and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.
In relation to its maintenance activities I should explain again that Roads Service does not apportion its maintenance budget equally across district council areas. Resources available for each maintenance activity (e.g. resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc) are apportioned to district council areas using appropriate indicators of need. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.
Road Signage
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to give a timescale within which black and white chevron signage will be erected at the bend on the Glenbuck Road, Ballymoney.
(AQW 1200/08)
Mr C Murphy: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that f ollowing your request earlier this year, a site visit on the Glenbuck Road was carried out, and it was agreed that bend warning signage and chevrons at the location you had highlighted, would be provided.
I am pleased to advise that the new bend warning signage and chevrons will be erected within the next three weeks.
Sewerage Systems
Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number and location of all sewerage systems that discharge directly in to the tidal waters along the coastline of Northern Ireland.
(AQW 1204/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that it maintains approximately 1,100 wastewater treatment works, many of which discharge to coastal waters, watercourses and loughs, with appropriate levels of treatment. Unfortunately, discharges to tidal waters are not separately identified in NIW’s records and it would take some time to manually extract the information. I have asked the Chief Executive of NIW to contact you directly in relation to the provision of the detailed information requested.
Within most sewerage systems there are also a number of intermittent discharge points spilling storm sewage during periods of heavy rain as a design consideration to protect against out of sewer flooding of land and property. Similar to the treated outfalls, these are subject to regulation by the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service.
In addition to the treated discharges, there are 10 locations where untreated sewage is pumped, or flows by gravity, directly into the tidal waters along the coastline of Northern Ireland. The attached table lists the locations and remedial works that are already underway, or are included within Northern Ireland Water’s capital investment programme, to address the situation.
Consultancy Expenditure
Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his department's expenditure on consultancy; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, for the last year.
(AQW 1214/08)
Mr C Murphy: A breakdown of the expenditure incurred on external consultancy by the Department for Regional Development, excluding its executive agencies and NDPBs, during the 2006/2007 financial year is set out below.
DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
|
|---|---|
Category |
Expenditure 2006/07 |
Policy appraisal and review |
1.72 |
Strategic management |
0.21 |
Organisational development |
0.05 |
Performance management |
0.01 |
Audit |
0.01 |
Economic appraisal |
2.28 |
Feasibility study |
0.07 |
Quality accreditation |
0.08 |
Projects |
0.04 |
Marketing |
0.61 |
TOTAL |
5.08 |
Road Resurfacing
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the Roads Service's annual expenditure on resurfacing roads, broken down by trunk road and non-trunk road, for (i) 2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; and (iii) 2006/07; and the expected expenditure in 2007/08, for the Southern Division.
(AQW 1226/08)
Mr C Murphy: The resurfacing expenditure of my Department’s Roads Service, broken down by trunk and non-trunk roads, is detailed in the table below.
The budget figures for 2007/08 represent the opening budget position, and this amount is subject to change during the financial year, dependent on normal budget monitoring and the outcome of bids or easements in quarterly monitoring rounds.Resurfacing Expenditure |
Roads Service Outturn 2004/05
|
Roads Service Outturn 2005/06 |
Roads Service Outturn 2006/07 |
Roads Service Initial Allocations 2007/08 |
Southern Division Initial Allocations 2007/08
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trunk Roads |
£7119k |
£7290k |
£5366k |
£6729k |
£1670k
|
Non-trunk roads
|
£28730k |
£25413k |
£23366k |
£16290k |
£3668k |
Road Management
Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total length of roads managed by the Roads Service in the Southern Division; the total annual expenditure for managing the roads network in that area, in each of the years (i) 2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; and (iii) 2006/07; and the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08.
(AQW 1227/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the total length of roads managed by it, in Southern Division, is 7182 km.
The total annual expenditure by my Department’s Roads Service, for managing the roads network in Southern Division from 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 together with the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08, is detailed in the table below:
|
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital |
34,054 |
31,572 |
70,975 |
19,505 (1) |
Resource |
31,203 |
30,719 |
28,349 |
26,300 (1) |
Total |
65,257 |
62,291 |
99,324 |
45,805 (1) |
( 1 ) A nticipated expenditure.
In providing the above information I should explain that Roads Service does not simply split its total budget for capital expenditure on roads across all the district council areas. Major road improvements are prioritised on a countrywide basis taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environment impact and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council, constituency or county in which they are located.
Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measure and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.
In relation to its maintenance activities I should explain again that Roads Service does not apportion its maintenance budget equally across district council areas. Resources available for each maintenance activity (e.g. resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc) are apportioned to district council areas using appropriate indicators of need. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country.
Railway Station Signage
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to renew the signage on railway station platforms throughout the Northern Ireland Railways network.
(AQW 1266/08)
Mr C Murphy: Translink / NIR are responsible for the upkeep or replacement of signage on all railway station platforms. At present there is no specific timetable in place for the renewal of these platform signs. However, Translink have confirmed that signage at all locations will be included as part of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) work schedule which is ongoing. Consequently all platform signage will be replaced as these works are undertaken at various locations throughout Northern Ireland. The estimated completion date of these works is the end of August 2008.
Gortcorbies Climbing Lane
Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 465/08, to indicate the proposed site for the disposal of surplus material from the proposed Gortcorbies Climbing Lane; and to provide a date for the commencement of this project.
(AQW 1268/08)
Mr C Murphy: A breakdown of the expenditure incurred on external consultancy by the Department for Regional I refer the member to my previous answer AQW 465/08.
My Department’s Roads Service, in consultation with Planning Service and Environment and Heritage Service, is still investigating options for the disposal of the surplus material, in compliance with current statutory requirements.
In these circumstances, I am unable to provide a date for the commencement of the project.
Beragh Waste Water Treatment Works
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the total cost of upgrading Beragh Waste Water Treatment works.
(AQW 1302/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the cost of upgrading Beragh Wastewater Treatment Works and its outlying pumping stations was £2.56 million. The new works have been designed to treat flows from Sixmilecross and Beragh. The wastewater treatment works at Sixmilecross were replaced by a sewage pumping station.
Fintona Waste Water Treatment Works
Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the total cost of upgrading Fintona Waste Water Treatment works.
(AQW 1304/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the total cost of upgrading Fintona Wastewater Treatment Works was £1.87 million. This project involved the construction of a new wastewater treatment works within the existing boundary of the old wastewater treatment works.
Roads Management
Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total length of roads managed by the Roads Service in the Northern Division; the total annual expenditure for managing the roads network in that area, in each of the years (i) 2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; and (iii) 2006/07; and the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08.
(AQW 1315/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised me that the total length of roads managed by it, in Northern Division, is 5757 km.
The total annual expenditure for managing the roads network in Northern Division from 2004/05, 2005/06, and 2006/07 together with the anticipated expenditure for 2007/08 , is detailed in the table below:
|
2004/05 |
2005/06 |
2006/07 |
2007/08 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital |
22,637 |
22,912 |
12,736 |
18,000 (1) |
Resource |
28,297 |
29,475 |
26,737 |
24,300 (1) |
Total |
50,934 |
52,387 |
39,473 |
42,300 (1) |
( 1 ) A nticipated expenditure.
In providing the above information I should explain that Roads Service does not simply split its total budget for capital expenditure on roads across all the district council areas. Major road improvements are prioritised on a countrywide basis after considering a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flow, number of accidents, potential saving in travel times, impact on the environment and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one district council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council, constituency or county in which they are located.
Roads Service expenditure on minor road improvements includes minor works, accident remedial schemes, transportation measure and minor bridge strengthening. The resources available for such works are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach, using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds for improvements across the country.
In relation to its maintenance activities, I should explain again that Roads Service does not apportion its maintenance budget equally across district council areas. Resources available for each maintenance activity (e.g. resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc) are apportioned to district council areas using appropriate indicators of need. This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of maintenance funds across the country.
Road Resurfacing
Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the Roads Service's annual expenditure on resurfacing roads, broken down by trunk road and non-trunk road, for (i) 2004/05; (ii) 2005/06; and (iii) 2006/07; and the expected expenditure in 2007/08, for the Northern Division.
(AQW 1316/08)
Mr C Murphy: The resurfacing expenditure of my Department’s Roads Service, broken down by trunk and non trunk roads, is detailed in the table below.
The budget figures for 2007/08 represent the opening budget position, and this amount is subject to change during the financial year, dependent on normal budget monitoring and the outcome of bids or easements in quarterly monitoring rounds.
Resurfacing Expenditure |
Roads Service Outturn 2004/05 |
Roads Service Outturn 2005/06 |
Roads Service Outturn 2006/07 |
Roads Service Initial Allocations 2007/08 |
Northern Division Initial Allocations 2007/08
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trunk Roads |
£7119k |
£7290k |
£5366k |
£6729k |
£975k
|
Non-Trunk Roads
|
£28730k |
£25413k |
£23366k |
£16290k |
£3220k |
Strathroy Link Road, Omagh
Mr P Doherty asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his department's commitment to the construction of the Strathroy link road in Omagh; and to provide an indicative timeline for this work.
(AQW 1375/08)
Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Sub-Regional Transport Plan 2015 envisaged a number of improvements to the highway network within Omagh, which included Strathroy Link. The Strathroy Link scheme is led by and dependent upon contributions from developers, supplemented by funding from the Department. The delivery of the Strathroy Link scheme will, therefore, be dependent on the availability of developer contributions and departmental funding, and the completion of the necessary statutory procedures. It is unlikely that the scheme could commence before 2013.
Planning Application
Mr W Irwin asked the Minister for Regional Development, in light of the recent planning application for a housing development at Milford Village, Armagh, (i) what plans he has to upgrade the current sewerage system in the village; and (ii) to give a timescale within which any remedial works will be completed.
(AQW 1426/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that they are not aware of any sewerage infrastructure problems in the Milford catchment and they have, therefore, no plans to upgrade the existing sewage system. The small additional flow anticipated from the new development should not have an adverse effect on the sewerage system in the village.
Travelwise Pledge
Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of occasions upon which he has used sustainable public transport, while on official duties, since taking the Travelwise pledge.
(AQO 712/08)
Mr C Murphy: In continuing steps to encourage commuters to swap their cars for other modes of transport such as walking, car sharing, bus, train or bicycle, for one journey each week, I launched the Travelwise Pledge during my Department’s Travelwise Week in mid September.
It has only been a short time since the launch, but where it has been feasible, I have used sustainable transport on 4 occasions when on official duties, using the train, a taxi and car sharing.
It is staggering how many cars on the road contain just one person. The Travelwise survey suggests that some 69% of commuters travel alone in the car.
I appreciate public transport may not suit everybody but I would encourage people to also consider the car sharing option. Car sharing saves time, money and benefits the environment and our health.
The Travelwise NI campaign is encouraging commuters to consider the alternatives to being stuck in traffic by trying sustainable transport options such as car sharing, public transport or depending on the distance, walking and cycling are healthy and cheap alternatives. Such initiatives make a positive contribution to the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy, which sets challenges for all of us to make our society more sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms.
I fully endorse the Travelwise Pledge and, where possible, I do plan to consider the use of public transport for official duties, when the opportunity arises. I would encourage all my Executive colleagues and fellow MLAs to set an example and follow this lead.
Strand One Report of the Independent Water Review Panel
Mr F Cobain asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm that there will be no additional redundancies as a result of proposals for 40% efficiency targets for Northern Ireland Water, as proposed by the Strand One report of the Independent Water Review Panel.
(AQO 655/08)
Mr C Murphy: The Independent Water Review Panel’s Strand 1 Report recommended that NIW’s operational cost efficiency target should be raised to 40% for the period ending 2009/10. My Executive Sub-Committee colleagues and I have not yet reached a view on a number of the Panel’s recommendations, and this one relating to efficiencies may require further investigation before a decision is reached.
Belfast to Derry/Londonderry Rail Service
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what funding bid he has submitted to support the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry rail service.
(AQO 680/08)
Mr C Murphy: The bid which I submitted to the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review included some £20.4 million capital for the Belfast to Derry line for the period 2008/09 to 2010/11. I also bid within the wider Investment Strategy for sufficient funding to relay all the line between Ballymena and Derry. This would include the provision of a passing loop between Coleraine and Derry.
Water Charges
Ms A Lo asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on his plans for water charges, in light of the Hilyard Report.
(AQO 697/08)
Mr C Murphy: I refer the honourable member to my recent statement to the Assembly on 22 October.
The position which I outlined on behalf of the Executive provides a firm basis for delivering a better deal for all water customers than that proposed by the Direct Rule administration.
A great deal of work needs to be done by the Executive, the independent panel, the Committee for Regional Development and all the stakeholders in the coming weeks on a number of major issues such as the use of capital values and metering before the Executive can make definite decisions on these. We will have an opportunity to debate these in the House tomorrow.
In addition the Panel is working through the second phase of the review which is expected to be concluded in December.
Joint Infrastructure Projects
Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the contact between the Roads Service and the National Roads Authority, in relation to joint infrastructure projects.
(AQO 638/08)
Mr C Murphy: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have established excellent relations with the road authorities in the South, facilitated through the Cross Border Steering Group attended by delegates of Roads Service, the National Roads Authority and the Department of Transport in the South. Chief Executives from Roads Service and the National Roads Authority share chairmanship of the Group, which meets on a regular basis.
Discussions cover a range of roads policy issues, including sharing details of respective roads programmes and the monitoring of cross-border projects.
The recently opened 14km length of dual carriageway on the A1/N1 between Newry and Dundalk is a prime example of the cooperation which exists between the road authorities in both jurisdictions. Roads Service and Louth County Council were the joint Client for this, the largest cross-border road project yet carried out.
Members will be aware of the Irish Government’s intention to make available £400 million to help fund major roads programmes for the provision of dual carriageway standard on routes within the North, on the Western Corridor (the route from Derry to the border at Aughnacloy) and the Eastern Seaboard Corridor (the Belfast to Larne route).The Executive has confirmed its acceptance, in principle, to taking forward these projects and Roads Service is now engaged with the National Roads Authority in developing a process for the governance, delivery, and funding of these projects.
Excellent cooperation also exists on Minor Works projects, whereby officials from the three Roads Service Divisions which interface with the South, meet with their counterparts in the Southern County Councils. These meetings ensure that joined-up planning is aimed not only at the major schemes, but is incorporated at every level of road development where cross-border implications can be identified.
Road Investment
Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has for capital investment in roads in Fermanagh over the next five years; and, if so, to outline commencement dates for this investment.
(AQO 678/08)
Mr C Murphy: The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTN TP) identified a number of schemes which are located in (or impact on) County Fermanagh:
- A4 Dungannon to Ballygawley – 20.5km of high standard dual carriageway that will include 6 flyover-type junctions.
- A4 Annaghilla Improvements – 3.8km of single carriageway realignment with eastbound 2+1 lane.
These two schemes form part of my Department’s DBFO Package 2 and are expected to commence in early 2008.
Other schemes included in the RSTN TP are:
- A4 Henry Street/Sligo Road , Enniskillen – Provision of an additional lane on approach to the junction.
- A32 Cherrymount Link, Enniskillen – New 1.1km single carriageway link road.
In July 2006 my Department’s Roads Service issued a consultation document entitled ‘Expanding the Strategic Road Improvement Programme 2015’ which included the following schemes:-
- A4 Enniskillen Southern Bypass – 3.2km of 2+1 single carriageway.
- A4 Fivemiletown Bypass – 3.4km of 2+1 single carriageway.
- A32 Dromore – Irvinestown – Enniskillen – A Programme of single carriageway and realignment schemes including 2+1 carriageway on the A32 Dromore – Irvinestown – Enniskillen road.
The inclusion of these schemes is currently being evaluated.
Delivery and timing of these schemes will be dependent on clearing the statutory procedures, having a satisfactory economic appraisal and indeed on the outcome of Budget 2008-2011 and the investment envisaged under ISNI 2.
Regarding capital investment in Local Transport and Safety Measures (LTSM) schemes and Bridge Strengthening works in Fermanagh over the next 5 years, it is not possible to give a determination of exact costs, at this stage. However, over the next 3 years, given historical budget trends, approximately £830,000 per year is estimated for the LTSM schemes. Regarding the Bridge Strengthening Programme, Roads Service’s Western Division's annual budget over the next 3 years is likely to be in the region of £1.6 million per year. In terms of the Fermanagh Council area, it is estimated that a total in the order of £2 million will be spent on bridge strengthening works over the next 3 years.
Road Upgrade
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to upgrade the A32 road from Enniskillen to Omagh.
(AQO 641/08)
Mr C Murphy: In July 2006, my Department’s Roads Service issued a consultation document entitled ‘Expanding the Strategic Road Improvement Programme 2015’, which contained a number of road improvement proposals, including a £10 million programme of single carriageway improvement and realignment schemes on the A32 between Omagh and Enniskillen.
Roads Service is currently considering responses to the consultation document and work on the assessment of this Programme is at an advanced stage. However, as it has not yet been finalised, I am presently not in a position to advise on details of its content or timing, other than to indicate that the outcome will align with Budget 2008-2011 and the investment envisaged under ISNI 2 .
I understand that the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety will contribute £5 million towards upgrading this route as a result of new hospital provision in Enniskillen.
Hilyard Report
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide details on the Hilyard Report; and what is his assessment of the views of this report, in relation to the introduction of water meters.
(AQO 682/08)
Mr C Murphy: I announced details of the Strand One Report by the Independent Water Review Panel to the Assembly on 22 October.
The Report did not rule metering out but recommended that, in the short term, implementation plans should not proceed.
As I said in response to questions which followed, I believe that the environmental, social, cost and operational implications of metering will be debated publicly over the next few weeks in the lead-up to the publication of the Independent Panel’s Strand 2 Report. They can be debated tomorrow during the take-note debate which has been tabled by the Regional Development Committee.
Ballycolman Pumping Station
Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the proposed timetable for updating the Ballycolman pumping station at Ballycolman estate, Strabane; and what action he is taking to prevent flooding in the estate.
(AQO 600/08)
Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water (NIW) that the scheme to update the sewage pumping station at Ballycolman estate, Strabane, is programmed to commence in February 2008 and to be completed in December 2008. The design is at an advanced stage and includes for upgrading the existing system and provision of a storm sewage pumping station at an estimated cost of £1.3million.
In addition to a pre-planned quarterly maintenance inspection and test of the pumping station equipment, NIW has an emergency response system in place to deal with flooding complaints and any station breakdowns in the intervening period. Because Ballycolman Pumping Station is classified as a high priority site under NIW’s Pollution Control Plan, which necessitates immediate response in advance of the proposed scheme, its mobile operations staff inspect the pumping station twice weekly and provide immediate response to any telemetry alarms. The station is monitored twenty four hours a day by telemetry centre staff. An immediate response is triggered in the event of a high sump level alarm, a pump failure alarm or a customer complaint about out-of-sewer flooding at Ballycolman and NIW staff are dispatched immediately to the site to assess the situation and deploy appropriate resources to rectify the situation. In the event of potential out-of-sewer flooding due to high river levels coinciding with prolonged heavy rainfall, a Major Incident Emergency Response Team is activated and additional staff, emergency pumps, tankers, sandbags etc are deployed to site.
Belfast to Derry/Londonderry Railway Service
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what action has been taken to source European (TENs) funding for the upgrading of the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry railway.
(AQO 599/08)
Mr C Murphy: Following the announcement of 26 October 2007 on the proposed budget for public transport, final decisions have yet to be made on the level of investment on the Derry railway line. An application for EU TENs funding therefore could not be made until the draft budget is confirmed.
Road Improvments
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to improve the road junction between New Road and Harbour Road in Portavogie; what plans he has to remove or reduce pillars that are blocking sight lines at this junction; and to improve the road infrastructure of Portavogie.
(AQO 607/08)
Mr C Murphy: I am advised that my Department’s Roads Service completed a minor improvement scheme, during 2005, to enhance the pedestrian facilities along Harbour Road, Portavogie, between the junctions of Princess Ann Road and New Road. To facilitate the construction of an appropriate footway, a new boundary wall and pillars were constructed to replace the existing vehicular entrance at No 3 Harbour Road.
I understand that, to minimise the general impact of the scheme on the aforementioned property, agreement was reached with the owner to position the replacement wall and pillars to provide a suitable vehicular access to the property and ensure the provision of sightlines, similar to the previous, at the Harbour Road junction with New Road.
Whilst Roads Service officials accept the sightline at this junction is somewhat limited, they have informed me that the provision of a substantial improvement to the sightline in question would require the acquisition and demolition of the property.
Roads Service has no major plans for improvement work to the road infrastructure in the Portavogie area. However, they would be happy to assess any request received to undertake minor improvements for possible inclusion in the Local Transport and Safety Measures programme.
The assessment process will determine the priority status of any potential scheme which will then compete for delivery within the confines of Roads Service finite resources.
Greater Belfast Ring Road
Mr D Burnside asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to develop an outer Greater Belfast ring road, at dual carriageway or motorway standard, encompassing Lisburn, Antrim, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Newtownards and Bangor.
(AQO 710/08)
Mr C Murphy: The Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) for Northern Ireland 2002 – 2012, the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTN TP) and the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan (BMTP) did not identify the need for a scheme such as an outer Greater Belfast ring road. Furthermore, the recent consultation exercise to produce the expanded Strategic Road Improvement Programme to 2015 through the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland (ISNI) did not identify any proposals for such a scheme. In these circumstances, I do not consider an outer Greater Belfast ring road a strategic requirement at this time.
However, the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) identifies 5 Key Transport Corridors (KTCs) within the Regional Strategic Transport Network which are the primary focus of Roads Service’s Strategic Road Improvement Programme. The Strategy’s vision of a modern, sustainable and safe transportation system will require substantial upgrading of all of the Key Transport Corridors, including the Northern KTC which encompasses the A26/A57 running from the M1 at Moira to the M2 at Templepatrick. The level of funding made available will determine how quickly this longer term objective can be achieved.
In addition the BMTP provides a comprehensive and realistic local transport plan up to 2015. Over half the funding available within the Plan is identified for public transport, walking and cycling schemes.
The limited amount available for strategic highway improvements therefore targets the removal of major bottlenecks, and safety and capacity improvements to the existing strategic network within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. The M1, M2 and Westlink, strategic links through Belfast are currently under improvement.
Sewage Treatment Facilities
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of whether or not the current sewage treatment facilities at Whitehead and Ballystrudder meet the standards required under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive; and to give a timescale within which proposals to upgrade sewage treatment facilities at these locations will be implemented.
(AQO 685/08)
Mr C Murphy: Responsibility for determining whether or not wastewater treatment facilities meet the appropriate treatment requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations rests with the Department of the Environment’s Environment and Heritage Service. They have indicated that the appropriate treatment is not in place at either Ballystrudder or Whitehead.
I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that an option to combine flows from Ballycarry, Ballystrudder and Whitehead for discharge via a new marine outfall has been presented to and accepted by Environment and Heritage Service. This option will remove the Ballycarry and Ballystrudder discharges from Larne Lough.
A marine dispersion model has been constructed of the area between Whitehead Pumping Station and Blackhead and also an area to the North of Blackhead. Two locations have been identified within this area for the marine outfall and a detailed study is underway to identify the optimum one. The study is expected to be completed in November 2007 and this will enable design of the proposed works to commence. Construction is scheduled to commence in February 2009 and to be completed in Autumn 2010, subject to availability of funding and statutory approvals. It is estimated that the scheme will cost in the region of £13 million.
Social Development
Housing Executive Properties
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties that have been allocated in (i) Killinchy; and (ii) Moneyreagh, in each of the last three years.
(AQW 1154/08)
The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties allocated in Killinchy and Moneyreagh in each of the last three years was as follows:-
- Killinchy – 4 in 2005; 2 in 2006 and 2 in 2007
- Moneyreagh – 6 in 2005; 3 in 2006 and none in 2007
Housing Executive Waiting List
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list who have identified Killinchy as one of their areas of choice.
(AQW 1155/08)
Ms M Ritchie: 35 applicants have indicated Killinchy as a 1 st or 2 nd preference area for housing. 25 of these have more than 30 points and are therefore considered to be in housing stress.
Housing Executive Waiting List
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive waiting list who have identified Moneyreagh as one of their areas of choice.
(AQW 1156/08)
Ms M Ritchie: 38 applicants have indicated Moneyreagh as a 1 st or 2 nd preference area for housing. 19 of these have more than 30 points and are therefore considered to be in housing stress.
Dunclug Action Plan
Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her department's total expenditure to date on the Dunclug Action Plan; and the amount that has been spent on consultants' fees.
(AQW 1160/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Department for Social Development launched the Dunclug Action Plan on 17 th January 2007. To date the Department for Social Development’s total expenditure is £364,757.87. This amount includes £5,737 which NIHE have paid to consultants who were appointed on 12 th April 2007.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of people who have received the disabled facilities grant in the last 12 months; and (ii) the average waiting time for the grant to be paid.
(AQW 1175/08)
Ms M Ritchie: In the 12 months to 30 September 2007, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive issued approvals for 1,698 Disabled Facility Grants.
The average time taken by the Housing Executive to process payments of Disabled Facility Grant is just over 4 weeks. This excludes the time taken by applicants to complete the necessary documentation.
Housing Executive Telephone System
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the total cost of implementing the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's new centralised phone system.
(AQW 1229/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is currently implementing a new telephone system as part of a 10 year contract with technology partner, BT at a total projected cost, over 10 years, of £2.6m. It is projected that a 10 year net saving of £500k will be achieved when compared against the cost of the maintenance and operation of the old telephony system. The new system’s use of the latest technology will deliver a much more efficient and flexible service than the ageing system.
Caravans
Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to introduce legislation to deal with security of tenure for people who occupy caravans as their main residence.
(AQW 1261/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I have no immediate plans to introduce legislation to givesecurity of tenure to those who occupy caravans as their main residence.This is a complex area of policy and law and not solely an issue for my Department. Housing law in Northern Ireland covers the rented sector and those who live in caravans are private home owners. Next year I will be considering issues for a housing policy consultation document which will lead to a housing bill, and while this will focus on my key priorities of affordable housing and homelessness, I will ask my officials to liaise and consider with the Department of Environment and Department of Enterprise Trade and Industry officials the most appropriate way forward on this issue.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development to give a timescale within which she will review the disabled facilities grant to reflect the increased cost of building work.
(AQW 1284/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The rates used to establish the amount of grant payable are reviewed on an annual basis. A facility already exists to pay up to a maximum of £50,000 in high cost mandatory adaptation schemes eg to cater for wheelchair access.
Housing Executive Telephone System
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the average number of calls taken by the new Northern Ireland Housing Executive phone system, on a daily basis.
(AQW 1291/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is implementing a new telephone system on an incremental office-by-office basis. The new system is now operational in 21 out of 45 Housing Executive offices and on average 4500 calls are being taken daily.
Housing Executive Telephone System
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of offices linked to the new Northern Ireland Housing Executive phone system.
(AQW 1292/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is implementing a new telephone system on an incremental office-by-office basis. The new system is now operational in 21 out of 45 Housing Executive offices and on average 4500 calls are being taken daily.
Housing Executive Telephone System
Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of complaints received about the new Northern Ireland Housing Executive phone system; and what steps she is taking to address these complaints.
(AQW 1293/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Executive has not received any formal complaints about the new telephony system. Issues were however raised by customers and a number of elected representatives during the initial implementation stage (particularly in the Housing Executive’s South East administrative area).
A post implementation review, in each of the offices in which the new system has been introduced, identified a number of potential enhancements and these are being integrated into a service improvement plan to ensure that all issues have been addressed.
The improvements will be implemented so as to ensure that disruption in the service provided to customers is minimised, before the introduction of the new technology throughout the rest of the organisation is progressed.
Housing Executive Properties
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the Killyleagh area.
(AQW 1296/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive currently owns 246 dwellings in Killyleagh.
Housing Executive Properties
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in the Killinchy area.
(AQW 1297/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive currently owns 27 dwellings in Killinchy.
Housing Association Properties
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of properties owned by Housing Associations in (i) Killinchy; (ii) Moneyreagh; and (iii) Killyleagh.
(AQW 1299/08)
Ms M Ritchie: Housing Associations own 11 dwellings in Killyleagh but none in either Moneyreagh or Killinchy.
Disability Living Allowance
Mr R Beggs asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people per 1000 in receipt of Disability Living Allowance in Northern Ireland by (a) local government ward area; and (b) parliamentary constituency.
(AQW 1328/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department does not hold all of the information requested.
However, I have placed in the Library tables giving information on the numbers of people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance by Ward area, Parliamentary Constituency, and Local Government Districts. Also included is the number of DLA recipients expressed as a percentage of Parliamentary Constituency and Local Government District population, however we do not have the population figures available at Ward level.
The figures given reflect the number of claims where an amount of Disability Living Allowance is in payment at the date of extract.
Seagate Job Losses
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development what provision she is making to meet the needs of Seagate employees, who will be affected by the impending closure of the factory in Limavady.
(AQW 1391/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Departmenthas been working and continues to work closely and in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning to meet the needs of Seagate employees. The Social Security Agency will provide comprehensive advice and information on social security benefits to all employees and assist with the completion of benefit claim forms where appropriate. Staff from the Social Security Agency will be deployed on site to facilitate this as and when necessary. Entitlement to benefit will depend on each individual’s personal circumstances.
Old Andersonstown PSNI Station Site
Mr G Adams asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to gift-aid the site of the old Andersonstown PSNI station to the local community, for a purpose to be determined through local consultation, led by the West Belfast Partnership Board.
(AQO 610/08)
Ms M Ritchie: This is an important site, key to the regeneration of the area. It was acquired by my Department with the objective of shaping and attracting investment to add value to West Belfast and its community. That remains my objective. The Executive, in its Programme for Government, has set a key priority of growing the economy. That requires us to look at ways in which to secure investment from the private sector, and from elsewhere, for projects and programmes which can demonstrate sustainability, without always looking to the public purse.
Faced as I am with tight budgetary constraints, I am not in a position to gift valuable sites. I want to find an economically sustainable use for this site as part of the wider regeneration of the area, while embracing local community aspirations, as far as possible. I hope to announce shortly how I see that process being taken forward.
Regeneration of Coleraine
Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her plans for the regeneration of Coleraine.
(AQO 635/08)
Ms M Ritchie: May I say first of all, that I was dismayed by the announcement we heard recently about impending job‑losses at Seagate Technology in Limavady. I’d like to assure the Assembly that my department will work closely with the Department of Employment and Learning to provide assistance through the Jobs and Benefits Office network. This news underscores the need for us to continue our drive to generate jobs and investment around Northern Ireland. And can I assure Members from the Coleraine area that this will not undermine the ability of the town to take forward planned developments I will outline now.
I visited Coleraine on 17 October to announce a public consultation on two proposed regeneration schemes for the town centre. One is a large mixed use scheme on the Mall car park that would include retail, office and residential accommodation and up to 950 parking spaces. The other is a smaller mixed use scheme that would include retail and residential accommodation, a restaurant and up to 500 parking spaces.
This is a very exciting development for Coleraine. The schemes would bring £115 million of private sector investment to the town and deliver 220,000 ft 2 of retail space, over 100 apartments and town houses and over 1,400 new town centre parking spaces.
My Department is also considering a public realm scheme for Bridge Street, Church Street and Kingsgate Street in the town centre to complement work which we have already supported in The Diamond.
Voluntary and Community Sector Funding
Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her strategy to adequately fund the voluntary and community sector.
(AQO 642/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My department has lead policy responsibility for the voluntary and community sector. Funding to the sector is, however, a responsibility that is shared across all government departments.
I must emphasise, however, that ensuring the sustainability of the voluntary and community sector cannot focus on funding alone. I want to focus on results; on what kind of Sector we need in our society; on the important work that the Sector undertakes; and in particular, how the Sector can be most effectively resourced to deliver the services that our vulnerable and disadvantaged people need.
My department is presently co-ordinating the implementation of Positive Steps, which is Government’s response to the taskforce report on resourcing the voluntary and community sector. Positive Steps specifies a range of actions to be undertaken by departments and by the Sector itself, actions that are aimed at sustaining the role and services of the Sector.
Disability Living Allowance
Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people suffering from epilepsy, who were awarded the higher rate mobility through appeals, for the years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07.
(AQO 608/08)
Ms M Ritchie: MyDepartment does not hold the information requested, as the data relating to appeals does not record specific disabilities.
I can however tell you that 273 people have been awarded high rate mobility component and 3,440 awarded the low rate mobility componentof Disability Living Allowancewhere epilepsy wasthe main disabling condition in the last three years.
Review of Public Administration
Mr A Maginness asked the Minister for Social Development if she will make a statement regarding the transfer of functions from her department to local government under the Review of Public Administration.
(AQO 667/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I am committed to the principle of strong local government, but I must also be assured that any changes I agree to under RPA will promote the effective delivery of functions. After careful consideration, I have therefore decided that urban regeneration and community development functions should transfer to local government over time. However, I would stress that some essential preparations are necessary before this takes place.
In relation to housing, this function will not transfer and will remain the responsibility of my Department, delivered through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This has been accepted in principle by all interested parties and maintains the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s integrity as the strategic housing authority for Northern Ireland.
Social Housing
Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development what is her assessment of the 2006/07 target to provide 1,400 new build social and affordable housing units; to detail the number actually built; and what plans she has to ensure that the shortfall will not be repeated, and to make up for the shortfall.
(AQO 687/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The targets for 2006/07 were to complete 1,400 houses already on site and to make 1,500 new starts. In the event, due to well publicised pressures in the housing market in terms of price increases, difficulties in obtaining land and the planning situation, only 1,032 new houses could be started. However, Housing Associations were able to re-direct activity into houses already being built and were able to complete 1,625 new homes. As a result, 225 new homes were completed ahead of time. Land for future years of the programme was also acquired.
The Semple Review makes 80 recommendations aimed at improving access to social and affordable housing. Some are concerned with improving delivery and include proposals to remedy the issues I have just mentioned. Since many involve other Departments I have set up and chair an Inter-Departmental Group, with an advisory panel of experts to take the issues forward. I am confident that improved delivery will result. However delivery against future targets will depend on the availability of sufficient resources. There remains a substantial shortfall in funding in the current year if we are to be able to achieve 1,500 starts.
Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Schemes
Mr C Boylan asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of neighbourhood renewal partnership schemes that have constituted voluntary or community groups as the lead partner; and to state whether or not such groups are encourage to become the lead partner.
(AQO 660/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I can confirm that at 5 November 2007 the number of schemes supported by DSD using Neighbourhood Renewal funding, where a voluntary or community group is the lead provider is 298. This equates to approximately 85% of the total number of schemes supported by Neighbourhood Renewal funding. The Neighbourhood Renewal strategy is about a partnership approach to improving the quality of life and life chances of those living in Neighbourhood Renewal areas by addressing the core causes of deprivation. That means tackling areas such as health, education, employability, skills and crime. This involves delivery of services by a mixed economy of statutory, voluntary and community and independent providers focused on the delivery of specific outcomes. All Government Departments and statutory agencies have a part to play in delivering these improvements and I am determined that they will do so. I signed up to the draft budget and Programme for Government on this basis.
Housing Executive Land Bank
Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the value and extent of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive land bank in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area.
(AQO 605/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a land bank totalling 36 hectares in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area. It is currently valued at £77m. Six sites have been declared surplus and these are being actively processed for marketing.
Lisanelly Site, Omagh
Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the regeneration of the Lisanelly site in Omagh.
(AQO 664/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The acquisition of Lisanelly Barracks by DSD to facilitate its regeneration would be subject to Executive approval of the very substantial sums involved, and to the resolution of a number of outstanding issues. Officials from my Department are continuing to work with MOD and colleagues in other Departments in this regard.
The process would be greatly facilitated should this and other redundant military sites be gifted to the Northern Ireland Executive by the British Government, as has been requested.
Community Group Funding
Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister for Social Development what action she will take to ensure that there is continuity of funding for community groups in South Antrim, that are approaching the end of the current round of funding allocations.
(AQO 604/08)
Ms M Ritchie: My Department funds a number of community groups in the South Antrim area, through the Community Investment Fund, the Local Community Fund, the Areas at Risk programme and the Neighbourhood Renewal strategy.
Under the Neighbourhood Renewal strategy, my Department is currently providing funding to a range of community organisations taking responsibility for the delivery of services to local neighbourhoods in South Antrim. This interim funding, through to August 2008, was made available pending the development of Neighbourhood Renewal Action Plans. Action Plans are now being finalised, and in future, DSD will work across Government to support those key services that are deemed central to tackling the root causes of deprivation in local communities.
Social Housing
Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development if she will review the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's policy for the provision of car parking in areas of social housing.
(AQO 622/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I looked into this matter recently. Due to the fact that the roads in most Housing Executive estates are adopted, its policy on car parking is based on a guidance booklet entitled “Creating Spaces”, issued jointly by Roads Service and Planning Service.
In existing estates there are many constraints on the Housing Executive’s ability to create additional spaces. These include traffic volume, space available, gradients, the proximity of junctions or bends and the percentage of dwellings in the estate or part of the estate being considered for improved parking, that remain in Housing Executive ownership.
If you have a specific problem area in mind, I will be happy to investigate if you let me have the details.
Economy 7
Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Social Development what is her assessment of the impact of the recently announced 14% increase in Economy 7 charges.
(AQO 669/08)
Ms M Ritchie: I am very disappointed at the recent price increase announced by NIE. This will affect around 5% of households who use Economy 7 as their main form of heating. I will be meeting NIE soon to urge them to do more to minimise the impact of this increase on the fuel poor.
I have also asked my officials to find ways to accelerate current programmes for replacing Economy 7 heating systems in the homes of the most vulnerable people.
St. Patrick's Barracks, Ballymena
Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has in relation to the development of the site of the St. Patrick's Barracks in Ballymena.
(AQO 666/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The British Army plans to leave the St Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena on 31 December 2007 and the Ministry of Defence has indicated its intention to dispose of the site in April 2007. My Department has registered an interest in acquiring the site to meet a number of public sector needs in the town. Social housing is one of the possible uses which is being considered. Officials are currently working on an option appraisal as required under Government accounting rules.
Affordable Housing
Mrs N Long asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to ensure that new build affordable homes meet the requirements of disabled people.
(AQO 691/08)
Ms M Ritchie: The Housing Association Guide already requires all new build social housing units to be designed and built to ‘lifetime home’ criteria which consist of 17 standards that have been developed to ensure that any social home is flexible, adaptable and accessible. Lifetime Homes are designed to be easily adaptable to accommodate people who develop moderate mobility problems with maximum ease and at minimum cost.
Wheelchair housing is designed for people who are dependant on wheelchairs and require larger areas and circulation spaces. Dwellings designed to the wheelchair standards set out in the Housing Association Guide will accommodate the majority of wheelchair users but there are exceptional cases where the particular needs of a person identified at the outset with the Community Occupational Therapist can be accommodated through special design or purchase.
As far as affordable housing is concerned the Co-ownership scheme is designed to allow choice of dwelling by the purchaser who may buy a dwelling that has been designed or adapted and meets their requirements.
As further types of intermediate housing are introduced my Department will try to ensure that the needs of disabled people are considered and accommodated where possible.
All new build affordable dwellings are constructed to the minimum standards laid down in the Northern Ireland Building Regulations. These standards already make provision for disabled persons to access all new housing and may be increased in the future to include even higher standards.
CORRIGENDUM
Written Answer Booklet of 5 October 2007
(Volume 24, No WA2)
In page WA79, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 414/08) with;
The information below replaces my previous answer dated 4 October 2007, which erroneously advised that Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water were not aware of any flooding problems associated with a development site at Carrickdesland, Burren, Warrenpoint. It appears that there was some misunderstanding in the passage of information between officials and I apologise for any confusion.
Carrickdesland is a development site and the sewerage system is at present in the final stages of adoption by Northern Ireland Water. The sewerage system is therefore not the responsibility of Northern Ireland Water until adoption takes place. I understand Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water officials did attend site meetings about the flooding within the development. Northern Ireland Water again met the developer on 19 October 2007 and he has advised that the flooding may have been linked to work carried out by him on a piped water course, which is not associated with the sewerage system within the development. Northern Ireland Water has arranged to meet with the developer in the near future to establish the reason for the flooding and to ensure that any problems are addressed prior to formal handover.