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 16 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

Research into the Financial Cost of the Northern Ireland Divide

Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which the Deloitte report 'Research into the financial cost of the Northern Ireland divide' will be formally published, rather than released in response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act.

(AQW 348/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The report was commissioned, conducted and finalised during direct rule. Copies of the report have already been placed in the Assembly library and made available to the OFMDFM Committee and to Members. Furthermore, if any person contacts the department for a copy of the report, it will be provided as quickly as possible. Given the wide accessibility of the report we have no plans for formal publication.

Support For Victims

Rt Hon J Donaldson asked the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to provide a breakdown of the department's expenditure on supporting victims and survivors in Northern Ireland; and to list the names of the groups supported and the amount received by each, for each of that last five years.

(AQW 526/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Records show that the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) has allocated funding, detailed in the table below, to groups, organisations and projects involved in providing support for victims and survivors between April 2002 and March 2007.

Amounts in £

Name of Organisation	2002-03	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07
A Peace Cantata				4,430	1,235
Aisling Centre		25,203	34,630	27,039	27,768
Ardoyne Commemoration Project			2,550
Armagh Voluntary Welfare Group		6,830	670	6,100	5,970
Ashton Community Trust	3,800	30,798	61,565	55,042	64,494
Ballymurphy Womens Centre	1,980	55,029	47,460	37,615	55,763
Bannside Community Group		5,000	2,844		4,150
Barnardos Parenting in a Divided Society	27,916	65,510	74,819	69,000	7,500
BBC Legacy Project					89,340
Belfast Cognitive Therapy Centre	8,400	12,280	740
Breaking The Silence		4,500
Calms	6,724	49,978	63,551	71,176	117,885
Care In Crisis					1,964
Cedar Foundation		51,684	63,837
Centre of Creative Energy		1,260	3,920	3,405	2,935
Cheshire Regimental Association		2,198		290
Churches Resource		18,710		27,455	19,741
Claudy Memorial Group		5,985	6,042

Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum					2,590
Clonard Strategy Group		2,500
Coiste na n-larchimi					2,404
Colin Community Counselling				2,400	1,126
Columba Community			41,393	36,686	38,295
Commissioner for Victims & Survivors Recruitment					25,921
Community Foundation for NI	10,000	2,500
Community Relations Council		231,294	193,344	217,391	220,164
Comrade Support Group			2,272	2,340	2,420
CORI		577	183
Conflict Trauma Resource Centre		8,957	382	1,000	2,500
Contact Youth		42,002	39,127	40,403	31,929
Corpus Christi Services		45,354	43,672	48,143	57,019
Creative Writers Network				5,000
Crossfire Trust			31,626	9,670	7,544
Cruse Bereavement Care		8,227			3,400
Cunamh		80,816	58,703	73,966	74,424
Democratic Dialogue		4,985
Derry Well Women		38,376	31,884	42,298	60,428
Disabled Police Officers Association		3,000	538	7,585	2,200
Dr Dillenburger Research Project			55,000	18,550	55,650
East Belfast Mission			3,450	1,560
Edenbrooke Primary School					238
Eastern Health & Social Services Board (EHSSB)			144,500
EHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel	10,470	74,535	44,477	60,395	66,147
Ex Services Mental Welfare Society			40,820	49,777	48,304
Family Trauma Centre	4,062	4,762
Families of the Displaced, Dispersed and Disappeared (FODDD)		23,265	25,030	35,268	39,017
Families Achieving Change Together (FACT)		43,269	35,070	41,452	39,640
Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR)		111,914	61,177	72,235	121,206
Falls Community Council		4,900
Fermanagh Voluntary Welfare Support Group				2,775	7,138
Firinne		44,908	39,048	44,154	45,492
HAVEN		33,986	36,463	31,894	36,417
Historic Enquiries Team Working Group					312
Holywell Trust	7,329
Holy Trinity Centre		9,210	13,295	6,900	3,000
Greater Shankill Forum					875
Homes United by Ruthless Terrorism (HURT)		11,600	48,660	59,432	70,268
Institute for Counselling & Personal Development		28,608	25,717	40,526	31,147
Innocence, Truth & Justice		980
Innocent Victims of the Conflict			2,100
Interim Commissioner for Victims & Survivors				76,426	296,978
Irish Peace Institute		2,500	5,000	4,100
Koram Centre		63,099	53,360	50,758	51,848
Ladies Friendship Group					4,075
Lenadoon Counselling Project		34,064	25,705	40,795	27,986
Lifeline		6,250	6,250	6,250	6,250
Lifeways Psychotherapy and Counselling Network		31,752	31,513	41,972	39,610
Lisburn Community Relations Network				1,200
Lisburn YMCA				1,200
Lurgan Welfare Support Group					4,216
MAGNI Conflict Exhibition		79,000
Make Your Mark		25,918	25,918	28,832	29,565
Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism (MAST)		27,414	27,404	44,248	37,303

New Life Counselling Service		20,440	23,965	30,227	82,111
Newforge Brunch Club			3,960	4,540	464
Newry & Mourne Voluntary Welfare Group		4,000	1,910	6,231	6,531
Nexus Institute		12,196	11,196	14,174	14,875
Northern Health & Social Services Board (NHSSB)			222,752	103,646
NHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel	10,630	44,689	53,658	62,173	63,529
NI & Stanford University Hope Project Group		500
NIACRO		4,000
NI Centre for Trauma & Transformation				4,660	500,000
NI Memorial Fund	260,000
NI Music Therapy Trust		76,123	14,642	31,749	33,936
NI Terrorist Victims Together (NITVT)		2,500			3,050
North & West Belfast Trust		161,413	183,735
North Ulster Victims Support Network				2,500	12,594
NOVA Barnardo’s NI		89,083	137,577	138,416	100,242
Omagh Support & Self Help Group		13,367	55,066	56,322	59,955
Pat Finucane Centre		9,882		3,255
Positive Action for Innocent Victims of North Down (PAIN)		110
Restorative Action Following on the Troubles (RAFT)		15,077	17,583	27,465	6,575
REACT			5,399
Regimental Association of the UDR Coleraine		31,847	32,626	31,837	32,051
Regimental Association of the UDR Castlederg					1,284
Relatives for Justice	5,625	97,404	98,723	92,959	107,833
Restorative Justice			1,000
Royal Artillery Association		410	800	600	2,465
RUC GC Association		2,500	2,125	3,950
RUC GC Association Armagh					850
RUC GC Association Banbridge					4,765
RUC GC Association Omagh					19,582
RUC George Cross Foundation					453
RUC Families			5,000	5,000	5,000
Rural Network	2,000
Rural Victim Survivor Network		4,930		25,140
South/North Armagh Victims Encouraging Recognition (SAVER/NAVER)	3,550	72,723	64,899	51,275	94,924
Seeds of Hope		1,000
Shankill Stress & Trauma Group		67,564	65,905	73,367	82,577
Sligo Presbyterian Church		7,500
Society of St Vincent de Paul		3,135
SOLAS Victim Support		1,780	6,725	8,056	2,066
South Down Action for Healing Wounds (SDAHW)		56,734	49,818	58,485	67,097
South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF)		64,077	56,078	75,003	100,867
SELB/WAVE/Queen's University		75,000	139,442	85,000
Southern Health & Social Services Board (SHSSB)		53,000	73,000
SHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel	38,939	58,945	64,929	58,412	80,555
South Derry Ex Prisoners Association					2,500
South Tyrone Voluntary Welfare Group				5,350	6,535
South West Community Victims Initiative		10,000
Sperrin Lakeland Trust	2,047	6,741	58,517	55,845	66,229
Springhill Community Group		30,788	30,788	39,073	52,648

STEER Mental Health	956
Stewartstown & District Support Group		925		300
Strategy Seminars & Victims Conference			16,700
Streetbeat	37,688	34,208	37,577	43,424
Survivors of Trauma	53,472	44,940	43,667	57,102
Tar Anall	1,585		2,000
Tara Centre	46,604	47,069	70,461	64,881
TEAR		1,476	6,680	4,899
The Cross Group	4,172	4,173	4,975	6,375
The Ely Centre	41,433	87,403	75,964	76,616
The Koram Centre		2,600		21,711
The Phoenix Group				35,447
The Wider Circle	33,647	30,998	47,815	53,601
Threshold	49,582
Tinderbox Theatre Company	20,000	44,150	30,200
Tollymore Mountain Centre	7,075	7,711
Top of the Rock		2,420	3,265
Training for Women Network	4,900
Trauma Advisory Panel Residential	3,750			1,587
Trauma Recovery Network			1,000	235
Tullycarnet Victims Support Group				5,400
UDR Association Enniskillen			3,650	800
UDR Association Fivemiletown			590	11,362
United Services Club	22,975	22,976	25,038	27,705
Ulster Special Constabulary Association			12,300	40,221
Victims And Survivors Trust (VAST)	63,067	63,514	52,429	56,758
Victims & Survivors Newsletter			710
Victims & Survivors (NI) Order 2006				2,820

Total	468,322	3,411,454	3,830,845	3,703,668	4,812,427
Victims Unit/Victims Liaison Unit Trauma Awareness Training				1,221
VOICE				4,298
WAVE Trauma Centre	15,115	290,059	223,832	338,969	370,009
West Tyrone Voice		66,294	59,775	69,286	66,081
Western Enterprise , Social, Legal and Educational Victim's Trust		2,147
Western Education & Library Board		27,500	35,000	11,500
Western Health & Social Services Board (WHSSB)				81,659
WHSSB Trauma Advisory Panel	49,735	69,603	70,736	57,421	126,465
Widow's Mite					4,840
Youth Action					65,208
Yarn & Darn			9,412	450	646

In addition, the table below shows OFMDFM’s contribution (25% of the total funding allocated) to the victims measure of the Peace II Programme. A year by year breakdown of these figures is not currently available.

Name of Organisation	Amount
Voices Women's Group	4,264
Relatives for Justice	66,316
Families Achieving Change Together (FACT)	47,701
South/North Armagh Victims Encouraging Recognition (SAVER/NAVER)	58,302
STEER Mental Health	33,986
West Tyrone Voice	39,678
WAVE Trauma Centre	354,431
Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR)	44,493
Institute for Counselling and Personal Development	26,201
Survivors of Trauma	57,118
Lisburn Prisoners Support Project	33,356
123 House	31,939
Tar Isteach	39,992
Community Action for Locally Managed Stress (CALMS)	39,857
Shankill Stress & Trauma Group	37,860
Corpus Christi Services	26,177
Ballymurphy Women's Centre	31,513
Sub Committee for Victims	36,447
NOVA Barnardo’s NI	21,838
Sub Committee for Victims	25,000
Columba Community	27,486
Springhill Community House	31,649
Trauma Recovery Network	23,551
Tar Anall	24,450
New Life Counselling Service	33,872
Springvale Training	22,950
CUNAMH	47,203
Disabled Police Officers Association	24,893
Ashton Centre	29,578
Royal National Institute for Deaf People	22,310
Tara Centre	28,579
Fermanagh College	17,400
Firinne	25,438
Victims and Survivors Trust (VAST)	17,759
The Koram Centre	30,395
Holy Trinity Centre	13,062
Dairy Farm Jobclub	27,848
Corpus Christi Services	5,667
The Ely Centre	16,499
Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health	17,815
Royal National Institute for Deaf People	14,337
Survivors of Trauma	14,976
Conflict Trauma Resource Centre	15,423
Prison Service Trust	16,009
Lifeways Psychotherapy & Counselling Centre	15,608
Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism (MAST)	4,999
The Wider Circle	1,565
Community Action for Locally Managed Stress (CALMS)	4,721
South Tyrone Empowerment Programme	2,499
Lifespring Health and Healing	2,500
Total	1,637,510

Pay Disparity In All-Ireland Implementation Bodies

Mr W Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action he is taking to address the issue of pay disparity between staff from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Civil Service in the Republic of Ireland, who are employed by some of the all-Ireland implementation bodies, such as Waterways Ireland and Foras na Gaeilge.

(AQO 588/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Chief Executive Officers of the North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland have raised concerns about disparities in pay, between their staff employed in Northern Ireland, whose pay is linked to the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and their staff employed in Ireland, whose pay is linked to the Irish Civil Service.

When the Bodies were established there was relative parity between the levels of civil service pay in Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, in recent years pay awards in the Irish Civil Service have been significantly higher than those in the Northern Ireland Civil Service resulting in pay disparities in the North/South Bodies.

In a joint paper submitted to the NSMC Secretariat, the Chief Executives have said that operational effectiveness has been diminished because of pay disparities and specifically that the recruitment, retention and motivation of personnel were all affected. At the recent NSMC meeting in Institutional Format, it was agreed that officials from the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance would advise their Ministers of the issues and consider the CEO Pay Paper together with additional information provided by the Bodies in the context of relevant national pay policies. Conclusions will be reported to a future NSMC meeting.

Executive Committee Accountability

Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what measures the Executive is considering in order to increase the accountability of the Executive Committee, and individual Ministers, to the Assembly.

(AQO 735/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: All Ministers are already accountable to the Assembly through a range of mechanisms. There are the scheduled question times for each Minister and the normal procedures for answering Written questions; Ministerial statements and their subsequent questions sessions; the statements presented to the House following each North South Ministerial Council and British Irish Council meeting; and of course each Minister’s interaction with their Departmental Committee.

As co-chairs of the Executive, we ensure that all relevant Executive decisions are shared with the Assembly immediately after the Executive meeting in which they are taken.

In addition, we have given Junior Ministers responsibility for co-ordinating all Executive business in the Assembly and have asked the Assembly to consider allowing written Ministerial statements, a step which would facilitate the timely reporting of all Ministerial and Executive business.

We consider that collectively these processes provide a robust mechanism by which Ministers can be held to account. We do not believe it necessary to consider any further measures at this time.

Children and Young People

Mr F Molloy asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it is taking to promote children and young people's issues.

(AQO 780/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Junior Ministers have been given special responsibility for the co-ordination of policy and the promotion of the rights and needs of children and young people.

They have had a series of engagements with the voluntary sector recently, including a meeting with a large group of non-governmental organisations at the office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People to listen to what they considered to be priority issues for children and young people.

The Junior Ministers also recently launched the participation network, which will support statutory agencies and government to engage with children and young people in public decision making. This initiative was started, and has been partly funded by our department.

The Junior Ministers will also take the lead in reviewing and revising as necessary the 10-year strategy for children and young people. A revised action plan for the next 3 years will be developed to show how we plan to address specific issues.

In addition, they will bring forward the implementation of the play policy for 0-18 year olds.

We also propose to provide support for anumber of model projects for children and young people.

Commissioner for Older People

Mr J Spratt asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the progress made towards providing an older persons' commissioner.

(AQO 779/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are currently reviewing the case for an Older People’s Commissioner. This will be informed by work to be undertaken by an independent party which will focus, among other things, on potential roles and responsibilities for such an office.

The Central Procurement Directorate has recently invited tenders from organisations wishing to undertake the work.

It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded later this week. The work will include consultation with the Departmental Committee and age sector representative groups and is expected to be completed by the end of November. We will then consider the findings before making a decision.

Programme for Government

Mr R Newton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what priority will be given to the economy, within the forthcoming Programme for Government.

(AQO 757/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Executive launched its draft Programme for Government for public consultation on 25 October. The Programme for Government is framed around five priorities which are focused on addressing the key challenges we face.

Growing a Dynamic and Innovative Economy is our top priority and this has been warmly welcomed by the business community here. Sustainable economic growth and prosperity are vital if we are to provide the opportunities and the means through which we can enhance quality of life, reduce poverty and disadvantage, increase health and well being and build stronger more sustainable and empowered communities. We recognise, however, that each of the priority areas is interconnected and we cannot grow the economy in isolation from determined efforts to transform our society and enhance our environment.

Public Private Partnerships

Mr L Cree asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its assessment of the success of Public Private Partnerships, under the terms of its economic policy remit.

(AQO 746/08)

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 and will only be considered when this is found to be the most appropriate solution, following a rigorous assessment of the costs and benefits.

A number of major projects are planned to be taken forward as Public Private Partnerships under the Investment Strategy published for consultation on 25 October.

Review of Government Departments

Mr A Attwood asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on its proposed review of the number of Government departments; to detail the timescale for the review; and to give its assessment of whether or not the number of departments should be significantly reduced.

(AQO 745/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: ‘Building a Better Future’, the draft Programme for Government 2008-2011, contains a commitment to review the overall number of government departments by 2011. We are currently considering the appropriate mechanism for taking forward such a review and will inform the Assembly of our proposals in due course. At this stage, it would be inappropriate to speculate as to the outcome of the review.

Public Appointment Procedures

Mr T Gallagher asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what public appointment procedures, other than that for the Victims' Commissioner, were initiated prior to devolution, but completed post-devolution; what impact devolution has had on such appointments; and if none, why these public appointment procedures have been treated differently from the Victims' Commissioner appointment process.

(AQO 756/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Eleven public appointment competitions were initiated prior to devolution but completed post-devolution. These competitions involved appointments to the following public bodies:

The Agricultural Wages Board;
The Livestock and Meat Commission;
The Arts Council;
The Architecture and Built Environment Ministerial Advisory Group;
Sport NI;
The Ambulance Service Health and Social Services Trust;
The Blood Transfusion Service Agency;
The Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee;
The Strategic Investment Board;
The Planning Appeals Commission; and
The Water Appeals Commission.

Four of these competitions were directly affected by devolution:

In the case of appointments to the Arts Council and Sport NI, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure concluded that the pool of successful candidates was not sufficiently large enough from which to make a choice and the competitions were extended and re-advertised.

In the case of the Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee, the proposed appointments were subject to the proposed introduction of legislation, the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment No 2) Regulations (NI) 2007. However, the Assembly annulled these proposed regulations on 1 October 2007 and as a result the Minister of the Environment was unable to proceed with the appointment process.

In the case of the Strategic Investment Board we decided not to make any appointments from this competition.

Policy Making

Mr S Gardiner asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail whether or not it has carried out an evaluation of the standard of policy making within Northern Ireland Government departments, under its excellence in policy and legislation making remit.

(AQO 778/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In August 2004, the Policy Innovation Unit in OFMDFM was commissioned to undertake an internal audit of policy-making and legislative capacity across the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The audit sought to establish the degree to which departments were equipped with the particular skills necessary for good policy and legislation making. It also sought to establish the impact of training and improvement initiatives undertaken in these fields across the NICS.

The audit was finalised in November 2005 and work is ongoing, in line with its recommendations, to improve policy and legislation making capacity across departments.

Racial Equality Strategy

Ms C Hanna asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will confirm that it will not adopt the former direct rule Minister's efficiency-saving proposal to scrap ethnic minority funding; and to outline how the department plans to meet its commitment in the Racial Equality Strategy to build capacity in the minority ethnic community.

(AQO 752/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: While Ministers are committed to the delivery of the efficiency targets set out in the Draft Budget 07 document, Ministers have not come to final decisions regarding the package of efficiency measures to be pursued during the Budget period. The proposals put forward by Direct Rule Ministers are currently under review.

It has been widely acknowledged that existing funding has enabled minority ethnic organisations to build capacity and allowed members of the sector to become fully involved in public, economic, social and cultural life here. The exact details of any future funding to support the commitments in the Racial Equality Strategy are still being considered in light of the Budget process, and within the framework of the draft Programme for Government.

Civic Forum

Mr P McGlone asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister if it will provide an update on the timescale for reporting on the future of the Civic Forum; and what action it has taken to progress this issue.

(AQO 754/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: At the Executive meeting on 18 th October 2007, Ministers agreed the Terms of Reference and methodology for a comprehensive review of the structure, membership and role of the Civic Forum.

The review will be progressed quickly but it is not possible at this stage to provide a detailed timetable as we need to appoint an independent facilitator to advise the review team and we intend the review team to canvass views as widely as possible from key stakeholders.

When the review has been completed we will present our proposals to the Executive and to the Assembly.

Engagement with the UK Government

Mr K Robinson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the general agenda topics raised in its ongoing engagement with the United Kingdom Government.

(AQO 727/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Engagement with Ministers of the United Kingdom Government normally takes place in the context of the inter-governmental machinery established for that purpose or on matters of interest or concern at a particular time. In this context, our Junior Ministers attend meetings of Joint Ministerial Committee (Europe) chaired by the Foreign Secretary and which considers European Union matters which impinge on devolved responsibilities. In July we hosted the summit meeting of the British Irish Council (BIC) at which discussion took place on the future development of the Council’s work programme. We also met the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 2 October for discussion on a range of issues principally relating to reserved and excepted matters of interest to the Executive. Ongoing engagement also takes place at official level in response to business need relating to matters in which OFMDFM and relevant Departments in Whitehall have a common interest.

Commissioner for Older People

Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans it has to make the appointment of the Commissioner for Older People a priority in the new financial year.

(AQO 747/08)

The Central Procurement Directorate have recently invited tenders from organisations wishing to undertake the work.

As outlined in “Building a Better Future” the Draft Budget 2008 – 2011, OFMDFM want to give older people a strong independent voice and is committed to ensuring an enhancement of rights for older people and to making a real difference to their day-to-day lives. The work of the review is being taken forward as a matter of urgency and a decision on the issue will be given priority in the coming weeks.

Executive and Assembly Cooperation

Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what action it has taken to increase communication and co-operation between the Executive and the Assembly.

(AQO 772/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are committed to building a strong and effective relationship between the Ministers and the Assembly at all levels. We believe that the quality of this relationship provides an important barometer of healthy and effective devolution.

To this end, we have sought to increase the level of communication and co-operation between the Executive and the Assembly by giving responsibility to our Junior Ministers to co-ordinate all Executive business within the Assembly.

In discharging this role, they now routinely attend the meetings of the Assembly Business Committee to assist in the timely and efficient scheduling of Executive Business. They have also been active in encouraging Ministers to make more statements to the Assembly and in seeking to improve the process for notification of Ministerial visits to MLA constituencies.

We remain open however to any other improvements which could be made and would welcome suggestions which any Members may wish to bring forward.

Programme for Government

Mr W Clarke asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the next steps in bringing forward the Programme for Government.

(AQO 788/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government 2008-11, draft Investment Strategy 2008-18 and draft Budget 2008-11 documents were launched for public consultation in the Assembly on the 25 th of October 2007. The consultation period on all three documents will last until the 4 th of January 2008.

During this time, officials from OFMDFM, supported by DFP and SIB officials, will hold a small number of public consultation events across Northern Ireland. In addition to these they will meet key stakeholder groups. The Assembly Committees will have an important role to play in considering the documents and we understand that the OFMDFM committee has tabled a ‘take note’ debate on the PfG and the Investment Strategy in the Assembly in mid-November. This will provide an opportunity for us to hear the views of all MLAs, including any major concerns that they may have, at an early stage.

Following the close of the consultation exercise, all the responses that we have received will be carefully considered and revisions made to the draft Programme for Government, draft Investment Strategy and draft Budget as necessary. We will also be reviewing and finalising the Public Service Agreements. The final documents will then need to be agreed by the Executive.

We plan to present the Programme for Government to the Assembly for agreement before the end of January 2008. We would intend to co-ordinate this event with the Investment Strategy and the Budget. Agreement by the end of January is necessary to allow Departments sufficient time to carry out detailed work on their financial allocations and to plan effectively for the new financial year.

Victims' Commissioner

Mr T Elliott asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, in light of the extension given to the process of appointing a Victims' Commissioner and its subsequent delay, to outline what current plans are in place to progress the recommendations of the Interim Victims' Commissioner.

(AQO 739/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We are currently considering a draft strategy for victims and survivors which will set out the way forward for policy in this area over the coming years. The recommendations in Bertha McDougall’s report will help both to inform the emerging policy and the work of the Commissioner when appointed. We hope to be in a position to discuss our detailed proposals with the Committee soon.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Tree Felling Licences

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to introduce tree felling licences in Northern Ireland, similar to those in place in the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 1374/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): My Department has completed an extensive review of forestry policy which resulted in the publication of Northern Ireland Forestry: A Strategy for Sustainability and Growth in March 2006 and which confirmed future forest policy and produced a strategy for its delivery.

A key recommendation is to regulate the felling of trees so that woodland owners will be compelled to manage their woods with greater consideration to sustainability, including the timing and extent of felling and the composition of regenerating woodlands.

It will be necessary to amend the Forestry Act (NI) 1953 to give effect to the proposed regulation and I am currently considering this and other amendments to the Act. Once drafted, there will be a formal 13 week consultation period when interested parties will be given the opportunity to comment on the changes and the Bill will also be considered within the Assembly.

Flash Floods

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the criteria used for the recruitment of outside firms to deal with the aftermath of the flash floods on 12 June 2007.

(AQW 1386/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Maintenance and clear up operations following the floods of 12 June 2007 were carried out by DARD Rivers Agency’s own Direct Labour Organisation. No outside firms were employed.

For investigations during and post-flood, the Agency used its Framework Consultants who are procured in accordance with Government procurement procedures. These consultants were already engaged on flood investigation projects in Belfast and were supported by the Agency’s own engineers.

Single Farm Payments

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the numbers of (i) farms that submitted a Single Farm Payment application in 2007; (ii) inspections carried out at 31 October 2007; and (iii) inspections that will be carried out in relation to applications for the 2007 year.

(AQW 1387/08)

Ms M Gildernew: (i) A total of 38,970 applications have been received in respect of the 2007 Single Farm Payment Scheme.

(ii) and (iii) The following tables provide details of the number of applicants selected for inspection in respect of their Single Farm Payment application in 2007 and the number of inspections completed at 31 October 2007.

2007 Single Farm Payment Eligibility Inspections

Eligibility Inspection Authority.	Number of Applicants Selected for Eligibility Inspection in 2007	Number of Eligibility Inspections Completed at 31 October 2007
DARD (Service Delivery Group	1953	1470

2007 Single Farm Payment Cross-Compliance Inspections

Cross-Compliance Competent Control Authority	Number of Applicants Selected for Cross-Compliance Inspection in 2007	Number of Cross-Compliance Inspections Completed at 31 October 2007
DARD (Service Delivery Group	392	GAEC Inspections - 317 Food and Feed Law Inspections – 267
DARD (Veterinary Service	390	299
Environment and Heritage Service	408	252
Health and Safety Executive	390	383

Note:
(i) Each of the 4 Cross-Compliance Competent Control Authorities selects and inspects 1% of applicants for their elements of Cross-Compliance.
(ii) GAEC inspections are carried out during eligibility inspection visits.
(iii) Environment and Heritage Service and Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland figures have been supplied by the relevant Departments.

All-Ireland Animal Health Vetinary Regime

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline her department's policy with regard to the establishment of an all-Ireland animal health vetinary regime.

(AQW 1399/08)

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 fu ll co-operation on animal health and welfare issues on the island of Ireland has the potential to help reduce and prevent animal disease spread, to facilitate trade in livestock and to improve the sustainability of farming in the North.

Ireland is effectively a single epidemiological unit for disease control purposes. Both parts of the Island therefore have a common interest in preventing the introduction of disease or eradicating it where it occurs. While i t is possible for the Veterinary Services in both jurisdictions to have different approaches to control of disease which reflect our respective structures and industries, we already work closely in a number of areas of veterinary health. These include co-operation on testing regimes for TB and Brucellosis, especially in border areas, and we already have broad alignment of border control policies in order to prevent the introduction of animal disease.

I had very productive discussions on the Strategy with my Ministerial colleague in Dublin, Mary Coughlan TD, at a recent North South Ministerial Council Agricultural Sector meeting. The Strategy that we noted sets out further areas where we can co-operate closely on veterinary matters and where we can seek closer alignment of policy.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to report on what degree of funding has been allocated against them in the draft Budget 2008/11.

(AQW 1444/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The total bids in respect of Current expenditure (i.e. Resource) submitted to DFP by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review, together with Draft Budget allocations, are set out in the table below.

	08/09 £m	09/10 £m	10/11 £m
Total Resource bids	31.91	36.02	41.26
Draft Budget allocations	14.60	25.00	37.70

The total bids for capital expenditure (after deducting capital receipts) and the Draft Budget allocations (net of receipts) are set out in the table below.

	08/09 £m	09/10 £m	10/11 £m
Capital bids	134.86	72.82	69.13
Capital allocations	83.60	28.60	-171.00

The Draft Budget Capital allocation in 2010/11 is based upon a receipt of £200m from the sale of land at Crossnacreevy.

Source of Products

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to the introduction of legislation requiring restaurants and other eating establishments to display the source of the products being sold.

(AQW 1527/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has responsibility for the labelling of beef, responsibility for the labelling of other food products rests with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) under the Food Labelling Regulations (NI) 1996. DARD inspectors, along with local authority Environmental Health Officers, ensure that all beef on sale, down to retail level but excluding the food service sector, is correctly labelled with origin and traceability information. I have met with representatives of the food service sector as well as other stakeholders and can advise that a voluntary pilot scheme is currently being developed involving origin labelling of beef in a number of local restaurants. This study will provide valuable information on consumer attitudes and preferences and will inform future policy decisions about origin labelling of beef in the food service sector.

Under the FSA’s current legislation, food products do not have to be labelled with origin information, unless failure to do so would mislead the consumer. 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.

Local Produce

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she will take to ensure that her colleagues in the Executive source local produce when entering into public procurement arrangements in relation to catering.

(AQW 1528/08)

Ms M Gildernew: EU legislation means that the procurement of food by public sector bodies cannot be solely based on local supply. My Department is actively engaged with the Central Procurement Directorate’s work on the development of a Sustainable Procurement Action Plan for the NI public Sector. Staff from DARD can also assist suppliers to compete more successfully by providing technical support and advice.

My Department has contributed to the success of the RAFAEL project in the North West, which focused on encouraging local food producers to develop and successfully compete for new markets in the public sector, specifically in hospitals and schools. I have written to my Ministerial colleagues in the Departments of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and in Education to see how this type of initiative could be rolled out to other parts of the North, and officials have met to progress. I also intend to write to public procurement bodies in the North reminding them of the high animal welfare and productivity standards of locally produced food.

As a public authority, DARD has a statutory duty under Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 to carry out equality screening. We are fully committed to our meeting equality obligations and screen all of our emerging policies.

DARD will rigorously equality screen all its future public procurement policies relating to Departmental spend, and where significant equality impacts are identified, will also carry out a full Equality Impact Assessments (EQIA).

Rural Development Programme

Mr F Molloy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the progress of new delivery mechanisms for the Rural Development Programme.

(AQO 802/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Delivery of the Rural Development Programme is still at an early stage but I am pleased with the progress that has been so far. Under Axis 1 the Short Rotation Coppice programme and the Less Favoured Area Compensatory Allowances Schemes are open. Under Axis 2 the First Afforestation and Forest Environments measures have continued from the 2001 – 2006 programmes.

Much of the new programme requires that Economic appraisals and statutory regulations are introduced before the programme can put money on the ground. Work is well advanced on these. Statutory Rules are already in place for the new Adding Value to Agricultural and Forestry Product Measure and Improving Marketing Capability Measure and I expect that the Marketing Grant Scheme will be open before the end of the year.

Axis 3 is to be delivered through self defined cluster groups of three or more councils bringing significant benefits for rural dwellers. It will decrease the number of Partnerships that the general public have to deal with, and provide advantages from improved Corporate Governance and financial management. It will also provide for economies of scale and efficiencies particularly in the use of administration funds. In addition councils have a responsibility for many other strategies which lever money into the countryside and I am keen that the Rural Development money can work to add value to these.

Presently my Department is engaged with representatives of councils to brief them on the tasks that now need to be completed both for the formation of Cluster groups and for the competitive selection of Local Action Groups. Indeed I can report today that my officials have received written confirmation of the formation of the first cluster. Another has been approved by councils and we awaited written confirmation. A further three are taking proposals to cluster to council. The remaining two are in consultation. Funding is also being made available to Joint Clusters for these express purposes and for development of Local Development Strategies. This work is continuing at pace and I expect that the Axis 3 measures will be open in Spring next year.

DARD Direct Service

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the DARD Direct Service pilot programme; and to detail how this will be rolled out.

(AQO 801/08)

Ms M Gildernew: DARD Direct is my Department’s new service delivery approach which is designed to provide a ‘one stop shop’ service to our customers. This ‘one stop shop’ model was piloted at Inishkeen House in Enniskillen and was formally evaluated by Deloitte MCS Ltd. This independent evaluation confirmed that DARD Direct is a more effective and efficient way for my Department to deliver its services to our customers and that DARD should actively consider rolling it out across the North.

I am fully committed to improving customer service and DARD Direct will provide a better service to our customers. I plan to carry out an EQIA on the proposal of a network of 10 DARD Direct offices across the North.

I will make decisions on where DARD Direct ‘one stop shop’ offices will be located following this consultation process. The roll out of DARD Direct will be phased and I expect it to be completed by 2011.

Balmoral Show

Mr D Burnside asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to support the future location of the Balmoral Show at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Show Grounds.

(AQO 725/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The only plans currently in place are those for the NI Government Departments’ exhibition at the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s 2008 Balmoral Show. My officials have initiated the planning process for this exhibition, which will involve several government departments and extend to some 1000 square meters.

Article 4 and Article 10 Inspections

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the number of article 4 and article 10 inspections that have been carried out on Leader groups; and to detail how this compares with other programme monitoring that falls under her remit.

(AQO 792/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department is required by EU Regulation No 438/2001 to carry out Article 4 inspections on all funded projects, and Article 10 inspections on at least 5% of the programme expenditure. To date my department has carried out 589 Leader plus Article 4 inspections representing 52% of the total number required, to ensure compliance with the regulation. A total of 23 Article 10 inspections covering 3.2% of Leader plus programme expenditure have also been conducted.

In comparison with the other EU programmes for which I am responsible, 1294 Article 4 inspections have been completed which is 80% of the total required and 5.7% of all other Programme expenditure has been monitored for compliance with Article 10. This means that the proportion of checks completed for the Leader plus programme is currently less than the number completed for the other DARD EU programmes.

I can confirm that my Department conducts both the Article 4 and 10 inspections in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Finance and Personnel and in the same format and frequency as those conducted by other Departments within the North and the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Rural Development Programme

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the purpose behind the clustering of district council areas in groups of three, in order to administer Rural Development Programme funds; and to detail how this will benefit its development.

(AQO 774/08)

Fish Stocks

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, following the publication of fish stock advice by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, what action she is taking to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the December Council.

(AQO 800/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Last month I met with my English, Scottish and Welsh counterparts in Peterhead to discuss our priorities and to ensure that these are taken up in Brussels in December. I also put our position to the Fisheries Commissioner when I recently met him with Johnathan Shaw and Richard Lochead, and I also met with industry representatives to hear their views and discuss our approach. I am meeting with the industry again in early December and in the meantime we are working hard with the English and Scottish administrations to develop the scientific and economic arguments that will support our case to the Commission.

Local Produce

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to progress Government procurement of local produce, in order to assist agricultural industries.

(AQO 799/08)

Ms M Gildernew: EU legislation means that the procurement of food by public sector bodies cannot be solely based on local supply. The challenge therefore is to work with suppliers to help them compete more successfully. In tandem my Department is actively engaged with the Central Procurement Directorate’s work on the development of a Sustainable Procurement Action Plan for the NI public Sector.

DARD staff continue to provide technical support and advice to individual farmers or processors, producer groups or co-operatives, large and small to help them engage in public sector contracts.

Staff from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise at Loughry Campus have supported the Central Procurement Directorate by providing advice on the specifications for public food contracts. In addition they have had an input to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, “Fit for Future” initiative, which aims to improve the nutritional quality of food in hospitals.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise provides a comprehensive range of education and training programmes for producers and processors that develop technical and business management skills. College staff can assist with product specification, product development and the adoption of new technology. In addition, the College benchmarking programmes can be used to monitor and identify opportunities for improved efficiency and competitiveness in production systems.

DARD staff have been closely involved with the Rafael (Renaissance of Atlantic Food Authenticity and Economic Links) project, funded by INTERREG which is aimed at encouraging local “authentic” food producers to develop new markets.

The main focus of the project, centred in the North West, is to encourage and support local food producers and processors to develop and successfully compete for business in the public sector, specifically in hospitals and schools.

I have written to my Ministerial colleagues in the Departments of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Education to see how this type of initiative could be rolled out in the future.

Bluetongue Disease

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide an update on her plans to combat bluetongue disease.

(AQO 762/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There are two main potential routes by which the disease could enter the North of Ireland : by an infected animal; or through an infected midge in a vehicle or wind blown from an affected area. Our veterinary risk assessment is that the main risk to the North at the moment is through the importation of infected animals.

Until 1 November we had banned the importation of live susceptible animals from affected areas in Northern Europe. Animals and their vehicles that travel across the restricted areas were sprayed with insecticide. We carried out post import testing of imported cattle and sheep from continental Europe. We also advised potential importers to request that animals are pre-import tested as an additional precaution.

Due to the Foot and Mouth Disease preventive measures that were reintroduced here on 12 September 2007, ports currently remain closed to the import of live animals from anywhere in Britain, including the bluetongue restricted areas in England.

On 26 October the Commission published a new EU Regulation to come into effect on 1 November 2007. The new Regulation prevents us banning imports from Bluetongue zones and I have therefore asked my staff to extend post import testing to live susceptible animals imported to the North from all parts of continental Europe. My Department will also be issuing revised advice to all importers.

In relation to the possibility of midge transmission, DARD is working with the Met Office to seek advice on the pattern of air movements that may carry midges here. The potential for spread will be lessened by the onset of winter as midges cannot survive in very cold conditions. We have also started surveillance of the midge population in the North.

We are continuing to work closely with Defra and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Dublin to monitor developments. We will continue to liaise very closely with DAFF in Dublin to co-ordinate our preventive actions to protect the whole island from Bluetongue. The Department has also been working in partnership with key stakeholders here on preparedness to deal with the threat of disease, and will continue to do so.

Farm Nutrients Management Scheme

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the uptake of the Farm Nutrients Management Scheme since funding was secured; and to give her assessment of whether or not the scheme will be completed on target, in December 2008.

(AQO 798/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Since June, the Department has made good progress in undertaking pre approval inspections with over 2,900 such visits completed. 2,200 approvals have been issued. Against that, there are indications in some instances that farmers are delaying decisions as long as possible and in others, that work on the ground has been slower over the summer than we would have liked. I have discussed progress with farmers’ representatives and asked them to encourage farmers to provide relevant information as soon as possible so that approvals can be issued. I have also asked them to encourage their members, who have had approval, to proceed with work as quickly as possible. Completing work by December 2008 will be very challenging but to help the individual farmer I have agreed that the end date for submitting a claim, as indicated in approvals, will be extended to December 2008 for all.

Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on the current situation regarding bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.

(AQO 761/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The TB programme here is based on the detection of diseased or high risk animals, the compulsory removal of these animals from their herd of origin to slaughter, and the restriction of movements of cattle from infected herds until they are tested clear. Generally individual animals which test positive are removed rather than the whole herd.

Since 2002, there has been clear evidence of a significant decline in the incidence of TB. The herd incidence peaked in 2002 at 9.93% and has dropped to 5.23% at the end of September 2007. The herd incidence is currently at a similar rate here and in the South.

The brucellosis control programme is based on the detection of diseased or high risk animals. It involves compulsory removal of these animals for slaughter, removal of all in-contact animals, which includes group or whole herd depopulation, and immediate restriction of all movements from or to infected herds until they are depopulated or tested clear. Generally whole herds are depopulated when infected animals are detected.

Over the last few years, there has been clear evidence of significant decline in the incidence of brucellosis from its peak at the start of 2002 when the herd incidence reached 1.43%. Overall, the trend remained downwards until 2006-07 when specific localised disease clusters halted the decline. This recent rise peaked in October 2006 at 0.6% but has since levelled off. Most recent figures show that the annual herd incidence at the end of September 2007 is at 0.52%.

Retailers and Farm Producers

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the number of times she has met with large retailers to discuss their relationship with farm producers.

(AQO 751/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I have met with large retailers on 4 occasions recently to discuss their relationship with farm producers. In June I met with senior headquarters staff from Sainsbury and Tesco in London, and more recently with local senior staff from Tesco and ASDA in the North. In addition, I have had a telephone conversation with Justin King (CEO Sainsbury’s) and an informal meeting with Sir Terry Leahy (CEO Tesco).

Common Agricultural Policy

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps she is taking to ensure that any changes introduced as a result of the European Commission's 2008 review of the Common Agricultural Policy will benefit agriculture in Northern Ireland.

(AQO 773/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has taken a number of steps to ensure the best possible outcome for the local agricultural industry arising from the European Commission’s review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) or CAP Health Check.

In order to inform our position, we have commissioned research on the possible impact on the local agricultural industry of the abolition of milk quotas and increased EU compulsory modulation, which are likely to form the key elements of the Heath Check proposals. The research was conducted by Queen’s University Belfast and the Agri–Food Biosciences Institute in conjunction with the Food, Agricultural and Policy Research Institute, University of Missouri. A report of the findings from this research was published in February 2007.

In conjunction with the agriculture departments in England Scotland and Wales, we are also contributing to ongoing research on the impact at local, UK and EU levels of the abolition of milk quotas.

My officials have taken part in numerous meetings with their counterparts across the UK in order to influence the Commission’s thinking before it publishes its preliminary proposals later this year. The Health Check was discussed at a meeting of UK Agriculture Ministers, which I attended on 19 June, and also at the recent meeting of the North South Ministerial Council held on 9 November.

The Health Check proposals are expected to be published on 20 November 2007 and my Department will be conducting a full public consultation with stakeholders in order to establish our position with respect to the upcoming EU negotiations on the issue.

Removal of Staff and Equipment from Livestock Markets

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development if she will make a statement on her decision to remove her departmental staff and equipment from livestock markets; and to detail the response she received from the Ulster Farmers' Union and the Livestock Auctioneers Association in relation to this issue.

(AQO 769/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The proposal to remove Departmental staff from markets and meat plants has been discussed with the industry for over 3 years. This is absolutely necessary because:-

herd-keepers are legally responsibility for recording movements into and out of holdings and intervention by DARD staff leads to confusion;
DARD needs to make use of its limited staff resource to deal with other priorities. These include action to reduce the prevalence of cattle tuberculosis and brucellosis and continuing threats of exotic diseases such as Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease and, most recently, Bluetongue.

Shaun Irvine, Chairman of NI Livestock and Auctioneers Association (NILAA) wrote to me on 28 September about the proposal to withdraw DARD staff from markets. Mr Irvine feels that until electronic identification is made available at all markets and meatplants, DARD staff should not be withdrawn.

The UFU have indicated that they similarly would wish the introduction of this measure to be delayed.

However, my staff are working closely with the managers of individual markets so that new arrangements will work properly. The transition will be managed over several weeks in a phased manner and the Department has made arrangements to support industry at a local level. Part of this process will involve setting up a help desk in local Divisional Offices, ensuring that DARD staff are present in the market during the first few weeks to provide local advice and supporting the electronic notification and recording of animal movements by markets and meat plants.

Culture, Arts and Leisure

Ulster-Scots Promotion

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what support has been given to the promotion of Ulster-Scots within the Library Service, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1384/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): The Public Library Service in Northern Ireland has a wide selection of Ulster-Scots material, and liaises closely with the Ulster-Scots Agency on the type of material held. Items donated by the Ulster-Scots Agency are held in branch libraries together with its free newspaper ‘The Ulster Scot’. During the last three years, the Library service has facilitated a number of Ulster-Scots events organised by both the Ulster-Scots Agency and local groups. These have included storytelling, talks, music sessions and family history research some of which have been recorded by the media.

Irish Language and Ulster-Scots Events

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of (i) Irish language; and (ii) Ulster-Scots, events that he has attended.

(AQW 1504/08)

Mr E Poots: I have attended a total of 5 Ulster-Scots events as the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure. To date I have received 3 invitations to Irish language events but have been unable to attend due to diary commitments.

Single Libraries Authority

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will give a precise date for the formation of the single libraries authority.

(AQO 790/08)

Mr E Poots: A single library service for all Northern Ireland, delivered by the Library Authority, will become operational on 1 April 2009, subject to the passage of the legislation in the Assembly.

Elite Sports Strategy

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, in relation to the Elite Sports Strategy, to detail the selection criteria for the projects to be funded; and the reasons why no boxing projects have been selected, given the high levels of participation and local success in winning medals at international level in this sport.

(AQO 744/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland is currently managing the Elite Facilities Capital Programme on behalf of DCAL. The criteria used by Sport Northern Ireland were as follows -

Technical and operational requirements of the governing bodies of the appropriate sport.
Equality of access and quality sports development.
Impact on improved sporting performance.
Impact on regeneration including: New TSN, Tacking Social Exclusion, health inequalities, education and skills, community safety and environmental improvements.
Impact on improving the image of Northern Ireland internationally.
Value for money.
Operational viability and sustainability.
Deliverability by 2010 and integration of government best practice guidance including: design quality, value and risk engineering, sustainable procurement, delivery to specified time, cost and whole life quality parameters.
Operational management.

Sport Northern Ireland received two boxing applications for the Elite Facilities Capital Programme. Both applications were rejected as they did not meet the minimum criteria.

GAA Promotion of Social Capital

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, further to his attendance at the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association's conference in Belfast, what is his assessment of the role of this organisation in the promotion of social capital.

(AQO 735/08)

Mr E Poots: The GAA have a significant role in the social and community life of many towns and villages in Northern Ireland. They have many members and volunteers and are one of the biggest sporting organisations in Northern Ireland.

Whilst the main focus of the GAA is as a sporting and cultural organisation and therefore in terms of policy this would primarily lie within my Department, the involvement and activity of the GAA in community, development, education and regeneration opens up other opportunities for positive engagement with other departments such as Department of Social Development who have local responsibility for the promotion of social capital.

Irish-Language Legislation

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will explain how his statement on the Irish-language legislation consultation process is consistent with Annex B of the St Andrews Agreement.

(AQO 781/08)

Mr E Poots: The Member will be aware that the commitment made in Annex B of the St Andrews Agreement was made by the British and Irish Governments, and not by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

By bringing this issue forward for discussion to the House and to the Culture, Arts and Leisure committee, I am seeking consensus on a way forward to meet the statutory obligation within the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 to adopt a strategy to enhance and protect the development of the Irish language.

A legislative route to meet this duty is one option, and I have identified my findings on the cost implications to the house and to the CAL Committee. However, I feel that there are other more proportionate and cost effective methods that can be considered to meet the statutory duty, and I look forward to hearing the views of my fellow Members before bringing this issue to the Executive.

Strategy for Sport

Mr G McHugh asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure if he will give a commitment that his department will fully consult the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Irish Football Association and the Irish Rugby Football Union, about a strategy for sport.

(AQO 793/08)

Mr E Poots: DCAL, in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland, has developed a draft Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation, 2007-2017. I published this draft for 3-month public consultation on 9 th October 2007. The public and all those interested in sport, including the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Irish Football Association and the Irish Rugby Football Union, will have an opportunity to comment on the document prior to the consultation closing date. I will consider carefully all comments received by the closing date - including any from the GAA, IFA and IRFU - before finalising the Strategy.

Safety in Sports Grounds

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail when the Safety in Sports Grounds oversight committee will be appointed; and when the terms of reference for the programme will be published.

(AQO 737/08)

Mr E Poots: I hope appointments to the planned safety at sports grounds oversight body will be made in the new financial year, 2008/09.

The terms of reference for the body were published by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in its policy document on new legislation on safety at sports grounds in December 2004.

Maritime Heritage

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on the future of maritime heritage.

(AQO 758/08)

Mr E Poots:

Maritime Heritage is a broad area and any statement I can make on the future can only be in relation to those aspects for which my Department has policy responsibility. In the main these relate to the conservation, preservation and display of artefacts held by National Museums Northern Ireland. National Museums have an extensive and significant maritime collection relating to the Harland and Wolff shipyards, plus a number of vessels including the Result which is on display in the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. These collections are either on display or will be displayed as part of wider maritime and industrial exhibitions in the future.

We are committed to making the treasures held by our museums more accessible to the public and in that regard I have asked my Department, through National Museums Northern Ireland to give priority consideration to the development of a Maritime Museum.

Beyond that we have also accepted the role of assisting DCMS appoint a Northern Ireland representative to the National Historic Ships Advisory Committee. That process is in train.

Coaches in Schools

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he had with the Minister of Education, prior to her decision to fund Gaelic Athletic Association and football coaches in schools.

(AQO 771/08)

Mr E Poots: I had no discussions with the Minister of Education prior to her decision to introduce a funding programme for Gaelic Athletic Association and football coaches in schools. I can however confirm that the Minister of Education wrote to me subsequently to inform me of her intention to bring forward this programme, seeking my support and indicating that she saw it as fundamentally a curricular matter. I have in response welcomed the Minister’s general interest in enhancing the provision of sport in schools but also asked her to consider a number of issues in relation to this particular initiative.

National Lottery Funding

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what is his assessment of the total loss of investment in sport and the arts, including matched and leverage funding, which resulted from the loss of National Lottery funding due to the 2012 London Olympics; and to detail what representations he has made to the National Lottery in relation to the shortfall.

(AQO 730/08)

Mr E Poots: £4.5m will be transferred to the Olympic Lottery Distribution Fund between 2009 and 2012 from the Lottery balance of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland. £4.19 m will be transferred from Sport Northern Ireland. Existing grant commitments up to 2009 will not be affected by the transfer and therefore there is no immediate loss of either matched or leverage funding. The Arts Council for Northern Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland have not assessed the potential loss of matched funding post 2009.

While continuing to support the Olympic games I fully recognise the potential for adverse effects in these sectors. I have together with the other devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales made representation to DCMS to ensure that the contribution from Lottery was kept as low as possible. I have also sought assurances that should Olympic costs increase no further funds will be diverted from the National Lottery. DCMS has recently confirmed that an agreement has been reached with the Mayor of London under which DCMS should be able to refund the £675m additional contribution to the Lottery distributors throughout the UK. It is hoped that this will come from the proceeds of Olympic Park land sales post-2012.

Belfast Festival at Queen's

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to make a statement on funding arrangements for the Belfast Festival at Queen's.

(AQO 766/08)

Mr E Poots: This year Belfast Festival at Queen’s received £199,500 from the Arts Council, which disburses funding to arts organisations on behalf of DCAL.

Following representations from Queen’s University, a one-off grant of £150,000 was made available by DCAL to enable the 2007 Festival to take place.

Discussions aimed at securing the future of the Festival involving DCAL, the Arts Council, Belfast City Council and Queen’s are on-going. As part of this process, Queen’s University is developing a 3 year business plan, intended to move the festival towards a more sustainable business model.

Legislative Plans

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline his legislative plans for the next year.

(AQO 767/08)

Mr E Poots: The implementation of the Libraries Bill to establish a new Library Authority for Northern Ireland is the only planned legislation for the next year.

The Assembly had its second reading on 19 June and it is being considered by the Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Education

School Related Events

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of invitations she has received to attend events at schools and related institutions in South Down; (ii) the number of these that were accepted; and (iii) what percentage of all functions she has attended were in South Down, since 8 May 2007.

(AQW 872/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Since 8 May 2007, I have received a total of 210 invitations of which I have accepted 144. Out of this total number, 19 invitations were to attend events at schools and related institutions in South Down and I have accepted 16.

7.61% of all functions that I have attended were in South Down.

Irish Medium Schools

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the capital expenditure costs for Irish medium schools over the past three years.

(AQW 1319/08)

Ms C Ruane: Capital expenditure on Irish‑medium schools over the past three years is as follows:-

School	2004/05 (£000s)	2005/06 (£000s)	2006/07 (£000s)
Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Belfast	39	0	0
Bunscoil An T’Sleibhe Dhuibh, Belfast	948	38	34
Colaiste Feirste, Belfast	1,950	1,728	210
Scoil Na Fuiseoige, Belfast	5	72	8
Gaelscoil Ui Neil, Coalisland	7	9	23

School Name	2004/05 (£000s)	2005/06 (£000s)	2006/07 (£000s)
Gaelscoil Na bhFal, Belfast	65	0	0
Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain, Belfast	0	11	0
Bunscoil Cholmcille, Derry	0	26	0
Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain, Belfast	0	13	89
TOTAL	3,014	1,897	364

Primary Seven Pupils

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children enrolled in Primary 7, in each primary school in the Ards peninsula area.

(AQW 1334/08)

Ms C Ruane: The requested information is as follows. The enrolment figures listed refer to the 2006/07 school year, as figures for the 2007/08 school year are not yet available.

School name	Year 7 Pupils
Ballyvester Primary School	10
Loughries Primary School	8
Greyabbey Primary School	15
Carrickmannon Primary School	8
Newtownards Model Primary School	58
Kirkistown Primary School	15
Castle Gardens Primary School	46
Victoria Primary School , Ballyhalbert	21
Portavogie Primary School	21
Ballywalter Primary School	17
Comber Primary School	53
Victoria Primary School , Newtownards	71
Ballykeigle Primary School	6
Donaghadee Primary School	54
MilIisle Primary School	14
Alexander Dickson Primary School	32
Londonderry Primary School	45
Carrowdore Primary School	20
West Winds Primary School	23
Andrews Memorial Primary School	54
Killinchy Primary School	40
Abbey Primary School	85
St Mary's Primary School, Comber	1
St Anne's Primary School, Donaghadee	5
St Finian's Primary School	26
St Patrick's Primary School, Kircubbin	11
St Mary's Primary School, Ballygowan	1
St Mary's Primary School, Kircubbin	15
St Mary's Primary School, Portaferry	33
Kircubbin Primary School	19
Portaferry Integrated Primary School	11
Regent House School Prep. Dept.	23

Source: NI school census.

Note:
1. Figures listed refer to primary schools in the Ards District Council area.

Towerview Primary School, Bangor

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education if she will provide a report on the shortfall in accommodation at the new-build campus for Towerview Primary School in Bangor.

(AQW 1337/08)

Ms C Ruane: The new-build Towerview Primary School will have 11 classbases, plus a separate dining hall, nursery and special units. An 11 classbase school was agreed with the South Eastern Education and Library Board and is expected to cater for up to 320 pupils, which is considered adequate given Towerview’s current enrolment of 318 and its projected long-term enrolment.

New College

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to give her assessment of pupil numbers in the Ballinahinch, Downpatrick, Crossgar and Saintfield area; and to make a statement on her plans to build a new college in the area.

(AQW 1352/08)

Ms C Ruane: A Development Proposal to allow for the establishment of a new grant-maintained integrated college in the Crossgar area, to be known as Blackwater College, was published on 2 October 2007. Publication of the proposal initiated a statutory 2-month period during which comments including objections may be made to the Department of Education: that period will end on 3 December 2007. The Department will consider all factors relevant to this proposal including an assessment of pupil numbers in the area before a decision is made.

Educational Psychologists

Lord Browne asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of places that will be available for the training of educational psychologists in each of the next three academic years.

(AQW 1355/08)

Ms C Ruane: The number of places that will be available for the training of educational psychologists in each of the next three academic years is as follows:-

2008/09 - 24
2009/10 - 24
2010/11 - 24

Obesity

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to detail what strategies she has in place to educate children about the dangers associated with obesity.

(AQW 1376/08)

Ms C Ruane: I recognise the importance of educating our young people about the importance and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The revised curriculum therefore includes a new Personal Development strand, where young people will learn about the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, and Physical Education.

My department is also committed to developing a joint policy with DHSSPS to deliver the objective of all schools becoming Healthy Schools by 2015, as recommended in the Fit Futures report. It is hoped that work on this policy will begin in 2008, with the intention of launching a finalised Healthy School Policy in 2009.

Wi-Fi Technology

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the statement of the chairperson of the Health Protection Agency, that a wi-fi unit in a school will expose pupils to the same level of microwave radiation as three mobile phone masts placed on top of the building.

(AQW 1377/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has responsibility for providing advice on protecting people from radiation hazards, including exposure to electromagnetic fields. It continues to assure us that there is no reason why schools should not use WiFi systems. This is consistent with advice issued by other bodies such as the World Health Organisation and an Expert Group established and funded by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in the south of Ireland.

The HPA has recently announced, however, that while there is no scientific evidence to date that WiFi adversely affects the health of the general population, it will carry out a systematic programme of research which will include measurements of exposures from WiFi. It also states that it has good scientific reasons to expect the results of this research to be reassuring.

The health and well-being of children and young people in our schools is always paramount, and my Department will keep the situation under constant review.

Children's Health

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to improve children's health and fitness levels.

(AQW 1379/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has been working to improve children’s health and fitness levels through programmes to encourage healthy eating and physical activity and educating young people about physical and emotional health and well-being through the personal development strand of the revised curriculum.

To develop the physical literacy skills of the youngest pupils, I launched my Curriculum Sports Programme on 12 November, whereby coaches from the GAA and IFA will work with primary school children and their teachers to encourage greater participation and enjoyment of sports and raise fitness levels in the long-term. In addition, initiatives such as New Nutritional Standards for school meals and Extended Schools are directly aimed at improving children’s health, fitness levels and wellbeing. Furthermore, Home Economics is now a statutory requirement until age 14 for all children.

Special Unit Provision

Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she will announce her decision on the future of Special Unit provision in Coleraine.

(AQW 1428/08)

Ms C Ruane: Officials are currently considering Development Proposals to establish Key Stage One and Two Learning Support Centres at three primary schools in Coleraine, namely Ballysally, D H Christie Memorial and Harpur’s Hill. I understand that the school and parents are anxious to know the outcome. I hope, therefore, to reach a decision shortly.

Irish language Teachers

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of teachers on the substitute teachers' roll who are qualified dedicated Irish language teachers.

(AQW 1462/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not hold this information however we contacted the Northern Ireland Register for Substitute Teachers (NISTR) who have advised that number of substitute teachers in the NISTR 'live' pool who have indicated an ability to communicate fluently in Irish and to teach the curriculum through the medium of Irish is 152.

Bus Passes

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1242/08, to detail the number of pupils from Crumlin and Glenavy who travel to each school listed in her response, using a bus pass issued by Translink.

(AQW 1470/08)

Ms C Ruane: The North-Eastern and South-Eastern Education and Library Boards have advised that the following number of pupils residing in the Crumlin/Glenavy area, and who are in receipt of Translink bus passes, attend these individual schools:

Ballinderry Primary School – 1	Ballymacricket Primary School – 16
Crumlin Primary School – 138	St Joseph ’s Primary School – 65
Abbey Grammar School – 1	Antrim Grammar School – 120
Aquinas Grammar School – 29	Ballyclare High School – 6
Ballyclare Secondary School – 2	Belfast Royal Academy – 20
Cambridge House Grammar School – 3	Christian Brothers’ Secondary School – 4
Coláiste Feirste – 8	Crumlin Integrated College – 113
De La Salle High School – 2	Dominican College , Fortwilliam – 33
Edmund Rice College – 3	Fort Hill Integrated College – 9
Friends’ School, Lisburn – 19	Hazelwood College – 3
Hunterhouse College – 15	La Salle Boys’ School – 26
Lagan College – 2	Laurelhill Community College – 4
Little Flower Girls’ Secondary School – 1	Lurgan Junior High School – 1
Malone Integrated College – 19	Methodist College – 12
Parkhall High School – 27	Rathmore Grammar School – 168
Slemish College – 3	St Benedict’s College, Randalstown – 2
St Dominic’s High School – 92	St Eoghan’s Primary School – 1
St Francis De Sales Special School – 4	St Gemma’s High School – 2
St Genevieve’s High School – 17	St Louis ’ Grammar School, Ballymena – 11
St Louise’s Comprehensive College – 90	St Malachy’s College – 68
St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ Grammar School – 75	St Mary’s High School, Lurgan – 2
St Michael’s Grammar School – 3	St Patrick’s College, Bearnageeha – 1
St Patrick’s High School, Lisburn – 60	St Paul ’s Junior High School – 1
St Rose’s High School – 10	The Royal Belfast Academical Institution – 7
Victoria College – 7	Wallace High School , Lisburn – 30

NB The total number of pupils listed in this response (1,356) differs slightly from the figure provided in the response to AQW 521/08 as the figures in the previous answer included pupils attending FE Colleges.

Departmental Expenditure

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 621/08, to detail the amount of her department's expenditure on hospitality and entertainment that was spent on alcohol, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1478/08)

Ms C Ruane: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained/ compiled at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Expenditure

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 621/08, to detail (i) the number of functions funded through her department's hospitality and entertainment budget; and (ii) the expenditure associated with each of these functions, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1480/08)

Ms C Ruane: Information in the form requested is not readily available and could only be obtained/ compiled at disproportionate cost.

Funding

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Education to detail all funding her department has awarded to organisations working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in each of the last five financial years.

(AQW 1513/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has made the following contributions to organisations working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community:

2003/04 £13,000 – Executive Programme Funds (EPF) to YouthNet

2004/05 £60,000 – EPF to YouthNet

2005/06 £74,000 – EPF to YouthNet

2006/07:

£24,920 – Grant to Gay & Lesbian Youth NI (GLYNI) from the Youth Council NI (YCNI)

£60,000 – YouthNet via YCNI to develop outreach in relation to this work

2007/08:

£19,814 – Grant to GLYNI from YCNI

£82,000 – YouthNet to implement the LGBT strategy and for outreach workers

Employment and Learning

New Deal Programme

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of benefit recipients who have participated in the New Deal programme, in each constituency, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 1383/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): The number of benefit recipients who have participated in the New Deal programme in each constituency for the last five years are detailed in the following tables. The figures are presented by financial year.

Table 1 : Starts (1) on New Deal for 18 to 24 Year Olds by Parliamentary Constituency

Parliamentary Constituency	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Total
Belfast East	346	407	292	216	255	1516
Belfast North	741	665	526	550	555	3037
Belfast South	395	406	289	326	253	1669
Belfast West	1043	894	799	869	856	4461
East Antrim	330	291	273	241	240	1375
East Londonderry	438	468	451	436	402	2195
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	337	350	257	212	149	1305
Foyle	1156	1063	973	953	957	5102
Lagan Valley	204	144	124	171	144	787
Mid Ulster	271	215	197	195	248	1126
Newry and Armagh	417	388	353	337	246	1741
North Antrim	322	344	301	368	342	1677
North Down	224	248	216	209	231	1128
South Antrim	288	284	190	202	171	1135
South Down	414	392	313	312	255	1686
Strangford	247	289	259	258	269	1322
Upper Bann	368	356	214	248	216	1402
West Tyrone	552	455	505	541	426	2479
Missing Postcode (2)	219	214	169	153	150	905
Total	8312	7873	6701	6797	6365	36048

(1) Includes those who have received an initial invitation but have not yet attended their first interview.
(2) Individuals were attributed to Parliamentary Constituency on the basis of their postcode.
Not all individuals had a correct or complete postcode.

Table 2 : Starts (1) on New Deal 25+ by Parliamentary Constituency

Parliamentary Constituency	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	Total
Belfast East	254	360	297	185	192	1288
Belfast North	737	519	472	438	473	2639
Belfast South	338	248	269	213	209	1277
Belfast West	1280	695	643	802	585	4005
East Antrim	224	268	258	208	208	1166
East Londonderry	414	447	371	358	368	1958
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	608	443	517	360	188	2116
Foyle	1062	610	829	674	669	3844
Lagan Valley	216	108	124	154	136	738
Mid Ulster	224	245	179	215	201	1064
Newry and Armagh	535	418	457	374	355	2139
North Antrim	359	272	282	274	337	1524
North Down	274	231	207	201	162	1075
South Antrim	242	192	201	168	159	962
South Down	374	359	334	275	267	1609
Strangford	316	227	251	197	213	1204
Upper Bann	351	276	230	204	240	1301
West Tyrone	739	496	654	485	466	2840
Missing Postcode (2)	158	112	114	105	112	601
Total	8705	6526	6689	5890	5540	33350

Seagate Job Losses

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to co-ordinate the work of his department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Social Development to ensure that Seagate employees are able to access the full range of Government services.

(AQW 1418/08)

Sir Reg Empey: A senior official has been appointed to co-ordinate this work to ensure that Seagate employees are able to access the full range of Government services. The Department has well-established procedures in place to assist those who are facing redundancy. This includes engaging other organisations including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Department of Social Development.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment

Departmental Responses to Requests for Information

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the longest period of time his department has taken to provide a full response to a letter received from (i) a Member of Parliament; (ii) a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly; (iii) a Councillor; and (iv) a member of the public, since March 2007.

(AQW 1331/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): In answering this question it has been assumed that the information sought refers to correspondence received in the Minister’s office. On this basis the information requested is set out below:

(i) MP: 25 working days;
(ii) MLA: 28 working days;
(iii) Councillor: 10 working days;
(iv) Member of the Public: 15 working days.

The time taken to answer individual correspondence cases will vary depending on the extent and complexity of the issues raised and the need to consult with relevant third parties. When it is apparent that further time is needed to provide a comprehensive reply, interim replies are routinely issued.

First Derry/Londonderry and Claremont Presbyterian Church

Mr G Campbell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what progress is being made on the refurbishment and restoration of the First Derry/Londonderry and Claremont Presbyterian Church, in the context of its tourist potential within the city.

(AQW 1353/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is fully committed to the restoration and refurbishment of the First Derry/Londonderry and Claremont Presbyterian Church as an integral element of the Walled City Signature project.

The project has been economically appraised and NITB is awaiting the project promoter’s architects to provide up-dated drawings, specifications and costs so that the financing package for the project can be agreed between the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and NITB, and the necessary statutory approvals sought prior to the issue of NITB’s letter of offer.

Ballycastle to Campbeltown Ferry Service

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the progress made towards reinstating the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry service.

(AQW 1490/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Scottish Government, which has lead responsibility for the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry service, has produced a paper setting out the relevant issues including possible procurement processes and timetables. I am considering these issues in consultation with my Scottish counterpart.

Invest NI

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the total number of visits to Northern Ireland by possible inward investors, hosted by Invest NI in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

(AQW 1525/08)

Mr N Dodds: The figures below outline the number of visits that have been organised by Invest NI for potential inward investors to Northern Ireland in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

2005/06 106
2006/07 124

Invest NI

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the total number of visits by possible inward investors to (i) Fermanagh District Council area; (ii) Dungannon District Council area; (iii) Omagh District Council area; (d) Strabane District Council area; and (e) Cookstown District Council area, that were hosted by Invest NI in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

(AQW 1526/08)

Mr N Dodds: The figures below outline the number of visits that have been organised by Invest NI for inward investors for the following District Council areas in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

	2005/06	2006/07
Fermanagh District Council	1	0
Dungannon District Council	0	0
Omagh District Council	1	5
Strabane District Council	0	0
Cookstown District Council	0	4

Environment

Illegal Waste Dumping

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of the Environment if she has had contact with (a) the Minister with environmental responsibilities in the Republic of Ireland; and/or (b) the European Commission, regarding the estimated 250,000 tonnes of waste from the Republic of Ireland being illegally dumped in Northern Ireland, and if she will advise on what actions have resulted.

(AQO 88/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): I met with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley, at the Environment sector North South Ministerial Council meeting held on 26 October. At that meeting we jointly endorsed a Road Map document which sets out a mechanism for tackling illegal cross-border waste movements.

I have not had any direct contact with the European Commission on the issue but my officials have met with the Commission, most recently on 18 September. My Department is co-operating with the relevant authorities in Republic of Ireland in respect of joint enforcement activities and has written to the competent authority in Republic of Ireland formally requesting removal of waste from two sites in Northern Ireland.

Planning Applications

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 325/08, in which she indicates that 23 of the Article 31 planning applications in the system when she took up office were submitted before the planning application for a visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway, if she will explain the reasons for her statement during the adjournment debate on the issue on 11 September 2007, in regard to her amazement and subsequent decision to look immediately at the Giant's Causeway application (page 294 of the Official Report).

(AQW 1080/08)

Mrs A Foster: When I came to office in May 2007 I was made aware of a number of Article 31 applications that were in the planning system for a long time and I asked for measures to be taken to reduce this number significantly. The Giant’s Causeway application was one of many. Planning Service was in a position to complete a report on the Giant’s Causeway application, among others, for my consideration at this time. In June I received reports on the Causeway Visitors Centre, originally submitted in 2002, and an application for a marina at Larne, submitted in 1999. At the beginning of July I received the report on a proposed extension of Glenarm Quarry which was in the system since 2005.

The measures that will reduce the number of Article 31 applications already in the system, as well as shorten the processing of future applications, include the introduction of a protocol for dealing with such applications – a protocol which focuses on front-loading the planning process with constructive pre-application discussions and pro-active management of applications through the planning system.

However, I would like to emphasise that an application can only pass through the planning process as quickly as the quality of the application and its supporting information will allow. To this end, there is clear onus on the applicant to ensure that any application is well prepared and is accompanied by all of the information that is necessary to determine it.

While I have asked for measures to reduce the time taken to process Article 31applications, it is only when the Planning Service is in a position to produce a report on an application that it can be put before me for my consideration. The length of time the application is in the system is not the determining factor and there are other key factors which contribute to processing timescales as I have explained in my previous written answer to you. (AQW 325/08).

In September, my Department wrote to all those whose Article 31 applications were received before 2000 and for which Planning Service was awaiting further information. They were given 28 days to respond. Where a satisfactory response was not received, Planning Service is now proceeding to determine the applications on the basis of the information available.

The Planning Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on the new unit being created in the Planning Service, that will focus specifically on planning applications which are of social or economic significance to Northern Ireland, including any extra staff and resources that will be allocated to this area.

(AQW 1264/08)

Mrs A Foster: Over the last 4 years my Department has been engaged in a comprehensive reform and modernisation programme which has looked at all aspects of the planning system. This includes aligning structures within the Planning Service to improve delivery, working with consultees on improving performance, reforming planning legislation and developing new IT systems to support the process. One of the outcomes of this programme of reform and modernisation has been the introduction of a protocol for dealing with such applications – a protocol which focuses on front-loading the planning process with constructive pre-application discussions and pro-active management of applications through the planning system. This protocol is already paying dividends, as the experience with the Coca Cola, IKEA and Titanic Quarter planning applications has demonstrated. However, I would like to emphasise that an application can only pass through the planning process as quickly as the quality of the application and its supporting information will allow. To this end, there is clear onus on the applicant to ensure that any application is well prepared and is accompanied by all of the information that is necessary to determine it. A further outcome has been the creation, within Planning Service, of a new Division to focus specifically on planning applications which are of social or economic significance to Northern Ireland – including, potentially, applications which offer significant environmental or community benefit. This Division is based at HQ and works directly to the Chief Executive in recognition of the importance of its work. The staff in the division was recently augmented by an additional Principal Planner and this has allowed the creation of two teams. Work is currently ongoing to develop these into multi-disciplinary teams by the addition of professionals from other disciplines and when these are in place, Planning Service should be equipped to deliver the targets as set out in the Programme for Government provided submissions are of a good quality as I have already explained.

Fly Tipping

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of incidences of fly tipping that were reported in each district council area, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 1344/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials are working with District Councils (DCs) to encourage the use of a new fly-tipping database (“Flycapture”) which would generate reliable statistics on fly-tipping across Northern Ireland and inform policy decisions for tackling the problem.

However the statistics recorded on the Waste Dataflow system (which contains all municipal waste data returns from DCs) indicate that 2910 incidences of fly-tipping were recorded for 2005 and 2530 such incidences for 2006. Prior to 2005, the system simply recorded total tonnage rather than the number of incidents.

Annex 1 contains a breakdown by DC area.

Annex 1: Number of incidences of fly-tipping by District Council

	2005	2006
Antrim	28	96
Ards	148	48
Armagh	127	138
Ballymena	97	114
Ballymoney	49	28
Banbridge
Belfast	1072	452
Carrickfergus
Castlereagh
Coleraine	96	98
Cookstown	16	13
Craigavon	115	86
Derry	372	377
Down	46	10
Dungannon & South Tyrone
Fermanagh	16	50
Larne	81	65
Limavady		8
Lisburn	295	373
Magherafelt	34	44
Moyle	31	38
Newry & Mourne
Newtownabbey		202
North Down	35	91
Omagh	55	43
Strabane	197	156
	2910	2530

Fly Tipping

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the total cost of cleaning up following incidences of fly tipping, in each district council area, for each of the last five years.

(AQW 1346/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Environment & Heritage Service does not hold this information.

Fly Tipping

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of successful prosecutions for fly tipping, broken down by district council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1347/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Environment & Heritage Service does not hold this information.

Tree Preservation Orders

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of Tree Preservation Orders currently in place in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1369/08)

Mrs A Foster: I can confirm that, as of 9 November 2007, there are 690 Tree Preservation Orders currently in place in Northern Ireland.

Derryinver Moss

Mrs D Kellyasked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to designate Derryinver Moss, on the south shores of Lough Neagh, as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

(AQW 1388/08)

Mrs A Foster: I have no plans to designate Derryinver Bog as an Area of Special Scientific Interest. When judged against the ASSI selection criteria, Derryinver Bog does not qualify as an ASSI because of the extensive turf-cutting which has taken place on the bog. The site does, however, have some local nature conservation interest which has been recognised by Craigavon Borough Council in its Nature Conservation Strategy.

Patio Heater

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what quantity of carbon dioxide is produced by a standard 12.5kw propane patio heater during the course of a year.

(AQW 1401/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department of the Environment does not hold figures for carbon dioxide (CO 2) produced by a standard 12.5 kW propane heater during the course of a year. However the government funded Energy Saving Trust states that:-

“a patio heater with output 12.5 kW will burn for approximately 13 hours on ‘high’ setting, before it uses its propane supply completely”.

This will produce 34.8 kg CO 2 , the equivalent of 2.7 kg CO2 per hour of operation.

These figures apply to a particular patio heater which has been reviewed and may not be applicable to all patio heaters.

Patio Heaters

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of the Environment what action she intends to take in relation to the proliferation of patio heaters, following the introduction of the smoking ban.

(AQW 1402/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Minister has no powers in relation to the proliferation of patio heaters.

Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment if she will make a statement on the progress of the review of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

(AQW 1405/08)

Mrs A Foster: A policy consultation document on proposals for updating and amending the Wildlife Order has been prepared. I will shortly be seeking the formal agreement of the Executive Committee to publish the document, as it contains cross cutting issues. Subject to this agreement, I would anticipate that the document will be published in early January for full public consultation.

Planning Applications

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of planning applications for single dwellings in the countryside, received since 16 March 2006, that were subsequently approved, in the categories (i) replacement dwelling; (ii) infill site; (iii) farm worker's dwelling; (iv) farm retirement dwelling; (v) substitution of a previous planning permission; and (vi) alternative proposals for a previously approved site.

(AQW 1406/08)

Mrs A Foster: The table below details a breakdown of the planning applications for single rural dwellings received after 16 March 2006 and approved up to 5 September 2007 under draft PPS 14.

Dwelling Type	Number Approved
(i) Replacement	404
(ii) Infill Site	5
(iii) Farm Worker’s dwelling	11
(iv) Retirement dwelling	39
(v) Substitution	50
(vi) Alternative proposals	194
Total	703

A further 500 approvals include full permissions (as opposed to reserved matters) approved on foot of an outline approval and new dwellings where other material factors were considered to outweigh draft PPS 14.

Gaint's Causeway Visitors' Centre

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to her answer to AQW 842/08, to explain why her response made no reference to Mervyn Storey MLA, who signed a letter which is contained within the files for the private application for a visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway.

(AQW 1412/08)

Mrs A Foster: As I have stated before, no representations were received by Planning Service in respect of the Seaport Investments application. The only letter from a MLA on the planning file is a copy of a letter signed by Mr Ian Paisley Jr. and Cllr Mervyn Storey MLA to the Secretary of State on 20 January 2005 listing matters of importance to the constituents in North Antrim. Unfortunately because of an oversight by my officials, I was not informed at the time of my answer to you in respect of AQW 842/08 that Mervyn Storey MLA had also signed the letter. I apologise on behalf of my officials for any misunderstanding.

The letter was copied to the file for information purposes only because it made a reference to, among several other issues, the tourism attraction of the Giant’s Causeway not being fully exploited.

While the letter refers to the competition for the new Causeway Centre it does not specifically refer to the Seaport Investments application.

Planning Service did not treat this letter as a representation. The letter has been available to view through the open file system.

Planning Applications

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to order a review into her department's handling of planning application E/2001/0113/F, in the light of critical comments from the Planning Appeals Commission in its August 2007 report on case 2006/A0339.

(AQW 1416/08)

Mrs A Foster: The original planning permission was granted on 19 th May 2003 and development has been carried out. In these circumstances, there is no provision for me to review the decision.

Light Pollution

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to deal with light pollution, particularly in the Armagh city area, where it is affecting the work of the Armagh Observatory.

(AQW 1468/08)

Mrs A Foster: Light pollution is one of a number of issues presently under consideration by my Department as part of our work to bring forward stronger and more effective legislation to improve local environmental quality. One option to help tackle the light pollution problem is to extend statutory nuisance laws to include artificial light. This would allow district councils and members of the public to take action for statutory nuisance from artificial light where appropriate. It is our intention to consult on specific proposals in due course.

Response to Correspondance

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the longest period of time her department has taken to provide a full response to a letter received from (i) a Member of Parliament; (ii) a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly; (iii) a Councillor; and (iv) a member of the public, since March 2007.

(AQW 1485/08)

Mrs A Foster: Since March 2007 the longest period of time my Department took to provide a full response to a letter from (i) a Member of Parliament was 26 working days; (ii) a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, 40 working days; (iii) a Councillor, 27 working days; and (iv) a member of the public, 65 working days.

Planning Applications

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of the Environment if she will carry out an investigation into the planning application for 145-153 Kingsway, Dunmurry; and what is her assessment of the reasons for the delay in responding to the requests for a site meeting in relation to this issue.

(AQW 1501/08)

Mrs A Foster: As the decision to approve the planning application was issued in July 2007, following careful consideration of all material factors and consultation, I shall not be undertaking an investigation.

I understand you requested a site meeting via email on 30 August and on 6 September were offered an office meeting as the decision had issued. You subsequently wrote to the Divisional Planning Manager on 2 October outlining the reasons for a site meeting and this has now been offered with senior planning officials from the Downpatrick Divisional Office.

Seaport Investments Limited

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the communications that have taken place between Seaport Investments Limited and (i) the Planning Service; and (ii) other parts of her department, between 1 September 2007 and 6 November 2007.

(AQW 1537/08)

Mrs A Foster: (i) Communications with Planning Service over this period are listed as follows:-

22 nd October 2007 – E-mail from Seymour Sweeney, on behalf of Seaport Investments Ltd, to Planning Service regarding minute of meeting held on 28 th September 2007 between Mr Sweeney and Planning Service officials;

29 th October 2007 - Letter from Seymour Sweeney, on behalf of Seaport Investments Ltd, to Planning Service regarding minutes of meeting held on 28 th September 2007 between Mr Sweeney and Planning Service officials; and

1 st November 2007 - Letter from Seymour Sweeney, on behalf of Seaport Investments Ltd, to Planning Service regarding a meeting scheduled for 5 th November between Planning Service and Moyle District Council.

(ii) Communication with other parts of my Department.

During this period, the Environment & Heritage Service also issued a discharge consent on 14 September and 2 annual consent compliance letters on 24 September. Mr Sweeney, on behalf of Seaport Investments Ltd, wrote a letter on 5 November about sampling/compliance monitoring issues.

Giant's Causeway Visitors' Centre

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to detail whether or not a planning application for a new visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway can be approved, if the present visitors' centre remains in situ.

(AQW 1538/08)

Mrs A Foster: Currently my Department has only one planning application for a visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway. Part of the assessment of this application includes consideration of the need for the facility and its relationship with the existing visitor facilities. This is one of a number of material planning considerations which Planning Service will take account of in the processing of this application.

Flyposting

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to bring forward legislation on flyposting.

(AQW 1576/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department is currently considering fly-posting as part of our work to bring forward stronger and more effective legislation to improve local environmental quality. We are considering a number of options to allow more effective control of fly-posting. It is our intention to consult on specific proposals as soon as possible.

Finance and Personnel

Ballyallaght Farm Cottages, Bushmills

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail whether or not Land Registry of Northern Ireland is responsible for any administrative irregularities at Ballyallaght Farm Cottages, Bushmills.

(AQW 1492/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): I can confirm that Land Registers NI is not responsible for any administrative irregularities at Ballyallaght Farm Cottages, Bushmills.

Health, Social Services and Public Safety

Music Therapy

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the current level of music therapy service available to children and young people with psychiatric problems in the South Eastern Health and Social Services Board area; and to provide details on how this service is funded.

(AQW 1348/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Within Health and Social Services, Music Therapy is provided to a number of Special Schools within Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust as part of their Arioso project which is funded by the Children’s Fund. It is provided across all four Health and Social Services Board areas.

Maternity Units

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of childbirths required to make a maternity unit sustainable.

(AQW 1358/08)

Mr M McGimpsey:

There is no absolute requirement regarding the number of births required to ensure the sustainability of a maternity unit. Rather, sustainability will depend on a unit’s ability to provide safe, high quality services, in doing so, to recruit and retain staff with the skills and experience needed to provide appropriate levels of patient care.

Music Therapy

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the current level of music therapy service at Tor Bank Special School; and what steps he is taking to fund this service from September 2008.

(AQW 1359/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Music Therapy is provided at Tor Bank Special School by the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust as part of their Arioso project which is funded by the Children and Young People’s Funding Package. I recognise the real difference that the initiatives funded under the Children and Young People’s Funding Package can make to the lives of children and young people and their families, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work. However, until consultation on the draft Budget is concluded, and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about the funding of individual initiatives. I 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.

Networking Services

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what networking services are currently ongoing between Altnagelvin, Tyrone County and the Erne Hospitals.

(AQW 1360/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The following services for the population of the Western Trust area are provided through networking arrangements between the three hospitals:

ENT, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Surgery, Renal services, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Rheumatology, Haematology, Radiology

Blue Light Ambulances

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of blue light ambulances that stopped at Tyrone County Hospital in the past 12 months.

(AQW 1361/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: During the period 1 November 2006 to 31 October 2007 there were 1819 Emergency Vehicle attendances at Tyrone County Hospital.

Hospital Doctors

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of hospital doctors employed in the Western Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 1362/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of doctors in each grade employed in a hospital facility in the Western Health and Social Services Board area is detailed in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Hospital based medical staff in the WHSSB area (1), November 2007
Grade	WTE (2)	Headcount

CONSULTANT (NC)	165.37	169
SPECIALTY REGISTRAR (StR)	124.00	124
FOUNDATION HOUSE OFFICER 2	9.00	9
HOUSE OFFICER (PRE-REG)	17.00	17
FOUNDATION HOUSE OFFICER 1	16.00	16
STAFF GRADE	48.86	54
MEDICAL OFFICER	1.30	2
SENIOR HOUSE OFFICER	23.00	23
SPECIALIST REGISTRAR	49.00	49
ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST	6.73	7
Total	460.26	470

Notes:

These figures refer to staff in the Altnagelvin, Foyle and Sperrin legacy Trusts.
WTE = Whole-Time Equivalent.

Acute Services

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline what portion of the health budget was spent on acute services broken down by (i) Health and Social Services Board area; and (ii) constituency, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1364/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information for the last three years is available by HSS Board but figures are not collected by constituency.

Acute spend as a percentage of Total Spend on Hospitals,
Community Health and Personal Services, 2003-04 to 2005-06

HSS Board Area	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
	%	%	%
Eastern Board	42.3	42.6	42.2
Northern Board	44.5	42.8	43.9
Southern Board	41.0	41.5	41.6
Western Board	39.9	40.7	40.7

Figures exclude Capital Charges and Clinical Negligence

Where older people are treated by a General Medical consultant, with an interest in Geriatrics, their care is counted as being within the Acute programme rather than the Elderly programme. This gives rise to some variation and particularly affects the Northern Board.

Children and Young People

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, broken down by constituency, the expenditure previously committed by his department under the Children and Young People's package.[R]

(AQW 1422/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has committed the amounts detailed below from the Children and Young People’s Funding Package in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

	06/07 (£m)	07/08 (£m)
Looked-after children and vulnerable young adults	2.5	2.5
Child protection	0.8	1.1
Young Carers	-	0.5
Children with special needs and disabilities	5.3	5.6
Family support	-	2.2
Mental health services	0.5	1.0
Speech and language therapy	-	1.0
Wheelchair Services	-	0.5
Children’s Fund	1.0	5.9
Out of school hours childcare	0.7	0.9

Expenditure broken down by constituency is not available as the information is not held in a format which allows for such analysis.

Children and Young People

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, broken down by constituency, the projects under the Children and Young People's package that will (i) continue to receive funding under the draft budget proposals for 2008/09, and the amount of funding that each will receive; (ii) not continue to receive funding beyond 2008/09; and (iii) not receive funding beyond this financial year.[R]

(AQW 1423/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I recognise the real difference that the initiatives funded under the Children and Young People’s Funding Package can make to the lives of children and young people and their families, and I would like to be able to continue to support this important work.

However, until consultation on the draft Budget is concluded, and the budget is finalised, I cannot give any guarantees about the funding of individual initiatives.

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.

Dermatology Services

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the hospitals in Northern Ireland at which dermatology services are available.

(AQW 1441/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The hospitals in Northern Ireland at which dermatology services were available during 2006/07 are detailed in the table below.

Hospitals which provide Outpatient Dermatology services	Hospitals which provide Inpatient Dermatology services
Altnagelvin Area Hospital	Altnagelvin Area Hospital
Roe Valley Hospital	Belfast City Hospital
Armagh Community Hospital	Causeway Hospital
Belfast City Hospital	Craigavon Area Hospital
Causeway Hospital	Lurgan Hospital
Craigavon Area Hospital	Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
Lurgan Hospital	Royal Victoria Hospital
South Tyrone Hospital	Ulster Hospital
Downe Hospital	Antrim Hospital
Lagan Valley Hospital	Whiteabbey Hospital
Mater Infirmorum Hospital
Daisy Hill Hospital
Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children
Royal Victoria Hospital
Ards Hospital
Bangor Hospital
Ulster Hospital
Antrim Hospital
Mid Ulster Hospital
Moyle Hospital
Waveney Hospital
Whiteabbey Hospital

Source: Departmental Returns KH03a and KH09

Comprehensive Spending Review

Ms A Lo asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to report on what degree of funding has been allocated against them in the draft Budget 2008/11.

(AQW 1443/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department submitted bids to the Department of Finance and Personnel under the CSR process covering both unavoidable pressures and service development needs. My bids for resources, as adjusted for ongoing analysis during the CSR process, were £337m/£641m/£1002m for 2008/09 to 2010/11.

In the draft Budget, the Department has been allocated total funds of £3939m/£4064m/£4259m for 2008/09 to 2010/11. This represents uplifts over the 2007/8 baseline in the draft budget document of £134m/£259m/£454m.

The indicative allocation is insufficient to meet even unavoidable requirements of £236m/£460m/£700m. Therefore the major part of the efficiency savings of £118m/£233m/£343m identified by my Department will be required simply to maintain services at existing levels and meet existing commitments.

After meeting the inescapable pressures only £16m/£32m/£97m will be available to meet service developments.

The exact allocation of these resources will not be completed until the consultation period ends on 4 January 2008 and the budget is finalised. However, I would propose to invest in high priority areas such as mental health and learning disability, cancer, stroke and specialist drugs in order to meet the Programme for Government targets.

Dermatology Units

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the average number of patients treated in each dermatology unit in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1452/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the average number of patients treated in each dermatology unit in Northern Ireland is not available.

The average annual number of (i) new outpatient appointment attendances; (ii) review outpatient appointment attendances and (iii) inpatient admissions within the dermatology specialty, for each hospital in Northern Ireland, for the five year period from 2002/03 to 2006/07, are listed below.

Hospital	Outpatients		Inpatients
Hospital	Average number of new outpatient appointment attendances	Average number of review outpatient appointment attendances	Average number of inpatient admissions
Belfast City	4195.2	10746.2	5655.2
Mater Infirmorum	269.2	535.8	-
Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children	778.8	1159.4	22.2
Royal Victoria	3612.2	9165.2	206.2
Belfast Trust	8855.4	21606.6	5883.6
Antrim	918.4	1547.8	3
Causeway Hospital	1427.6	2245.2	111.6
Mid Ulster	532.6	1621	-
Moyle	436.2	857	-
Waveney	755	1465.6	-
Whiteabbey	851.8	1599	77.6
Northern Trust	4921.6	9335.6	192.2
Hospital	Outpatients		Inpatients
Hospital	Average number of new outpatient appointment attendances	Average number of review outpatient appointment attendances	Average number of inpatient admissions
Ards	620.2	641.2	-
Bangor	738.4	1195.6	-
Downe	441	535.8	-
Lagan Valley	815.4	924.2	-
Ulster	2208.8	3940.8	1711.6
South Eastern Trust	4823.8	7237.6	1711.6
Armagh Community	548	695	-
Craigavon Area	3433.8	4206.4	279.2
Daisy Hill	2046	2690.2	-
Lurgan	0	2.8	198.8
South Tyrone	1217.2	1848.4	-
Southern Trust	7245	9442.8	478
Altnagelvin Area	4575.4	5459	534.8
Roe Valley	531.4	369.4	-
Western Trust	5106.8	5828.4	534.8

Source: Departmental Returns KH03a and KH09

Note: Patients may have been referred for outpatient assessment more than once during a period. As a result, outpatient appointments attended does not equate exactly with the number of individual patients treated. Similarly, patients may have been admitted for treatment more than once in a given period, thus the number of admissions does not equate exactly with the number of patients treated.

Dermatology Services

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the staffing ratios in each dermatology unit in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1453/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Numbers of medical and qualified nursing, administrative and clerical and other staff (headcount and Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE)) who work in dermatology units in each NI Health and Social Care Trust are detailed in tables 1a and 1b below. It is not possible to determine numbers of staff who work solely in each dermatology unit, as staff can and do provide dermatology services in a number of these units within an individual Trust.

Table 1a. All staff working in dermatology units in NI HSC Trusts, November 2007 - Headcount
	Medical & Qualified Nursing	Admin & Clerical Staff	Other Staff	All Staff
Belfast HSC Trust	53	17	5	75
Northern HSC Trust	20	4	1	25
Southern HSC Trust	17	4	2	23
South-Eastern HSC Trust	19	5	2	26
Western HSC Trust	12	0	2	14
Total	121	30	12	163

Table 1b. All staff working in dermatology units in NI HSC Trusts, November 2007 - WTE
	Medical & Qualified Nursing	Admin & Clerical Staff	Other Staff	All Staff
Belfast HSC Trust	42.95	13.87	4.56	61.38
Northern HSC Trust	11.80	4.00	1.00	16.80
Southern HSC Trust	14.96	1.80	1.60	18.36
South-Eastern HSC Trust	7.97	5.00	1.30	14.27
Western HSC Trust	10.47	0.00	2.00	12.47
Total	88.15	24.67	10.46	123.28

Notes:

There are no dedicated Administration and Clerical staff in dermatology units in the Western HSC Trust. Administration and Clerical support for these units is supplied by a pool of staff who also work in other units within the Trust.
Includes nurse support staff.

Dermatology Units

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the current ratio of discharges to new patients, for each dermatology unit in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1455/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the ratio of discharges to new patients treated in each dermatology unit in Northern Ireland is not available.

The ratio of discharges to (i) new outpatient appointment attendances; and (ii) inpatient admissions within the dermatology specialty, for each hospital in Northern Ireland, for 2006/07, are listed below.

Outpatients
Hospital	Number of discharges during 2006/07 at the end of an outpatient episode in dermatology	Number of new outpatient appointments attended in Dermatology during 2006/07	Ratio of discharges to new attendances
Belfast City	4448	3817	1.2 : 1
Mater Infirmorum	444	363	1.2 : 1
Royal Belfast Hospital Sick Children	91	719	0.1 : 1
Royal Victoria	2231	3441	0.6 : 1
Belfast Trust	7214	8340	0.9 : 1
Antrim	1064	859	1.2 : 1
Causeway	1765	1202	1.5 : 1
Mid Ulster	537	471	1.1 :1
Moyle	320	260	1.2 : 1
Waveney	422	703	0.6 : 1
Whiteabbey	769	588	1.3 : 1
Northern Trust	4877	4083	1.2 : 1
Ards	544	655	0.8 : 1
Bangor	697	837	0.8 : 1
Downe	448	587	0.8 : 1
Lagan Valley	1249	822	1.5 : 1
Ulster	2121	2002	1.1 : 1
South Eastern Trust	5059	4903	1 : 1
Hospital	Number of discharges during 2006/07 at the end of an outpatient episode in dermatology	Number of new outpatient appointments attended in Dermatology during 2006/07	Ratio of discharges to new attendances
Armagh Community	599	636	0.9 : 1
Craigavon area	3642	3455	1.1 : 1
Daisy Hill	2091	1879	1.1 : 1
South Tyrone	1418	1109	1.3 : 1
Southern Trust 1	7750	7079	1.1 : 1
Altnagelvin 2	4462	4372	1 : 1
Roe Valley	525	554	0.9 : 1
Western Trust	4987	4926	1 : 1

Source: Health & Social Care Trusts, Departmental Return KH09.
1 – Lurgan Hospital did not see any new dermatology outpatients during 2006/07.
2 – Altnagelvin Hospital figures include outpatients seen at Tyrone County and Erne Hospitals.

Inpatients
Hospital	Number of discharges during 2006/07 following an inpatient admission in dermatology	Number of admissions to hospital for Dermatology during 2006/07	Ratio of discharges to admissions
Belfast City	6560	6560	1:1
RBHSC	2	2	1:1
Royal Victoria	251	252	1:1
Belfast Trust	6813	6814	1:1
Antrim	5	5	1:1
Causeway	156	156	1:1
Whiteabbey	80	80	1:1
Northern Trust	241	241	1:1
Ulster	2159	2159	1:1
South Eastern Trust	2159	2159	1:1
Craigavon Area	280	292	1:1
Lurgan	219	211	1:1
Southern Trust	499	503	1:1
Altnagelvin	305	306	1:1
Western Trust	305	306	1:1

Source: Health & Social Care Trusts, Hospital Inpatients System.

Specialised Mental Health Treatment

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail his department's expenditure on sending children and young people from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland for specialised treatment for mental health problems, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1461/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The expenditure on sending children and young people from Northern Ireland to Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland for specialised treatment for mental health problems in each of the last five years is as follows:

2002/03 £ 859,112
2003/04 £ 708,362
2004/05 £ 413,409
2005/06 £ 1,004,444
2006/07 £ 1,856,923

Compensation Claims

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 958/08, to detail the means through which the progress of compensation claims is monitored by his department.

(AQW 1474/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The claims management process is devolved, with each HSC Board and Trust making its own arrangements for managing and progressing claims. In answering the previous question Trusts were asked to provide the relevant details.

The department is currently developing a new centralised claims database whereby following the end of each financial year, each HSC Trust completes a return to the Department, providing details of their compensation claims open at any time since April 2004, including the current status. This data is input into a database, managed by the DHSSPS, who use it to measure the progress including the duration of the claim, whether it is active, dormant or closed, and the expected date of settlement.

The Finance Directorate receive information from the Trusts, under the requirement of Financial Reporting Standard 12 – Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. This is used to determine the accounting treatment for a claim and not for monitoring purposes.

Departmental Expenditure

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 619/08, to detail his department's expenditure on (i) Christmas cards; (ii) hotel reservations; and (iii) alcohol for the purposes of entertainment, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1476/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The amount spent on Christmas cards, hotel reservations and alcohol for entertainment purposes in each of the last five years is shown in the table below.

Information relating to expenditure on alcohol for the purpose of entertainment is not available for 2002/03 or 2003/04. The information relating to hotel reservations reflects fees incurred by the Department due to the cancellation of pre-bookings.

	02/03	03/04	04/05	05/06	06/07
	£	£	£	£	£
Christmas cards	1,808	1,713	1,844	251	643
Hotel reservations	0	0	130	153	1,054
Alcohol for the purpose of entertainment	N/A	N/A	182	145	315

Ulster Hospital Heating System

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the double-up of new-born babies, due to the poor heating system at the Ulster Hospital.

(AQW 1484/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have delegated the responsibility for answering this question to the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. I understand that he replied as follows:

2 babies did have to go into individual incubators for a short period of time i.e. up to 4 hours, this was due to temperature control problems within the Unit until temperature could be stabilised and regulated. Temperature control is now working.

I trust this answers your queries satisfactorily on the provision of heating in the renal and maternity units at the Ulster Hospital.

Response to Correspondance

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the longest period of time his department has taken to provide a full response to a letter received from (i) a Member of Parliament; (ii) a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly; (iii) a Councillor; and (iv) a member of the public, since March 2007.

(AQW 1488/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: a Member of Parliament;

51 days delay

a Member of the Northern Ireland Assembly;

15 days delay

a Councillor;

6 days delay

a member of the public, since March 2007.

15 days delay

Occupational Therapists

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of referrals to occupational therapists in (i) Strangford; (ii) Ards; and (iii) Northern Ireland, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1489/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on the number of referrals to occupational therapists in Strangford and Ards is not collected centrally. However, information is available by the old Health and Social Services Trusts for Down Lisburn and Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trusts which include the Strangford and Ards areas respectively.

The information for these two Trusts and for Northern Ireland as a whole is detailed in the table overleaf for the years ending 30 th June, 2005 to 2007, where a year refers to the period 1 st July to 30 th June.

During the year ending 30 th June 2007, 50,384 referrals for assessment by occupational therapists were received by Trusts in Northern Ireland. During this period, the number of referrals received in respect of Down Lisburn (including Strangford) and Ulster Community & Hospitals (including Ards) HSS Trusts was 3,585 and 4,192 respectively.

Over the last three years, the number of referrals for assessment by occupational therapists in Northern Ireland has increased by 5%.

Number of Referrals for Assessment by Occupational Therapists during Year Ending 30 th June (2005 – 2007)

Old HSS Trust	Year Ending 30 June 2005	Year Ending 30 June 2006	Year Ending 30 June 2007	% Change between 2005 and 2007
Ulster Community & Hospitals (including Ards)	4,458	4,401	4,192	-6%
Down Lisburn (including Strangford)	3,564	3,962	3,585	1%
Northern Ireland	47,854	45,845	50,384	5%

Old HSS Trust

Year Ending 30 June 2005

Year Ending 30 June 2006

Year Ending 30 June 2007

% Change between 2005 and 2007

Ulster Community & Hospitals

(including Ards)

4,458

4,401

4,192

-6%

Down Lisburn

(including Strangford)

3,564

3,962

3,585

Northern Ireland

47,854

45,845

50,384

NHS Dentists

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of dentists in (i) Strangford; and (ii) Northern Ireland, offering treatment through the National Health Service, in each of the past three years.

(AQW 1491/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Table 1 provides detail of the number of dentists registered to provide National Health Service treatments in (i) Strangford Parliamentary Constituency (PC) and (ii) Northern Ireland at 1 st November for each of the past three years.

Table 1

	01 November 2005	01 November 2006	01 November 2007
	Number of dentists registered to provide National Health Service treatments
Strangford PC	39	37	41
Northern Ireland	752	770	803

Source: Central Services Agency

Note:
These figures are based on the count of unique GDC Numbers, i.e. headcount, so dentists with multiple contracts have only been counted once.

Dermatology Services

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to change the current method through which dermatology services are delivered in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1493/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Significant reductions in waiting times have been achieved for all outpatient specialties including dermatology over the past year. At the end of March 2007, no patient was waiting longer than six months for a first outpatient appointment. I have set a target to reduce this further to a maximum of 13 weeks by March 2008 and my Department is working closely with Boards and Trusts to ensure this is achieved.

In addition, I am committed to ensuring patients have access to a range of services appropriate to their needs provided by the most appropriate healthcare professionals. Boards are therefore currently working to develop an expanded range of multi-disciplinary services that can best meet the needs of individual patients in a safe and timely manner. These new services are planned to become operational during 2008/09.

Ulster Hospital Heating System

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the provision of heating for patients attending the renal unit at the Ulster Hospital.

(AQW 1496/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have delegated the responsibility for answering this question to the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. I understand that he replied as follows:

Further to your recent enquiries forwarded to the Minister, Mr McGimpsey I would comment as follows:

To ensure that an optimum level of heating provision was achieved in the Renal Unit, new thermometers for measuring the ambient temperature were installed in the Unit.

These are constantly monitored by the Ulster Hospital Maintenance Department and adjusted as necessary to reflect any changes in temperature.

Current heating levels are approximately 24 degrees, which is of a standard with heating found in inpatient wards in the Ulster Hospital.

Family Planning Association

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the funding his department has provided to the Family Planning Association ( Northern Ireland) in each of the past five financial years.

(AQW 1502/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has provided funding to the Family Planning Association ( Northern Ireland) as follows:

2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
£82,019	£84,069	£86,590	£89,188	£91,418

Funding

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail all funding his department has awarded to organisations working with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in each of the last five financial years.

(AQW 1510/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has provided funding, in the form of grants, to organisations working with the lesbian, gay and bisexual community for each of the last 5 years as follows:

2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08
£39,535	£40,524	£41,740	£101,910	£106,058

Fire and Rescue Service

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the number of documented Fire and Rescue Service call outs in South Down, relating to Halloween; (ii) the overall cost of dealing with these incidents; and (iii) how this compares statistically with other constituencies in Northern Ireland, for each of the last three years.

(AQW 1518/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service advises that there were 158 callouts (mobilised incidents) in South Down over the 2007 Halloween period. The estimated cost of dealing with these callouts was £16, 280.

Comparative information on callouts and costs by Parliamentary Constituency for each of the last three years is set out in the tables below.

Number of callouts

Parliamentary Constituency	2004	2005	2006	2007

BelfastEast	9	2	11	15
BelfastNorth	9	2	21	9
BelfastSouth	24	16	39	20
BelfastWest	18	15	13	9
EastAntrim	6	3	2	6
EastLondonderry	29	10	20	16
FermanaghandSouthTyrone	49	38	52	55
Foyle	9	12	14	12
LaganValley	1	7	3	5
MidUlster	20	15	15	18
NewryandArmagh	111	78	95	82
NorthAntrim	29	35	38	23
NorthDown	3	1	9	5
SouthAntrim	11	10	16	13
SouthDown	109	63	124	158
Strangford	13	6	10	2
Upper Bann	9	10	18	14
WestTyrone	24	18	38	30

Costs

Parliamentary Constituency	2004 £	2005 £	2006 £	2007 £
BelfastEast	871	139	1,265	1,214
BelfastNorth	887	364	2,545	792
BelfastSouth	2,679	1,837	5,402	2,025
BelfastWest	1,975	1,472	1,494	722
EastAntrim	1,154	616	200	720
EastLondonderry	3,506	1,785	2,951	2,259
FermanaghandSouthTyrone	6,493	4,793	5,998	6,919
Foyle	1,289	1,005	1,388	1,271
LaganValley	67	950	469	511
MidUlster	2,875	2,030	2,039	2,416
NewryandArmagh	11,840	8,316	10,420	7,620
NorthAntrim	2,946	4,522	4,894	2,670
NorthDown	345	69	1,294	590
SouthAntrim	1,781	1,389	2,329	1,569
SouthDown	12,969	6,833	13,290	16,281
Strangford	1,265	734	1,657	200
Upper Bann	896	936	2,052	1,471
WestTyrone	3,214	1,795	4,278	3,460

Home Start Schemes

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to continue the provision of funding, through the Children and Young People's Fund, to Home Start schemes in Newcastle and Ballynahinch, in view of the fact that this funding will end in March 2008.

(AQW 1523/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The existing Home Start schemes in Newcastle and Ballynahinch will continue to be supported by the Children’s Fund component of the Children and Young People’s Funding Package until March 2008, when the current round of funding is set to end.

You may know that some funding has been identified in the draft Budget to continue the important work of the Children’s Fund, although not as much as I would have liked. As a result, I cannot guarantee that all existing projects will be supported in the future, or to the level that they have been in the past. It will not be possible to make firm decisions about individual projects until consultation on the draft Budget has been completed, and it has been finalised.

I do recognise that existing projects need early confirmation about their future levels if funding, and I can assure you that this will be forthcoming as soon as possible.

Agenda for Change

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the percentage of staff who have completed the matching process under Agenda for Change; and (ii) the percentage of staff now in receipt of the new pay rates under Agenda for Change, in each Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 1529/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The latest information available at 31 October 2007 is set out in the table below.

Trust	% Head Count of HSC Staff through the AfC matching process	% Head Count of HSC Staff through assimilation process for AfC rates of pay
Belfast Health & Social Care Trust	95	70
Western Health & Social Care Trust	99	68
Northern Health & Social Care Trust	100	80
Southern Health & Social Care Trust	93	73
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust	90	60

GP Out-of-Hours Centres

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total cost for operating GP out-of-hours centres, and the cost of their operation in each of the Health and Social Services Board in Northern Ireland, in 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07.

(AQW 1532/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The cost of provision of GP Out of Hours Services in Northern Ireland over the three year period was as follows:

2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
£12.4 m*	£22.5m	£22.4m

*The 2004/05 figure excludes the contributions made by GPs to the costs of Out of Hours provision by Boards from 1 st January 2005, when all GPs in Northern Ireland opted out of the responsibility under the new GMS Contract.

In 2005/06 and 2006/07 the funding also included bridging finance of £2.5m made available to Boards to set up the new out of hours services

The breakdown of the cost of providing Out of Hours for the four Boards during that period was as follows:

Board	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Eastern	£4.6m	£8.3m	£7.9m
Northern	£3.2m	£5.2m	£5.1m
Western	£2m	£3.5m	£3.8m
Southern	£2.6m	£5.5m	£5.6m
Total	£12.4m	£22.5m	£22.4m

Community Care Package

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1259/08, to break down the information provided, by Health and Social Care Trust.

(AQW 1547/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Pursuant to my answer to AQW 1259/08, information is detailed in the table below on the number of people living in the community who were waiting for a community care package at 30 June 2007, in each Health & Social Care Trust.

HSC Trust	Less than 12 weeks		12 Weeks or more		All Persons Waiting
HSC Trust	Number	% of Total Waiting	Number	% of Total Waiting	All Persons Waiting
Belfast HSC Trust	79	61%	50	39%	129
Northern HSC Trust	57	57%	43	43%	100
South Eastern HSC Trust	36	58%	26	42%	62
Southern HSC Trust	4	67%	2	33%	6
Western HSC Trust	14	67%	7	33%	21
Northern Ireland	190	60%	128	40%	318

Source: DHSSPS Information returns CC5b.

Hygiene Standards

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to clarify the policy or practices at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, in relation to the wearing of jewellery or other accessories, to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and prevent cross-contamination in food storage and preparation areas; and to indicate the date that these policies or practices were introduced in each Trust property.

(AQW 1551/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Within the former United Legacy Trust Hospitals, including Antrim, Whiteabbey, Mid Ulster, Braid Valley and Moyle, a Hotel Services Uniform Policy has been in place since September 2004, which was agreed by a Joint Working Group comprising Management and Staff Side Representatives.

Under the section in relation to the wearing of jewelry the following is permitted for general Support Services Staff:

plain wedding band
small pair of sleeper earrings
suitable safe wearing watch

More specifically, members of Catering Staff and/or Domestic Services Staff involved in any food duties are not permitted to wear earrings or watches.

An updated policy was implemented in the former Causeway Legacy Trust in 2005, directing that the only jewelry permitted to be worn by any member of staff working in a food area is a plain wedding band or signet ring. This policy was also applied in the former Homefirst Trust.

A weekly Hygiene Audit is completed by Catering Managers/Supervisors as part of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) policy, and this includes a check that the uniform policy is being adhered to. Daily observational checks are also in place.

If any member of staff consistently fails to comply with this policy, this will lead to disciplinary action being taken.

Suicide

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, in view of the recent suicides of teenagers from Strabane and North Belfast and the role that prescription drugs are playing in some suicides, what steps he is taking to alert the public to this danger.

(AQW 1553/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs, funded by my department, has ensured that a range of education, prevention, intervention and treatment programmes have been put in place to reduce the level of alcohol and drug related harm in Northern Ireland, including the harm related to the misuse of “over-the-counter” and prescription drugs.

These programmes support and complement the work undertaken in schools that educates children and young people about the potential impact that the misuse of illicit and prescribed drugs can have on their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Occupational Therapists

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of occupational therapists in each parliamentary constituency in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1556/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information on numbers of occupational therapists by parliamentary constituency is not collected centrally. Table 1 below provides details of numbers of occupational therapists and occupational therapy support staff (headcount and Whole-Time Equivalent (WTE)) in each Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. These staff are available to provide services across all parliamentary constituencies within the Trust area.

Table 1: Occupational Therapists/Occupational Therapy Support in NI HSC Trusts, September 2007
	Occupational Therapists		Occupational Therapy Support
	Headcount	WTE	Headcount	WTE
Belfast HSC Trust	222	201.46	34	31.43
Northern HSC Trust	173	153.92	51	44.03
Southern HSC Trust	150	131.13	14	11.83
South-Eastern HSC Trust	101	84.09	19	16.40
Western HSC Trust	108	98.54	12	10.49
Total	754	669.14	130	114.18
Source: Human Resources Management System

Lung Cancer Treatment

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients who have been refused Tarceva for the treatment of lung cancer; and to provide a timeframe within which this treatment will become available on the health service.

(AQW 1593/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have contacted the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust about the availability of this therapy and they have advised that they are unaware of any formal requests for its use having been submitted to Health and Social Care Boards. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE) recently issued a final appraisal determination in relation to the cost and clinical effectiveness of Tarceva. That determination was that the drug should not be recommended for use in the NHS. That outcome is currently under appeal and NICE expect revised guidance to be issued in April 2008, at the earliest. The Department will review the guidance for its applicability to Northern Ireland when it becomes available.

Sustainable Seafood Procurement Policy

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what consideration he will give to the introduction of a sustainable seafood procurement policy.

(AQW 1612/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Department of Finance and Personnel is currently developing a Sustainable Procurement Action Plan for the public sector in Northern Ireland which I anticipate will assist with the introduction of policies which will include sustainable food producers. As purchase of fish for health and social care for the region involves around £67,000 per annum, the constraints of both EU procurement regulations and value for money requirements make it difficult to procure from smaller local sources. However following a successful EU funded pilot involving Sperrin Lakeland Trust and DARD, my Department is currently discussing with DARD how local sustainable food producers can be brought within the ambit of public procurement and it is anticipated that consideration will be given to local fish producers.

Breast Cancer

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of (i) women; and (ii) men who are living with breast cancer.

(AQW 1633/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This information was supplied by the NI Cancer Registry which was established in 1994. Therefore information on people diagnosed with breast cancer prior to 1993 is not available.

From NI Cancer Registry data, there were 50 men and 7,549 women living in Northern Ireland who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1993 and 2005 that were still alive at the end of 2005. This may represent an undercount of the actual number of people living with breast cancer as those diagnosed prior to 1993 are not included.

Notes:
Incidence of breast cancer are identified using version 10 of the international classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD10). The code used for breast cancer is C50.

Draft Budget

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the ranking order of bids submitted by his department to the Department of Finance and Personnel, in relation to the draft Budget.

(AQW 1635/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department submitted a number of bids to the Department of Finance and Personnel under the CSR process covering both inescapable pressures and service development needs.

By definition the inescapable bids were to cover unavoidable pressures so as to maintain services at existing levels and meet existing commitments. While these previously were originally listed from numerically they were not ranked in order of importance or priority as they are all considered unavoidable.

The service development bids were submitted so as to address a range of issues identified by my Department in consultation with colleagues in the Health Service. Mental health and learning disability was ranked as the top service development priority.

INESCAPABLE BIDS

Pay at 3%and Pay Reform - inflationary uplift in line with DoH and linked to associated Efficiency Savings together with costs of Agenda for Change and incremental drift.

Non Pay at 2.7 % - inflationary uplift excluding prescription and hospital drugs in line with DoH

Pharmaceutical Services (incl. Prescription and Sec Care drug inflation) – Meet 9% uplift in line with rest of UK

Amended NHS Pension (Superannuation) Scheme–meet increased employer’s contributions as with rest of UK

Pandemic Flu Emergency Provision – NI’s share of UK wide costs including vaccines and antivirals.

Medical Workforce Training and Tuition Fees - provide an additional 15 GPs in training by 2010-11 compared to 50 in 2007-08 and Regulation of Healthcare Professionals

Enhanced Life Savings Renal Services to meet additional demand from ageing population

Child Protection – Meet legislative requirements in respect of Child Protection vetting for HPSS bodies

Children with Complex Needs - Provide services for children to be cared for at home rather than hospital setting

Blood Safety – ensure quality standards are met and variant CJD filtration techniques are in place

Revenue Consequences of capital investment – the additional revenue consequences of capital developments including ICT.

GP Contract – new pressures arising from the Darzi review of the NHS including extending opening hours of GP surgeries and providing extra capacity.

Additional acute costs - to provide for additional locum medical staff and additional nursing and ambulance services to provide safe and effective services.

Mainstreaming Children and Young People's Package - to implement wide ranging service improvements for children and families, employing an additional 250 staff within the HPSS and around 150 in the voluntary sector through contractual commitments.

Demographic Pressures in Primary and Community Services - increase capacity within the community sector to deal with the aging of our population.

SERVICE DEVELOPMENT BIDS

Rank
1	Mental Health- Bamford (1)- incl. enhanced community services for mental health and learning disability
2	Cancer Control - enhances bowel and breast screening and a HPV vaccination programme (cervical cancer)
3	Long-Term Conditions - Early Identification and Intervention as well as enhanced support & palliative care
4	Access to Specialist Hospital Drugs expected to be licensed over CSR period- cancer, MS, arthritis, Crohn's
5	Cardiovascular Health & Well Being- improved treatment (surgery, angiograms, stenting procedures etc)
6	Improve the life chances of children leaving care by providing enhance support services
7	Public Health Improvement (focus on disadvantaged)- obesity, smoking, drugs, alcohol, suicide & sexual health
8	Disability - Wheelchairs, Respite/Community Care for those with Physical/Sensory Disability & Therapy Provision
9	Access to Acute Services - enhanced regional surgical specialities to meet increased demand
10	Free Personal Care in residential and nursing homes
11	Enhanced Cancer Services to increase survival rates (more oncologists, radiotherapy & lymphoedema services)
12	Reduce the number of children in care through enhanced family support services
13	Free Prescriptions for All to be introduced on a phased basis
14	Quality and Safet y- NICE best practice guidelines, equipment decontamination, more effective complaints process
15	Elective Care Access - reducing patient journey times for hospital treatment from max 47 wks (08) to 39 wks (11)
16	Stroke - all persons suffering from stroke to be treated in specialist stroke unit and better access to scanning
17	Mental Health- Bamford (2) further development of community services and implement Muckamore Action Plan
18	Developing Core Services - increase residential & domiciliary care tariffs
19	Universal Free Eye Examinations i.e. including private tests
20	Improve provision for children in care - more & better foster carers with more appropriate placements
21	Fire - additional full-time and retained fire-fighters & enhanced training
22	Health Protection - antenatal screening, extension of immunisation programmes, MRSA screening, AAA screening
23	Research and Development - enhance capacity and increase research into public/mental health policy

Regional Development

Beragh Waste Water Treatment Works

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) at what level of capacity Beragh Waste Water Treatment Works is currently operating; and (ii) the number of new build homes that can be accommodated before its capacity is reached.

(AQW 1301/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that they are currently undertaking a comprehensive exercise to reassess the availability of headroom at all 1124 wastewater treatment works across Northern Ireland based on the most up to date demographic information and planning projections.

The programme of work is to be completed during 2008 and is being undertaken to a prioritised programme.

Beragh Wastewater Treatment Works is presently operating at approximately 65% of consented capacity and as such, based on Council derived occupancy rate, the works can further accommodate approximately 370 properties. Further work remains to be completed as part of the review to confirm this initial assessment.

I have asked the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water to contact you directly with the findings of the final assessment for Beragh WwTW when available.

Fintona Waste Water Treatment Works

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) at what level of capacity Fintona Waste Water Treatment Works is currently operating; and (ii) the number of new build homes that can be accommodated before its capacity is reached.

(AQW 1305/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that they are currently undertaking a comprehensive exercise to reassess the availability of headroom at all 1124 wastewater treatment works across Northern Ireland based on the most up to date demographic information and planning projections.

The programme of work is to be completed during 2008 and is being undertaken to a prioritised programme.

Whilst the actual performance of the biological process used to treat wastewater will depend on a range of factors, the initial findings of the review indicate that Fintona Wastewater Treatment Works is presently operating at approximately 78% of consented capacity and as such, based on Council derived occupancy rate, the works can further accommodate approximately 212 properties. Further work remains to be completed as part of the review to confirm the initial assessment.

I have asked the Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Water to contact you directly with the findings of the final assessment for Fintona when available.

Zebra Crossings

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the number of zebra crossings supplied by his department; and (ii) the full installation cost of each of these crossings, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 1333/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am advised by my Department’s Roads Service that the total number of zebra crossings constructed in each of the last 3 financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07 is detailed in the table below.

	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
No. of Zebra Crossings	4	3	7

With regards to the second part of your question, I should explain that the individual cost of providing each zebra crossing is not readily available. However, taking into consideration factors such as the site, width of the road, distance to a source of electricity and the need for alterations to the existing infrastructure, the generic cost of establishing a zebra crossing is approximately £15,000.

Consultancy Firms

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the consultancy firms, other than PriceWaterhouseCoopers, that have been employed by Northern Ireland Water from 1 April 2007.

(AQW 1340/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that the following consultancy firms, other than PriceWaterhouseCoopers, have been employed by Northern Ireland Water from 1 April 2007:

ADJUST PROCUREMENT SOLUTIONS LTD

AJ MCCANN CONSULTANTS LTD

ALVAREZ & MARSAL EUROPE LIMITED

BDO STOY HAYWARD

BEING COMMUNICATION LIMITED

BESPOKE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT LIMITED

BHB FIRE AND SPECIALIST TRAINING CONSULTANTS

BLACK & VEATCH LTD

BSG CIVIL ENGINEERING LIMITED

BTW SHIELLS

BUILDING DESIGN PARTNERSHIP LIMITED

CAPITA

CHANDLERKBS

CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORY SERVICES LIMITED

CONSULT NB1 LIMITED

CONTRACTAUDITLINE

CONTRACTING OUT LLP

DELOITTE

DLA PIPER RUDNICK GRAY CARY UK LLP

DORAN CONSULTANT

DP CONTRACTING LTD

DUNDAS & WILSON CS LLP

EC HARRIS & PARTNERS

ENTEC

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

EWAN GROUP PLC

FABER MAUNSELL LTD

FUJITSU SERVICES LTD

GLOVER SITE INVESTIGATION

HALCROW MANAGEMENT SCIENCES LIMITED

HYDER CONSULTING LIMITED

INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LIMITED

INTERIM MANAGEMENT ASSIGNMENTS (NI) LTD

INTRA CONSULTING

IT PROJECT RECOVERY LIMITED

JACOBS UK LTD

JOHN FAWELL

JOHN GRAHAM (DROMORE) LTD

JOHN W SMITH

KIRKWOOD MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS LTD

KPMG

MCADAM DESIGN

MCAULEY & BROWNE

MERCER HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING

MMC ASSOCIATES

MOTT MACDONALD GROUP

MOUCHEL PARKMAN SERVICES LIMITED

MULHOLLAND & DOHERTY

MWH UK LTD

NEUEDA

NICHOLAS O DWYER & PARTNERS

NICK OWEN ASSOCIATES LTD

NTUITION LTD

OLLAVE LTD

PETER J GRAHAM CONSULTANCY LTD

PIPELINE SIMULATION LTD

PRACTICAL PLANNING LIMITED

R ROBINSON AND SONS

RPS KIRK MCCLURE & MORTON (RPS KMM)

SACKER & PARTNERS

SCOTT WILSON

SERVICE & SYSTEM SOLUTIONS (SX3) LTD

STRATEGIC PLANNING

THE EVENT-FUL CONSULTANCY LTD

THE HELM CORPORATION LTD

WATERPEOPLE LIMITED

WDR & RT TAGGART

WEBER SHANDWICK

WHITE YOUNG GREEN

WILLIAMS IND SERVICES LTD

WJ MCDOWELL&PARTNERS

WRC PLC

WS ATKINS CONSULTANTS LTD

YORKSHIRE WATER

Design, Build, Finance and Operate 2 Scheme

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) whether or not all land acquisition has been completed for the Design, Build, Finance and Operate 2 scheme; (ii) the cost of this land acquisition; and (iii) whether or not this expenditure falls within the original budget allocated to the project.

(AQW 1342/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that:

the Vesting Orders covering all the lands required to be vested for the Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) 2 scheme are now operative and that agreement has been reached with a small number of other landowners where land is being purchased by agreement;
the District Valuer’s current estimate of land costs for the schemes in DBFO Package 2 is £68.1 million; and
the estimated cost of this land acquisition represents a significant increase over the previous estimates. This reflects the dramatic increase in land values across the North in the last few years.

School Area Speed Limits

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to include Loughview Integrated Primary School, Castlereagh, in a pilot scheme to implement a 20 mph speed limit in the vicinity of schools.

(AQW 1343/08)

Mr C Murphy: You will be aware that the issues surrounding Loughview Integrated Primary School were the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the Assembly on 16 October 2007, when I agreed that my Department’s Roads Service would progress the required legislation to reduce the speed limit in the immediate vicinity of the school from 60mph to 40 mph.

Since I took office, I have received many requests to reduce the speed limits for traffic outside schools, and I can assure you that I take the issue of child safety at schools very seriously. Roads Service has installed a range of measures outside many schools to improve safety, including the provision of enhanced electronic signing at Loughview Integrated Primary School.

In addition, Roads Service has been researching the possibility of introducing part-time speed limits at schools at key times when children are arriving or leaving and has been preparing to pilot schemes at a small number of schools, to determine their effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds. The PSNI has agreed to ensure enforcement at these locations where the proposal is that a speed limit of 20 mph will be applied. However, these pilot schemes will be especially aimed at schools on roads where the national speed limit applies and where traffic speeds are high. Consequently, at present I have no plans to include Loughview Integrated Primary School within this programme.

Park and Ride Schemes

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to develop park and ride schemes at Bangor and Holywood.

(AQW 1349/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan proposes the establishment of local park-and-ride sites for each of the main transport corridors into Belfast. These would be serviced by bus or rapid transit and would be supplemented by strategic sites which would make use of existing bus services and/or train services in the corridors which have rail routes.

Tillysburn has been identified as an appropriate location for a local bus-based park-and-ride site, to be served by a dedicated bus service into Belfast city centre.

Whilst my Department’s Roads Service has no plans to provide a bus-based Park and Ride at Bangor or Holywood, it is intended that the proposed Tillysburn Park and Ride facility would be complemented by strategic rail-based park-and-ride facilities at railway stations and halts along the Bangor and Holywood transport corridor. This will provide a number of opportunities for car users to transfer to Public Transport for the rest of their journey into Belfast. In this regard, I am advised that Northern Ireland Railways proposes to provide park and ride facilities at Bangor Railway Station (with 120 spaces) and Holywood Railway Station (with 15 spaces) which are due to open in 2011.

Free Public Transport

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the cost of providing free public transport to people who are under 60 and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

(AQW 1350/08)

Mr C Murphy:

There are currently 104,353 persons aged under 60 and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance. I estimate that the total cost of providing free public transport to these individuals would be approximately £3.5 million per annum, with set up costs of £172,500. This estimate is based on the assumption that the take up rate of the concession would be 33 percent (compared to under ten percent for the current half fare scheme for those in receipt of either mobility component of Disability Living Allowance) but that their use of public transport would be about the same.

It should be noted that my Department already spends about £600,000 a year providing the current half fare scheme. Moreover some people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, ie those who are under the age of five, those who are blind or those who are war disabled, are already eligible for free public transport.

Speed Restrictions

Lord Browne asked the Minister for Regional Development what action is being taken to reduce the speed of traffic on the Lower Braniel Road in East Belfast.

(AQW 1356/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service receives many requests for the provision of traffic calming measures and although funding allocated to this type of work has increased over the years, demand still outweighs our capacity to meet all such requests and priorities have to be established. In prioritising this work, Roads Service attempts to concentrate the available resources in those areas where the need is greatest, in a fair and equitable manner.

On receipt of a request for the provision of traffic calming measures, Roads Service will carry out an assessment of the area in question. The assessment procedure takes into consideration various factors such as; personal injury collision statistics; the volume, type and speed of vehicles using the road; environmental factors including the presence of schools, playgrounds, hospitals, clinics, shops and public buildings; and whether the road in question is used as a through route.

The findings of the assessment process are used to give each site a priority rating and list these in merit order. If a scheme is identified and included in Roads Service’s traffic calming programme, implementation is subject to the successful completion of residents’ consultation and legislative processes. If objections are received to proposals to traffic calm a particular road, it may mean that Roads Service will not be able to implement the scheme.

An assessment of Lower Braniel Road for the provision of traffic calming measures was conducted in August 2005 and indications showed that it scored sufficiently to be included in the traffic calming programme of works. However, during the legislative process, objections were received from a number of local residents and despite the efforts of Roads Service officials to resolve the issues raised, none of the residents were prepared to withdraw their objections.

This scheme is one of a number for which Roads Service has received objections and officials are currently reviewing the details of all affected schemes to see how best they can be progressed.

I have asked the Divisional Roads Manager for Eastern Division to write to you and advise you of the outcome when the review of the Lower Braniel Road proposals has been completed.

Kilns Road, Ballycastle

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to provide a new footpath on the Kilns Road, Ballycastle, adjacent to Bunscoil an Chaistil; and to realign this road in order to improve road safety.

(AQW 1365/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am pleased to inform you that my Department’s Roads Service has proposals to realign the ‘S’ bend on the Kilns Road near Bunscoil an Chaistil which will include the relocation of its junction with Glentaisie Drive. It is also proposed to provide an adjacent footway on Kilns Road which will link to Glentaisie Drive, Altamanam Park and Broombeg View.

The proposals have been brought forward in association with Bunscoil an Chaistil who have agreed to make a funding contribution to the scheme. The scheme is presently at design stage and progress will be subject to land acquisition and the realisation of significant partnership funding, upon which agreement in principle has been reached, from the relevant funding body at Bunscoil an Chaistil.

Street Lighting

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to pilot solar-powered street lighting.

(AQW 1389/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service regularly monitors developments in solar power technology for street lighting operations. At present, the available combinations of photo-voltaic cells (i.e., cells which convert light into electrical energy) and lamp types do not offer a viable solution for street lighting purposes. However, rapid developments in the efficiency of photo-voltaic cells and light sources such as LEDs (light emitting diodes), means that solar powered street lighting is likely to become a workable option in future. Roads Service officials will continue to monitor advances and will introduce trials at the earliest opportunity, when the technology can meet the needs of street lighting operations.

For your information, Roads Service already takes advantage of solar power for a number of other uses, including some traffic sign lighting applications and traffic counting equipment.

Road Structural and Maintenance Schemes

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the roads structural and maintenance schemes, particularly in rural areas, affected by his department's moratorium on expenditure.

(AQW 1397/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has no moratorium on structural maintenance expenditure.

I would also point out that as part of the financial management process carried out by Roads Service a contingency plan, which addresses pressures within the capital budget, is in place. This should not, however, prevent Roads Service from meeting the targets established for the delivery of its capital programme.

Consultancy Expenditure

Mr G Savage asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the expenditure of his department's agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies on consultancy services; and to provide a breakdown of this expenditure, in the last year.

(AQW 1398/08)

Mr C Murphy: A breakdown of the expenditure incurred on external consultancy by the Department for Regional Development’s agencies, during the 2006/07 financial year is set out below. The Department for Regional Development is not responsible for any Non Departmental Public Bodies.

DEPARTMENT: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Category Description	Expenditure 2006/07 £m
Policy appraisal and review	4.62
Strategic management	1.0
Organisational development	2.01
Performance management	0.06
Accountancy	0.26
Feasibility study	0.14
Marketing	0.04
Other	2.73
TOTAL	10.86

Safety Barrier on the Newry to Omeath Road

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will give urgent consideration to the erection of a safety barrier on the main Newry to Omeath road, at Fathom Line on the canal side.

(AQW 1436/08)

Mr C Murphy: An analysis of statistics available to my Department’s Roads Service indicates that accidents have occurred at random locations along the 7 km stretch of roadway from Newry to the Border.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a scheme to provide a barrier along the entire length of the road would cost in excess of £2 million and, in addition, while detailed surveys have not been conducted, it is considered that there may be a number of technical difficulties in providing such a barrier.

I have however asked Roads Service to investigate, with PSNI colleagues, the most recent accident when a car careered off the road into the canal, and to determine what localised action, if any, can be taken to improve safety on this stretch of road.

Road Safety Barriers

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development what consideration he will give to the provision of road safety barriers at Lagmore Avenue in Dunmurry.

(AQW 1503/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials in my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that f ollowing a road traffic accident on Lagmore Avenue, an assessment for the provision of a safety barrier to the rear of 286 Lagmore Meadows was carried out in accordance with the Department’s current Road Restraint Risk Assessment Process (RRRAP). This concluded that a road restraint system could not be justified at this location.

As a result of your question, Roads Service has conducted a review of the assessment, taking into account the fact that Lagmore Avenue is 1.25km in length with a 30mph speed limit and has traffic calming measures. I am advised that following consideration of all factors, Roads Service remains of the opinion that Lagmore Avenue does not meet the requirements for the provision of a road restraint, and accordingly, there are currently no plans to provide such a system along this stretch of road.

Water Supply at Lyngrove Hill, Glenavy

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will carry out an investigation into the ongoing problems experienced by residents of Lyngrove Hill in Glenavy, in relation to water supply in the area; and what steps will be taken by NI Water in order to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

(AQW 1508/08)

Mr C Murphy: I have been advised by Northern Ireland Water that a number of complaints about low water pressure were received in April this year from the residents of Lyngrove Estate, Glenavy. An extensive investigation carried out by Northern Ireland Water identified a hydraulic problem affecting a length of main in the distribution system. A scheme for the replacement of this length of main has been approved and it is anticipated it should be completed within the next 3 months. Northern Ireland Water is confident that this will rectify the problem.

Hedge Cutting

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Regional Development if he will confirm that (i) approval was given to the recent cutting of verges and hedges along the B80 road from Enniskillen to Tempo; (ii) consultation on this work was carried out with property owners; and (iii) the cutting of hedges during October is in accordance with his department's guidelines.

(AQW 1531/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can advise that the recent cutting of verges and hedges along the B80 road from Tempo to Enniskillen was carried out by my Department’s Roads Service. All the material cut was growing either on, or in some cases, across public verges, within Roads Service’s control. As such, no approval was required and consequently, it was not necessary to consult with any property owners.

Roads Service is acutely aware of the likely safety implications when an estimated 10,000 spectators congregate in this area for the Tempo Stage of Rally Ireland. In an effort to minimise the conflict between pedestrians and passing traffic, Roads Service wished to encourage parking well off the carriageway.

While the Department’s guidelines would, for environmental reasons, endeavour to have all such work carried out in early spring, public safety took priority in this case.

Social Development

Shared Future Housing

Dr S Farry asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to designate the Loughview housing estate in Holywood as a 'shared future' housing area.

(AQW 1335/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): There are currently no plans to designate Loughview Estate in Holywood as a “Shared Future” housing area. The Housing Executive does however have a social regeneration strategy for the Loughview Estate. Consultation is currently underway with the community to prepare a Neighbourhood Vision & Action Plan for the estate.

External Maintenance and Refurbishment Schemes

Mr G Campbell asked the Minister for Social Development to detail, for each of the last five years, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's expenditure on external maintenance and refurbishment schemes, in each of the 36 areas within the Coleraine Borough Council area.

(AQW 1429/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I would refer to the reply I gave my honourable Friend and Member for West Tyrone, Allan Bresland MLA, in AQW 643/08 on 15 October 2007, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Social Housing

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development what plans she has to ensure that the maximum amount of social housing is included in the Carvill Group's proposals for the development of the old Sirocco Works in Belfast, which includes almost 2200 residential units.

(AQW 1437/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Carvill Group has recently submitted a Master Plan for the development of the former Sirocco site outlining proposals which include around 2,200 residential units. Detailed planning applications will not be made until early in 2008. The Carvill Group is currently engaged in consultation about the provision of social accommodation within this development on a ‘shared future’ basis.

Houses of Multiple Occupation

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development to detail (i) the number of registered Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in South Belfast; (ii) when she expects to complete the register of HMOs in South Belfast; and (iii) the number of streets in South Belfast that currently exceed the proposed limits for the number of registered HMOs.

(AQW 1440/08)

Ms M Ritchie: According to the HMO database, the number of HMOs currently specified for registration in South Belfast is 2130. The number of HMOs in South Belfast registered under the Northern Ireland HMO Registration Scheme to date is 356. All of the HMOs specified for registration are scheduled to be completed by February 2013. I do not find this timetable acceptable and have asked the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to review the HMO strategy and to increase the rate of registration.

The draft HMO Plan for Belfast, as issued by the Planning Service, seeks to manage the spread of HMOs throughout Belfast and sets a limit on the number of HMOs permissible in various parts of South Belfast. With the information available it is likely that most, if not all of the streets in South Belfast exceed the proposed limits for the number of HMOs.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Mr D Ford asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her department's bids in relation to the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to report on what degree of funding has been allocated against them in the draft Budget 2008/11.

(AQW 1451/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Documents detailing a breakdown of the Department for Social Development’s Resource and Capital bids have been placed in the Assembly Library. The tables below show a summary of the bids made, the allocation given to the Department and the allocation expressed as a percentage of bids made.

Summary of Resource Bids

Total Bids Made	74,828	73,060	91,624
	08/09	09/10	10/11
	£’000	£’000	£’000
Housing	16,490	23,699	29,574
Urban Regeneration	6,697	7,233	5,424
Social Security Agency	50,616	39,861	46,670
Child Support Agency	225	967	8,256
Core Department	800	1,300	1,700
Allocation from the Department of Finance & Personnel	31,700	42,000	59,900
Percentage of bids met	42.4%	57.5%	65.4%

Summary of Net Capital Bids

Total Bids Made	545,688	514,048	356,191
	08/09	09/10	10/11
	£’000	£’000	£’000
Housing	300,143	319,617	372,576
Urban Regeneration	216,553	179,615	-23,549
Social Security Agency	28,992	14,816	7,164
Allocation from the Strategic Investment Board	153,736	145,311	223,375
Percentage of bids met	28.2%	28.3%	62.7 %

Pension Credit

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to ensure that all pensioners in Northern Ireland who are entitled to pension credit actually receive it.

(AQW 1554/08)

Ms M Ritchie: In May of this year, following the successful Benefit Uptake Programmes in 2005/06 and 2006/07 which resulted in an additional £7 million for pensioners, I launched the Social Security Agency’s 2007/08 Benefit Uptake programme. This year’s programme will include a number of targeted exercises designed to increase Pension Credit uptake, including:

the offer of a full benefit assessment to 5,000 clients to ensure they are receiving their entitlement to the Guaranteed element of Pension Credit;

a focused mailshot to over 60,000 clients in receipt of State Pension to ensure they are aware of their possible entitlement to the savings element of Pension Credit; and

contact with 15,500 new State Pension clients who will be advised of their potential eligibility to Pension Credit. Those deemed more at risk will receive follow-up contact to further encourage the making of a claim.

The Agency also provides a range of services to ensure that older people are advised of their potential entitlement to benefits. These include outreach services, participation in local promotional activity, the production of specific publications, some in minority ethnic languages, and general assistance with advice and information through our network of local and centralised offices.

Fuel Poverty

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister for Social Development whether or not she will undertake focused research to establish the links between fuel poverty and winter deaths.

(AQW 1555/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Department published its report “Fuel Poverty, Climate and Mortality” as a Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency Occasional Paper on 15 November 2007, a copy of which has been placed in the Assembly Library.

Right to Buy Scheme

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of houses that have been sold by each NI Housing Executive district office area under the 'right to buy' scheme in the last five years.

(AQW 1561/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The number of Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties sold to tenants under the Statutory House Sales Scheme is as follows:

House sales by NIHE district office 2002/03 - 2006/07

	02/03	03/04	04/05	05/06	06/07	5yr Total
Belfast 1	296	197	77	75	48	693
Belfast 2	205	136	72	76	66	555
Belfast 3	365	204	117	114	69	869
Belfast 4	271	201	92	60	82	706
Belfast 5	156	95	42	40	73	406
Belfast 6	110	104	72	72	78	436
Belfast 7	202	142	67	45	64	520

Bangor	127	170	66	77	36	476
Newtownards	172	232	130	77	85	696
Castlereagh	215	205	125	78	81	704
Lisburn	251	284	120	113	107	875
Dairy Farm	254	214	110	82	76	736
Downpatrick	193	202	104	59	49	607

Banbridge	124	117	75	45	23	384
Newry	266	312	131	115	77	901
Armagh	135	151	58	59	50	453
Lurgan/Brownlow	124	168	91	74	55	512
Portadown	49	84	40	35	47	255
Dungannon	141	119	59	50	45	414
Fermanagh	166	135	88	86	69	544

Ballymena	147	167	141	105	66	626
Antrim	168	173	121	113	93	668
Newtownabbey 1	123	130	65	53	70	441
Newtownabbey 2	117	115	94	60	57	443
Carrick	176	156	74	47	64	517
Larne	66	82	36	30	39	253
Ballycastle	39	54	34	36	23	186
Ballymoney	73	79	54	41	37	284
Coleraine	133	108	85	80	53	459

Waterloo Place	222	204	103	57	52	638
Waterside	148	138	80	82	73	521
Collon Terrace	206	242	126	95	76	745
Limavady	111	96	56	57	26	346
Magherafelt	119	103	51	57	43	373
Strabane	181	153	82	68	70	554
Omagh	111	84	60	57	47	359
Cookstown	92	96	55	52	32	327

					TOTAL	19,482

Shared Water Supply Pipes

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Social Development to outline his department's policy in relation to the maintenance of shared water supply pipes in Northern Ireland Housing Executive housing developments, but where some homes are now privately owned.

(AQW 1589/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Northern Ireland Housing Executive responds promptly to repair requests relating to burst or damaged pipes within the curtilage of any dwelling in its ownership. It will contribute an appropriate proportion of any expense incurred by a private owner in repairing a common supply pipe which also serves its dwellings .

Northern Ireland Water has advised me that it has no responsibility for the maintenance of shared water supply pipes in Northern Ireland Housing Executive housing developments, whether or not the property is private or social.

CORRIGENDA

Written Answer Booklet of 19 October 2007

(Volume 24, No WA4)

In page WA184, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQO 461/08) with;

The Department supports fully the two universities in the initiatives they have taken to encourage better relations between students and local residents. Both institutions have been working in partnership with landlords, political representatives, Belfast City Council, the Housing Executive and the PSNI.

The seriousness with which the issue of anti-social behaviour is being treated is illustrated by the fact that in the academic year 06/07, two students were formally expelled from the University of Ulster. At both institutions disciplinary measures range from advice and a warning, the imposition of fines, with the ultimate sanction being expulsion. In total, 113 students were formally disciplined by the University of Ulster. 377 students were formally disciplined by Queen’s University, although none were subject to expulsion. These actions were as a direct consequence of anti-social behaviour off campus.

Written Answer Booklet of 12 November 2007

(Volume 25, No WA1)

In page WA2, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 1166/08) with;

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.

A 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.

The design and wording of food labels, in compliance with the relevant legislation, is a commercial matter and cannot be dictated by Government.

I am pleased to see that all sectors of the industry are now working together in an exciting new initiative to promote locally produced food under the marketing message – “NI Good Food is in our Nature”. This emerged from the work of the Food Strategy Implementation Partnership to develop a co-ordinated domestic marketing campaign which DARD, in association with DETI/INI, has supported over the last 2½ years.