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 11 January 2008

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
Assembly Commission

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Promotion of Tolerance

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to identify one key goal, under the priority 'Promote Tolerance, Inclusion and Health and Well-Being' in the Draft Programme for Government 2008-11, that is aimed specifically at the promotion of tolerance aspect of the priority.

(AQW 1580/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): The draft Programme for Government contains high level commitments: it does not contain detailed specific goals.

As the deputy First Minister stated during Question Time on Monday 22 October, "we will bring forward detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration – designed to build on some of the excellent work being done, particularly by district councils – to address the challenges that local communities face". The Department intends to bring the proposals for discussion to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Assembly in the New Year.

The proposed budget for this programme is almost ₤26m over the three years from 2008-2011. This will be additional to EU PEACE III funding. A key element of the proposals will include a significant increase in investment over the period to promote inclusion and integration at local level.

Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

Programme to Improve Societal Relations

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline five key objectives, five key actions and five key targets which make up the programme to improve societal relations mentioned in PSA 7, Objective 5 in Annex 1 to the Draft Programme for Government 2008-11.

(AQW 1581/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government contains high level commitments: it does not contain detailed specific goals.

Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

European Union Gender Goods and Services Directive

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to the answers to AQW 624/08, AQW 626/08 and AQW 631/08, to indicate whether or not it will make use of any available degree of flexibility to (i) member states; and (ii) devolved assemblies, to consider ways to protect religious conscience when implementing the European Union Gender Goods and Services Directive.

(AQW 1827/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The consultation document on the implementation of the EU Gender Goods and Services Directive included proposals for retaining or amending the exceptions already in the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976. One of these exceptions relates to ‘organised religion’ and the consultation proposed that that exception should remain unchanged. In addition, there was also within the draft Regulations implementing the Directive an exclusion for the provision of goods and services at a place occupied or used by an organised religion. Both issues are being considered as a result of the consultation as policy decisions are being finalised.

Planning Appeals

Mr J Shannon asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to give a timescale within which the Planning Appeals Commission Commissioners will be in a position to deal with the appeal backlog.

(AQW 1910/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status it is appropriate for the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"The Commission deals with the backlog of appeals on an ongoing basis. At 31 October 2007 the backlog was 3173 and our projected output for the current financial year is 1046. Future clearance rates will depend on Commissioner complement and the level of referred work from Planning Service, particularly in relation to Area Plans. The above figures do not make allowances for the future intake of appeals, which is approximately 150 per month.

The Commission made a bid for additional resources in December 2006 and is awaiting the outcome of that bid. Final confirmation of additional funding arising out of the Comprehensive Spending Review is expected soon. Once confirmed the Commission aims to be in a position to secure additional Commissioner resources to further address the backlog.

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

OFMDFM is fully committed to providing the Commission with the resources required to address the appeals backlog. The additional funding allocations for PAC in the Draft Budget 2008-2011 will provide the Chief Commissioner with the funding certainty to enable her to recruit additional commissioners. This additional funding has the potential to fund a significant number of additional commissioners, although the actual number to be appointed will be for the Chief Commissioner to determine, taking account of the Commission’s capacity to manage a greatly increased complement and also subject to the availability of suitable people from within a limited and specialised market. Arrangements are already in progress to deliver a competition early in the New Year.

An independent review of the resource needs of the PAC was recently carried out. The review supports the case for the additional resources allocated to PAC in the draft budget.

Funding for Organisations Offering Advice on Sexual Orientation

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any proposed funding to organisations offering advice on sexual orientation, in each of the next three years.

(AQW 2136/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The current funding package of £230k was agreed for years 2007-08 and 2008-09 by Direct Rule Ministers. There are currently no new proposals to fund any organisations offering advice on sexual orientation, nor are there any proposals to fund any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender groups beyond that period.

All funding proposals are given full consideration as they arise in the context of departmental priorities at the time.

Funding for LGBT Groups

Mr D Simpson asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any proposed funding to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups, in each of the next three years .

(AQW 2138/08)

All funding proposals are given full consideration as they arise in the context of departmental priorities at the time.

Planning Appeals

Lord Morrow asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the average length of time taken to issue a decision on a planning appeal, from the date an appeal is submitted to the Planning Appeals Commission, under each of the following procedures: (i) written representations; (ii) written representations with accompanied site visit; (iii) informal hearing; and (iv) formal hearing.

(AQW 2205/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Planning Appeals Commission is a tribunal Non Departmental Public Body. Given its independent tribunal status, it is appropriate for the Chief Commissioner to provide a response directly to you, and we understand she has written to you in the following terms:

"I have provided, in the table below, figures for the average time taken to decide an appeal for all of the procedures available. These figures indicate the time taken to determine appeals already heard within the current financial year and illustrate the position as at 30 October 2007.

PROCEDURE MEDIAN TIME (WEEKS)

Formal Hearing 89

Informal Hearing 74

Written Representation (accompanied Site Visit) 68

Written Representations (unaccompanied Site Visit) 73

PROCEDURE	MEDIAN TIME (WEEKS)
Formal Hearing	89
Informal Hearing	74
Written Representation (accompanied Site Visit)	68
Written Representations (unaccompanied Site Visit)	73

The Commission publishes updates of these figures on a monthly basis via its website.

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

An independent review of the resource needs of PAC was recently carried out. The review supports the case for the additional resources allocated to PAC in the draft budget.

Barriers to Economic Development

Dr S Farry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide its assessment of the importance of creating a shared future in addressing the barriers to economic development in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2306/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government’s overarching aim is to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society where there is respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life. The draft Programme also identifies the need to pursue an innovative and productive economy and a fair society that promotes social inclusion, sustainable communities and personal health and well-being.

We must become an even more attractive location for the flow of internationally mobile skills and labour, high value-added industries and secure high scale job investment. In so doing we must ensure that we have political and social stability and an absence of conflict all of which are key factors in decisions relating to new investment both nationally and internationally.

Continuing divisions mar our reputation, blight our economic prospects and have a corrosive effect on our society. For these reasons it is imperative that we all embrace the opportunity to create a better future, based on tolerance and respect for cultural diversity. We are currently working on detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration to promote the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared and better future.

'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy'

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps it has taken to discuss 'The Cost of Division - A Shared Future Strategy' with key stakeholders, as outlined in 'A Shared Future: First Triennial Action Plan'.

(AQW 2438/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As stated previously, the Cost of Division research was commissioned, conducted and finalised under direct rule. It is an independent piece of research. Whilst the report may be a material consideration and departments may wish to have regard to it, and, in particular, the statistics and factual analysis which it contains, the report of itself does not form an agreed basis for future policy development.

We are fully committed to promoting the interests of the whole community towards the goal of a shared and better future and a prosperous, peaceful and settled society. Having considered progress made, we are currently working on detailed proposals for a programme of cohesion and integration. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what commitment it will make to review the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations.

(AQW 2440/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Review of the Fair Employment Monitoring Regulations is an ongoing commitment.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the assistance or support given to the community and voluntary sector to ensure the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Strategy.

(AQW 2501/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Target 33 of the Sustainable Development Implementation Plan is to "modernise the voluntary and community sector to strengthen the service delivery role of the organisations". This supports the achievement of the strategic objective "to promote the development of community engagement, civic leadership and responsible citizenship".

The Modernisation Fund Programme through which this target is being pursued is the responsibility of our Executive colleague, the Minister for Social Development.

The first call for Modernisation Fund Revenue applications closed in January 2006 with 168 applications received. Following detailed assessment and evaluation eighteen projects have been supported to a value of £2m.

DSD are currently assessing the impact of this intervention in order to best determine how the remaining resources of the available £1m within the Modernisation Fund Revenue Programme might best be utilised.

The Modernisation Fund Capital Programme which has a value of £15m, closed to applications on 19 October 2007. Some 475 valid applications have been received and these are currently being assessed. Initial allocation decisions for this programme are planned for early 2008.

Both programmes being resourced by DSD under the Modernisation Fund have established clear objectives aimed at strengthening the service delivery role of organisations within the voluntary and community sector. These include developing partnership and collaboration, improving income generation capability and enhancing capacity to deliver services.

It is planned that both programmes will be subject to robust evaluation in order to determine how successful they have been in achieving these objectives. These programmes have and continue to assist in the achievement of target No.33 in the Sustainable Development Implementation Plan.

Sustainable Development

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what plans it has to audit and monitor the fulfilment and delivery of its statutory requirement in relation to sustainable development.

(AQW 2502/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Following the introduction of the statutory duty legislation in March 2007, the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister is developing guidance to assist public authorities, including District Councils, in fulfilling its statutory requirement. It is hoped that we will be in a position to issue the draft guidance for consultation in the near future.

The development of advice on monitoring and reporting on the guidance is still at a relatively early stage but we would expect that all bodies affected by the duty will be encouraged to publish the results of their monitoring. At this stage, we do not propose to introduce formal audit arrangements for the statutory duty.

Sustainable Development

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail what action it is taking to assist district councils to fulfil their new statutory obligations under sustainable development.

(AQW 2504/08)

Education System

Mr B McCrea asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not the Minister of Education was in breach of the Ministerial Code in presenting her statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm that no significant or cross-cutting changes to the education system can be implemented, without first being brought to the Executive and receiving cross-community support from the Assembly.

(AQW 2536/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We do not consider that the Minister of Education was in breach of the Ministerial Code in presenting her statement to the Assembly.

The Minister is of course required by the Ministerial Code to bring to the attention of the Executive any matter which is significant or controversial and outside the scope of the Programme for Government. In answering questions after her statement, the Minister undertook to bring proposals on the matters raised in her statement both to the Executive and to the Committee for Education in due course.

Civic Forum

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the expenditure committed to the Civic Forum, or any new North/South civic body, in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2554/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The Civic Forum’s budget allocation and expenditure since it was established is as follows:

Year	2001/2002	2002/2003	2007/2008	2008/2011
Opening Budget (£k)	318	518	516	516/year
In-year Budget Adjustment (£k)	+ 132	- 195¹	- 250²	N/A
Actual Expenditure (£k)	423	328	89³	N/A

There were no budget allocations for the Civic Forum during 2003/2007 as the Legislative Provisions under which the Forum is funded ceased to have effect during suspension of the devolved institutions.

No budget allocation has been made for any new North/South civic body.

The budget allocation for 2008/2011 is a preliminary figure. Resource requirements for future years will be one of the issues for consideration in the Review of the Civic Forum.

Expenditure of North-South Bodies

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what assessment it has made of the expenditure of North South Bodies since the restoration of devolution in May 2007.

(AQW 2558/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Each of the North/South Bodies function under the overall direction of the North/South Ministerial Council, with accountability lines back, not only to the Council, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas, but also to the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance and to each of the Sponsor Departments.

In line with their Financial Memoranda, Sponsor Departments monitor and keep under regular review the expenditure of each of the Bodies.

The North/South Bodies are required to produce a set of annual accounts which are subject to full and rigorous audit by Comptroller and Auditors General in each jurisdiction. To comply with its Financial Memorandum, which prescribes detailed financial arrangements, each body is also required to produce a three year corporate plan and an annual business plan which are subject to approval of NSMC, including the Finance Ministers.

Undocumented Irish

Mr P J Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to confirm whether or not the issue of the 'undocumented' Irish, living in the United States of America, was raised personally with President George W. Bush during the meeting which took place on 7 December 2007.

(AQW 2566/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The deputy First Minister met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform in New York on 4 December 2007 during which they outlined their proposal for a reciprocal visa programme, similar to that which exists between Australia and the United States of America. The deputy First Minister subsequently raised this issue during the meeting with Steve Hadley, Director of the National Security Council and during the meeting with President Bush on 7 December 2007.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the reasons for the high number of staff in her department, compared to other government departments, undergoing disciplinary procedures as a result of an unacceptable sickness record.

(AQW 2325/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development applies the NICS sickness absence policies and inefficiency process in a fair and consistent manner.

I understand that, with the exception of DARD, the figures provided by Peter Robinson MP MLA in AQW 1629/08 related only to the core Northern Ireland Government Departments and excluded executive agencies. To a large extent this explains the disparity in the figures with DARD

Packaging and Processing of Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a breakdown of the (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat, imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, in relation to (a) the tonnage/percentage that was not subject to further packaging or processing; and (b) the tonnage/percentage that was subject to further packaging or processing.

(AQW 2347/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development does not maintain this information centrally. Information does exist in relation to imports from a Third Country direct to here. However, information does not exist in relation to indirect importations. This is due to the fact that once imports from countries outside the European Union enter through the Border Inspection Post (BIP) in any Member State, they can complete their onward journey on a Common Veterinary Entry Document provided by the BIP of entry. Under EU Trade rules, these products are permitted to move freely within the EU.

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

The Livestock and Meat Commission does monitor and maintain figures of beef imports to here. The composite figures are detailed in Annex C. There is no statutory reason for DARD to calculate the actual tonnages imported direct from each Third Country and this limited information could only be calculated at disproportionate cost.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

DARD does not maintain statistics to provide a complete picture of the amount of product imported, that is subject to further packaging or processing, or of the amount that is subsequently re-exported. There is no statutory requirement for DARD to collect this information.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide a breakdown of the (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat, imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, in relation to the organisations and/or individuals importing the meat.

(AQW 2349/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the tonnage of (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007.

(AQW 2350/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

Mr T Elliott asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the percentage of (i) lamb; (ii) beef; (iii) pig; and (iv) chicken meat imported into Northern Ireland in 2005, 2006, and the first six months of 2007, that was subsequently re-exported from Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2351/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Meat Imports

(AQW 2352/08)

Annex A details the imports direct from Third Countries and Annex B provides further details on the number of consignments from each country and by product type.

Owing to reasons of commercial confidentiality information cannot be provided in relation to those organisations or individuals importing meat here.

Seaweed Aqua Culture

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline what research has been carried out in relation to identifying seaweed species, in order to create new business opportunities in seaweed aqua culture.

(AQW 2394/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department has not carried out any research into identifying seaweed species for use in aquaculture. However the Department is aware that research has been undertaken by Queen’s University at the Centre for Marine Resources and Mariculture (CMAR) in Portaferry and that the results of this research is freely available to industry. I should also add that the Department does not currently have powers under the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 to regulate and licence the culture of seaweed.

European Fisheries Fund

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail how the European Fisheries Fund can be used by members of the fishing sector.

(AQW 2395/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The conditions governing the use of the EFF are set out in COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1198/2006. The EFF provides four primary priorities for the funds - 1) Measures to adjust the Community's fishing fleet; 2) Aquaculture, processing and marketing; 3) Common interest/collective action; 4) Sustainable development of coastal fishing areas. My Department is currently working on a draft operational programme that will guide the implementation of the EFF. That will be subject to a 12-week public consultation beginning in February 2008.

Genetically Modified Varieties of Maize

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what is her assessment of the European Union decision to allow the import of genetically modified varieties of maize from the United States of America into Europe.

(AQW 2396/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has the policy lead for GM food and feed issues, whilst the Department of Environment leads on all aspects concerning the ‘deliberate release’ and cultivation of GMOs in the North.

Before GMO’s for food/feed use can be placed on the market in Europe, they must first be authorised in accordance with the GM food and feed Regulation 1829/2003. The requirements for authorisation are based on scientific assessment of any risks for human and animal health and, if authorisation is sought for importation and/or cultivation, for the environment as well. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) undertakes a safety assessment on each application and their final opinion is published for public comment before any authorisation decision is taken. A final decision is taken by a vote of Member States at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH).

In addition to the GM varieties already authorised, three other types of GM maize including Herculex were recently authorised for importation and processing in the EU.

Newtownards Canal

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the Rivers Agency's policy on maintaining the banks of the canal behind homes at Greenwell Place, Newtownards.

(AQW 2402/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The section of the Newtownards Canal behind Greenwell Place, is designated under the terms of the Drainage (NI) Order 1973 and as such is maintained by Rivers Agency to ensure free flow. The upkeep of the banks of the Canal is the responsibility of adjacent landowners however it is Rivers Agency policy to remove overhanging trees and vegetation from the banks if these are causing, or likely to cause, obstruction to flows in the channel.

Oil Procurement

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what consideration she will give to investigating the possibility of the procurement of oil from Venezuela, at a 20% reduction, to help alleviate the difficulties faced by the fishing sector in relation to high fuel prices.

(AQW 2426/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I am conscious of the impact that fuel prices are having on the fishing industry but rising fuel prices have been the trend over the last 3-4 years. The way to combat this for the longer term is for the fleet to become more fuel efficient. Fuel efficiency initiatives will be a key component of the new European Fisheries Fund which will be introduced next year. I have no plans at present to investigate the procurement of oil from Venezuela but would be content to raise this issue with Ministerial colleagues in the future.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail when, and how, she was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not she had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2474/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I was first notified of the Ministerial Statement ‘Outlining a Vision for our Education System’ when it was issued by email through the Department of Education’s Private Office on the 4 December 2007.

I can confirm that I did not have discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the amount of financial assistance provided to residents in the Glens of Antrim, in relation to flooding in that area last summer; and what assistance will be offered to compensate farmers under the Emergency Distress Fund.

(AQW 2488/08)

Ms M Gildernew: Under the Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to District Councils, which was established by the Department of the Environment following the severe flooding, 17 householders in Moyle District Council area and 9 householders in Larne Borough Council area received financial assistance totalling £26,000. Names and addresses of those who received financial assistance are available but it would be difficult to determine precisely those who reside within the Glens of Antrim. The Scheme did not extend to farm or other businesses but farmers whose homes were flooded would have been eligible for compensation.

Support for Farming Families

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail what support she is providing for farming families, particularly in relation to health and well-being, as part of any rural development plans.

(AQW 2490/08)

Ms M Gildernew: It is estimated that over 75% of the Rural Development Programme’s total budget of approximately £540 million will go directly to farmers and farm families, and they are also free to benefit from the other measures open to the rural community as a whole.

The RDP’s "competitiveness" priority contains two measures likely to improve well-being. A family farms options scheme will help beneficiaries analyse their current business position and consider the future, while a farm modernisation scheme will assist farmers to improve their competitiveness, for example, through investing in new technology or energy efficiency. Together, the measures have the potential to trim outgoings, increase incomes, lighten workloads and improve the immediate environment of farming families, all outcomes likely to have a positive impact on health and well-being.

The RDP’s "quality of life" priority includes three measures designed to strengthen the social infrastructure of the entire rural community: basic services for the economy and rural population; village renewal and development; and the conservation and upgrading of rural heritage. It is estimated that £20 million will be available for projects that could promote the health and well-being of farming families and the wider rural community.

In addition, you will be aware that I have bid for £10 million to tackle poverty and social exclusion in rural areas. Contained in the "Lifetime Opportunities" strategy and specifically listed among those targets is the need to bring positive benefits to the lives of farm families, as well as seeking to improve their overall quality of life.

Use of Local Produce

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail each of her department's premises where all canteen meat, fish and vegetables are exclusively sourced or procured locally.

(AQW 2498/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has no information on purchases at these premises as public service catering is contracted to the private sector.

Under current arrangements the Department of Finance and Personnel’s Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) is responsible for managing these catering contracts. Whilst the procurement of food cannot be restricted to specific locations or suppliers, I am advised that its contracts do state that the use of local produce should be considered where possible.

It is my desire that CPD explores all opportunities to use local produce as much as possible whilst adhering to EU law. My officials are therefore working with CPD to assist in the development of a range of guidance to support and encourage the participation of local enterprises in competitions for Government business. They are also looking at how to integrate sustainable development considerations into public sector contracts. I trust that these activities will bring significant benefit to the local economy, particularly producers and processors.

Sales of Foie Gras

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what plans she has to ban the sale of foie gras.

(AQW 2508/08)

Ms M Gildernew: While the production of foie gras is banned here, the free movement of goods is a key principle in European Community law and is enshrined in Part III, Title I of the treaty establishing the European Community (TEC). A unilateral ban on the import or sale of foie gras would contravene the provisions of the TEC and would result in proceedings being brought against us before the European Court of Justice.

As a result, I have no plans to ban the sale of foie gras here.

Council Boundaries

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the measures she is taking to ensure that local action group boundaries will be co-terminous with new council boundaries; and to outline what transitional funding measures will be made available to ensure the continued success of rural development projects.

(AQW 2514/08)

Ms M Gildernew: I understand that the proposed new council boundaries will not be announced until January or February at the earliest, and that will no doubt be followed by a period of reflection and debate.

I have said many times that I cannot afford to await the results of the review of public administration, since the funding must get out to rural people as soon as possible. Councils already work in various different clusters on such issues as economic development, waste management and building control.

I do not believe that this issue is any different. Five clusters have already been agreed, and I am hopeful that local action groups (LAGs) and strategies will be in place shortly. Regarding the call for transitional funding, the LEADER and the BSP programmes still have funds to spend until next year, as does the INTERREG programme, meaning that they should dovetail with an expected call for applications by the new LAGs in late spring.

Funding for Fishing Boats

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the funding that is available for the purchase of new boats for the fishing industry.

(AQW 2531/08)

Ms M Gildernew: There is no funding available for the purchase of new boats, however the new European Fisheries Fund, which will be consulted upon in the New Year, will contain measures to permit vessel modernisation related to fuel efficiency, working conditions and safety. The European Union ended grant aid for the construction of new vessels at the end of 2004 following a review of the European Common Fisheries Policy in 2002. This move recognised that, at a time when there was over capacity in fleets for the fishing opportunities available, it made no sense to have grant aid to enable an increase in fishing effort. The Council Regulation governing the EFF specifically states that no EU aid can be granted for the construction of fishing vessels.

Policing Fishing Fleets

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to detail the cost of policing the fishing fleet by (i) helicopter; (ii) nimrod; and (iii) satellite surveillance, in the last financial year.

(AQW 2561/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Department of Agriculture does not finance aerial surveillance of the North’s fishing fleet.

A satellite Vessel Monitoring System has been established in Britain through collaboration between the Marine Fisheries Agency (DEFRA) the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North of Ireland, with DARD contributing 20% of costs.

In the past financial year, costs to DARD have been:

Overheads £36,201.13, Communications: £2550.60, and staff at £46,624.90, making a total cost of £85,376.63

Training Organisations for the Fishing Industry

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to confirm that funding will no longer be available for the training organisation responsible for the fishing industry.

(AQW 2562/08)

Ms M Gildernew: The Group Training Association (GTA) based in Portavogie is part of a network of GTAs funded by the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish), to carry out training for the seafood industry on its behalf. Following a review of its training provision the Seafish board recently announced that it would phase out funding for individual GTAs by April 2010. Instead, individual fishermen could apply directly to Seafish for funding to undertake Seafish approved training courses. Seafish propose to underwrite the fixed costs of mandatory safety training courses.

Marine Tourism of the River Foyle

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to outline the marine tourism potential for the River Foyle at Culmore, resulting from the North-South Ministerial Council Meeting on 21 November 2007 and the launch of the Marine Tourism Strategy 2008-2013.

(AQW 2580/08)

Ms M Gildernew: On the 21 November the North/South Ministerial Council approved the Loughs Agency’s Marine Tourism Development Strategy. A public consultation on the Strategy was commenced in December 2006 and the Agency is still accepting comments on its proposals. The North/South Ministerial Council approved the strategic plan, subject to funding availability.

The Strategy adopts a holistic approach to marine tourism development in the Foyle and Carlingford systems and it proposes the key themes for the consideration of development projects. These themes include:

Access Infrastructure which encompasses;

Boat Berthing and Launching,
Beach based activities,
The Natural Environment,
Access, awareness and information gateways ,
Tourist accommodation, and
Angling.

Development / Skills Training
Marketing and Communications
General awareness / branding and PR
Events programmes
Cluster packages

The site at Culmore on the Fiver Foyle has been identified as being appropriate for development for a boat berthing and launching project under the access infrastructure theme. A preliminary proposal and budget for this project have therefore been included in the bid for funding under the Cross Border Territorial Co-operation Programme.

It is anticipated that this project will realise wider benefits, in relation to the other themes. The Agency still awaits confirmation from the Special EU Programmes Body of its funding allocation and therefore the Department is unable to provide a more detailed comment on the potential for marine tourism under the Loughs Agency’s Marine Tourism Development Strategy for the River Foyle at Culmore.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Sport NI

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total amount of funding awarded by Sport NI to projects in each (i) constituency; and (ii) district council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1627/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on 26 November 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.

The tables below detail the total amount of funding awarded by Sport Northern Ireland to projects in each constituency and each district council area in each of the last 5 years.

Funding by Constituency

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Belfast East	43,117.00	117,993.00	7,135.00	92,775.00	11,706.00
Belfast North	87,064.00	135,132.00	564,625.00	887,021.00	6,157.00
Belfast South	168,847.00	440,056.00	434,034.16	306,851.00	77,555.00
Belfast West	180,967.10	128,651.00	96,994.00	83,580.00	12,596.00
East Antrim	126,197.00	103,252.00	212,606.95	8,375.00	-
East Londonderry	148,819.00	194,158.00	235,560.00	-	3,163.00
Fermanagh & S Tyrone	200,810.00	305,122.00	110,538.00	-	451,071.66
Foyle	220,817.50	293,732.00	427,883.00	376,365.53	-
Lagan Valley	40,685.00	64,076.00	611,736.00	40,186.00	139,531.00
Mid Ulster	290,840.07	253,334.00	201,847.00	40,495.00	-
Newry & Armagh	339,276.00	374,877.00	301,784.00	23,170.00	9,051.00
North Antrim	117,985.00	354,926.78	813,620.00	216,443.00	168,326.00
North Down	37,248.00	95,755.00	4,680.00	8,000.00	-
South Antrim	489,859.35	388,881.00	171,840.00	4,000.00	-
Strangford	96,659.31	79,060.00	76,800.00	10,000.00	458.00
Upper Bann	230,673.00	171,576.73	370,298.00	63,171.00	4,995.00
West Tyrone	418,587.00	271,713.00	415,149.00	9,142.00	618,900.00
South Down	129,703.00	332,975.00	485,019.05	151,801.00	804,571.00

Funding by District Council Area

	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
Antrim	568,652.35	73,160.00	15,420.00	55,238.00	-
Ards	35,938.00	1,900.00	76,800.00	-	458.00
Armagh	286,219.00	145,983.00	36,114.00	23,170.00	11,867.00
Ballymena	104,842.00	275,772.78	688,833.00	-	168,326.00
Ballymoney	-	-	113,092.00	6,435.00	-
Banbridge	85,000.00	227,803.00	24,192.00	2,077.00	-
Belfast	384,000.10	837,844.00	1,457,258.16	1,524,987.00	108,014.00
Carrickfergus	2,775.00	3,517.00	21,150.00	-	-
Castlereagh	30,345.00	70,000.00	106,030.00	-	-
Coleraine	75,194.00	14,773.00	221,380.00	-	-
Cookstown	201,191.07	36,394.00	20,297.00	23,695.00	-
Craigavon	74,630.00	132,168.73	342,136.00	61,094.00	-
Derry	305,817.50	357,480.00	437,087.00	380,365.53	-
Down	204,824.31	88,373.00	250,261.00	111,711.00	804,571.00
Dungannon	91,559.00	107,160.00	107,220.00	-	2,402.00
Fermanagh	198,900.00	217,962.00	108,318.00	-	449,793.66
Larne	43,422.00	1,940.00	191,456.95	8,375.00	-
Limavady	-	94,385.00	14,180.00	-	-
Lisburn	26,285.00	64,076.00	141,736.00	80,276.00	-
Magherafelt	-	91,800.00	76,550.00	16,800.00	3,163.00
Moyle	-	99,294.00	3,683.00	-	-
Newry & Mourne	124,100.00	292,258.00	422,410.00	-	2,179.00
Newtownabbey	80,000.00	418,756.00	156,716.00	-	-
North Down	37,248.00	95,755	4,680.00	18,000.00	-
Omagh	253,592.00	159,120.00	300,789.00	9,142.00	613,770.00
Strabane	149,995.00	112,593.00	114,360.00	-	5,130.00

Freedom of Information Requests

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the cost to his department of dealing with Freedom of Information requests, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1667/08)

Mr E Poots: I apologise to the member for the delay in an answering his question.

The Freedom of information Act 2000 came into effect on 1 January 2005 and it makes provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in common with all Northern Ireland Departments, does not calculate the cost of individual requests and this information is not held. However, I have commissioned some analysis that may better inform the costings associated with the Freedom of Information process. I will, of course, share this with you in due course.

Sport NI

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline those projects in Upper Bann that have been funded by Sport NI in each of the last five years.

(AQW 1823/08)

Mr E Poots: I am aware that this Question was due for Answer on 3 December 2007 and I apologise to the Member for the delay.

The table below details the projects in Upper Bann that have been funded by Sport Northern Ireland in each of the last 5 years.

Funding to projects in Upper Bann

Year	Applicant Organisation	Project title	Grant Amount (£)
2002/03	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue LurganBT66 8EW	Major Works Year 3	70,000.00
2002/03	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue Lurgan BT66 8EW	Safety Management	4,630.00
2002/03	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Major Works Year 3	65,000
2002/03	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	6,043.00
2002/03	Clann na Banna GFC Scarva Road Banbridge BT32 3QL	Construction of changing pavilion	85,000.00
2003/04	Glenavon FC Mourneview Park Mourneview Avenue Lurgan BT66 8EW	Safety Management	3,360.00
2003/04	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,606.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Council Civic Buildings Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Sports Development Grant	8,179.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road BanbridgeBT32 3JY	Various Education courses	7,610.00
2003/04	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	11,013.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls Soccer Development Officer	10,311.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls Soccer Development Officer	12,120.00
2003/04	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic development research, social inclusion and club development and coach education	11,015.00
2003/04	Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball club 65 Ballynagrick Road Portadown Bt63 5NS	Club Development Officer	2,500.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,666.73
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,667.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Aztecs Volleyball Club	2,500.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	10,610.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Club development and Gaelic football coaching	8,080.00
2003/04	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Skills 4 Sport	5,000.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	10,274.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development research, health & physical activity, sports education	13,318.00
2003/04	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Various sports courses	14,999.00
2003/04	NI Carriage Driving Association 26a Monygannon Road Donaghcloney BT66 7NB	Edwin Bryson	4,000.00
2004/05	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,970.00
2004/05	Banbridge District Council Civic Buildings Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Sports Development Grant	8,179.00
2004/05	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	11,013.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Community Sports Programme	129,000.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls soccer development officer	10,311.00
2004/05	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic development research, social inclusion and club development and coach education	11,015.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Skills 4 Sport	5,000.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Development of 4km of new cycle track	35,590.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Community Sport Programme	106,877.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,667.00
2004/05	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	10,610.00
2004/05	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2004/05	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	13,318.00
2005/06	Banbridge District Sports Association Leisure Services Department Council Offices Downshire Road Banbridge BT32 3JY	Generic Education courses	2,077.00
2005/06	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Girls soccer development officer	9,022.00
2005/06	Brownlow Campus Sport Trust Craigavon Leisure Centre Brownlow Road Craigavon BT65 6DL	Strategic Development Research	8,198.00
2005/06	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Gaelic Football CDO	7,833.00
2005/06	Craigavon Borough Council Craigavon Civic Centre Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Strategic Development Research	7,790.00
2005/06	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Assistant sports development officer	17,748.00
2005/06	Craigavon Sports Advisory Council Craigavon Borough Council Lakeview Road Craigavon BT64 1AL	Health and Physical Activity Programme and Sports Education Courses.	10,503.00
2006/07	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	1,914.00
2006/07	Portadown FC Shamrock Park Brownstown Road Portadown BT62 3PZ	Safety Management	3,081.00

Foras na Gaeilge

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide a timescale within which approval will be given to Foras na Gaeilge to proceed with the filling of 12 key posts outlined in a revised staffing submission in autumn 2007.

(AQW 2057/08)

Mr E Poots: It was agreed at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Language Sectoral Meeting on 26 October 2007 that a Working Group would be established with representatives from Foras na Gaeilge and the two Sponsor Departments to reach agreement on the staffing submission from Foras na Gaeilge, to quantify the financial implications in 2008 year and subsequent financial years. It was also agreed that the Working Group should seek to progress agreement on a number of key posts identified in the submission which can be met from existing financial allocations in the shortest possible timeframe. A further submission outlining 12 key posts was received by the Sponsor Departments from Foras na Gaeilge on 31 October 2007. This is currently being considered by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and the Department of Finance in Dublin.

FIFA Eligibility Proposal

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the steps he is taking to assist the Irish Football Association to address the recent eligibility proposal outlined by FIFA.

(AQW 2064/08)

Mr E Poots: Since FIFA wrote to the Irish Football Association on this matter, I have met with the Association’s Chief Executive, Howard Wells, to express my deep dissatisfaction with the proposal of the FIFA Legal Committee. I have also written to FIFA urging them to review their recommendation as a matter of urgency and to stand by their long standing principle that only players born within the territory of an Association, and holding appropriate citizenship, should be able to play for its international team.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) those events which caused the Northern Ireland Events Company to overspend its budget; and (ii) who authorised payment in relation to these events.

(AQW 2127/08)

Mr E Poots: Detailed investigations into the causes of the Northern Ireland Events Company’s budget overspend are continuing. Details of the events on which the Company’s budget was overspent and information on authorisation of payments relating to these events will be available when these investigations have been concluded.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to (i) detail the corporate sponsorship agreements for the Northern Ireland Events Company that were expected, but did not materialise; and (ii) outline who authorised the Northern Ireland Events Company to proceed with payments in the absence of such sponsorship.

(AQW 2129/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company’s corporate sponsorship arrangements and authorisation of payments are matters for the Company’s Board.

Implementation of Creative Industries Workshop Report (2006)

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail what steps have been taken to implement the Creative Industries Workshop Report (2006), particularly in relation to promoting and streamlining the creative industries.

(AQW 2187/08)

Mr E Poots: As a result of the Creative Industries Workshop Report, a Creative Industries Working Group was established. This is led by DCAL with representatives from DETI, Invest NI, DEL, NESTA, Belfast City Council, University of Ulster and the Sector Skills Councils. The Group is working on mapping the support available to creative industries from public bodies and identifying strengths, weaknesses and gaps in provision.

DCAL and Belfast City Council commissioned research to profile the creative industry sector in Belfast and across Northern Ireland and a draft report has just been completed. This will inform policy development on the creative industries.

DCAL is also pursuing the possibility of securing funding from the Innovation Fund to establish a Creative Industries Seed Fund. This Fund is proposed to provide a range of help and support to emerging creative businesses.

DETI and Invest NI have been working with the Special EU Programmes Body to develop a creative industries support programme under Interreg IV. The development of this programme will help to ensure a more strategic approach to the development of creative industries.

In relation to promoting the creative industries, the Shifting Brilliances Conference took place in September 2006 to address the issues surrounding TV drama production in Northern Ireland.

DCAL is also planning to engage with various sub-sectors of the creative industries to address issues specific to those business areas.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) all amounts being spent by his department on children and young people; and (ii) the services on which these monies are being spent.

(AQW 2271/08)

Mr E Poots: Details of all amounts being spent by my department on children and young people and the services on which these monies are being spent are as follows:

Function	Services	2007/08
Arts	Arts Council-Youth ArtsCreative Youth PartnershipsLottery Project Funding	£433,040
	Northern Ireland Screen -Creative Learning CentresCinemagic Film FestivalCreative Youth Partnerships	£960,000
Museums	Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Skills and Science	£300,000
Museums	W5 Skills and ScienceRenewing Communities- Sound and Vision	£1,050,000
Library Service	Public Library Service	£10.8m
Language	Ulster Scots AgencySummer SchoolsAfter-schools clubsFinancial Assistance Scheme GrantsBlue Eagles Production Theatre for Schools	£778,375
	Foras na GaeilgePre school Altram Summer schoolsYouth ClubsFamily clubs for parents which children in Irish speaking schoolsReturn to Education programmes with DEL	£245,676
Sports	34 governing bodies of sport36 community/voluntary organisations10 district councils3 Education & Library BoardsDisability Sport Northern IrelandNSPCC-Child Protection in Sport UnitCountryside Access & Activities NetworkTollymore Mountain Centre	£ 10,390,643

The key actions my Department will take to deliver on the aims of the 10-year strategy are outlined in the Children and Young Peoples Action Plan 2007- 08.

Sport Northern Ireland will have an important role in the delivery of the sports strategy for Northern Ireland. The funding allocation to sport in the draft Budget 2008/2011 will help to ensure that a start can be made on implementing the 10-year sports strategy and consequently on the commitments relating to sport in the Children & Young People Strategy. However, full implementation also depends on the willingness and ability of all stakeholders to contribute to its delivery.

The draft budget has set a challenging target for the Public Library Service and there are therefore some uncertainties about the future services Libraries will be able to offer Children and Young People. Likewise, until the draft budget is finalised there are uncertainties around the future of the Creative Youth Partnership (CYP) initiative.

All other departmental commitments will be implemented.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not he will implement all the commitments by his department included in the ten year Children's Strategy.

(AQW 2273/08)

Mr E Poots: Details of all amounts being spent by my department on children and young people and the services on which these monies are being spent are as follows:

Function	Services	2007/08
Arts	Arts Council- Youth Arts Creative Youth Partnerships Lottery Project Funding	£433,040
	Northern Ireland Screen - Creative Learning Centres Cinemagic Film Festival Creative Youth Partnerships	£960,000
Museums	Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Skills and Science	£300,000
Museums	W5 Skills and Science Renewing Communities- Sound and Vision	£1,050,000
Library Service	Public Library Service	£10.8m
Language	Ulster Scots Agency Summer Schools After-schools clubs Financial Assistance Scheme Grants Blue Eagles Production Theatre for Schools	£778,375
	Foras na Gaeilge Pre school Altram Summer schools Youth Clubs Family clubs for parents which children in Irish speaking schools Return to Education programmes with DEL	£245,676
Sports	34 governing bodies of sport 36 community/voluntary organisations 10 district councils 3 Education & Library Boards Disability Sport Northern Ireland NSPCC-Child Protection in Sport Unit Countryside Access & Activities Network Tollymore Mountain Centre	£ 10,390,643

The key actions my Department will take to deliver on the aims of the 10-year strategy are outlined in the Children and Young Peoples Action Plan 2007- 08.

All other departmental commitments will be implemented.

2008 European Union Year of Inter-Cultural Dialogue

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the plans for Northern Ireland to participate in the 2008 European Union Year of Inter-Cultural Dialogue.

(AQW 2305/08)

Mr E Poots: At this stage DCAL has no formal plans to participate in the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the reasons for the visit of auditors to the offices of the Northern Ireland Events Company for a period of three days, and then for a further period of five days, during the 2006/2007 financial year.

(AQW 2410/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department did not commission any audit work in relation to the Northern Ireland Events Company during the 2006/2007 financial year.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office visited the Northern Ireland Events Company on a number of occasions as part of its work in producing a report entitled ‘Hospitality Association of Northern Ireland: A Case Study in Financial Controls and Public Appointments’. Some of these visits occurred in the 2006/2007 financial year.

The Company’s accountants also visited its premises during 2006/2007 to carry out fieldwork on the audit of accounts.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not (i) the Northern Ireland Events Company contracted into events after 20 September 2007; (ii) these events will now take place; and (iii) there will be any financial penalties in not proceeding with these events.

(AQW 2411/08)

Mr E Poots: Since 20 September 2007 the Northern Ireland Events Company has contracted into one event. This is the Tennis Legends event to be held over four days in February 2008. It is expected that this event will now take place.

The issue of potential financial penalties if NIEC commitments, including Tennis Legends 2008, are not met is a matter which is currently being considered under the investigation, commissioned by the Department, to verify creditors and potential liabilities. I will report back to the House at the earliest opportunity once this investigation has been completed.

Cantonese and Mandarin Translations

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the guidance given by his department on translations by Government departments into Cantonese and Mandarin; and what is his assessment of the need for separate translations into each of these languages.

(AQW 2441/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department is responsible for providing a quality assured Irish Language Translation service for all Government Departments in Northern Ireland. Guidance on this service issued in 2004.

As a matter of courtesy my Department also facilitates translations in other languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. However this is not a formal arrangement and there are currently no proposals to extend this service. It is not compulsory that Departments use this service, nor is it quality assured. Each Government Department is free to source and assess its own translations into languages other than Irish.

Health and Safety at Football Stadia

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1875/08, to confirm whether or not funding is available to improve health and safety at football stadia.

(AQW 2443/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding. Over the past three years, SNI has been running a stadia safety programme, the purpose of which is to assist owners of major sports grounds, including football stadia, to improve health and safety at their venues. Up to the end of March 2007, Sport NI has made offers of awards under this programme, worth a total of £3,071,636.00 to football clubs to help them improve health and safety at their stadia.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline (i) the date on which he was made aware of discrepancies in Pay As You Earn, National Insurance, and Value Added Tax payments at the Northern Ireland Events Company; and (ii) what action was undertaken by officials to address the matter.

(AQW 2449/08)

Mr E Poots: On 20 September 2007, the Acting Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Events Company advised the Department that the Company had incurred a significant financial deficit. I have commissioned an independent comprehensive review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company. This will include an examination of the circumstances surrounding any financial discrepancies within the Company. I will report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the extent of the overspend by the Northern Ireland Events Company at the end of the 2005/2006 financial year; and to outline what action was taken by officials as a result of that overspend.

(AQW 2452/08)

Mr E Poots: In my statement to the Assembly on 26 November 2007, I said that I was commissioning an independent review of all the circumstances surrounding the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company and that I would report back to the House at the earliest opportunity on the findings of this review.

I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail when, and how, he was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not he had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2476/08)

Mr E Poots: I first became aware of the Ministerial Statement by the Education Minister when I saw it on the Indicative Timings for Assembly Business on the morning of 4th December 2007. My Private Office received the text of the statement by email at 10:51am on Tuesday 4^th December 2007. As I was already in the Assembly chamber from 10:30am to 11:30am making a statement on the Community Festivals Fund, I did not receive this until 11:30am when the Education Minister had begun her statement. I had no discussions with the Minister for Education on the subject matter of her statement before it was issued.

Building Projects at Ravenhill Rugby Ground

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the amount of public money paid to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union for building projects at Ravenhill; (ii) the date each project was undertaken; (iii) the companies involved, and the amount of money each received; and (iv) any conditions that were attached to these projects.

(AQW 2483/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland including the distribution of funding. The table below details the exchequer funding provided to the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) over the past 5 financial years, and the main contractors in each case:-

Year	Amount	Date of SNI Offer	Main Contractor
02 / 03	£72,622.59	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
03 / 04	£17,377.41	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
04 / 05	£17,377.41	11 / 06 / 02	Design & Construct
05 / 06	Nil
06 / 07	£284,068.67	04 / 10 / 05	William Dowling Ltd

All of these projects were required to satisfy accountability and value for money requirements of public funding.

Library Provision in Newtownards

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to provide an update on progress in relation to the provision of a new library in Newtownards.

(AQW 2547/08)

Mr E Poots: The South Eastern Education and Library Board submitted a draft Economic Appraisal to the Department in June 2007. The Department has considered the submission and recently responded with comments on the Appraisal together with an offer to meet Board officials to discuss the content of the Appraisal.

Waterways Ireland

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure committed to Waterways Ireland in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2550/08)

Mr E Poots: The expenditure committed to Waterways Ireland in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established is as follows:

2000/1 £’000	2001/2 £’000	2002/3 £’000	2003/4 £’000	2004/5 £’000	2005/6 £’000	2006/7 £’000	2007/08 £’000
1,300	1,931	2,330	3,154	4,557	3,503	5,783	*8,300

*Grant of £8.3m committed to WI in the block grant for the period April 2007 to March 2008, subject to final outturn.

Increased expenditure in 2006/7 and 2007/8 reflects increases in capital costs and works on the new WI Headquarters in Enniskillen. The building is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2008.

In the Building a Better Future Draft Budget 2008-11 published on 25 October 2007, Waterways Ireland’s draft indicative budget for 2008/09 is £7.298m.

North/South Language Bodies

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the expenditure committed to North/South Language Bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since they were established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2552/08)

Mr E Poots: The amount of expenditure committed to the North/South Language Bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since they were established is shown on the table overleaf:

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
North/ South Language Body	£2.303m	£3.5m	£3.71m	£4.005m	£4.561m	£4.599m	£5.095m	£5.439m
Ulster-Scots Agency	£0.5m	£0.97m	£1.07m	£1.155m	£1.337m	£1.357m	£1.61m	£1.931m
Foras na Gaeilge	£1.803m	£2.53m	£2.64m	£2.85m	£3.224m	£3.242m	£4.934m	£3.508m

The proposed expenditure for the North/South Language bodies in the Northern Ireland block grant for 2008/2009 as outlined in the draft budget is £6.277m.; approximately £2.65m for the Ulster-Scots Agency and £3.6m for Foras na Gaeilge. The draft budget is currently out for consultation. The consultation period ends on 4^th January 2008.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not any future event already planned by the Northern Ireland Events Company will still go ahead.

(AQW 2599/08)

Mr E Poots: My Department’s aim is to ensure that contractual commitments are honoured to ensure that Northern Ireland’s reputation for hosting events is preserved.

Currently the number and nature of NIEC’s commitments to events is being investigated. Once this information is available, we will be examining carefully the commitments made by the Company to host events in future years, to ensure they represent Northern Ireland’s best interests and value for money.

Motorcycle Road Racing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answers to AQW 447/08 and 448/08, to detail the reasons for the fall in financial support for motorcycle road racing in the last two years.

(AQW 2600/08)

Mr E Poots: Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of financial assistance to sports organisations. Over the past number of years, SNI has been providing funding to assist motorcycle road race organisers implement the recommendations of a Taskforce, established by the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland, to examine safety issues within the sport. Funding has been reducing as these recommendations have been implemented.

Irish Football Association

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what discussions he has had with the Irish Football Association in relation (a) to reviewing its decision not to reduce the size of its governing committee to ten; and (b) to securing the proposed funding of £5 million.

(AQW 2619/08)

Mr E Poots: The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) is currently in discussion with both Sport Northern Ireland (SNI), which is responsible for the development of sport including the distribution of funding, and the Irish Football Association (IFA) about the implications of the Association’s recent decision not to move to a more competence based and stream-lined governing committee. As part of that process, DCAL and SNI have asked the IFA to re-visit this decision in order to ensure that funding under the Soccer Strategy can continue to be released.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what employer obligations his department has in relation to staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2628/08)

Mr E Poots: My department has no employer obligations in relation to staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company will be given the option of transferring to other government agencies and bodies.

(AQW 2629/08)

Mr E Poots: I am giving urgent consideration to the most appropriate arrangements for the effective delivery of the events function and this will include consideration of the staff currently employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company. Several options are being pursued, but I cannot comment further at this stage.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the number of staff employed by the Northern Ireland Events Company, broken down by grade.

(AQW 2630/08)

Mr E Poots: I am informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that it currently employs seven staff. These staff are not civil servants, and are employed on contract by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

However, their equivalent levels to Civil Service Grades are:

One Grade 6
One Deputy Principal
One Executive Officer Grade 1
Four Executive Officers Grade 2

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to confirm whether or not the Northern Ireland Events Company entered into a contract, after 20 September 2007, to host the FIM Motocross of Nations in September 2008; and to detail (a) the amount of money involved in the contract; (b) whether the contract will be honoured; and (c) the financial penalties that will be incurred if the contract is not honoured.

(AQW 2651/08)

Mr E Poots: I have been informed by the Northern Ireland Events Company that they entered into a contract, on 12 September 2007, with Youthstream (the event rights holder) to host the FIM Motocross of Nations in September 2008. The value of this contract is €550,000.

FIM in association with Youthstream, announced on 13 December 2007, following an inspection of the proposed venue, that the 2008 Motocross of Nations would not take place in Northern Ireland.

I also understand from the Company that, in the light of the withdrawal of FIM and Youthstream, the issue of financial penalties is currently being considered and is with the Company’s legal advisers.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure when the forensic audit of the Northern Ireland Events Company finances will be completed; and what plans he has to report to the Assembly on this matter.

(AQW 2652/08)

Mr E Poots: It is currently expected that the comprehensive independent review of all the circumstances surrounding the Northern Ireland Events Company’s finances will be completed by the end of February 2008. I will report to the Assembly on the findings of this review as soon as is practicable after it is completed.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure whether or not the Northern Ireland Events Company owns any (i) buildings; (ii) land; or (iii) high value capital assets.

(AQW 2654/08)

Mr E Poots: The Northern Ireland Events Company does not own any buildings or land. It does not own any capital assets beyond those required for a normal administration function.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail the total deficit for (i) 2005-06; and (ii) 2006-07, of the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2682/08)

I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2129/08, whether or not he will seek the requested information from the Company's Board; and to (i) outline a timeframe for this action; or (ii) provide reasons why he will not seek this information.

(AQW 2683/08)

Current expectations are that the review will be completed by the end of February 2008. I am sure the member will agree that it would be inappropriate for me to comment further until this review is complete.

Foras na Gaeilge

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2067/08, to detail progress made regarding (i) 12 Foras na Gaeilge posts outlined in the Foras submission to his department on 31 October 2007; and (ii) the staffing submission from Foras na Gaeilge of February 2007.

(AQW 2702/08)

Mr E Poots: Further to my answer to your previous question AQW 2057/08 the submission from Foras na Gaeilge relating to the 12 key posts in the organization has been received by the sponsor Departments and is still under consideration as additional information is being sought on two posts to be based in the Belfast office. Once the information is received approval of the posts will also have to be given by the respective Finance Ministers North and South.

Creative Learning Centres

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what funding will be made available for the continuation of creative learning centres, such as the Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry.

(AQW 2706/08)

Mr E Poots: Based on the Draft Budget published on 25 October 2007, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure will allocate a total of £400,000 per annum over the next three years to the three creative learning centres, the Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry, Studio ON, Crossnacreevy and the AmmA Centre, Armagh.

EDUCATION

Nursery Schools in Ballymena

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to list the nursery schools in Ballymena that are failing to fill all available places on first preferences.

(AQW 689/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): Ballymena Nursery School was undersubscribed at first preference applications. Dunclug Nursery School was undersubscribed at first preference in respect of part-time places applications.

The nursery unit at Harryville Primary School was also undersubscribed at first preference applications.

Funding for Catholic Schools

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education what assurances she will give that no alterations will be made to the funding for Catholic schools, following the Minister of Finance and Personnel's comments on the Cost of Division report, in his statement on the Draft Budget 2008-2011.

(AQW 1326/08)

Ms C Ruane: All grant-aided schools are funded under a single Common Funding Scheme on the basis of identified needs. There are no plans to fund schools from one sector any differently than another.

Telecommunications Mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on concerns expressed by parents, teachers and staff of St. Ronan's Primary School, Newry High School, the Sacred Heart Grammar School and the Abbey Grammar School, currently under construction, in relation to additional equipment being added to the existing telecommunications mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry.

(AQW 1395/08)

Ms C Ruane: I appreciate that the siting of mobile phone / telecommunication masts and equipment on or near school premises can be a cause for concern for parents and schools and I also have concerns that this particular mast is located near schools.

I understand that the planning application went before Newry and Mourne District Council on 8 November with an opinion to approve. I am informed that the Council disagreed with this opinion and have referred the application to the Planning Service Management Board who will now assess the application before making a final decision. Ultimately, however, the provision of additional equipment to the mast at Ashgrove Road, Newry is a matter for the Planning Service and not one in which I can intervene.

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail whether or not her department and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment consider (i) the absence of new additional genetic information in an organism that was not present in the parent population; and (ii) the absence of any evolutionary mechanism which causes genetic information to arise naturally from matter, to be (a) evidence based; or (b) belief.

(AQW 1631/08)

Ms C Ruane: I refer you to my previous answers to you to AQWs 1471/08, 1507/08, 1509/08, 1514/08 and also my answers to AQWs 1472/08, 1477/08 and 1479/08 to David Simpson, the Member for Upper Bann, published in the Official Record on 23 November 2007, where I clearly set out the position.

My focus is not on joining debates that continue within the science and religious communities on such matters but on supporting the education of all our young people across all areas of the curriculum.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children living in West Belfast who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder; and what special educational needs provisions are available within schools in West Belfast for children with this condition.

(AQW 1638/08)

Ms C Ruane: The diagnosis of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS). I have been informed by the Minister for DHSSPS that the total number of children living in west Belfast who have been diagnosed with ASD is not held. However DHSSPS has advised that since January 2007, 31 children living in west Belfast have been diagnosed with ASD.

Children with ASD are educated in a range of settings both mainstream and special school across the education sector, their placement being determined by reference to the pupil’s identified special educational needs and the exercise of parental choice.

Provision available within schools in west Belfast for children with ASD can include:-

The annual Transition support programme for parents, teachers and children at transfer from nursery to year 1 and from year 7 to year 8 provided by the Belfast Education and Library (BELB);
Assessment by an educational psychologist in liaison with Health and Social Care professionals;
Schools visits/assessments by the BELB ASD Service and provision of written recommendations which are then incorporated into the child’s education plan and implemented by the class teacher/school staff;
Reviews of these recommendations by the BELB ASD Service on request by school;
In more complex cases the BELB ASD Service can provide an ASD trained adult assistant for the child;
In the most complex cases a statutory assessment may ultimately lead to a statement of special educational needs.

Procurement Service Offered by Education and Library Boards

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to outline the means through which Education and Library Boards provide a procurement service to other public sector bodies; and to list the bodies to which it offers this service.

(AQW 1683/08)

Ms C Ruane: Procurement policy requires Departments and other public bodies to carry out their procurement activities by means of a relevant Centre of Procurement Expertise. Education and Library Boards are designated a Centre of Procurement Expertise and as such may perform procurements on behalf of other public sector bodies.

	Type of Service	Public Body	Method/Means
SELB	Goods and Services:- Invitation to Tender, Evaluation, Contract Award, Advice & Support as required plus Standing Contract schedules	Southern Regional College Armagh Planetarium Armagh Observatory	Service Level Agreement " "
	Goods and Services:- Invitation to Tender, Evaluation, Contract Award, Contract Management (34 contracts) As above for Copier Paper	Belfast ELB North Eastern ELB South Eastern ELB Western ELB As above plus CSA/RSS, PSNI, OFMDFM, DSD,DETI, DE, DEL, DARD, DoE, DRD, DFP, DHSS, DCAL, NI Assembly Commission, NI Assembly, NIO, Court Service, Housing Executive, Water Service, plus all agencies & NDPBs of the above	Joint Board Arrangements " " " CPD collaborative arrangements
	Goods and Services:- Standing Contract Schedules and advice	11 Voluntary Grammar Schools in SELB area	Service Level Agreement
	Buildings Maintenance service and advice	Southern Regional College	Management Fee
BELB	Procurement services	CCEA	Service Level Agreement
SEELB	Procurement services	NILGOSC	Service Level Agreement
WELB	General procurement services	South West Regional College	Management fee
NEELB	Standing Contract Schedules	Voluntary Grammar Schools and GMI schools within area	No income accrues to the NEELB from the provision of these services

North Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail all procurement policies to which the North Eastern Education and Library Board is required to adhere.

(AQW 1684/08)

Ms C Ruane: The NEELB's procurement policies reflect the public procurement policy adopted by the Executive in the north of Ireland in May 2002 and the Procurement Policy Guidelines as issued by the Procurement Board. The NEELB should also comply with any relevant EU or other international procurement rules.

North Eastern Education and Library Board Procurement Exercises

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education, in relation to procurement exercises carried out by the North Eastern Education and Library Board, to detail whether or not Education and Library Boards can be added to the contract after it is drawn up.

(AQW 1713/08)

Ms C Ruane: It has been assumed that this question relates to capital procurement exercises. The North Eastern Education and Library Board have commented that their building contracts relate to specific projects within the areas of maintenance, minor works and major works. Other Boards could not be added to such contracts since they have been awarded on tenders priced on specifications relating to particular projects.

North Eastern Education and Library Board Procurement

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to detail the major procurements within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area in 2004; 2005; 2006 and 2007 that did not involve tendering.

(AQW 1720/08)

Ms C Ruane: It has been assumed that major procurement refers to building projects over £300K. There were no major procurements within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area that did not involve tendering in the years 2004 to 2007.

School Funding

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail the funding per pupil, as outlined in the draft Budget, in (i) the controlled primary sector; (ii) the controlled secondary sector; (iii) the maintained primary sector; (iv) the maintained secondary sector; (v) the integrated primary sector; and (vi) the integrated secondary sector, for the current financial year; and for 2008/09.

(AQW 1725/08)

Ms C Ruane: The figures shown in the table below set out the average funding per pupil allocations made available to schools in the current financial year under the Local Management of Schools Common Funding Formula and the Children and Young People Funding Package, specifically for school budgets. Figures exclude capital funding, other initiative funding made available outside of delegated funding arrangements, and services and support provided by Education & Library Boards on behalf of all schools in their area, which are not allocated at individual school level.

Sector	Per Capita (4)
Controlled Primary Schools (1)	£2,502
Controlled Secondary Schools (2) (3)	£3,806
Maintained Primary Schools	£2,576
Maintained Secondary Schools	£3,977
Grant-Maintained Integrated Primary Schools	£2,701
Grant-Maintained Integrated Secondary Schools	£4,180
Notes:
1. Includes Controlled Integrated Primary Schools
2. Includes Controlled Integrated Secondary & Controlled Grammar Schools
3. Includes Preparatory Pupils in Controlled Grammar Schools
4. Funding distributed in 2007/08 includes the funding allocated directly to schools from the Children & Young People Funding Package.

The higher per pupil funding received by grant-maintained integrated (GMI) schools reflects the additional spending responsibilities carried by these schools in respect of the payment of VAT costs, landlord maintenance expenditure and the administration costs associated with the running of their schools. The Education and Library Boards meet these additional spending responsibilities centrally for their controlled and maintained schools.

Specific factors have been introduced within the common funding formula to assist individual GMI schools meet these costs.

I am currently considering the detailed implications for Education services of the draft Budget 2008/09 proposals for Education. However, it will not be possible to finalise or confirm allocations for specific services until final Budget allocations for departments are determined.

Magherafelt Nursery School

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the start date of the new build for Magherafelt Nursery School.

(AQW 1868/08)

Ms C Ruane: Planning for the new school building for Magherafelt Nursery School is being taken forward in conjunction with the new replacement school for Magherafelt Primary School and the project is currently at pre-tender stage. Both schools are to be sited on the former RIR site at Castledawson Road, Magherafelt. Subject to the NEELB’s acquisition of this site and planning approval being granted, it is expected that work on the construction of the new nursery school should start in Spring 2008.

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to give a timeframe within which she intends to remove control from the Commissioners appointed in July 2006 and restore powers to the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 1883/08)

Ms C Ruane: In the interests of local accountability it would be appropriate that the members of the SEELB Board should resume their former responsibilities. However, it is essential to ensure that there would be no return to the difficulties which the Commissioners inherited when they were appointed in July 2006 and that the stability which has since been achieved is sustained. A necessary first step must therefore be to confirm the readiness of Board members to take up their former responsibilities and to deliver those effectively.

School Admissions in Border Areas

Mr S Gardiner asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to recover costs from the Department of Education and Science in the Republic of Ireland in relation to children from that jurisdiction who are being educated in schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1975/08)

Ms C Ruane: I believe that children in border areas should be able to attend their nearest school. The current obligation on schools to give priority in their admissions criteria to children resident in the North before those not so resident may be incompatible with EU law and it is my intention to change it. In progressing this change I wish to work in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science in the South. Such work will include the consideration of the most appropriate arrangements to facilitate education for children in border areas.

School Resource Audit

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what action she has taken to establish an audit of resources across all Northern Ireland schools, for the purpose of sharing these resources.

(AQW 1977/08)

Ms C Ruane: No action has been planned to date to undertake such an audit. It is important that education authorities do explore possibility for sharing of resources which can lead to improved educational experiences for children, and improved use of educational resources. A new Education and Skills Authority, undertaking an area-based planning approach, would consider how the educational needs of an area should best be addressed, including the possibilities for sharing of resources.

Schools Careers Service

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail what qualitative improvements she has planned for the schools careers service across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1979/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department for Employment and Learning has direct responsibility for the Careers Service, and the support it provides to schools. It has been working closely with my Department to formulate a coherent all age strategy for careers and, together, the two Departments launched a draft Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) strategy for consultation on the 22^nd October 2007.

I want to see high quality provision of careers education in schools supported by the provision of impartial careers advice and guidance. The strategy therefore proposes the introduction of a guide that will address the current gaps in careers education and providing an effective, evidence-based framework for the provision of careers education, information, advice and guidance in schools. It also proposes the introduction of new quality assurance indicators which will include a specific focus on careers education in schools. Further work to introduce these and other improvements will be informed by the responses to the consultation currently underway and will be confirmed in a revised version of the strategy which will be brought to the Assembly in due course.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to ensure that equal standards apply to the provision of Teaching English as a Foreign Language across Northern Ireland.

(AQW 1980/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department plans in early 2008 to launch the English as an additional language (EAL) policy in all schools. To prepare the way for the policy to be applied consistently, the five Education and Library Boards set up a single regional Inclusion and Diversity Service in April 2007. This new service brought together services across the five education and library boards in relation to the education of all children and young people whose first language is not English.

Since being established, the Inclusion and Diversity Service has set up a number of new services: interpreting, translating and a multi-lingual website for teachers and parents. These are available to all schools in the North of Ireland that require support with the teaching of English as an additional language.

In addition, a North/South toolkit for primary school teachers was launched on 10 December 2007 by myself and Conor Lenihan.

Schools receive direct funding to support EAL children and young people (£943 per EAL pupil). Schools will further benefit from additional support in January 2008, when the Inclusion and Diversity Service begins a new initiative to place diversity coordinators in clusters of schools. This initiative will facilitate capacity building by working with all schools on whole school and classroom issues, which will include language support.

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1471/08, what professional advice she has received from the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments in relation to the criteria available to teachers to assess whether or not data; phenomena; experimental observations; laws of physics; biological organs, behaviours, functions or attributes, are to be regarded as either 'evidence based' or 'faith based'.

(AQW 1991/08)

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answers to AQW 1509/08 and AQW 1514/08, to detail whether or not teachers who do not wish to mention faith in God in science classes, but who wish to allow pupils access to scientific data that points to (i) an alternative scientific explanation of the origin and development of life on earth; and (ii) a relatively young age for the earth, may do so without any need to introduce elements of faith into science classes.

(AQW 1992/08)

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answers to AQW 1471/08, AQW 1507/08, AQW 1509/08 and AQW 1514/08, to detail the reasons why she introduced a 'belief' based approach to the teaching of scientific explanations of the origin and development of life on earth into responses to Assembly questions that explicitly referred to scientific data.

(AQW 1993/08)

Ministerial Meetings

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of meetings she has held with the Education Minister for (a) Scotland; (b) Wales; (c) the United Kingdom Government; (d) the Republic of Ireland; and (e) Education Ministers from outside the British Isles.

(AQW 2003/08)

Ms C Ruane: To date, I have not held meetings with Education Ministers in Wales and Britain. I have attended a number of events with Mary Hanafin and met with her under the auspices of NSMC. I also met with the Education Minister for Scotland on 12 December.

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1507/08, to detail whether or not teachers who wish to use the flexibility of the revised curriculum to exercise their professional judgement about which scientific explanations of the origin and development of life on earth to teach in science class, must first approach the Board of Governors of the school, or if they can adopt such teaching practices without recourse to the Board of Governors.

(AQW 2012/08)

School Transfer Process

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail how she intends to manage the school transfer process between primary and post-primary schools in 2008.

(AQW 2017/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current arrangements will apply for transfer between primary and post-primary education in 2008. Children will sit the Transfer Test for the final time in 2008 for transfer in 2009, with new arrangements in place to facilitate transfer from September 2010 onwards.

A Level Provision

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail what communication she has had with her counterparts in England over the development of new diplomas to replace the existing A-level provision.

(AQW 2018/08)

Ms C Ruane: My officials have been keeping in touch with their counterparts in the Department for Children, Schools and Families in relation to the introduction of new Diplomas in England. While currently I have no plans to introduce new qualifications for post-16 pupils here, it is my view that A levels can be seen to encourage pupils to specialise too early. I would, therefore, be keen to consider other options and look at emerging models not just in England but also, for example, the Leaving Certificate model in the South and the developments in Wales.

The Leaving Certificate, the new multi component (overarching) Diplomas in England and the Welsh Baccalaureate all are designed to broaden provision for 16-19 year-old pupils, something that I think carries much merit.

New Teachers

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline (i) what steps she has taken to evaluate the number and specialism of new teachers required by schools, over the next five years; and (ii) what communication she has had with her colleague, the Minister for Employment and Learning, on this matter.

(AQW 2020/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department evaluates regularly the number and specialism of new teachers needed in schools and determines the number of students to be admitted each year to initial teacher education (ITE) courses through the Teacher Demand Model. This uses information on projected pupil enrolments; teacher wastage rates; pupil teacher ratios, and wastage rates from the ITE courses to provide a projection of teacher vacancies arising in future years and the consequent requirements for intakes into ITE courses. The number of students admitted to ITE courses has been systematically reduced over the last three years and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future in light of the demographic downturn.

Additionally, we now require schools to submit an annual return indicating their teaching vacancies by subject. This will provide additional information on the employment practices adopted by employers to address vacancies and subject shortages.

My Department is in regular contact with the Department for Employment and Learning on this matter, including in the context of a wider review of teacher education that is being taken forward, and I expect to have a further discussion with the Minister for Employment and Learning soon.

School Management

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to give her assessment of the separation of how the administrative and educational functions in school management might allow a greater emphasis to be placed on academic leadership and educational professionalism by school heads.

(AQW 2021/08)

Ms C Ruane: In my statement to the Assembly on 24 September, I referred to the need for a review of the planning and management of the education workforce in our schools. Such a review should examine the roles and responsibilities of all the main staffing groups in our schools and seek to maximise the contribution of each, so that pupils in our schools get the benefit of the skills and expertise which they each bring. I am conscious of the administrative burden on schools with the result that teachers and head teachers, may have to devote more time to this, and to budget management issues, than is desirable. The proposed review presents an opportunity to determine how best school heads may be assisted in discharging their roles in relation to the administrative functions within schools thus allowing an increased focus to be placed on academic leadership and greater professionalism.

Reponse to MLA Queries

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail the timescale for responding, in full, to a query to her department from a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

(AQW 2025/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education endeavours to respond to postal or e-mailed queries from members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) within 10 working days of the receipt of the correspondence. This is in accordance with civil service-wide practice.

Telephone or other verbal queries from MLAs are dealt with as quickly as is practicable.

Creationism

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1471/08, to indicate her reasons for failing to say whether or not scientific evidence, that points to an alternative scientific explanation for the origin and development of life on earth, other than Darwinian evolution, is classified by (i) her department; and (ii) CCEA as 'evidence based' or 'faith'; and if she will now do so.

(AQW 2027/08)

Transfer Test

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of years for which the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has prepared, in advance, transfer tests for pupils in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2029/08)

Ms C Ruane: CCEA have had responsibility for preparing the Transfer Tests in their current form since 1995. Prior to 1995 the Department of Education had direct responsibility for the preparation of the tests.

Employment and Equality Regulations

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline the current employment and equality regulations for (i) teaching staff; and (ii) non-teaching staff, in schools in each sector in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2030/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that the current employment and equality regulations for (i) teaching staff; and (ii) non-teaching staff in schools in each sector in the north of Ireland places statutory duties and obligations on the employer in terms of adhering to the legislation.

Fair Employment and Treatment Order (NI) Order 1998, as amended*

Sex Discrimination (NI) Order , as amended

Equal Pay Act (NI) 1970, as amended

Work and Families (NI) Order 2006

Race Relations (NI) Order 1997, as amended

Disability Discrimination Act 1995, as amended

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2003

Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2006

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (NI) 2006

Human Rights Act 1998

Disability Discrimination Order 2006, in October 2007 further provisions of the order came into force.

European directives, wider community legislation and international obligations also effect equality and/or employment regulations.

In addition specific obligations are imposed on public authorities, including the Education and Library Boards, in respect of the need to promote equality of opportunity and the desirability of promoting good relations under section 75 of the NI Act 1998. Schools are not currently designated under this legislation.

*Teachers Exemption

Since 1976 Teachers in Schools in the maintained primary sector have been exempted from monitoring on religious grounds but the exemption was narrowed to recruitment in 2003 when the European Directive on discrimination was enacted.

Senior Managerial Posts

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of (i) women; and (ii) men, who hold senior managerial posts in each division within her department.

(AQW 2055/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are currently 8 women and 10 men holding senior managerial posts in the Department of Education.

A breakdown by division is shown on the table below:

Division	Male	Female
Permanent Secretary of Department	1
Deputy Secretary	2
Development and Infrastructure	1
Strategy, Performance and Accountability	1
Finance		1
Corporate Services		1
Review of Public Administration	1
Policy, Research and Youth		1
Raising Standards		1
Equality, Inclusion and Pupil Support		1
Education and Training Inspectorate	2	3
ESA Implementation	2
TOTAL	10	8

Youth Service Provision

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail, broken down by education and library board, for each of the last five years (i) the total amount spent on youth service provision; and (ii) the percentage of the total budget of each board these amounts represented.

(AQW 2061/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below details the resource allocations made to each education and library board for each of the last five years. These figures do not include capital allocations, funding to projects through the Children & Young People Funding Package, and other short term funding initiatives such as Renewing Communities.

(i) Total amount spent by Boards on youth service provision

	2002/2003(£000’s)	2003/2004(£000’s)	2004/2005(£000’s)	2005/2006(£000’s)	2006/2007(£000’s)
BELB	4,087	4,305	4,622	4,238	4,475
NEELB	3,410	3,887	3,969	4,162	4,417
SEELB	3,324	3,714	4,153	4,080	3,989
SELB	3,211	4,136	4,248	4,652	4,985
WELB	3,320	3,604	3,580	3,700	3,770
Totals	17,352	19,646	20,572	20,832	21,636
Youth & Schools Total Budget	£1,114,516	£1,185,483	£1,211,723	£1,295,581	£1,336,417

(ii) Percentage of youth service provision on total budget

	2002/2003	2003/2004	2004/2005	2005/2006	2006/2007
BELB	0.4%(0.3667)	0.4%(0.3631)	0.4%(0.3814)	0.3%(0.3271)	0.3%(0.3349)
NEELB	0.3%(0.3059)	0.3%(0.3279)	0.3%(0.3276)	0.3%(0.3212)	0.3%(0.3305)
SEELB	0.3%(0.2983)	0.3%(0.3133)	0.3%(0.3427)	0.3%(0.3149)	0.3%(0.2985)
SELB	0.3%(0.2881)	0.3%(0.3489)	0.4%(0.3506)	0.4%(0.3591)	0.4%(0.3730)
WELB	0.3%(0.2979)	0.3%(0.3040)	0.3%(0.2954)	0.3%(0.2859)	0.3%(0.2821)
	1.6%(1.5569)	1.6%(1.6571)	1.7%(1.6977)	1.6%(1.6082)	1.6%(1.6190)

Youth Projects

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education to detail the youth projects funded by the Western Education and Library Board in the last five years.

(AQW 2063/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education allocated the Western Education and Library Boards funding to deliver the following youth projects in the last five years:

Controlled and Voluntary youth club activities

Outreach Centre Based Activities

Summer Schemes/Camps

Training and Development Courses

Summer Intervention Projects

Social Intervention Projects

Social Inclusion Projects

Youth Service Website Provision

Community Relations Projects

Total funding for these projects in the last five years is as follows:

2002/03 - £3,320m

2003/04 - £3,604m

2004/05 - £3,580m

2005/06 - £3,700m

2006/07 - £3.770m

Integrated Children's Services Beyond 2008

Ms D Purvis asked the Minister of Education to (i) outline the bid made by her department, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process, for the continuation of Integrated Children's Services beyond 2008; and (ii) confirm that monies for these services will be contained within the department's baseline budget when the department's final budget outcome for 2008-2011 is made known.[R]

(AQW 2088/08)

Ms C Ruane: In Budget 2007 a bid was submitted to continue funding for Integrated Children’s Services. Draft Budget proposals were published on 25 October, and I am currently considering the implications of these for Education budgets. Final decisions on the budgets for services, including Education, will not be taken until after the public consultation period, which ends on 4 January.

Answers to Assembly Questions

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to provide details of her department's performance in adhering to deadlines for responding, in full, to Assembly written, and Priority written, questions.

(AQW 2089/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information shown in the table below details my Department’s performance in responding to Priority written and Assembly written questions that were due for answer between 08 May and 27 November 2007.

	Number of Questions	Answered on Time	Answered Late	% Answered on Time
Priority AQWs	51	3	48	6
AQWs	557	263	294	47
Total	608	266	342	44

Comprehensive Schooling System

Mr A Ross asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the benefits and drawbacks of the comprehensive schooling system in England.

(AQW 2102/08)

Ms C Ruane: I consider the education system in England to be one which is relatively complex in terms of its structure, and like every other system of education, some schools are better than others.

There are 154 Local Education Authorities in England with schools of varying types. Of those comparable to our own system – some will outperform it, others will not. Comparisons with England do not permit one single, simple assessment – including the often quoted point that our system is "world class" when set alongside England’s.

While looking at what is available elsewhere can be informative my aim is to develop local arrangements that match provision to the educational interests of children here, provide our young people with important life skills and support the needs of the economy.

Autism

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education to detail the measures in place to ensure that the social welfare needs of autistic children are fully addressed in schools.

(AQW 2113/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are a range of measures in place to help meet the social welfare needs of children with autism in schools. These measures include Education and Library Board level, school level and individual level support services, as well as training for teachers, classroom assistants and parents. I will outline these measures below:

Board level support services

The Education and Library Boards provide support services for meeting the needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These support services typically involve providing support to pupils with ASDs and their schools; through training, giving advice to teachers and offering individual help for pupils.

Board level support services also work collaboratively with their respective Health and Social Care Trusts and voluntary organisations such as Autism NI. Through this collaborative working it has been possible to provide training to help address the social skills needs of individual children.

School level

Autism-specific classes have been established and are provided within some mainstream schools and most special schools. These provide an additional level of structure and intervention to assist the social skills development needs of children with ASD and co-occurring significant learning difficulties. Various social skills programmes are also available for pupils in these schools, for example, social skills groups and advice on setting up social support groups during lunchtimes in post primary schools.

Individual level

The assessment of pupils’ special educational needs through Stages 1-5 of the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs also enables their difficulties with social functioning to be identified and addressed by schools. A pupil’s statement of special educational need can also include provision for socially relevant competencies which can be used to direct the school’s educational planning for that pupil which may include provision of a classroom assistant.

Direct individual support is also provided in some areas to children at home as well as at school.

Training

Training is provided to schools to assist teachers and classroom assistants recognise the characteristics of ASD and the implications for teaching and learning, taking into account that the welfare needs, and specifically the social skills needs, of children and young people with ASD will vary widely. By increasing their understanding and promoting these skills, teachers and classroom assistants become much better at helping the children manage their social environments. Specifically, social skills training is provided for classroom assistants to enable them to assist children, in particular those transferring to post primary schools.

Training is also available for parents to help them identify and address the key life skills and welfare needs of their children. This training takes the form of ongoing programmes and one off workshops.

Statementing Process

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to simplify and shorten the statementing process.

(AQW 2114/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department commenced a review of special educational needs (SEN) and inclusion in April 2006 to address a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework, a key feature of which is the statementing process. I am presently giving consideration to draft policy proposals which have emerged from this review. Subject to my approval the draft policy proposals will be made available for public consultation in the usual manner.

Autism

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to develop training within schools in relation to autism.

(AQW 2115/08)

Ms C Ruane: Since the publication of the Task Group Report on Autism, DE has secured additional resources totalling some £7.5m to support positive measures in ASD. These include:

ASD-related training within the pre-school sector, to teachers, classroom assistants, playgroup leaders and assistants, qualified early years specialists and relevant ELB staff;
funding to ELBs to enable key staff to undertake accredited training in Applied Behavioural Analysis (£110k in 2005/06 and subsequently added to the block grant);
the formation, in 2003/04, of an Interboard ASD Group, which is helping to develop cross-Board training for ELB staff and schools in a range of ASD strategies and interventions.
the production of a range of school/parent resources to support positive interventions for children with ASD, issued to all schools, ELBs and ASD voluntary groups, as aids to teachers and classroom assistants and to provide information to parents. These include: complementary parent and teacher videos/ DVDs/CD-ROMs and guidance material on ASD, produced by DE on a North/South basis; "ASD a Guide to Classroom Practice"; "Evaluating Provision for Autism"; and "Opening the Spectrum", a resource pack produced on a cross-border basis.

The Department of Education and the Department of Education and Science in Dublin are also jointly taking forward the establishment of an all island Centre of Excellence for Children with ASD in Middletown, Co. Armagh which will provide a training and advisory service.

The Training and Advisory Service will provide training and advice for parents, professionals and support staff, throughout the island, North and South.

Parents of Children with Autism

Mr P Doherty asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to involve parents of children with autism in committee roles and planning education services.

(AQW 2116/08)

Ms C Ruane: In August and September 2007 two stakeholder consultations were held at the Middletown Centre for Autism to canvas opinion about the building and refurbishment project. Most of the representatives at these meetings were parents of autistic children and were able to contribute from direct experience.

The Middletown Centre for Autism is planning another extensive consultation exercise beginning in December 2007. This will include parents and those involved with children and young people with autism within the public, private and voluntary sectors. The purpose of this consultation is both to inform and invite comments regarding how the proposed services should be delivered by the Centre. The outcome of the consultation exercise will be to inform future developments at the Centre.

When the Centre begins to deliver services to children, it is the intention that a parent representative will be appointed to the board of Middletown Centre for Autism Limited.

The Cross Border School and Parent Community Partnership Programme, funded by the Peace II Extension and co-funded by the Departments of Education and the Department of Education and Science, commenced in September 2006 and will run to August 2008. This programme is focused on helping schools to educate parents in relation to autism, dyslexia and marginalised youth. An integral part of the programme is parental involvement and parents are asked for their evaluation of the programme as each stage is piloted.

Surestart Projects

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail the per capita spend on each Surestart project, since its inception.

(AQW 2120/08)

Ms C Ruane: Sure Start project funding is not allocated per capita, but is allocated according to the available budget, the areas requiring Sure Start coverage and the services that can be provided.

Ministerial Meetings

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of requests for meetings she has received from (a) individual members of the public; and (b) organisations, since assuming office; (ii) how many of these requests were granted; and (iii) how many requests were refused, and the reason(s) for this.

(AQW 2139/08)

Ms C Ruane: Since assuming office, I have received 7 requests for meetings from individual members of the public and 203 requests from organisations. 118 of these requests were granted and 92 refused; 41 were refused due to prior diary commitments, 6 were refused as negotiations regarding issues stated in the request were still ongoing, 35 refused were referred to other organisations such as the ELB’s, CCEA, CCMS as the issues stated fell under their remit rather than Department of Education, 9 were refused as the issues stated were already well advanced or already resolved and 1 was refused as it was to discuss a decision that had already been agreed by Maria Eagle, and I would not have been in a position to overturn that decision.

Hospitality Expenditure

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1480/08, to detail how her department maintains a record of (i) the amount of money spent on hospitality; and (ii) the number of functions for which hospitality expenditure is incurred.

(AQW 2142/08)

Ms C Ruane: Hospitality payments are recorded on the department’s Oracle accounting system. The original invoices are held on general payment files in order of payment date.

The actual number of functions for which hospitality is incurred is not recorded.

Hospitality Expenditure

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1480/08, to detail (i) whether or not expenditure on hospitality is included in any financial return; and (ii) the criteria to be met before hospitality expenditure is agreed.

(AQW 2143/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not collate a specific financial return in respect of hospitality. Expenditure on hospitality is recorded in the Department’s financial system as part of Departmental Running Costs (DRCs).

Guidance on the provision of hospitality is detailed in Office Circular 7 of 2006, Gifts and Hospitality, which follows the principles and guidelines set out by the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Departmental Expenditure on Alcohol

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1478/08, what plans she has to maintain a record of the amount of money spent by her department on alcohol.

(AQW 2144/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are no plans to maintain a record of the amount of money spent on alcohol.

New Transfer System

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what consideration her department has given to the safeguarding of academic selection in legislation when preparing a new transfer system for Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2149/08)

Ms C Ruane: The proposals that will be brought forward for future transfer arrangements will not simply replace one form of academic selection with another. They will instead offer all children equal access to a quality post-primary education in which the importance of informed decisions about educational and career pathways is recognised.

GCSE Grades

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of pupils in Northern Ireland who failed to gain a single GCSE at grade A* to C in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2150/08)

Ms C Ruane: The requested information is detailed in the table below:

Academic year	2001/02	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06
Percentage of year 12 pupils not achieving any GCSEs at grades A*-C	19	19	18	15	14

Accidents on School Buses

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children who have been (i) killed; and (ii) injured, in accidents on buses taking children to and from school, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2151/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Education and Library Boards (ELBs) and Translink have provided the following statistics with regard to accidents on dedicated school buses involving injury or fatality to pupils over the last five years:

	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Injury	45*	54*	19*	24*	18*
Fatality	0	0	0	0	0

* Figures not available for Privately Operated Services in the Belfast Board area.

Independent Schools' Counselling Service

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education if she will consider extending the current Independent Schools' Counselling Service to include the primary sector.

(AQW 2153/08)

Ms C Ruane: I recognise and accept the need for counselling by staff who have been appropriately trained and who are professionally supervised in all school sectors. I do not, however, currently have the resources within my Departmental budget to make such a service universal, but it would be my intention to expand provision as resources permit.

Club Bank Scheme for Irish Medium Education

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which the club bank scheme for Irish medium education will be (i) established; and (ii) come into operation.

(AQW 2183/08)

Ms C Ruane: The implementation of the club bank arrangement for the Irish medium education sector is a matter of discussion between the Department of Education and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta. There are issues surrounding the scheme which would need to be resolved before a scheme could be established.

Education Other than at School Service

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 1583/08, to detail (i) the number of staff days spent by all grades in the Southern Education and Library Board; and (ii) the total cost of those days, in relation to the settlement of disputes between teachers from the Education Other than at School Service (EOTAS) and the Board, since September 2003.

(AQW 2184/08)

Ms C Ruane: The details of the days spent by all members of staff involved full time or part time, directly or indirectly, in individual cases are not recorded.
As the days spent are not recorded it is not possible to provide the total cost of those days.

Education Other than at School Service

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Education to detail, pursuant to AQW 1582/08, to detail the total amount of money spent in the settlement of disputes between teachers from the Education Other than at School Service (EOTAS) and the Southern Education and Library Board since September 2003.

(AQW 2185/08)

Ms C Ruane: The total amount of money spent in the settlement of disputes between teachers from the Education Other than at School Service (EOTAS) and the Southern Education and Library Board since September 2003 is £23,000.

St. Gerard's Educational Resource Centre, Upper Springfield Road

Mr P Butler asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not St. Gerard's Educational Resource Centre, Upper Springfield Road, complies with regulations in relation to fire risk assessments.

(AQW 2219/08)

Ms C Ruane: The school has carried out its statutory obligation by commissioning a fire risk assessment in September 2007. The results of the assessment are now with the Department and steps are being taken in conjunction with the school to address deficiencies and reduce identified risks.

Origin and Development of Life on Earth

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not science teachers conducting lessons on the origin and development of life on earth, are expected to teach only what the evidence reveals or if they are permitted to teach assumption and speculation that goes beyond such evidence.

(AQW 2223/08)

Ms C Ruane: I refer you to my previous answers to AQWs 1471/08, 1507/08, 1509/08, 1514/08 and also my answers to AQWs 1472/08, 1477/08 and 1479/08 to David Simpson, the Member for Upper Bann, published in the Official Record on 23 November 2007, where I clearly set out the position.

Child Protection Policy

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline her department's child protection policy in relation to granting people with criminal convictions access to pupils.

(AQW 2228/08)

Ms C Ruane: Employers must not employ anyone to work in an educational setting, who is included in the Disqualification from Working with Children List held by DHSSPS, the Unsuitable Persons List held by DE, List 99 or who has a disqualification order from the courts.

Any person who is convicted of an offence listed in the Schedule to the Education (Prohibition from Teaching or Working with Children) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 is automatically prohibited from working with children and included in the Department’s Unsuitable Persons List. Persons convicted of lesser offences listed in the Schedule are subsequently allowed to make representations to the Department against being listed.

Apart from offences listed in the Schedule to the Regulations, a record does not automatically render a person unsuitable to work with children. The employer should make a judgement as to a person’s suitability for appointment, taking into account only those offences which may be relevant to the particular job in question.

South Eastern Education and Library Board

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to detail the total cost of payments, including expenses, made to the Commissioners appointed in July 2006 to run the South Eastern Education and Library Board.

(AQW 2232/08)

Ms C Ruane: The South Eastern Education and Library Board has advised that the total cost of payments, including expenses, made to the commissioners from 6 July 2006, when they were first appointed, until the end of October 2007 is £130,813.

Council for Education in World Citizenship Northern Ireland

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for funding no longer being made available for the Council for Education in World Citizenship Northern Ireland; and if she will review this decision.

(AQW 2249/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Council for Education in World Citizenship Northern Ireland (CEWCNI) application for the current round of funding for the period 1 April 2007 – 30 March 2010 was unsuccessful. Of the 59 applications received CEWC ranked 58^th in order of merit.

The Department had a formal appeal procedure in place. CEWCNI did not exercise their right of appeal. As the Department had correct procedures and processes in place which applied to all 59 organisations in a fair and impartial way, there is no further right of appeal.

Ten Year Children's Strategy

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to confirm whether or not she will implement all the commitments by her department included in the ten year Children's Strategy.

(AQW 2261/08)

Ms C Ruane: Work is underway on the commitments and actions led by the Department of Education that are included in the ten year Children’s Strategy. In some cases the work has been completed. In other cases the work is well advanced or is in the early stages of consideration or implementation. The actions included in the Action Plan 2007-08 are likely to be delivered.

School Holidays

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to commence a consultation process on changes to school holidays.

(AQW 2266/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have no plans to commence a consultation process on changes to the school holidays that would coincide with other important changes affecting our education system. This may be an issue which could be looked at in the future.

Teachers Taking Early Retirement

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to identify the compensatory authority for teachers taking early retirement in (i) the controlled sector; and (ii) the catholic maintained sector.

(AQW 2297/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Compensating Authority for teachers taking early retirement in both controlled schools and Catholic maintained schools is the appropriate Education & Library Board.

Teachers' Contracts of Employment

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to identify the employer for teachers in the (i) the controlled sector; and (ii) the catholic maintained sector;.

(AQW 2298/08)

Ms C Ruane: For teachers in (i) the controlled sector and (ii) the Catholic maintained sector contracts of employment are held by (i) the relevant Education and Library Board and (ii) the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. However, certain employer functions are exercised by the Board of Governors of each individual school, depending on school management type.

Teachers Taking Early Retirement

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the consultations that were undertaken by her department before changes were made to the arrangement by which teachers taking early retirement would receive four years added service.

(AQW 2299/08)

Ms C Ruane: The established forum for consultation about changes to the Teachers Pension Scheme is The Northern Ireland Teachers Superannuation Consultative Committee. Members of the Committee were first made aware in February 2006 that action was required to control the escalating costs of the Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS). PRCS was included on the agenda and discussed at subsequent meetings of the Committee held in June 2006, December 2006, June 2007 and November 2007.

Teachers leaving the profession under PRCS are entitled to compensation based on their total reckonable service. The decision to credit a teacher with additional service (up to a maximum of 4 years for Efficient Discharge and 6 2/3 years for Redundancy cases) is subject to the approval of the compensating authority (for controlled and maintained schools the Education and Library Board; for all other schools the Department). This arrangement remains unchanged. However, in order to contain the escalating cost of PRCS, with effect from 1 April 2008 the compensating authority will be required to pay any compensation for which it is liable, in accordance with Regulation 18 of the Teachers’ (Compensation for Redundancy and Premature Retirement) Regulations.

Teachers Taking Early Retirement

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail, broken down by Education and Library Board, the number of teachers who applied to take early retirement and subsequently withdrew that request, in the last five years.

(AQW 2300/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department does not hold this information as premature retirement is approved through the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) who are the employing authorities.

I have been advised by the Chief Executives of four of the ELBs that they do not hold this information. However the Chief Executive of the Southern Board has advised that two teachers have applied for and withdrawn their applications for early retirement in the last five years.

Teachers Taking Early Retirement

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for changing the policy in relation to the number of years that are added to the service of teachers taking early retirement mid-way during the academic year; and to detail what consideration was given by his department to the budgetary or timetable impacts of this change for the 2008/2009 school year.

(AQW 2301/08)

Ms C Ruane: The maximum number of added years which may be credited to a teacher under the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme (PRCS) remains unchanged. The award of added years is discretionary and will remain so. Until now these costs have been borne by the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. With effect from 1 April 2008 the relevant employing authority will be required to pay for such enhancements.

A combination of generous levels of enhancement and an increase in the number of premature retirements has placed an unsustainable burden on the Teachers’ Pension Scheme liabilities, which are increasing at a much faster rate than the current level of contributions can sustain. Action to control these escalating costs was first mooted following the publication in 2003 of a report of the Public Accounts Committee (HC473), which was critical of the high level of premature retirements among teachers. The Department has considered both the budgetary implications and the timing of the decision and has concluded that there is no alternative but to take steps to control these costs.

Sustainable Schools Strategy

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale within which the strategy for sustainable schools will be finalised.

(AQW 2303/08)

Ms C Ruane: I expect the strategy for sustainable schools to be finalised early in the New Year.

New Build Campus for Holywood Priory

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why she was unable to meet a delegation from schools in Holywood to discuss the new build campus for Holywood Priory and subsequent redevelopment proposals.

(AQW 2304/08)

Ms C Ruane: I visited Priory Integrated College earlier this year and discussed the issues for the school. I have agreed to meet with a delegation of Principals and Chairpersons from Priory Integrated College, Holywood Primary School, Redburn Primary School and Holywood Nursery School.

Classroom Assistants

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of classroom assistants in each trade union, broken down by Education and Library Board.

(AQW 2307/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am advised by the Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards that the employers do not hold records on how many classroom assistants are in individual unions. It is the responsibility of the unions to verify their own member numbers. The Boards further advise me that the employers do have records of which employees pay deductions to trade unions through the payroll. However, while that is the required mechanism for NIPSA members, the other trade unions recommend that their members make payment by direct debit from their bank account. Consequently, the only way to find out the complete numbers of classroom assistants in each trade union is to contact each trade union directly.

Classroom Assistants

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of classroom assistants, who are members of NIPSA, that participated in each day of industrial action, since the commencement of the current dispute, broken down by Education and Library Board.

(AQW 2308/08)

Ms C Ruane: This information is not available in the Department. The Department has written to the Education and Library Boards’ Chief Executives and asked if they could provide the Department with the information. I will write to you again when I have their response.

Priory Integrated College

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Education to outline her department's view on the viability of Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 2309/08)

Ms C Ruane: Priory Integrated College has a current enrolment of 426, including 41 pupils at post-16 and 17 statemented pupils, and a projected enrolment of 400.

The viability of the school is dependent on being able to sustain its enrolment in the context of the projected demographic changes and the level of school provision for the area. The Department is engaged with the South Eastern Education and Library Board on this issue.

Priory Integrated College

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education to list those aspects of the Bain Review with which she disagrees; and to outline what impact this consideration had on her decision in relation to the re-build of Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 2312/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have accepted the broad direction of the Bain Report and I have also indicated that there are aspects of the report which require further consideration.

A capital scheme for Priory Integrated College was put on hold by the Direct Rule administration following the Bain Review. The project is being assessed with regard to enrolment trends and the projected demographic changes in the area, to inform a decision on the scheme.

Priory Integrated College

Mr A McFarland asked the Minister of Education to outline the timescale for a decision on the rebuild of Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 2320/08)

Ms C Ruane: It is important that the Department and the South Eastern Education and Library Board have assessed the sustainability of provision in the area in light of enrolment trends and projected demographic changes. I appreciate the need to confirm the position for the school and I have asked the Department to conclude this work as soon as possible.

Economically Competitive Workforce

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to (i) provide a timescale within which she will answer AQW92/08 tabled on 5 September 2007; (ii) detail the reasons she has failed to answer this question; and (iii) clarify in her answer to that question what plans she has to ensure that Northern Ireland’s education system delivers a workforce that is more economically competitive than that of the Republic of Ireland.

(AQW 2321/08)

Ms C Ruane: A combined answer to AQW 91/08 and AQW 92/08 was placed in the Member’s pigeon hole on 17 September 2007. However although this answer was forwarded to the Assembly Business Office, when published in the Official Report on 21 September 2007 reference was made only to AQW 91/08 and not to AQW 92/08 as should have been the case.

I have included the text of the answer to both questions below for your convenience.

"The revised curriculum focuses on developing the skills young people need for life and work in the 21st century. Employability, incorporating Entrepreneurship, is also an important part of the revised post-primary curriculum.

In addition, the Entitlement Framework will guarantee all pupils access to a greater range of vocational courses, equipping them with the professional and technical skills that business and industry needs. Pupils will be able to access courses appropriate to their individual needs, interests and aspirations, providing a wider choice at age 14 and an even wider choice at age 16.

To support pupils in making their choices and decisions about their futures, we are working to develop high quality careers education, information advice and guidance.

All of this will be set within a broader strategic framework for 14-19 provision, on which DE and DEL are currently engaged, ensuring that our young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take their place in an increasingly global workforce."

Employment of People with Criminal Convictions

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail her policy in relation to the employment of people with criminal convictions.

(AQW 2322/08)

Ms C Ruane: Policies on recruitment and employment are primarily matters for the relevant employing authorities within the education sector. In the case of the Civil Service in the north of Ireland, the lead department is DFP.

Priory Integrated College

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Education what consideration she is giving to the religious make-up of Priory Integrated College, in relation to her decision on a re-build.

(AQW 2342/08)

Ms C Ruane: The religious make-up of Priory Integrated College is relevant to the school’s integrated status but it does not form part of the current considerations over a capital scheme for the school which are focused on the provision needed for the area in light of pupil population trends.

Job Advertisements

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons why the North Eastern Education and Library Board chose to advertise only in the Belfast Telegraph for clerical officer and senior clerical officer positions, and did not advertise these posts in local papers.

(AQW 2346/08)

Ms C Ruane: Decisions on recruitment advertising are matters for individual Boards. It is, essential that such decisions are fully in line with the commitments in each Board’s Equality Scheme and their statutory duties. .I have asked my Department to review the present arrangements to ensure that they are consistent with proper employment practice, including considerations of equality.

North Eastern Education and Library Board Agency Staff

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to detail the reasons for some agency staff, and not others, being transferred to the North Eastern Education and Library Board's payroll after 13 weeks.

(AQW 2348/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have been advised by the Chief Executive of the North Eastern Education and Library Board that decisions about the transfer of agency staff to the Board’s payroll take into account the nature of the temporary employment and its likely duration. This does not alter the temporary employment status of the individual concerned. The use of temporary staff is a feature of the vacancy control arrangements required in the run up to the creation of the new Education & Skills Authority. I have asked my Department to review the present arrangements to ensure that they are consistent with proper employment practice, including considerations of equality.

Youth Facilities and Resources

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to address the lack of youth facilities and resources in the Crumlin area.

(AQW 2363/08)

Ms C Ruane: The North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) has identified the need for a new youth centre for Crumlin in its Development Plans. I understand that Antrim Borough Council’s Crumlin Master Plan (August 2007) also the need for dedicated youth facilities. I have been informed that the Board has responded positively to a suggestion from Antrim Borough Council to participate in planning community, leisure and youth facilities at the Council’s recently acquired Barley Field site, and discussions will follow. A development in Crumlin would, of course, have to be considered in terms of the need and priority of other areas.

Currently, the NEELB Youth Service provides a full-time area youth worker one night a week in Crumlin. Over the last four years the Board, with funding from the Local Strategy Partnership, has provided four apprentice youth workers who work in pairs in the town on three nights per week undertaking project work. Summer schemes are run annually in partnership with Antrim Council. Additionally, the Department has funded a number of summer intervention programmes, some of which were available within the Crumlin area.

The Board has advised that St Joseph’s Primary School has a youth club which operates one afternoon and one evening per week, with support from the NEELB. Discussions are also ongoing with the Principal and Board of Governors of Crumlin High School to open a youth club for 11 to 16 year olds in the school.

I am informed that there are other voluntary organisations operating in the area:

1st Crumlin BB

210th Crumlin Presbyterian Girls Brigade

1st Crumlin Scouts

16th Antrim Scouts (Catholic Boys’ Scouts Ireland)

My Department has recently conducted a review of the youth estate and a report will issue early in the New Year detailing the overall needs of the youth service in relation to capital planning and development. The Department will also be developing ‘Priorities for Youth’ which will provide an opportunity for young people, communities and the youth sector to engage with policy makers on the planning and delivery of youth services in the future. Both these reviews will assist the Department in determining the needs of young people across all areas in the North.

School Funding

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to confirm that she will not remove funding for pupils, capital or administration in relation to schools that choose to operate independent admissions arrangements that lie outside the new system of transfer.

(AQW 2404/08)

Ms C Ruane: I can confirm that core education funding will not be withdrawn from any school seeking to operate independent admissions arrangements. My Department will not however be obliged to fund the cost of any aspect of the setting up or administering of independent admissions arrangements that lies outside of Department of Education approved processes.

Post Primary School Teachers

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQW 1661/08, to detail in which sector(s) the five post primary school teachers are employed, who have a criminal record for offences resulting in imprisonment or suspended sentences.

(AQW 2406/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have advised that there are four post primary school teachers who have a criminal record for offences resulting in imprisonment or suspended sentences, one previously employed in a controlled grammar school and three in the controlled secondary sector, two of whom are still employed.

The Boards had previously advised that a fifth teacher was employed in a post primary school. However, they have now confirmed that it was a primary school and that the teacher is no longer employed.

Post Primary School Teachers

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education, further to her answer to AQW 1662/08, to identify in which sector the primary school teacher, with a criminal record for an offence resulting in imprisonment or suspended sentence, is employed.

(AQW 2407/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Chief Executives of the Education and Library Boards have advised that there are four post primary school teachers who have a record for offences resulting in imprisonment or suspended sentences, employed in the controlled secondary sector, two of whom are still employed.

The Boards had previously advised that a fifth teacher was employed in a post primary school in the controlled sector. However, they have now confirmed that it was a primary school and that the teacher is no longer employed.

The Chief Executive of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) has advised that there is one primary school teacher who received a suspended sentence and who is no longer employed.

Transfer Procedures

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Education to detail the analysis her department has carried out on the cost impact of the transfer procedures she announced to the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQW 2408/08)

Ms C Ruane: Implementation of the vision for new post-primary arrangements outlined on 4 December 2007 will require a certain amount of structural change, though the exact nature, and therefore cost, of that change can not be accurately predicted until area planning mechanisms are operational. The important point is that structural reform is required in any case due to the number of surplus places that exist across the schools’ estate, and it makes sense to design flexible new transfer arrangements that make full use of spare capacity in the first instance, and which are in harmony with curriculum reform and delivery of the Entitlement Framework.

Diabetes

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children with type 1 diabetes attending schools in each Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 2412/08)

Ms C Ruane: Figures for the number of children with type 1 diabetes are not collected. However, the number of children recorded on the Special Education Needs register with diabetes has been provided.

Children with diabetes attending schools by Education and Library Board area 2006/07

Belfast	Western	North Eastern	South Eastern	Southern	Total
55	44	33	51	40	223

Source: NI school census.

Note:

Figures refer to children in nursery, special, primary and post-primary schools.
There may be some under-recording of Children with Diabetes at Stage 1 and 2 on the Special Education Needs register, as children at those Stages are only required to have needs recorded at a general level.

Insulin Treatments on School Premises

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number and percentage of schools that (i) require pupils with type 1 diabetes to self-administer insulin; (ii) require parents or guardians to attend the school to administer insulin to pupils with type 1 diabetes; and (iii) prohibit insulin treatments on school premises.

(AQW 2413/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not hold this information, nor, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officers, do the Education and Library Boards.

Insulin Treatments on School Premises

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of children with type 1 diabetes who are (i) administered insulin by a parent or guardian during school hours; and (ii) required to leave school premises in order to receive such treatment.

(AQW 2415/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not hold this information, nor, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officers, do the Education and Library Boards.

Diabetes

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number and percentage of schools that have policies and procedures in place to ensure that children with type 1 diabetes can participate fully in all extra-curricular activities, including those taking place outside school grounds.

(AQW 2416/08)

Ms C Ruane: My department does not record information on the number and percentage of schools that have policies and procedures in place to ensure that children with type 1 diabetes can participate fully in all extra-curricular activities.

However, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (SENDO), which came into effect on 1 September 2005, makes it unlawful for schools to discriminate against a child on grounds of a disability and requires them to make reasonable adjustments. Every aspect of school life is covered by this including after schools clubs and activities provided by schools to their own pupils.

SENDO also put in place an appeal mechanism for parents who feel their child has been the victim of disability discrimination at school.

Diabetes

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to ensure that guidance is introduced for schools to ensure best practice in the management of pupils with diabetes.

(AQW 2417/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education, with assistance from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, has drafted a guidance booklet to be issued to all schools entitled ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs’. This guidance provides wide-ranging advice and aims to provide sound protocols to enable schools to meet the medication needs of pupils within the school day. The booklet has a section dedicated to supporting pupils with Diabetes.

The booklet will be published later this school year and training will be provided in relation to the practical application of the guidance.

Foreign Nationals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Education to detail what responsibility her department has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2431/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education does not have any direct responsibility for monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in the North of Ireland. However, as part of the annual school census, the Department collects data, for educational reasons, on the numbers of pupils for whom English is not their first language.

Confidence and Esteem Building Measures in Schools

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Education to outline what steps she is taking to provide confidence and esteem building measures in schools; and to outline the programmes that have been introduced in schools to deliver these measures.

(AQW 2487/08)

Ms C Ruane: I believe schools have an important role in boosting the self-confidence and self-esteem of all our young people. The revised curriculum has a new strand of Personal Development from Year 1 onwards to equip pupils with the skills needed to develop these qualities. This is further supported by schools’ pastoral care arrangements, including the new counselling service currently being utilised by 95% of post-primary schools. In addition, the extended schools programme seeks to reinforce the work of schools by offering pupils opportunities to engage in after school activities and develop their self-confidence and self-esteem as a result.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to list those schools that are entitled to receive funding through the extended schools programme, but have not yet taken up their entitlement, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and to detail the amount of funding that has not been drawn down in each case.

(AQW 2491/08)

Ms C Ruane: The attached table shows a breakdown of the schools that were eligible for extended schools funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08 broken down by Parliamentary Constituency that were eligible for extended schools funding but did not take up the offer.

Parliamentary Constituency	2006/07	2007/08
BELFAST EAST
BELFAST NORTH
BELFAST SOUTH
BELFAST WEST	Balmoral HS £20,000	Balmoral HS £17,050
EAST ANTRIM	Woodlawn PS £24,700 Sunnylands PS £ 8,200	Woodlawn PS £24,700 Sunnylands PS £ 8,200
EAST LONDONDERRY
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE
FOLYE
LAGAN VALLEY
MID ULSTER
NEWRY AND ARMAGH
NORTH ANTRIM	Rasharkin PS £8,900	Rasharkin PS £9,300
NORTH DOWN
SOUTH DOWN
STRANGFORD
UPPER BANN
WEST TYRONE

School Redevelopment

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 885/08, to provide an update on the progress of the redevelopment of (i) Islandmagee Primary School, (ii) Woodburn Primary School; and (iii) Whiteabbey Primary School; and to confirm when work on these projects will commence.

(AQW 2493/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department has agreed an economic appraisal for the new primary school in Islandmagee and the North-Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) recently received funding to facilitate the purchase of a new site for that school.

With regard to Woodburn Primary School, an appraisal which recommends a new 7-classbase school on the existing, extended site, is currently under consideration by the Department’s professional advisers.

In relation to Whiteabbey Primary School, I understand the NEELB has completed an Appraisal and is planning to review it to ensure the project would meet anticipated needs in the area.

It is not possible at this time to indicate when funding would be available to enable these schemes to commence.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the baseline figure of her department's budget that is allocated to services in relation to children and young people; (ii) the nature of these services; and (iii) any additional monies being spent on these services.

(AQW 2507/08)

Ms C Ruane: The entire budget for the Department of Education is, either directly or indirectly, used to fund services in relation to children and young people. The baseline figure for resource spending in 2007-08 was £1,725.9m and this has been increased following the outcome of in-year monitoring rounds to £1,755.9m. In addition, the Department’s budget for capital investment in 2007-08 is £221.9m. These 2 budgets fund services relating to the education of children and young people and the Youth Service as well as funding the delivery of a modern and sustainable schools estate.

Extended Schools Programme

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) all schools that are entitled to receive funding through the extended schools programme, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and (ii) the amount of funding they received during the current financial year.

(AQW 2512/08)

Ms C Ruane: The tables below show a breakdown of the schools that were eligible for extended schools funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08 broken down by Parliamentary Constituency and the amount of funding they were allocated.

Special Schools by Constituency		Constituency	Total Allocated 2007/08
		BELFAST EAST
1310003	CEDAR LODGE SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	17,969
3316510	HILL CROFT SPECIAL SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	11,400
			29,369
1316569	GLENVEAGH SPECIAL	BELFAST SOUTH	10,063
			10,063
1336012	ST FRANCIS DE SALES	BELFAST WEST	5,800
1336548	ST GERARD'S RESOURCE EDUCATION CENTRE	BELFAST WEST	20,750
			26,550
3316514	RODDENS VALE SPECIAL SCHOOL	EAST ANTRIM	12,420
3340002	JORDANSTOWN SPECIAL SCHOOL	EAST ANTRIM	9,600
			22,020
2310007	LIMEGROVE SCHOOL	EAST LONDONDERRY	11,500
2316526	GLASVEY SPECIAL SCHOOL	EAST LONDONDERRY	6,555
3316512	SANDELFORD SPECIAL SCHOOL	EAST LONDONDERRY	16,225
			34,280
2316234	ERNE SPECIAL SCHOOL	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	15,381
2316601	ELMBROOK SPECIAL SCHOOL	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	10,005
			25,386
2310015	BELMONT HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL	FOYLE	22,109
2316525	FOYLEVIEW SPECIAL SCHOOL	FOYLE	16,071
			38,180
4310008	BEECHLAWN SPECIAL SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	25,530
4316022	BROOKFIELD SPECIAL SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	15,468
			40,998
3316570	KILRONAN SPECIAL SCHOOL	MID ULSTER	10,200
			10,200
5316519	RATHORE SCHOOL	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	12,400
5316577	LISANALLY SPECIAL SCHOOL	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	14,260
			26,660
3316271	DUNFANE SPECIAL SCHOOL	NORTH ANTRIM	19,608
			19,608
		SOUTH ANTRIM
4310019	ARDMORE HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL	SOUTH DOWN	4,000
4316516	KNOCKEVIN SPECIAL SCHOOL	SOUTH DOWN	11,960
			15,960
4310013	KILLARD HOUSE SPECIAL SCHOOL	STRANGFORD	20,470
4316273	LONGSTONE SPECIAL SCHOOL	STRANGFORD	18,325
			38,795
5316521	CEARA SPECIAL SCHOOL	UPPER BANN	13,915
			13,915
2316528	KNOCKAVOE SCHOOL AND RESOURCE CENTRE	WEST TYRONE	10,465
2316661	ARVALEE SCHOOL AND RESOURCE CENTRE	WEST TYRONE	17,796
			28,261

Primary Schools by Constituency		Constituency			Total Allocated 2007/08
1010146	EUSTON STREET PS	BELFAST EAST			26,680
1010231	STRAND PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST			24,150
1010255	ELMGROVE PS	BELFAST EAST			33,891
1010269	AVONIEL PS	BELFAST EAST			22,540
1010271	BEECHFIELD PS	BELFAST EAST			15,813
1010289	SYDENHAM INFANTS PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST			16,503
1013018	KNOCKNAGONEY PS	BELFAST EAST			15,100
1036505	ST MATTHEW'S PS	BELFAST EAST			29,411
4011632	CREGAGH PS	BELFAST EAST			21,419
4011657	LISNASHARRAGH PS	BELFAST EAST			21,850
4013038	TULLYCARNET PS	BELFAST EAST			15,554
					242,911
1010063	CURRIE PS	BELFAST NORTH			16,589
1010266	SEAVIEW PS	BELFAST NORTH			29,153
1010282	CARR'S GLEN PS	BELFAST NORTH			29,871
1010283	GROVE PS	BELFAST NORTH			15,295
1010296	BALLYGOLAN PS	BELFAST NORTH			14,800
1010323	EDENBROOKE PS	BELFAST NORTH			22,195
1010325	LIGONIEL PS	BELFAST NORTH			15,295
1016076	BALLYSILLAN PS	BELFAST NORTH			17,796
1016483	CLIFTONVILLE PS	BELFAST NORTH			21,074
1016485	GLENWOOD PS	BELFAST NORTH			33,753
1016532	WHEATFIELD PS	BELFAST NORTH			20,729
1016537	LOWWOOD PS	BELFAST NORTH			24,840
1016647	BUNSCOIL MHIC REACHTAIN	BELFAST NORTH			9,500
1030194	HOLY CROSS BOYS' PS	BELFAST NORTH			30,705
1030326	OUR LADY'S GIRLS' PS	BELFAST NORTH			30,360
1030329	EDMUND RICE (CB) PS	BELFAST NORTH			30,274
1030331	HOLY CROSS GIRLS' PS	BELFAST NORTH			19,435
1036041	MERCY PS	BELFAST NORTH			25,588
1036042	ST VINCENT DE PAUL PS	BELFAST NORTH			23,690
1036048	ST MARY'S STAR OF THE SEA PS	BELFAST NORTH			18,100
1036464	STAR OF THE SEA GIRLS' PS	BELFAST NORTH			29,814
1036471	SACRED HEART PS	BELFAST NORTH			25,645
1036566	HOLY FAMILY PS	BELFAST NORTH			27,375
1046596	BUNSCOIL BHEANN MHADAGAIN	BELFAST NORTH			15,550
1066531	HAZELWOOD PS	BELFAST NORTH			14,685
3010827	WHITEHOUSE PS	BELFAST NORTH			30,964
3010862	ABBOTS CROSS PS	BELFAST NORTH			28,290
3010895	RATHCOOLE PS	BELFAST NORTH			22,799
					644,164
1010267	NETTLEFIELD PS	BELFAST SOUTH			27,715
1010301	TAUGHMONAGH PS	BELFAST SOUTH			19,450
1010806	FINAGHY PS	BELFAST SOUTH			13,838
1016060	DONEGALL ROAD PS	BELFAST SOUTH			17,800
1016205	FANE STREET PS	BELFAST SOUTH			17,425
1016207	BLYTHEFIELD PS	BELFAST SOUTH			15,400
1016499	BOTANIC PS	BELFAST SOUTH			19,375
1036466	ST MALACHY'S PS	BELFAST SOUTH			23,550
1046641	SCOIL AN DROICHID	BELFAST SOUTH			11,900
4013013	BELVOIR PARK PS	BELFAST SOUTH			24,950
					191,403
1010205	FORTH RIVER PS	BELFAST WEST			23,403
1010221	SPRINGFIELD PS	BELFAST WEST			11,845
1010307	SPRINGHILL PS	BELFAST WEST			28,348
1010321	VERE FOSTER PS	BELFAST WEST			15,123
1016059	BLACKMOUNTAIN PS	BELFAST WEST			16,158
1016498	MALVERN PS	BELFAST WEST			16,158
1016604	HARMONY PS	BELFAST WEST			23,863
1030316	ST AIDAN'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS PS	BELFAST WEST			23,805
1030317	ST BERNADETTE'S PS	BELFAST WEST			24,265
1036091	ST JOHN THE BAPTIST GIRLS' PS	BELFAST WEST			25,725
1036092	ST JOHN THE BAPTIST BOYS' PS	BELFAST WEST			26,525
1036388	ST MARY'S PS	BELFAST WEST			17,365
1036565	ST KEVIN'S PS	BELFAST WEST			33,321
1036576	HOLY CHILD PS	BELFAST WEST			31,260
1036589	ST TERESA'S PS	BELFAST WEST			28,750
1036602	ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS	BELFAST WEST			31,720
1036620	ST PETER'S PS	BELFAST WEST			30,073
1036621	ST JOSEPH'S PS	BELFAST WEST			26,450
1036623	HOLY TRINITY PS	BELFAST WEST			36,754
1036624	ST PAUL'S PS	BELFAST WEST			27,140
1036630	ST CLARE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST			34,144
1046501	BUNSCOIL PHOBAL FEIRSTE	BELFAST WEST			24,775
1046571	GAELSCOIL NA BHFAL	BELFAST WEST			24,323
1046593	BUNSCOIL AN TSLEIBHE DHUIBH	BELFAST WEST			21,505
1046654	GAELSCOIL AN DAMBA	BELFAST WEST			6,555
1046671	GAELSCOIL NA MONA	BELFAST WEST			11,040
1046672	GAELSCOIL AN LONNAIN	BELFAST WEST			8,510
4036081	ST LUKE'S PS	BELFAST WEST			25,070
4036134	ST MARK'S PS	BELFAST WEST			35,294
4036285	THE GOOD SHEPHERD PS	BELFAST WEST			31,223
4036480	ST KIERAN'S PS	BELFAST WEST			33,264
4036591	OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE PS	BELFAST WEST			30,159
4046600	SCOIL NA FUISEOIGE	BELFAST WEST			17,883
					801,796
3010553	CARRICKFERGUS MODEL PS	EAST ANTRIM			28,175
3010841	CARRICKFERGUS CENTRAL PS	EAST ANTRIM			19,750
3010860	SUNNYLANDS PS	EAST ANTRIM			17,950
3010870	MOYLE PS	EAST ANTRIM			27,658
3010880	KING'S PARK PS	EAST ANTRIM			30,590
3016005	SILVERSTREAM PS	EAST ANTRIM			16,300
3016038	HOLLYBANK PS	EAST ANTRIM			22,109
3016225	WOODLAWN PS	EAST ANTRIM			0
3030900	ST ANTHONY'S PS	EAST ANTRIM			15,726
3033317	ST JOHN'S PS	EAST ANTRIM			18,813
3036100	ST JAMES' PS	EAST ANTRIM			25,760
3036563	ST NICHOLAS' PS	EAST ANTRIM			13,450
3050519	CARNLOUGH CONTROLLED INTEGRATED PS	EAST ANTRIM			7,100
3066561	CORRAN INTEGRATED PS	EAST ANTRIM			22,540
					265,921
2012058	LARGY PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			7,130
2012276	BURNFOOT PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			8,855
2016426	LIMAVADY CENTRAL PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			35,800
2032263	ST CANICE'S PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			16,244
2032287	TERMONCANICE PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			36,214
2033706	FAUGHANVALE PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			17,193
2036085	ST PETER'S & ST PAUL'S PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			9,200
2036149	ST FINLOUGH'S PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			9,085
2036187	ST JOHN'S PS, DERNAFLAW	EAST LONDONDERRY			19,090
2036458	GORTNAGHEY PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			7,475
2066665	ROEVALLEY INTEGRATED PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			11,845
3012237	KILLOWEN PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			20,901
3012264	MILLBURN PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			32,804
3016052	HARPURS HILL PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			22,626
3016252	BALLYSALLY PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			23,403
3033709	ST JOHN'S PS	EAST LONDONDERRY			22,281
					300,146
2011789	MOAT PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			16,158
2016151	IRVINESTOWN PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			17,193
2031869	ST MARY'S PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			19,004
2031898	ST PAUL'S PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			24,783
2031901	ST RONAN'S PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			26,680
2036632	HOLY TRINITY PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			37,053
2046669	BUNSCOIL AN TRAONAIGH	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			5,980
5012720	DUNGANNON PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			11,675
5016088	FIVEMILETOWN PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			20,729
5032736	ST MARY'S PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			7,590
5036363	ST MARY'S PS, AUGHNACLOY	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			11,200
5066554	WINDMILL INTEGRATED PS	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE			24,581
					222,626
2010380	LONDONDERRY MODEL PS	FOYLE			30,274
2010382	EBRINGTON CONTROLLED PS	FOYLE			32,833
2012095	BALLOUGRY PS	FOYLE			11,385
2012227	DRUMAHOE PS	FOYLE			27,255
2012261	NEWBUILDINGS PS	FOYLE			25,099
2016071	GREENHAW PS	FOYLE			27,888
2016124	ASHLEA PS	FOYLE			13,915
2016203	LISNAGELVIN PS	FOYLE			35,972
2016564	FOUNTAIN PS	FOYLE			15,985
2030364	ROSEMOUNT PS	FOYLE			28,405
2030373	NAZARETH HOUSE PS	FOYLE			30,216
2030381	HOLY CHILD PS	FOYLE			28,578
2033707	MULLABUOY PS	FOYLE			12,200
2036032	ST JOHN'S PS	FOYLE			36,375
2036069	ST ANNE'S PS	FOYLE			35,547
2036084	STEELSTOWN VOL MAINTAINED PS	FOYLE			35,041
2036142	ST BRIGID'S PS	FOYLE			30,561
2036143	ST OLIVER PLUNKETT PS	FOYLE			20,729
2036227	ST PAULS PS, SLIEVEMORE	FOYLE			22,109
2036247	ST COLUMBA'S PS	FOYLE			11,155
2036259	TRENCH ROAD PS	FOYLE			30,504
2036288	GOOD SHEPHERD PS AND NURSERY SCHOOL	FOYLE			33,661
2036461	ST THERESA'S PS, LENAMORE	FOYLE			32,948
2036465	CHAPEL ROAD PS	FOYLE			19,349
2036472	HOLY FAMILY PS	FOYLE			33,580
2036473	ST EITHNE'S PS	FOYLE			35,156
2036475	LONGTOWER PS	FOYLE			29,641
2036555	ST EUGENE'S PS	FOYLE			24,380
2036574	BUNSCOIL CHOLMCILLE	FOYLE			20,384
2036581	ST PATRICKS PS	FOYLE			39,733
2046646	GAELSCOIL EADAIN MHOIR	FOYLE			14,200
					825,058
4010743	LARGYMORE PS	LAGAN VALLEY			16,450
4010762	BROWNLEE PS	LAGAN VALLEY			17,050
4010807	LISBURN CENTRAL PS	LAGAN VALLEY			20,900
4010882	SEYMOUR HILL PS	LAGAN VALLEY			10,025
4010885	TONAGH PS	LAGAN VALLEY			17,125
4011627	LAMBEG PS	LAGAN VALLEY			2,226
4011648	HILLHALL PS	LAGAN VALLEY			2,898
4013308	FORT HILL PS	LAGAN VALLEY			22,200
4013309	DERRIAGHY PS	LAGAN VALLEY			8,300
4013334	KNOCKMORE PS	LAGAN VALLEY			17,725
4016144	OLD WARREN PS	LAGAN VALLEY			15,025
4030897	ST JOSEPH'S PS	LAGAN VALLEY			24,200
4033306	ST ALOYSIUS PS	LAGAN VALLEY			23,700
4036618	CHRIST THE REDEEMER PS	LAGAN VALLEY			35,972
4050618	HILDEN INTEGRATED PS	LAGAN VALLEY			9,315
4066611	OAKWOOD INTEGRATED PS	LAGAN VALLEY			10,425
					253,536
3012267	MAGHERAFELT CONTROLLED PS	MID ULSTER			30,245
3036562	HOLY FAMILY PS	MID ULSTER			35,018
5012615	BALLYTREA PS	MID ULSTER			14,720
5012643	STEWARTSTOWN PS	MID ULSTER			7,360
5012649	COAGH PS	MID ULSTER			10,695
5016200	QUEEN ELIZABETH II (POMEROY) PS	MID ULSTER			5,900
5032592	ST MARY'S PS	MID ULSTER			16,158
5032699	ST MARY'S PS	MID ULSTER			20,384
5032703	ST PETER'S PS	MID ULSTER			22,195
5032713	DERRYCHRIN PS	MID ULSTER			15,381
5036047	ST PATRICK'S PS	MID ULSTER			24,610
5036057	ST MALACHY'S PS	MID ULSTER			7,935
5036108	ST JOSEPH'S PS	MID ULSTER			11,730
5036118	ST MARY'S PS	MID ULSTER			21,505
5036590	PRIMATE DIXON PS	MID ULSTER			34,397
5046637	GAELSCOIL UI NEILL	MID ULSTER			13,300
					291,533
5011137	NEWTOWNHAMILTON PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			11,040
5011175	CORTAMLET PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			9,800
5011179	BESSBROOK PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			15,295
5016028	KEADY PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			5,900
5030975	ST MALACHY'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			13,570
5031070	ST MICHAEL'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			10,580
5031086	CLONALIG PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			17,451
5031110	CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			25,050
5031126	MOUNT ST CATHERINE'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			19,225
5031135	ST OLIVER'S PS (CARRICKROVADDY)	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			9,085
5031146	ANAMAR PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			7,935
5031148	ST PATRICK'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			28,405
5031158	ST PATRICK'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			31,108
5031166	ST MICHAEL'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			9,660
5031176	ST PETER'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			25,775
5031183	ST PATRICK'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			33,707
5031213	ST CLARE'S CONVENT PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			24,668
5031340	ST JOSEPH'S CONVENT PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			35,363
5036099	ST PATRICK'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			23,978
5036110	ST JOSEPH'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			29,699
5036433	ST MALACHY'S PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			30,015
5036610	ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI PS	NEWRY AND ARMAGH			25,990
					443,299
3010781	HARRYVILLE PS	NORTH ANTRIM			17,969
3010842	THE WM PINKERTON MEMORIAL PS	NORTH ANTRIM			10,300
3010873	BUSHMILLS PS	NORTH ANTRIM			16,675
3013315	BALLYKEEL PS	NORTH ANTRIM			29,958
3013322	CAMPHILL PS	NORTH ANTRIM			29,958
3013325	LEANEY PS	NORTH ANTRIM			25,650
3013333	BALLYCASTLE PS	NORTH ANTRIM			14,950
3016040	ARMOY PS	NORTH ANTRIM			10,005
3016063	DUNCLUG PS	NORTH ANTRIM			16,244
3016171	BALLEE PS	NORTH ANTRIM			11,615
3016594	BUSHVALLEY PS	NORTH ANTRIM			19,004
3030719	ST OLCAN'S PS	NORTH ANTRIM			9,775
3030898	ST ANNE'S PS	NORTH ANTRIM			11,845
3036154	ST PATRICK'S PS	NORTH ANTRIM			23,058
3036250	ST JOSEPH'S PS	NORTH ANTRIM			2,961
					249,967
4011681	MILLISLE PS	NORTH DOWN			17,538
4016002	KILCOOLEY PS	NORTH DOWN			15,850
4033008	ST ANNE'S PS	NORTH DOWN			6,400
4036148	ST MALACHY'S PS	NORTH DOWN			26,400
					66,188
3010558	DUNEANE PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			6,500
3010631	BALLYCLARE PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			34,811
3013301	CARNMONEY PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			26,475
3013331	BALLYCRAIGY PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			16,244
3016015	MOSSLEY PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			31,780
3016058	PARKHALL PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			26,105
3016249	EARLVIEW PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			16,075
3030713	CARLANE PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			7,475
3033303	ST OLIVER PLUNKETT'S PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			19,866
3033304	TIR-NA-NOG PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			6,900
3036026	ST JOSEPH'S PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			16,770
3036046	ST MARY'S ON THE HILL PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			24,350
3036050	ST JOSEPH'S PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			25,070
3056231	RATHENRAW INTEGRATED PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			14,490
3056248	ROUNDTOWER INTEGRATED PS	SOUTH ANTRIM			20,556
					293,467
4016235	DOWNPATRICK PS	SOUTH DOWN			23,633
4031384	CONVENT OF MERCY PS	SOUTH DOWN			24,725
4031644	ST PATRICK'S BOYS' PS	SOUTH DOWN			29,469
4031671	ST PATRICK'S PS	SOUTH DOWN			7,700
4036036	ST MALACHY'S PS	SOUTH DOWN			14,350
4036182	ST COLMCILLE'S PS	SOUTH DOWN			24,208
5011649	KILKEEL PS	SOUTH DOWN			34,098
5011684	ANNALONG PS	SOUTH DOWN			17,200
5036545	ST COLMAN'S PS	SOUTH DOWN			19,300
					194,683
4011373	KIRKISTOWN PS	STRANGFORD			15,036
4011462	CASTLE GARDENS PS	STRANGFORD			26,600
4011488	VICTORIA PS (BALLYHALBERT)	STRANGFORD			18,055
4011507	PORTAVOGIE PS	STRANGFORD			21,074
4011587	DUNDONALD PS	STRANGFORD			36,053
4011588	COMBER PS	STRANGFORD			26,575
4011634	KILLYLEAGH PS	STRANGFORD			14,835
4011646	VICTORIA PS	STRANGFORD			31,310
4016004	LONDONDERRY PS	STRANGFORD			29,699
4016083	WEST WINDS PS	STRANGFORD			17,200
4016503	BROOKLANDS PS	STRANGFORD			36,490
4033017	ST FINIAN'S PS	STRANGFORD			17,193
4033036	ST MARY'S PS	STRANGFORD			17,193
4036530	ST MARY'S PS	STRANGFORD			24,898
4051601	PORTAFERRY INTEGRATED PS	STRANGFORD			12,995
					345,206
5010992	LURGAN MODEL PS	UPPER BANN			22,971
5011127	CARRICK PS	UPPER BANN			31,079
5011129	HART MEMORIAL PS	UPPER BANN			28,520
5011190	TULLYGALLY PS	UPPER BANN			20,729
5011596	CRAIGAVON PS	UPPER BANN			16,503
5016007	MILLINGTON PS	UPPER BANN			35,984
5016065	DICKSON PS	UPPER BANN			18,918
5016080	DRUMGOR PS	UPPER BANN			26,450
5016117	BALLYORAN PS	UPPER BANN			27,313
5016543	MOYALLON PS	UPPER BANN			20,729
5031103	TANNAGHMORE PS	UPPER BANN			37,812
5031184	ST ANTHONY'S PS	UPPER BANN			35,317
5031669	ST JOHN'S PS	UPPER BANN			17,624
5036043	ST MARY'S PS	UPPER BANN			31,798
5036101	ST BRENDAN'S PS	UPPER BANN			31,510
5036173	ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PS	UPPER BANN			31,050
5036633	ST FRANCIS PS	UPPER BANN			38,238
					472,545
2012392	DRUMLEGAGH PS	WEST TYRONE			8,740
2012617	ERGANAGH PS	WEST TYRONE			10,695
2012638	EDWARDS PS	WEST TYRONE			22,281
2012641	KILLEN PS	WEST TYRONE			14,720
2012660	DENAMONA PS	WEST TYRONE			12,420
2012671	LANGFIELD PS	WEST TYRONE			8,050
2012674	BRIDGEHILL PS	WEST TYRONE			9,660
2012691	OMAGH COUNTY PS	WEST TYRONE			26,475
2012711	DONEMANA PS	WEST TYRONE			13,300
2016068	ARTIGARVAN PS	WEST TYRONE			21,246
2016262	NEWTOWNSTEWART MODEL PS	WEST TYRONE			12,535
2016376	ARDSTRAW PS	WEST TYRONE			11,270
2016442	SION MILLS PS	WEST TYRONE			28,290
2016645	BREADY JUBILEE PRIMARY SCHOOL	WEST TYRONE			14,030
2032510	BARRACK STREET BOYS' PS	WEST TYRONE			22,195
2032600	DRUMNABEY PS	WEST TYRONE			10,120
2032631	ENVAGH PS	WEST TYRONE			5,980
2032664	ST DAVOG'S SCRAGHEY PS	WEST TYRONE			5,865
2032682	ST EUGENE'S PS	WEST TYRONE			9,315
2032683	ST JOSEPH'S PS	WEST TYRONE			7,360
2032684	ST LAWRENCE'S PS	WEST TYRONE			26,623
2032685	ST BRIGID'S PS	WEST TYRONE			7,130
2032687	ST MACARTAN'S PS	WEST TYRONE			7,590
2032689	ST MARY'S BOYS' PS	WEST TYRONE			32,746
2032694	ST CAIREALL'S PS	WEST TYRONE			13,800
2032700	ST JOSEPH'S PS	WEST TYRONE			13,800
2032702	EVISH PS	WEST TYRONE			10,580
2032722	ALTISHANE PS	WEST TYRONE			8,050
2032724	LOUGHASH PS	WEST TYRONE			7,130
2032730	ST COLUMBA'S PS	WEST TYRONE			16,071
2036008	ST PATRICK'S PS	WEST TYRONE			18,573
2036094	ST PATRICK'S PS	WEST TYRONE			25,128
2036095	ST MARY'S PS	WEST TYRONE			22,540
2036096	ST MARY'S GIRLS' PS	WEST TYRONE			30,878
2036097	ST PETER'S PS	WEST TYRONE			14,260
2036387	ST PATRICK'S PS	WEST TYRONE			9,775
2036389	ST ANNE'S PS	WEST TYRONE			27,658
2036449	CHRIST THE KING PS	WEST TYRONE			18,831
2036459	ST THERESA'S PS	WEST TYRONE			18,573
2036557	ALL SAINTS PS	WEST TYRONE			7,475
2046638	GAELSCOIL UI DHOCARTAIGH	WEST TYRONE			16,416
					628,174
Nursery Schools by Constituency			Constituency	Total Allocated 2007/08
1110002	MCARTHUR NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	8,200
1116074	GLENDHU NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	5,600
1116158	RAVENSCROFT NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	8,200
1116160	SANDBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	9,545
4116216	KING'S ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	9,430
4116240	CASTLEREAGH NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST EAST	8,200
				49,175
1110003	EDENDERRY NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	9,430
1110007	GLENBANK NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	6,440
1110025	TUDOR LODGE NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	9,430
1110036	NEW LODGE NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	9,430
1116011	VICTORIA NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	6,440
1116157	STANHOPE STREET NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	8,200
1116159	OLDPARK NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	8,200
1136229	ST MARY'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	8,300
1136230	HOLY FAMILY NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	8,200
1136251	OUR LADY'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	9,430
1136360	HOLY CROSS NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST NORTH	9,430
				92,930
1110001	ARELLIAN NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST SOUTH	8,200
1120027	BETHLEHEM NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST SOUTH	4,100
				12,300
1110038	SHAFTESBURY NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1116155	HOPE NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136106	ST MARTIN'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,545
1136228	ST BERNADETTE'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136302	ST PAUL'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136314	ST TERESA'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136315	ST MICHAEL'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136316	HOLY CHILD NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136340	ST PETER'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136349	MATT TALBOT NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,545
1136353	ST MARIA GORETTI NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
1136383	ST OLIVER PLUNKETT NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	8,100
1136603	THE CATHEDRAL NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
4136286	GOOD SHEPHERD NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,545
4136368	ST LUKE'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
4136481	ST KIERAN'S NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
4136606	ST THERESE NURSERY SCHOOL		BELFAST WEST	9,430
				159,325
3136332	ST ANTHONY'S NURSERY SCHOOL		EAST ANTRIM	9,430
				9,430
2116628	LIMAVADY NURSERY SCHOOL		EAST LONDONDERRY	9,430
3116215	KYLEMORE NURSERY SCHOOL		EAST LONDONDERRY	9,373
3116263	BALLYSALLY NURSERY SCHOOL		EAST LONDONDERRY	8,510
				27,313
5116198	FIVEMILETOWN NURSERY SCHOOL		FERMANAGH STH TYRONE	6,670
				6,670
2116023	THE ACADEMY NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,603
2116232	STRATHFOYLE NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,545
2116266	BLIGH'S LANE NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,660
2116267	CARNHILL NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,430
2116336	GALLIAGH NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,430
2116345	BELMONT NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,545
2116348	TRENCH ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL		FOYLE	9,430
				66,643
4116018	BARBOUR NURSERY SCHOOL		LAGAN VALLEY	8,200
4136317	HOLY TRINITY NURSERY SCHOOL		LAGAN VALLEY	9,660
				17,860
3116177	MAGHERAFELT NURSERY SCHOOL		MID ULSTER	12,420
				12,420
5136342	ST MALACHY'S NURSERY SCHOOL		NEWRY & ARMAGH	8,200
5110017	ARMAGH NURSERY SCHOOL		NEWRY AND ARMAGH	6,555
				14,755
3110037	BALLYMENA NURSERY SCHOOL		NORTH ANTRIM	7,400
3116165	DUNCLUG NURSERY SCHOOL		NORTH ANTRIM	8,400
				15,800
			NORTH DOWN	0
3116162	MOSSLEY NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH ANTRIM	8,200
3116220	BALLYCLARE NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH ANTRIM	12,363
3136183	ST JOSEPH'S NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH ANTRIM	9,430
				29,993
4116176	DOWNPATRICK NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH DOWN	6,440
4136211	ST COLMCILLE'S NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH DOWN	9,430
4136212	ST PATRICK'S CONVENT NURSERY		SOUTH DOWN	9,430
5116197	KILKEEL NURSERY SCHOOL		SOUTH DOWN	9,430
				34,730
4110035	NEWTOWNARDS NURSERY SCHOOL		STRANGFORD	8,200
4116307	GLENBROOK NURSERY SCHOOL		STRANGFORD	9,430
				17,630
5116189	MILLINGTON NURSERY SCHOOL		UPPER BANN	9,545
5136217	ST JOHN THE BAPTIST NURSERY		UPPER BANN	9,430
5136631	DRUMNAMOE NURSERY SCHOOL		UPPER BANN	8,300
				27,275
2116333	BALLYCOLMAN NURSERY SCHOOL		WEST TYRONE	9,430
				9,430

Post Primary Schools by Constituency		Constituency	Total Allocated 2007/08

1210014	ASHFIELD GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	32,120
1210015	ASHFIELD BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	36,754
1210266	ORANGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	25,550
4210030	LISNASHARRAGH HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST EAST	19,975

			£ 114,399

1210021	BELFAST MODEL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS	BELFAST NORTH	41,711
1210022	BELFAST BOYS' MODEL SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	40,641
1210258	CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	17,451
1230026	ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	33,080
1230032	ST GABRIEL'S BOYS SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	16,416
1230089	LITTLE FLOWER GIRLS' SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	32,340
1230104	OUR LADY OF MERCY GIRLS' SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	33,293
1230173	ST GEMMA'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	27,140
1260269	HAZELWOOD COLLEGE	BELFAST NORTH	38,790
3210279	NEWTOWNABBEY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST NORTH	29,383
			£ 310,245

1230275	ST JOSEPH'S COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	37,237
1260294	MALONE INTEGRATED COLLEGE	BELFAST SOUTH	33,630
			£ 70,867

1210273	MOUNT GILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE	BELFAST WEST	5,208
1230053	ST LOUISE'S COLLEGE	BELFAST WEST	49,082
1230130	ST ROSE'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	35,915
1230146	CHRISTIAN BROTHERS SECONDARY SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	31,530
1230155	ST GENEVIEVE'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	35,870
1230182	LA SALLE BOYS' SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	37,360
1230262	CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE	BELFAST WEST	36,513
1240291	COLAISTE FEIRSTE	BELFAST WEST	30,030
1420021	ST MARY'S CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' GS	BELFAST WEST	39,970
1420029	ST DOMINIC'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	35,610
4230223	ST COLM'S HIGH SCHOOL	BELFAST WEST	37,674
			£ 374,762

3210200	MONKSTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL	EAST ANTRIM	37,881
			£ 37,881

2210302	LIMAVADY HIGH SCHOOL	EAST LONDONDERRY	16,785
2230077	ST MARY'S LIMAVADY	EAST LONDONDERRY	38,985
	*LIMAVADY PARTNERSHIP	EAST LONDONDERRY	40,000
	* Group of 8 schools receiving Good Practice funding		£ 95,770

5230293	ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE	FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	35,409
			£ 35,409

2230081	ST MARY'S COLLEGE	FOYLE	39,940
2230131	ST JOSEPH'S SECONDARY	FOYLE	39,986
2230181	ST PETER'S HIGH SCHOOL	FOYLE	30,590
2230188	ST CECILIA'S COLLEGE	FOYLE	40,170
2230225	ST BRIGID'S COLLEGE	FOYLE	39,273
2230254	IMMACULATE CONCEPTION COLLEGE	FOYLE	25,818
2260276	OAKGROVE INTEGRATED COLLEGE	FOYLE	39,365
2420052	THORNHILL COLLEGE	FOYLE	45,828
2420054	ST COLUMB'S COLLEGE	FOYLE	46,794
			£ 347,764

4210051	LISNAGARVEY HIGH SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	29,958
4210194	DUNMURRY HIGH SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	30,073
4230165	ST PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL	LAGAN VALLEY	29,383
			£ 89,414

3210090	MAGHERA HIGH SCHOOL	MID ULSTER	17,950
5230192	ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL	MID ULSTER	33,730
5230278	HOLY TRINITY COLLEGE	MID ULSTER	38,215
			£ 89,895

5230056	ST JOSEPH'S BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	33,408
5230108	ST MARY'S HIGH SCHOOL	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	35,455
5230167	ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	35,869
5420062	ST COLMAN'S COLLEGE	NEWRY AND ARMAGH	17,185
			£ 121,917

3210124	BALLYCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL	NORTH ANTRIM	30,360
3210233	BALLEE COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL	NORTH ANTRIM	30,331
			£ 60,691

3230203	EDMUND RICE COLLEGE	SOUTH ANTRIM	35,501
			£ 35,501

4230224	DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL	SOUTH DOWN	31,510
5210016	KILKEEL HIGH SCHOOL	SOUTH DOWN	38,387
			£ 69,897

4210262	DUNDONALD HIGH SCHOOL	STRANGFORD	31,481
			£ 31,481

5230088	ST PAUL'S JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL	UPPER BANN	34,328
5230213	LISMORE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL	UPPER BANN	41,860
5230256	DRUMCREE COLLEGE	UPPER BANN	30,648
5250216	BROWNLOW INT COLLEGE	UPPER BANN	33,293
			£ 140,129

2210065	CASTLEDERG HIGH SCHOOL	WEST TYRONE	32,718
2210164	STRABANE HIGH SCHOOL	WEST TYRONE	26,968
2230111	ST EUGENE'S HIGH SCHOOL	WEST TYRONE	18,573
2230141	ST JOSEPH'S HIGH SCHOOL	WEST TYRONE	4,830
2230301	HOLY CROSS COLLEGE	WEST TYRONE	45,713
2410096	STRABANE GS	WEST TYRONE	32,028
			£ 160,830

Core Schools in the Post-Primary Sector

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to outline her understanding of the term 'core school' in the post-primary sector.

(AQW 2521/08)

Ms C Ruane: I understand that the term ‘core school’ has been used by education authorities to refer to schools which are considered to be viable for the foreseeable future.

Wi-Fi

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools that (i) have wi-fi installed; and (ii) are waiting for wi-fi to be installed.

(AQW 2533/08)

Ms C Ruane: Wireless connectivity has been provided to all primary schools on the Classroom 2000 (C2k) network as part of the rollout of laptops which will support the computer-based assessment of P5 pupils. Two schools declined wireless connectivity. Thirty post-primary schools have independently purchased wireless access points for use on their local area networks.

All nursery, post-primary and special schools will also have wireless connectivity by the end of the current school year, although any school has the option of declining a WiFi connection if it wishes.

Answers to Assembly Questions

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to provide figures for the average length of time taken by her department to respond to a priority written question, since the restoration of devolution in May 2007.

(AQW 2534/08)

Ms C Ruane: My Department has answered 52 Priority Written Assembly Questions between 08 May and 11 December 2007. The average time taken to answer each question is 9 working days.

Ministerial Visits

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of visits she has made in her capacity as a Minister to (i) Scotland; and (ii) the Republic of Ireland, since the restoration of devolution in May 2007.

(AQW 2549/08)

Ms C Ruane: I travelled to Edinburgh on 12 December and met with the Education Minister for Scotland. I have travelled to the south of Ireland on 9 occasions to attend events.

'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Education to outline whether or not she received, or considered, any advice from other Ministers, or from members of the Committee for Education, in relation to the content of her statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system', before making the statement in the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQW 2577/08)

Ms C Ruane: The statement ‘Outlining a Vision for our Education System’ on 4 December 2007 set out my overarching vision for the future of our post-primary system. It did so to provide a context for the future detailed proposals that will support it – proposals that, when fully developed, will be brought before the Executive Committee, the Assembly Committee and the Assembly. The statement was shared with Executive Ministers and the Assembly Committee before it was made. This was part of a process of engagement that has included previous appearances by myself and officials before the Assembly Committee on the issue of post-primary transfer. This process will continue.

Wi-Fi

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to monitor the health of children in schools that have Wi-Fi installed; and to outline how such a monitoring program will be operated.

(AQW 2620/08)

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. There is therefore no need to undertake any monitoring programme in schools.

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.

Ministerial Meeting

Miss M McIlveen asked the Minister of Education to give a timescale within which she proposes to make a statement to the Assembly in relation to her meeting with the Scottish Education Minister.

(AQW 2644/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have no plans to make a Ministerial statement to the Assembly in relation to my meeting with the Scottish Education Minister.

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what steps he is taking to reduce the number of staff in his department undergoing disciplinary procedures as a result of an unacceptable sickness record.

(AQW 2328/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): DEL, in line with all Government Departments, has developed a range of measures to prevent staff, where possible, from falling ill, and to support staff while they are absent from work because of illness. These measures include promoting health and safety at work; providing innovative work-life balance initiatives; and promoting healthy lifestyle initiatives. This range of measures is complemented by a robust implementation of the NICS Managing Attendance policy that includes the provision of timely and accurate statistics and trend analysis; consistent NICS-wide trigger points to prompt early action in sickness absence cases; and clear processes on the issuing of written warnings, sanctions, consideration of ill-health retirements and dismissals on the grounds of inefficiency.

Training for Success Programme

Mrs C McGill asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not he will review the remuneration levels for Level 2 Apprenticeships, under the Training for Success Programme, to ensure that trainees and/or their families are not penalised financially.

(AQW 2378/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Under the current National Minimum Wage Regulations, exemptions apply to apprentices under the age of 19 and apprentices who are 19 or over and in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship. In the Operational Guidelines for Training for Success, the Department has stated that apprentices should be paid a wage commensurate with the industry rate for that job.

However, not all employers are applying this guidance. I can therefore confirm that the Department will include remuneration levels for apprentices in its first year review of Training for Success.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail when, and how, he was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not he had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2477/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The intention of the Minister of Education to make a statement to the Assembly on her vision for the education system was first notified to me at 10.51am on 4 December, by way of a letter sent to my Private Office enclosing a copy of the statement.

While I have had a number of discussions with the Minister of Education in the last few months on matters of common interest, the subject matter of this statement was not discussed with me at any time before issue.

Children and Young People

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the baseline figure of his department's budget that is allocated to services in relation to children and young people; (ii) the nature of these services; and (iii) any additional monies being spent on these services.

(AQW 2505/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Departmental Baseline budget being spent on Children and Young People during this financial year 2007 – 2008 is £76.82m.
The nature of these services are described as:

Education and Maintenance Allowances - £25.8m. The purpose of this scheme is to enable young people from lower income backgrounds to remain in post-compulsory education at school or college, with the key objectives of raising participation, retention and achievement.

Training Programme - £50.9m. These services are in relation to the provision of both" Jobskills" and "Training for Success" during 2007/08, which comprise the Department’s primary professional and technical training provision. The provision is designed to give children and young people the skills they need to progress to the workplace. Training for Success replaced Jobskills in September 2007, although there are a number of Jobskills trainees who are still undergoing training.

Employers for Childcare project "Childcare solutions" £12k. This payment represents 10% DEL Match funding for project costs. The main services provided by this project are a free phone Child Information Service, which includes detailed profiles of all available childcare services, practical advice on working entitlements and information on which Northern Ireland companies provide family friendly policies. The project also works with employers to encourage them to adopt family friendly policies.

Whilst the Department does provide some additional funding to higher education institutions to allow them to widen access for students with disabilities, it is not possible to separately identify the impact of this for differing age groups.

The £50.9m baseline for Training Programmes includes £2m for the provision of specialist support to those children and young people who have a disability and therefore require additional support.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Renewable Energy Job Losses

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the number of jobs that will be lost, in relation to renewable energy, once the Reconnect scheme and installer grants have ended.

(AQW 2359/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): The Reconnect scheme provides grants to householders wishing to install various small scale renewable technologies. There are no grants to installers themselves.

To date around 146 installers have been involved in the 1540 Reconnect installations completed over the past 17 months.

Some 740 installers have received accredited training through the Interreg-funded Renewable Energy Installers Academy over the past 3 years and it would seem evident that many are engaged in work outside of Reconnect installations.

I do not perceive therefore that the ending of the Reconnect scheme will result in significant job losses. However, the scheme will be evaluated during 2008 to assess if it has met its objectives including the creation of a self-sustaining household renewables market.

Foreign Nationals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail what responsibility his department has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2428/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has no formal responsibility to monitor the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

DETI does have responsibility for the conduct of the NI Labour Force Survey (LFS), which can be used to provide limited information on the nationality and the country of birth of persons resident in NI. However, the LFS is a sample survey with an associated degree of sampling error and it is not designed to produce precise estimates of the number and characteristics of foreign nationals living here.

It is not possible to meet the key requirements for statistics on international migration using a single data source and the Department works closely with other NI and GB Departments to ensure that we consider all the relevant statistical information available.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail when, and how, he was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not he had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2475/08)

Mr N Dodds: Notification of Caitriona Ruane’s Ministerial Statement 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system' to the NI Assembly was received in the DETI Private Office via e-mail on Tuesday 4 December 2007 at 10.51am from the Education Minister’s Private Office. Officials gave Nigel Dodds the document on 6 December following his return from visit to America.

The Education Minister did not discuss this statement with the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister prior to it being issued.

Targeting Social Need

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he is taking to ensure that investment and business opportunities are directed to those areas and communities that experience high levels of multiple deprivation; and to confirm that targeting social need, and objective need, are taken into account in these matters.

(AQW 2486/08)

Mr N Dodds: As part of its commitment to targeting social need, DETI has designated areas within Northern Ireland as disadvantaged on the basis of income and employment deprivation. These include the following six District Council areas - Newry & Mourne, Strabane, Derry, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon – and 80 of the 150 Super Output Areas that make up Belfast. DETI and its agencies pay particular attention to these areas, which contain 30% of the Northern Ireland population, in the delivery of policies and programmes.

It should be noted that council areas are not self-contained labour markets. A project assisted in a particular location has the potential to create benefits across a much wider area. Northern Ireland is a relatively small place and evidence indicates that many investments draw their workforce from areas beyond council and constituency area boundaries. In addition, Invest NI has limited scope for ‘directing’ investment to specific geographic areas, although it is has been able to influence the location decisions of some inward-investment projects. In the case of established businesses, reinvestment patterns will be determined by the existing location of the business.

During the past five years (April 2002 – March 2007), almost £300 million of assistance was offered by Invest NI to clients located within areas of economic disadvantage. Of the 69 first time inward-investment projects offered assistance during the five years, 74% planned to establish locations in these areas, representing 78% of assistance offered to all new inward-investment projects, and 82% of associated new jobs. In addition, 4,490 offers were made in support of new business start-up projects located within disadvantaged areas.

Within Belfast District Council area, 88% of inward-investment projects offered assistance during the past five years (representing 96% of total investment), had locations within disadvantaged areas, and the remainder are accessible to those living in all parts of greater Belfast.

In addition to the programmes of business support provided by Invest NI, DETI also has responsibility for tourism and telecoms. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) during the past five years provided almost £4.4 million of support through a range of infrastructure and marketing projects located in disadvantaged areas. In relation to the telecommunications infrastructure in Northern Ireland, there are three initiatives included in the draft Programme for Government aimed at improvements which will encourage use and access. These include:

(i) The North West Direct International Connectivity project which aims to provide the North West with direct access to the transatlantic telecommunication networks reducing the cost of international telecommunications for businesses in the region;

(ii) Next generation broadband, which aims to deliver access to high speed broadband to 85% of businesses by the end of 2011. This initiative is focused on rural areas; and

(iii) Broadband stimulation projects aimed at providing support to SMEs to adopt broadband technologies. This includes proposals to site two broadband demonstration centres in areas of economic disadvantage.

Regional Tourism Partnerships

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the amount of the proposed tourism budget for 2008-2011 that (i) will be allocated to each of the four Regional Tourism Partnerships; and (ii) the amount of this allocation that will be set aside for marketing.

(AQW 2509/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Draft Budget was published for consultation and a Final Budget will be presented to the Assembly in due course. Overall allocations for tourism will be set in the Final Budget.

An independent evaluation of the Strategic Framework for Action for tourism 2004 – 2007 has recently been carried out on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and the recommendations from this will inform the development of the next phase of the Strategic Framework. In addition, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is in the process of developing its Corporate Plan to define its priorities for the next 3 year period, against which detailed funding allocations will be made. A draft of the Corporate Plan will come to me for consideration.

Once priorities, programmes, targets and objectives for the allocation of the NITB budget are defined, consideration will be given to the most appropriate delivery mechanisms at Northern Ireland and regional level to deliver the required outcomes. Funding will be allocated to RTPs as appropriate within this context.

The Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to make a statement on his department's plans to update The Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992.

(AQW 2511/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board are reviewing the current arrangements for the regulation of tourist accommodation as contained in Part IV of the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992. A key aim of the review is to reduce the regulatory burden on tourist accommodation businesses. DETI aims to consult on the proposed changes in 2008 following which amendments will be made to subordinate legislation and, if necessary, the Tourism Order.

Invest NI

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1999/08, to detail in relation to the South Antrim constituency land bank, (i) the total number of sites owned by Invest NI; (ii) the approximate size of each of these sites; and (iii) the location of each of these sites.

(AQW 2518/08)

Mr N Dodds: As of 31 October 2007, Invest NI holds a total of 393.64 acres of land at 7 locations in the South Antrim constituency. The details of the landholding at each location can be found on the attached table.

The single largest Invest NI land holding in the area is at Global Point, Newtownabbey, where Invest NI holds 149.72 acres and has 93.60 acres available for industrial use. The balance being in essential site infrastructure, a watercourse and a Linear Park.

As the table demonstrates, Invest NI land at Hightown is almost exhausted and Global Point will be the next natural location for companies seeking sites in the North Belfast, Newtownabbey and South Antrim areas. It is anticipated that demand for land at Global Point will be high.

Invest NI is currently awaiting a decision concerning overall planning permissions for this site and, subject to the completion of the statutory consultation process, it is expected that the application will be taken to Council in January 2008.

Over the last number of years, Invest NI has gained planning permission and developed several phases of infrastructure within the park at a cost of circa £7m. It expects to be in a position to market and lease serviced sites to client companies as soon as overall planning approval is granted.

Invest NI land is held exclusively for its client companies with an approved business case and an immediate demonstrable property need.

Table 1 - Invest NI Landholding in South Antrim

Industrial Estate	Location	Land Holding	Land Available
Antrim Technology Park	Antrim	75.13	26.50
Newpark Business Park	Antrim	32.61	0.00
Rathenraw Business Park	Antrim	2.70	0.00
Global Point Business Park	Newtownabbey	149.72	93.60
Hightown	Newtownabbey	127.76	8.60
Monkstown	Newtownabbey	4.95	0.00
Glenville	Newtownabbey	0.77	0.00
Total		393.64	128.70

InterTradeIreland

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the expenditure committed to InterTrade Ireland in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2553/08)

Mr N Dodds:

The total expenditure committed to InterTradeIreland (ITI) in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established is set out in the following table:

December 1999 to 31 March 2000 £	1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 £	1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 £	1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 £	1 April 2003 to 31 March2004 £	1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005 £	1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006 £	1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 £
200,000	3,100,000	2,900,000	1,175,000	2,251,000	3,449,000	2,824,000	3,558,000

The total expenditure committed to InterTradeIreland in the Northern Ireland Block grant in the April 2007 to March 2008 financial year is £3,408,000.
The total projected financial provision for InterTradeIreland as set out in the draft budget statement published on 25 October 2007 is set out in the following table:

1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 £	1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010 £	1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 £
3,500,000	4,900,000	5,300,000

Draft provisions for the 3 years from April 2008 include an element of costs borne by DETI in respect of ITI staff pension costs (2008/09 £118k; 2009/10 £121k; and 2010/11 £124k). This is an inescapable Departmental commitment. N/S Bodies Pension Scheme was not introduced until 2006.

The draft budget allocations are subject to continuing consideration and consultation as part of the budgetary process. They will also be examined in the context of the draft Corporate Plan for ITI, which will be subject to my detailed consideration, and in the context of the review of the North/South implementation bodies and areas of cooperation, as provided for in Annex A of the St. Andrews Agreement.

ENVIRONMENT

Listed Buildings

Mr D Simpson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail for each council area (i) the number of buildings currently listed; and (ii) the number of buildings that have been listed and de-listed, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2340/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): The information requested is provided in the attached tables.

NUMBER OF LISTED BUILDINGS IN EACH COUNCIL AREA

		Listed Buildings/Sites
01	Londonderry	474
02	Limavady	139
03	Coleraine	318
04	Ballymoney	85
05	Moyle	331
06	Larne	183
07	Ballymena	256
08	Magherafelt	195
09	Cookstown	189
10	Strabane	176
11	Omagh	112
12	Fermanagh	496
13	Dungannon	499
14	Craigavon	206
15	Armagh	516
16	Newry & Mourne	691
17	Banbridge	329
18	Down	716
19	Lisburn	317
20	Antrim	232
21	Newtownabbey	44
22	Carrickfergus	64
23	North Down	254
24	Newtownards	379
25	Castlereagh	24
26	Belfast	1059
	Total	*

* This figure represents the total number of statutory listings in Northern Ireland. However, because many listings include multiple buildings, such as terraces or farm buildings under a single listing reference, the total number of listed buildings in Northern Ireland is greater than this figure and is estimated to be about 8,500 structures.

Houses of Multiple Occupancy, South Belfast

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the action that is being taken by the Planning Service to address the high number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) in South Belfast; and what plans she to place a moratorium on planning approval for HMOs, and multiple apartments in South Belfast, until the register is fully updated.

(AQW 2369/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department’s Planning Service prepared and published in June 2006 a draft HMO Subject Plan for the Belfast City Council area. This draft Plan aims to protect the amenity of areas where multiple occupation is, or is likely to become, concentrated whilst accommodating the need and demand for multiple occupation. It also aims to focus HMO development in areas where it can contribute to regeneration and facilitate development of purpose built student accommodation.

Representations to the published draft Plan were considered by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) at an Independent Examination (IE) in October 2007. The PAC report on the IE is still awaited.

My Department has no plans to place a moratorium on planning applications for HMOs, but the draft Plan is a material consideration in the determination of such applications.

Finally, Planning Service officials are represented on a Belfast City Council-led intra-Agency Group to consider, on an on-going basis, issues surrounding HMOs.

Climate Change

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what consideration she has given to providing assistance to district councils in relation to the introduction of measures to (i) reduce carbon dioxide emissions; and (ii) adapt to the effects of climate change.

(AQW 2403/08)

Mrs A Foster: The issue of climate change is one that is relevant to everyone. Government, including district councils, need to play their part and must take responsibility for reducing emissions. There are a number of areas where the Executive and I are, and will be, providing assistance.

As part of the draft Programme for Government, subject to Executive approval, significant funds are to be made available to district councils and others in order to comply with the EU Landfill Directive. This will reduce the release of methane and carbon dioxide when biodegradable materials are broken down by organisms in the presence of air.

In April 2007, the Minister supported the allocation of £250k over a two-year period for the Community Eco-Challenge project. It works with local community groups and households to identify areas which impact on their carbon footprint and tries to minimise this by simple lifestyle changes. The project is sponsored by DOE alongside WWF and has five participating Councils under the Southern Group Environmental Health Committee.

The issue of adaptation is also an important one for district councils. My Department has provided guidance and support as follows:-

The Environment and Heritage Service published in April 2005 "Guidance for Public Bodies on Climate Change Impacts in Northern Ireland". This is available and relevant to district councils.

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) Report 2007 "Preparing for a Changing Climate in Northern Ireland" identified the potential impacts of climate change across a range of sectors and made recommendations for adaptive strategies to prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change in Northern Ireland. The report identifies actions required by district councils as well as other public bodies.

A Northern Ireland Climate Change Impacts Partnership (NICCIP) has been formed comprising interested and influential parties from central and local government as well as the voluntary sector, business and environmental non-government organisations to help inform the process.

Otters

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment what plans he has to carry out a survey of the number of otters in waterways.

(AQW 2444/08)

Mrs A Foster: It is proposed that the next otter survey should be undertaken both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the same time. This would provide a larger ecological dataset for analysis, than the last Northern Ireland Survey, in 2003, which showed an overall decline of 20% in numbers over a 20-year period. This survey is planned for 2009/10.

Discarded Chewing Gum

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to address the problem of discarded chewing gum; and the costs to district councils of removing chewing gum from streets.

(AQW 2450/08)

Mrs A Foster: I appreciate that irresponsible chewing gum disposal can cost district councils a lot of money as expensive jet sprays or chemical treatments are necessary to clean up the mess. My officials have been considering how the powers of district councils could be strengthened and extended to enable them to deal more effectively with a wide range of local environmental problems including chewing gum litter and litter generally. New primary legislation will eventually be required to give effect to any future proposals for stronger and more effective powers to reduce litter. It is my intention to consult on specific proposals in due course.

Birds of Prey

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of offences carried out against birds of prey in the last 3 years.

(AQW 2451/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials collate records of wildlife law convictions but not records of wildlife offences.

There have been no convictions for offences carried out against birds of prey in Northern Ireland over the past 3 years.

However, records of offences are submitted to the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) by various member organisations of the Partnership Against Wildlife Crime (PAW), which is chaired by EHS.

NWCU reports that there were 7 confirmed incidents of birds of prey being illegally killed in Northern Ireland over the last 3 years; six of which had been poisoned and one which had been shot.

Eco-Towns and Villages

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what plans she has in relation to the development of new eco-towns and villages.

(AQW 2457/08)

Mrs A Foster: Currently there is nothing in the Department’s published Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) in relation to the development of new eco-towns and villages and there are no current proposals for such in any draft or adopted Area Plan.

Generally, my Department would wish to encourage development which is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Rathlin Island

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the assistance, financial or otherwise, that her department provides to (i) the National Trust; and (ii) the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, on Rathlin Island.

(AQW 2459/08)

Mrs A Foster: My Department’s Environment and Heritage Service provides assistance in a number of ways to support the work of the National Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) on Rathlin Island. The close co-operation between EHS, RSPB and the National Trust is reflected in the joint statement which they issued on their management objectives for their properties on the Island.

In relation to the National Trust: EHS has supported the acquisition of land near the east lighthouse at Ballycarry through its Natural Heritage Grants Programme. EHS provides financial support for a number of National Trust regional projects relating to access, education and the implementation of the National Trust’s biodiversity strategy. Some of these relate to Rathlin Island.

Payments to the National Trust have also been made under the Environment Order to support the management of its lands within two Areas of Special Scientific Interest on the island. These payments supported a project on field boundaries and a five year agreement under the Management of Sensitive Sites (MOSS) scheme.

Regarding the RSPB: EHS supported the purchase and initial management of coastal grassland and sea cliff at Knockans on the White Cliffs at Rathlin Island in 2004. EHS has committed to providing funding towards the RSPB Officer on Rathlin for 2007-2010. EHS is also supporting the RSPB’s Environmental Education Delivery project which relates in part to Rathlin Island.

EHS entered into an ‘in perpetuity’ agreement with the RSPB in the late 1990s to ensure the future protection of its land within the Rathlin Island Coast Area of Special Scientific Interest. EHS and RSPB co-operate over the management of their respective properties at the west of the island, sharing a Warden and co-operating over transport arrangements and access to the West Light.

Grouse Action Plan

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the reasons for the delay in setting up the Environment and Heritage Service Grouse Action Plan.

(AQW 2466/08)

Mrs A Foster: The publication of a Northern Ireland Species Action Plan for red grouse is an EHS Biodiversity Implementation Plan target which is to be completed by March 2008.

The action plan has been through both departmental and public consultation. The latter consultation closed on 31^st August 2007. The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) has also commented on the draft plan. When EHS has considered the various responses, the action plan will be presented to the NIBG for its approval. The plan will then be published on the EHS web page before the end of March 2008.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Identification

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the reasons why an electoral card is not accepted as proof of identity for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2467/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Department introduced Identity Checking for driving licence applications in April 1999. Given that driving licences are generally valid for 10 years, there are still many licences that have been issued without the holder being subjected to the current rigorous standards. However, the Electoral Commission will issue an Electoral Card on the strength of these licences. The Department does not, therefore, consider an Electoral Card to be sufficiently robust for the purposes of obtaining a driving licence.

Theft of Grouse Chicks and Eggs

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of the Environment whether or not she will review the legislation in relation to the theft of grouse chicks and eggs, and consider increasing the penalties for these thefts.

(AQW 2468/08)

Mrs A Foster: The unlawful taking of the eggs of game birds or molestation of nests is regulated under the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928, which provides for a maximum penalty of £500 or 3 month imprisonment, or both, for related offences. There are currently no plans to review the existing legislation or the level of penalties for offences under the legislation.

Plastic Bags Used by Retail Outlets

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment what plans she has to discourage the use of plastic bags.

(AQW 2469/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials have been considering a number of options to reduce the local environmental problems caused by discarded plastic bags. A tax on plastic bags is one option but it may result in people turning to bags made from other materials or alternative forms of packaging instead. Alternatives to plastic bags often entail their own environmental problems and all of the issues need to be thoroughly considered before deciding on the most appropriate way forward for Northern Ireland. It is my intention to consult on specific proposals in due course.

In the meantime, my Department will continue to support voluntary initiatives aimed at reducing carrier bag usage such as the current UK-wide agreement between Government, the Waste Resources Action Programme and retailers which aims to reduce the overall environmental impact of all carrier bags by 25% by the end of 2008.

Plastic Bags Used by Retail Outlets

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment what estimate her department has made of the number of plastic bags used by shops, and other retail outlets, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 2471/08)

Mrs A Foster: There are no statistics on the number of plastic bags used by shops and other retail outlets in Northern Ireland. Statistics are only available on a UK-wide basis and latest estimates of the total number of bags distributed in the UK stand at over 13 billion. Previous estimates put the UK figure at around 8 billion.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether or not the key goal outlined in the Programme for Government, to reduce our carbon footprint by 25%, refers to Northern Ireland's direct carbon emissions.

(AQW 2472/08)

Mrs A Foster: The key goal in question refers to direct greenhouse gas emissions, i.e. those produced within Northern Ireland’s geographical boundary, as distinct from indirect emissions associated with goods/services produced outside of the geographical boundary but which are for consumption within Northern Ireland. This is stated in the Sustainable Development Strategy as "to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, below 1990 levels by 2025". It is intended that the final Programme for Government document will be clarified accordingly.

Carbon Dioxide Reduction

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether or not she will set legally binding carbon dioxide reduction targets for Northern Ireland, in line with those in the United Kingdom Climate Change Bill.

(AQW 2473/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Executive Committee and Environment Committee agree with my policy position on targets, i.e. that we should support UK targets detailed in the Bill and not proceed with Northern Ireland specific targets at this time. I have made a commitment to come back to the issue of Northern Ireland targets once I am more certain as to the Northern Ireland emissions baseline. We also need to understand better the relationship between economic competitiveness within government and more demanding cuts in Greenhouse gas emissions. Research on both of these issues is ongoing and I hope to have the findings by March or April 2008.

Draft Policy Planning Statement 14

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of the Environment to confirm whether the new draft Policy Planning Statement 14 will come into force (i) six months after her statement of 25 October; or (ii) after the consultation period has ended and a final policy has been agreed.

(AQW 2506/08)

Mrs A Foster: I refer to the proceedings following my Statement on rural planning policy to the Assembly on 25 October 2007. I indicated that a new policy will go out for consultation in six months’ time, and at that stage, the new policy will become draft PPS 14 and that the current draft PPS 14 will fall.

Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education System'

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of the Environment to detail when, and how, she was first notified of the Ministerial Statement, 'Outlining a Vision for our Education system'; and to confirm whether or not she had discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the statement before it was issued.

(AQW 2528/08)

Mrs A Foster: I received notification of the Ministerial Statement at 10:51am on Tuesday, 4 December 2007. I can confirm that I had no discussions with the Minister of Education on the subject matter of the Statement before it was issued.

Planning Applications

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of applicants who are awaiting the refund of fees after having withdrawn their planning applications, following her statement to the Assembly on 25 October 2007, in relation to draft Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

(AQW 2567/08)

Mrs A Foster: Following the Judicial Review judgement on 25 October 2007, I decided that applicants should be given the opportunity to withdraw applications received from 7 September 2007 up to 25 October 2007 inclusive, and receive a full refund of the fee paid. The number of applicants who have requested that their planning application is withdrawn and who are entitled to a refund of fees is 658.

Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of press releases issued by the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2568/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside has made a total of three press releases in the last five years, all of which issued in 2006.

Planning Applications

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of the Environment to give a timescale for the refund of fees to those applicants who withdrew planning applications, following her statement to the Assembly on 25 October 2007, in relation to draft Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

(AQW 2569/08)

Processing of the refunds is currently underway and letters informing applicants of this and confirming the refund amount should be with them over the next few weeks. A cheque will follow shortly thereafter.

Development at the Old Sirocco Site

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment, in relation to the proposed development at the old Sirocco site, to detail the impact it will have on (i) the overall figures; and (ii) the windfall potential gain figures, contained in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

(AQW 2572/08)

Mrs A Foster: The old Sirocco site was not zoned for a specific land use in the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan but was identified as a development opportunity site suitable for a variety of uses including housing.

If housing is approved on the site, it will impact on housing windfall figures and will only be taken into account if and when built and occupied.

The number of units provided will of course be dependent on the housing

element of any mixed use development proposals submitted for the site and as such proposals are only at the early stages of consideration, I am not yet able to advise on the detailed impact on windfall provision.

Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (i) the reasons why no revised capacity study has been carried out in relation to the draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan; and (ii) what plans she has to undertake such a study.

(AQW 2573/08)

Mrs A Foster: Strategic housing land supply for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan area was considered at length at the recent Public Inquiry held by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).

As part of this process, Planning Service in January 2007 prepared and presented to the Inquiry a paper setting out its approach to addressing the housing deficit arising from the uplift in regional housing growth indicators.

In June 2007, Planning Service published a further paper which assessed the appropriateness of specific green belt sites that had been the subject of objections in terms of meeting additional housing supply needs.

While both a revised urban capacity study and a revised windfall allowance were addressed as part of the preparation of these papers, neither was considered by Planning Service to be necessary at this point in time. The PAC will, however, be making recommendations to the Department on these issues in its Inquiry Report.

In these circumstances, I have therefore no plans at this point in time to undertake a further urban capacity study.

Similarly I have no further plans to re-assess the estimated windfall allowance within the BMAP area not least because while recent windfall yield rates in terms of approvals are close to the windfall allowance made in BMAP, windfall can actually only be counted after these approvals are built and occupied. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that the recent windfall yield rate will continue over the remainder of the Plan period.

Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail why there has been no reassessment of the estimated windfall potential gain figures in the latest draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan, for the Belfast City Council area, given that the current estimated figures for 2015 have already been exceeded.

(AQW 2574/08)

Mrs A Foster: Strategic housing land supply for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan area was considered at length at the recent Public Inquiry held by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).

In these circumstances, I have therefore no plans at this point in time to undertake a further urban capacity study.

Draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to detail why there has been no reassessment of the estimated windfall potential gain figures in the latest draft Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan.

(AQW 2575/08)

Mrs A Foster: Strategic housing land supply for the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan area was considered at length at the recent Public Inquiry held by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC).

In these circumstances, I have therefore no plans at this point in time to undertake a further urban capacity study.

Data Protection

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline her plans to increase awareness about, and develop understanding of, information systems, data security, and data protection laws amongst senior staff in (i) her department; (ii) the Driver and Vehicle Agency; and (iii) other relevant agencies.

(AQW 2624/08)

Mrs A Foster: I am fully aware of the need to ensure that the staff of my department and agencies at all levels should have an understanding of the importance of protecting data and information it holds.

The supply and management of information systems and services is very specialised and we are dependent on suppliers from within the Northern Ireland Civil Service and third parties. It is absolutely crucial that effective data security is properly reflected in their delivery of systems and services, and in the day to day system management practices.

The senior management teams in my Department are aware of the need for proper data and information security and recent events here and in Great Britain have brought this into clear focus.

I am considering at how best to deal with the issues. I am determined to ensure that my Department implements best practice in relation to all aspects of data security and to ensure that it meets the highest possible standards to protect information, particularly personal data. The results of the data security review across the Civil Service will inform the means by which this can be achieved.

Data Security

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to outline (i) her department's policy on the sending of encrypted computer disks, containing driver and vehicle data, from the Driver and Vehicle Agency; and (ii) the qualifications in Information Systems that are held by (a) policy makers in the Driver and Vehicle Agency; (b) the Chief Executive and other senior managers in the Driver and Vehicle Agency; and (c) the Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment.

(AQW 2625/08)

Mrs A Foster: Currently there is no existing departmental policy in relation to the sending of encrypted computer disks whether that is in respect of driver and vehicle data or any other data. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has commenced a review of all data transmitted, including the transmission method and will, as part of that review, consider data encryption. A considerable amount of data sent by DVA already goes by secure network and as such does not require encryption.
(a) and (b) The DVA policy making forum is the Strategic Management Board, consisting of the Chief Executive, four Group Directors and a Non-Executive Director. Two members of the Strategic Management Board have significant knowledge of information systems built up over a number of years working in this field, one having over 20 years relevant experience. All decisions made by the Strategic Management Board, in respect of Information Systems, are informed by suitably qualified DVA ICT Personnel:

Senior Systems Analyst: BSc Hons. Mathematics, Statistics and Computing.

Senior Systems Analyst: BSc in Computing.

Systems Analyst: HND in Computing.

All other ICT staff have at least the minimum entry Information Systems qualifications and in the main considerably more than the minimum.

The Agency has conducted training events, for Data Protection and Freedom of Information across the Agency and all new staff, are advised of their responsibilities in relation to information management.

As a direct consequence of recent events the Agency plans to instigate a refresher training programme on Data Security for all staff, including senior management, as a matter of urgency.

In addition, the Agency uses the services of the Department’s Information Technology Security Officer (ITSO) and Internal Audit Services for advice, guidance and review of all information systems.

The Information Commissioner has agreed to conduct an information management and data security audit on the agency in late January/early February 2008 which will include any training requirements that may be identified.

(c) The Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment holds no specific qualifications in Information Systems but is advised on IS matters by the Department’s Information Technology Security Officer (ITSO), the Information Systems Unit (ISU) and Internal Audit. He can also draw on advice from other IS expertise from the wider NI Civil Service.

Planning Policy Statement 12

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of the Environment to detail her plans to revise Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Development Frameworks to ensure the delivery of a minimum 20% developer contribution to help address the lack of social and affordable housing.

(AQW 2632/08)

Mrs A Foster: Responsibility for Planning Policy Statement 12 (Housing in Settlements) will shortly transfer from the Department of Regional Development to my Department. The Affordable Housing policy within that Statement is under review; this is associated with cross-Departmental work on affordable housing led by the Minister for Social Development to which my Department already contributes. On taking responsibility for the Statement I will carefully consider this policy, including the need for any revision.

Fly Posting

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the proposed timescale for her department to produce proposals in relation to fly posting.

(AQW 2637/08)

Mrs A Foster: My officials have been considering how the powers of district councils could be strengthened and extended to enable them to deal more effectively with a wide range of problems, including fly posting, which affect the quality of life in our local environment or neighbourhoods. This work is known as the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda and primary legislation, preceded by appropriate consultation exercises with key interests, will be required to implement stronger provisions. The draft Programme for Government sets out an ambitious programme for my Department and I am currently considering when to introduce this legislation in the light of the range of key goals set for my Department.

FINANCE AND PERSONNEL

Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the proposed timescale for the creation and full operation of the Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit.

(AQW 2290/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): I am currently considering the remit and organisational structure of the Unit, and will be making detailed comments on the issue in my Final Budget statement to the Assembly in late January.

However, in terms of timing, my intention is to ensure the Unit is operational early next year

Regional Rate Bill

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount by which the average regional rate bill would increase in (i) monetary terms; and (ii) percentage terms, in order to raise £600 million.

(AQW 2293/08)

Mr P Robinson: The average domestic regional rate bill in Northern Ireland is currently £404. This would need to rise by £920 or 228% in order to raise an additional £600 million in 2008-09.

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1629/08, to detail the contact his department has had with (i) DEL; and (ii) DARD, in addressing the high number of staff in both these departments, compared to other government departments, who are undergoing a disciplinary process as a result of an unacceptable sickness record.

(AQW 2327/08)

Mr P Robinson: Contact with both DEL and DARD has been no different to that with other departments in this regard. The sickness absence policies, including the inefficiency process, are consistent across the whole of the NICS. Any decision to invoke the inefficiency procedures, including the issuing of written warnings or dismissal, rests with each department. DFP works closely with all departments and provides policy advice when required.

Staff Undergoing Disciplinary Procedures

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel, pursuant his answer to AQW 1629/08, to detail the steps his department is taking, across the Northern Ireland Civil Service, to reduce the number of staff who are undergoing a disciplinary process as a result of an unacceptable sickness record.

(AQW 2329/08)

Mr P Robinson: DFP’s role includes policy development and providing advice and guidance when required to Northern Ireland departments. DFP has developed a multi-faceted approach to managing sickness absence which includes policies aimed at preventing staff from getting ill in the first instance, supporting them while they are off ill and providing rehabilitative support to assist with an early return to work. Further details about the NICS approach is set out in the attached Annex.

These generally supportive interventions are underpinned by a robust inefficiency policy which includes written warnings and sanctions and ultimately dismissal. The decision to invoke such action rests firmly with the employing department who is best placed to make important and informed decisions on an individual’s attendance and whether it is acceptable or not.

It would not be the role of DFP to intervene or influence such decisions.

Across-The-Board Efficiency Savings

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the basis on which he has made the assessment that scope exists for across-the-board efficiency savings of 3%.

(AQW 2362/08)

Mr P Robinson: At the point of restoration of Devolved Government in Northern Ireland on 8 May 2007, work by NI Departments in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review was already well underway thus the Executive agreed, for the purposes of the Budget 2008-11, to continue to operate on the basis of the 3% per annum efficiency savings target inherited from Direct Rule Ministers.

However, in recognition of the variations in the rate of efficiency between, and within, Departments, I have established a Performance and Efficiency Delivery Unit to examine the scope for generating additional cash-releasing efficiencies within specific spending programmes.

Foreign Nationals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail what responsibility his department has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2429/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Department of Finance and Personnel has no formal responsibility in monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

Migration policy is an excepted matter and responsibility lies with the Home Office.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) does however publish annual estimates of the resident population of Northern Ireland, which include estimates of the level of annual migration into and out of Northern Ireland. These population estimates do not distinguish between foreign nationals and others. A question on nationality is also being considered for the 2011 Census.

Building Control Fees

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what plans he has to review building control fees; and what action he will take to introduce a greater range of charging levels, rather than the two levels which currently apply.

(AQW 2448/08)

Mr P Robinson: A review of the Building (Prescribed Fees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 will commence early next year. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will inform this review and suggestions would be welcomed as to how to improve the delivery of the service.

Location of Public Sector Jobs

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the progress that has been made on the review of policy on the location of public sector jobs, that was announced to the Assembly in September 2007.

(AQW 2525/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Executive agreed the terms of reference for the review at its meeting on 25 November 2007. I am pleased to say that an independent team chaired by Professor Sir George Bain has now been appointed to take forward the review. The terms of reference and membership of the group can be accessed on the Department of Finance and Personnel’s website at http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/.

I expect the team to begin work in the next few weeks and to report by summer 2008. I can also confirm that a framework to support interim decision making has been published on the Review of Public Administration website. This provides guiding principles and a detailed methodology to help decision makers in the short term until such times as the review has been completed.

Staff Sick Leave

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of sick leave, in government departments and agencies, that can be attributed to harassment, discrimination and bullying, in each of the last three years.

(AQW 2539/08)

Mr P Robinson: The information requested is not available. The NICS uses the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) coding system for recording and analysing the medical reasons for sick absence. Harassment, discrimination and bullying are not included in this classification system.

Ministerial Advisers

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the security measures that have been carried out in relation to those who are employed as advisers to Ministers.

(AQW 2540/08)

Mr P Robinson: Consistent with the procedures established previously and have been in place since 1999, no security measures have been carried out in relation to those who are employed as advisers to Ministers.

Ministerial Drivers

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the security measures that have been carried out in relation to those who are employed as Ministerial drivers.

(AQW 2541/08)

Mr P Robinson: The security measures that have been carried out in relation to those employed as Ministerial drivers were agreed and completed prior to the restoration of Devolution on 8 May 2007.

All drivers supplied by the DFP car pool to drive Ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive have had security vetting undertaken and are cleared to drive Ministers and Senior Officials.

Transport and Security Costs for Ministers

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the costs incurred in providing (i) transport; and (ii) security, for Ministers, since 8 May 2007.

(AQW 2542/08)

Mr P Robinson: (i)The following costs can be associated with the transport of Ministers since May 2007:

Purchase of Vehicles	£112,000
Cost of Fuel	£11,445
Estimated salary costs	£110,200

This excludes the First Minister and the DFP Minister who have incurred no costs to the NICS.

(ii) The provision of security for Ministers is a departmental issue and therefore will require a co-ordinated response. I will forward this information to you once it is available.

Rating of Vacant Domestic Properties

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to provide an estimate of the revenue that would be raised by rating vacant domestic properties.

(AQW 2545/08)

Mr P Robinson: In my statement to the Assembly on 27^th November 2007 on the outcomes of the Executive Review of Domestic Rating, I indicated that the potential revenue gain from the rating of vacant domestic property could be in the region of £15 - £20 million per annum, in terms of the Regional and District Rates.

You will be aware from your membership of the Committee for Finance and Personnel, and in particular the evidence presented to that Committee by my officials and researchers from the University of Ulster on 10^th October 2007, that this figure depends on what exclusions and exemption periods (if any) are to be applied, following further consultation on the policy, and also on the quality of the vacant stock – for example, some properties may be uninhabitable and therefore would not be rateable.

Since my statement to the Assembly, the University has provided some emerging findings from Phase 2 of its work, which involved looking at a small sample of the dataset of vacant properties provided by Land and Property Services. This work was considered necessary in order to check the reliability of the data, gauge the condition of the vacant housing stock and assist with establishing the causes of the vacancies.

These emerging findings suggest that, at 100% rating (without significant exemptions or exemption periods), the rating of vacant homes may raise less than the original prediction of £15 million, with the figure more likely to be closer to a potential £10 million per annum initially. In addition, with there being no difference in liability between occupied and unoccupied houses, the measure would also help flush out undeclared and undiscovered occupied houses, which could raise almost the same amount of revenue again in the first few years.

Such an outcome, however, is dependent on Land and Property Services being adequately resourced and prepared in advance to implement what amounts to a radical departure from the existing system which only bills dwellings that are occupied. This work will involve the identification of the owners of vacant properties which is a major exercise in its own right.

Finally, as I stated in the Assembly, the rating of vacant homes is more than a revenue raising measure. It also has important social aims, such as bringing idle property back onto the market for sale and rent. If successful, therefore, revenues generated by this particular measure will diminish as the number of vacancies reduces and the policy begins to contribute to wider housing affordability objectives. Work to be undertaken by DSD on the issue of affordable housing involving an inspection of some of the houses on the Land and Property Services’ dataset of vacant properties will also help inform revenue projections for the rating of vacant homes.

Ministerial Code

Mr B McCrea asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel (i) to detail the substance of his meeting with the Minister of Education and the Chair of the Committee for Education, on 3 December 2007; and (ii) to confirm whether or not he raised issues relating to the Ministerial Code with the Minister of Education.

(AQW 2576/08)

Mr P Robinson: At the meeting involving the Chairman of the Education Committee on 3^rd December, the Minister for Education indicated that she would be making a statement the following day on the issue of transfer to post primary schools. However, contrary to misleading, mischievous and distorted press comment from irresponsible individuals which were clearly motivated by narrow party political considerations the detail of the statement was not provided.

The Chair of the Committee for Education and I made clear our position that any future arrangements would require to leave open the option of academic selection to obtain the support of our party. This is required because of the success of the DUP in achieving amendments to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 contained within the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006.

This is in contrast to the arrangements under the last Assembly and Executive, negotiated by the Ulster Unionist Party, where Ministers had considerable latitude to take significant and controversial decisions. The new Statutory Ministerial Code as approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly on 20th March requires the Executive to agree a way forward on such matters in order for decisions to be taken. The Minister for Education is aware of this position and has indicated the need for Executive decisions on this matter.

In particular in this case the Ministerial Code is relevant to decisions that remain to be taken rather than a statement of the Education Minister's vision on the way forward.

Underspend

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of underspend in relation to (i) resource expenditure; and (ii) capital expenditure, at the end of each of the last five financial years.

(AQW 2581/08)

Mr P Robinson: The following table sets out the level of departmental resource and capital underspending in each of the last five financial years.

					£m
	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
Resource	160.3	117.9	150.6	158.8	53.7
Capital	170.0	171.9	227.5	96.7	114.6

The figures are based on the provisional outturn provided by departments, except in the case of 2007-08. The figures for 2007-08 are the latest forecast underspends provided by departments, which is based on spend to the end of November 2007.

Over-Committed Expenditure

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the amount of expenditure that was over-committed in the budget, in relation to (i) resource expenditure; and (ii) capital expenditure, in each of the last five financial years.

(AQW 2583/08)

Mr P Robinson: The table below details the amount of resource expenditure and capital investment overcommitment in each of the last five financial years. For each year, the level of overcommitment was then subject to revisions during the in-year monitoring process, reducing the flexibility to reallocate resources in-year.

					£m
	2003-04	2004-05	2005-06	2006-07	2007-08
	Budget 2002	Budget 2003	Budget 2004	Budget 2005
Resource	-130.6	-158.2	-149.8	-130.3	-148.6
Capital	-16.7	-20.1	-98.6	-176.6	-171.1

Procurement Process

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to confirm that the consideration of social outcomes will form part of the procurement process to ensure the delivery of equality and sustainability.

(AQW 2611/08)

Mr P Robinson: The Procurement Board has recently approved guidance on Equality of Opportunity and Sustainable Development in Public Sector Procurement. The guidance will assist policy makers, service providers and procurement practitioners to deliver positive social, economic and environmental outcomes via the procurement process and to more effectively take account of existing statutory duties related to equality and sustainable development.

The guidance is due to be published in the New Year.

Unpaid Rates

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what action is being taken by his department to recover unpaid rates.

(AQW 2617/08)

Mr P Robinson: From 1 April 2007 Land and Property Services have issued 78,000 final notices for unpaid rates. Just over 7,500 court processes have also been issued to secure payment. Land and Property Services continue to robustly pursue unpaid rates.

Industrial Derating Policy

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to make a statement in relation to the future of industrial derating policy.

(AQW 2658/08)

Mr P Robinson: During the debate on the draft budget on 25 October 2007, I announced that I was minded to hold industrial rates at 30% liability over the CSR period, ie until the end of March 2011. On 18 December 2007 the Executive ratified my decision and the Committee for Finance and Personnel also endorsed it. A statutory rule to give effect to the decision will be made soon by way of an Order subject to affirmative resolution. If the Assembly approves the statutory rule, the revised percentage can take effect from the start of the new billing year in April 2008.

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Budget Allocations

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any analysis his department has undertaken of budget allocations relating to other departments, with a view to identifying monies that could be re-allocated to his department.

(AQW 2226/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Departmental officials have not carried out any detailed analysis of other Department’s budgets with a view to identifying monies that could be re-allocated other than to consider the comparison of expenditure per head on various NI programmes as published in the HMT Public Expenditure Statistical Analysis (PESA).

It is for the Executive to decide how to revise the budget allocations, following consultation responses on the draft Budget.

Health Service Productivity

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what assessment he has made of the productivity of the health service in Northern Ireland, in comparison with the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQW 2279/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: An accurate measurement of productivity, in a complex business area such as the provision of health and social care, is far from straightforward. Aside from issues concerned with adequately capturing the total volume of activity which takes place in a diverse range of settings, and taking into account the changing skill mix of the workforce, any robust productivity measure must also take into account changes in the quality of services. My Department is currently taking work forward on all of these fronts with the UK Centre for the Measurement of Government Activity (UKCeMGA) who are at the leading edge of developments in the measurement of Government productivity.

Based on the work of the Appleby Review there is an assessed workforce productivity gap of 11% between hospital services here and in England. However this figure requires further work and there are many possible reasons for this, including the scale and distribution of hospitals here.

Good progress has been made on improving productivity and I am committed to ensuring that productivity is further increased across the CSR period. Some of the actions that my Department has taken to make better use from existing resources are:

Efficiency savings - over the period 2005-06 to 2007-08, the Department has realised total annual efficiencies of £260 million of which at least £146 million were resource releasing. Improved productivity has also enabled the Department to meet the non resource releasing efficiency target of £115m by 2007/08.

Reform and modernisation - across a wide range of healthcare activity. This has facilitated the significant improvements in waiting times and is making radical changes in how clinics are managed and how patients are booked into hospital, all aimed at increasing the number of patients that can be seen within existing resources.
Introduction of Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services (ICATS) – this provides new integrated multi-disciplinary teams of health care professionals to better manage the interface between GPs and the secondary care sector.
Reform of A&E – a programme of changes to A&E services has meant that trolley waits are being eradicated and by March 2008, 95% or patients who attend A&E should be either treated or admitted within 4 hours of their arrival in the department.
Benchmarking - Trusts are currently expected to identify, in a register now embedded within each Trust’s Delivery Plan (planning document), the full range of benchmarking activity planned or ongoing, whether initiated as a result of highlighted reference unit cost variations or otherwise.
Acute Hospital portfolio - The Acute Hospital Portfolio is a performance information and improvement tool consisting of a collection of audits of key services areas allowing detailed comparison against information systematically collected and validated from GB and NI Trusts.
Departmental value for money audit strategy – The Department has in place a value for money audit strategy and has conducted 2-3 studies each year on a range of topics such as maternity services and statutory residential care. Trusts must take action to deal with the issues arising from these reports.
Reduced absenteeism and staff turnover – targets have been set to reduce staff turnover, costs of locum staff and absenteeism levels.
Consideration of new finance regime – the current finance regime is being reviewed to consider how to facilitate and incentivise reform and increased productivity. An example of this is the "final offer" scheme which is used to move resources from one Trust to another should a waiting time breach be unmanageable within the original Trust.

False Alarm Calls

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of false alarms received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in the last five years.

(AQW 2424/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below shows the number of false alarm calls received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service over the previous five years.

Year	Mobilised	Non Mobilised
2002 / 2003	12032	20938
2003 / 2004	12555	22229
2004 / 2005	12317	20528
2005 / 2006	12040	20010
2006 / 2007	11920	20564

False Alarm Calls

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what action he is taking to reduce the number of false alarms received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

(AQW 2425/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Fire and Rescue Service is committed to reducing the number of false alarms by taking forward a range of interactive programmes within local communities and the public and private sectors. These include:

The Local Intervention Fire Education [LIFE] Scheme - a 5 day development programme for 14 – 19 year olds delivered by NIFRS at local Fire stations. One of the main aims of the scheme is to build a better understanding between young people within our community and NIFRS personnel.

Safety Team [8 – 9 year olds] & Firestorm [12 – 13 year olds] - Educational Fire Safety packages delivered in Schools across NI.

Cadet Scheme - a voluntary youth scheme within Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, aiming to provide a varied and interesting programme of fire and rescue activities for young people, raise awareness of the activities of the Service and instill a sense of community spirit.

Joint initiatives - With British Telecom, NI Ambulance Service and PSNI aimed at highlighting the dangers to the community as a consequence of making false alarm calls.

Call challenging - Regional Control Centre personnel will challenge callers believed to be giving hoax calls.

Management of Unwanted Fire Signals Policy - aimed at reducing the growing number of false alarms due to Automatic Fire Alarm Systems apparatus.

Management Structures in Health and Social Care Trusts

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list the Health and Social Care Trusts that have arrangements in place for an Allied Health Professional Representative to be included in their management structures at tier three level or higher, as directed by his department in correspondence with all Trusts in September 2007.

(AQW 2432/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: To date the position is that, in all five Trusts, a director (second tier) has been designated as having a co-ordinating responsibility for Allied Health Professional (AHP) services. In addition:

The Southern Trust has two AHPs at tier 3 level, one leading on governance and workforce development, the other as Assistant Director of Primary Care.

The Belfast Trust has a third tier Co-director for Therapy and Therapeutic services, who is not an AHP. The intention is that the heads of each therapy profession will participate in a Trust clinical advisory forum.

The South East Trust has actively engaged AHPs in determining the proposed structure and following consultation will shortly be appointing an AHP lead at 3^rd tier level.

In the Northern Trust, a number of third tier posts were open to applications from AHP managers but none were successful in the appointments process. A professional forum has now been established within Trust, chaired by the Chief Executive, to ensure appropriate advice is available from all professions.

The Western Trust has recently agreed their AHP structure with the professions and will shortly be appointing an AHP lead who will report directly to the Executive Director with responsibility for AHP service on all professional matters.

The Department will be writing to the Trust Chief Executives to make sure this issue is addressed.

Mental Health Unit for Children and Teenagers at Forster Green Hospital

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (i) make a statement on the continuing planning delays surrounding the project to create a mental health unit for children and teenagers at Forster Green Hospital; (ii) provide a timescale for the completion of the project; and (iii) detail how far the project is behind schedule.

(AQW 2436/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I am pleased to inform you that outline planning permission has now been granted for the Regional Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the Child and Family Centre at Forster Green. Although there has been a lengthy planning process, work has been progressing in parallel, namely:

alterations to a former residential unit to create decant accommodation for the existing Children’s Unit;
the issue of tender documentation for the demolition of the existing buildings on the site;
preparation of contract documentation for the construction of the new facilities; and
selection of a main contractor for the project.

The Trust’s decision to proceed with this work in parallel has meant that no delay to the overall project programme has been caused by the planning process.

It is anticipated that the demolition of the existing buildings will be complete in April 2008 and that construction of the new buildings will commence in May 2008. The Regional Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Unit and the Child and Family Centre therefore remain on course for completion in July 2009 and January 2010 respectively.

Annual Leave Entitlement for Medical Consultants

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the annual leave entitlement for medical consultants, compared to other health staff.

(AQW 2454/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Consultants employed on a full-time contract within the Health and Social Care, with less than seven years service are entitled to 30 days annual leave per year. This increases to 32 days annual leave per year once seven or more year’s service is completed. In addition two statutory holidays may, by local agreement, be converted into annual leave. Where this happens this would equate to 32 days annual leave for consultants with up to seven years service and 34 days for consultants with seven or more years service.

Non-medical staff, employed on Agenda for Change arrangements, are entitled to 27 days annual leave per year on appointment. After 5 year’s service this increases to 29 days and after 10 year’s service is further increased to 33 days annual leave per year.

These annual leave entitlements are in addition to ten public holidays each year.

Agenda for Change

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the savings that have been made under the Agenda for Change.

(AQW 2455/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Agenda for Change pay agreement is designed to address equal pay issues and to assist in delivering improvements to the Health and Social Care service for patients and staff. These areas of improvement include, redesigning services around patients with extended service at evenings and weekends, additional service input, higher quality care, designing the right jobs, boosting recruitment and retention, greater flexibility in the use of staff and reduced administration.

Fourth Report by the Capitation Formula Review Group

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm when the recommendations of the Fourth Report by the Capitation Formula Review Group will be fully implemented; and to detail the amount of (i) under-funding; and (ii) over-funding, in each Health and Social Services Board, in the current financial year.

(AQW 2456/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Fourth Review of the Formula recommended that the component formulae for Acute Services and Elderly Care be updated. The proposed changes will be released for public consultation in 2008. Changes to this position will need to be phased over several years.

In 2007/08, after £12m was allocated to reduce under funding, the four HSS Boards were assessed as being the following distances from their target fair shares.

Health and Social Services Board	2007/08 Distance from Target Share.
Eastern Board	£22.7m over funded
Northern Board	£8.4m under funded
Southern Board	£7.9m under funded
Western Board	£6.4m under funded

A Fifth Review is underway and if a new formula is introduced funding gaps will need to be recalculated.

Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers

Mr D McClarty asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the provision of physiotherapy treatment for multiple sclerosis sufferers.

(AQW 2458/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Physiotherapy is available in hospitals and in a range of settings in the community for those patients assessed as requiring physiotherapy, including those with multiple sclerosis.

Physiotherapy services available in Health and Social Care Trusts provide assessment, treatment and care for people with multiple sclerosis, either in out-patient and day care settings or in the patient’s own home, depending on their individual needs.

Fire and Rescue Service

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to ensure that the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service will receive the necessary funding to enable it to deliver its service to the highest standards.

(AQW 2489/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: You will be aware that since the publication of this Draft Budget, I have highlighted the difference in the long term funding for health, social services and public safety here and in England and the failure of this budget to provide resources for DHSSPS that are adequate to deliver services that match those in the rest of the UK.

There are a range of essential priorities which I have to address across key public services and given the very limited additional funding which my Department has been allocated in the Draft Budget means that difficult choices will have to be made.

The Draft Budget is the subject of ongoing consultation and I will continue to strenuously press the case for adequate resources to be provided for the Fire and Rescue Service.

Pharmacy Regulations

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to ensure that regulations in relation to pharmacies are made by his department rather than by Westminster.

(AQW 2492/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The regulation of pharmaceutical services is a devolved matter and all current regulations concerned with the delivery of these services have been made under the terms of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. Any amendments to the regulations would be taken forward through the Northern Ireland Assembly legislative process.

Fire and Rescue Service Call Outs

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number of call outs by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; (ii) the nature of these call outs; and (iii) the number of hoax calls, broken down by parliamentary constituency, over the last three years.

(AQW 2510/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is shown in the three Tables below. The data

relate to Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) mobilised incidents for the last three years - 2004/5,2005/6 and 2006/7. NIFRS does not record information on a Parliamentary constituency basis. The information has been provided by mapping information held to reflect as far as possible a constituency based answer. As such it cannot be assumed to be totally accurate for each constituency.

Table 1.NIFRS Mobilised incidents 2004/5

Constituency	CF	EX	FDA	FG	FM	MF	SB	SF	SSC	TE	Total
BelfastEast	9	1	539	156	76	210	3	887	74	44	1999
BelfastNorth	12	4	433	175	130	339	7	939	113	50	2202
BelfastSouth	14	2	1334	285	230	645	20	1280	168	49	4027
BelfastWest	5		408	163	110	428	6	746	51	53	1970
EastAntrim	72	2	198	97	54	140		363	44	2	972
EastLondonderry	90	1	301	159	108	244	5	754	61	4	1727
FermanaghandSouthTyrone	196	2	443	129	64	315	2	756	110	7	2024
Foyle	85	1	890	192	152	422	120	531	118	60	2571
Laganvalley	67		316	130	25	166	21	262	75	43	1105
MidUlster	66		176	52	19	131	5	164	70	12	695
NorthAntrim	103		284	130	67	191	2	438	81	35	1331
NorthDown	111	1	302	139	65	169	4	420	67	24	1302
NewryandArmagh	53		298	288	150	346	19	956	134	33	2277
SouthAntrim	45	1	634	199	113	320	1	924	99	10	2346
SouthDown	86		314	206	148	223	17	1200	93	8	2295
Strangford	78		206	140	59	156		554	79	9	1281
UpperBann	72	1	346	157	81	301	8	566	118	17	1667
WestTyrone	122		290	93	63	197	1	473	65	15	1319
Total	1286	16	7712	2890	1714	4943	241	12213	1620	475	33110

Table 2.NIFRS Mobilised incidents 2005/6

Constituency	CF	EX	FDA	FG	FM	MF	SB	SF	SSC	TE	Total
BelfastEast	14	4	541	135	66	228	9	681	70	82	1830
BelfastNorth	4	3	411	167	103	290	10	1050	88	42	2168
BelfastSouth	18	6	1430	293	199	640	13	1323	157	59	4138
BelfastWest	9	1	409	178	107	438	15	798	90	29	2074
EastAntrim	63	1	252	95	29	135	3	371	68		1017
EastLondonderry	102	1	352	146	70	202		539	65		1477
FermanaghandSouthTyrone	185	2	428	140	57	311	1	650	116	10	1900
Foyle	90	4	784	193	124	404	82	606	110	47	2444
LaganValley	64		285	133	29	138	6	240	92	27	1014
MidUlster	63	2	176	66	29	162		183	49	1	731
NewryandArmagh	65		305	220	94	318	10	937	148	16	2113
NorthAntrim	133	1	323	108	43	235		455	89	25	1412
NorthDown	105	1	284	138	62	203	1	480	52	49	1375
SouthAntrim	62	1	665	176	93	340		729	107	12	2185
SouthDown	110		278	224	114	220	5	1111	100	7	2169
Strangford	71	1	210	128	30	149		506	63	12	1170
UpperBann	76		370	163	62	282	5	446	72	29	1505
WestTyrone	120		350	90	83	180	1	397	58	6	1285
Total	1354	28	7853	2793	1394	4875	161	11502	1594	453	32007

Table 3.NIFRS Mobilised incidents 2006/7

Constituency	CF	EX	FDA	FG	FM	MF	SB	SF	SSC	TE	Total
BelfastEast	6	4	523	147	58	174	2	635	91	39	1679
BelfastNorth	4		454	160	97	279	6	861	97	44	2002
BelfastSouth	15	2	1257	333	189	566	9	1280	174	70	3895
BelfastWest	6		423	169	75	439	7	916	79	32	2146
EastAntrim	60	3	264	134	25	127		534	74		1221
EastLondonderry	113		367	139	72	203	3	530	88	1	1516
FermanaghandSouthTyrone	142	2	376	141	72	311	5	647	134	2	1832
Foyle	84	3	804	205	119	382	81	645	123	43	2489
LaganValley	54		312	105	33	151	5	247	72	29	1008
MidUlster	56		179	45	25	156	8	195	72	1	737
NewryandArmagh	48		293	240	82	306	11	1088	119	24	2211
NorthAntrim	117	2	328	114	65	227	10	430	82	29	1404
NorthDown	101	1	305	154	37	169	2	390	65	18	1242
SouthAntrim	43	2	606	212	70	329	8	865	133	13	2281
SouthDown	71	1	335	193	93	228	2	1162	101		2186
Strangford	63	1	267	127	47	125	1	478	96	8	1213
UpperBann	81	1	381	153	65	298	5	710	95	29	1818
WestTyrone	113	1	287	109	55	165	2	486	85		1303
Total	1177	23	7761	2880	1279	4635	167	12099	1780	382	32183

Table Key

CF Chimney Fire

EX Exercise

FDA False Alarm due to Apparatus [Mainly automatic alarm systems]

FG False Alarm good intent.

FM False Alarm Malicious [Hoax calls]

MF Major Fire.

SF Secondary Fires

SB Standby incidents

SSC Special Service Calls [Road Traffic Accidents, flooding, chemicals, other rescues etc.]

TE Test

Funding for Community Organisations

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list all community organisations in South Belfast that received funding from the Eastern Health and Social Services Board, or the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, in the last two financial years.

(AQW 2516/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The community organisations in South Belfast who received funding from the Eastern Health and Social Services Board in 2005/06 and 2006/07 were as follows:

HIV Support Centre

NI Chest Heart & Stroke Assoc

Chinese Welfare Assoc

Diabetes UK

Eating Disorder Assoc

Family Planning Assoc

Headway

NEXUS

NIACRO

NIAMH

RETHINK

PAPA

Parent Advice Centre

Relate

Ireland Special Olympics

Cedar Foundation

VOYPIC

Women's Aid

South Belfast Partnership Board

Windsor Women's Centre

NIPPA

Engage with Age

Oasis

In addition to the above, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board also gave funding to the following additional community groups in 2006/07:

Lorag

South Belfast Highway to Health

Cruse

British Red Cross

Action Cancer

Contact Youth

NICAS

The community organisations in South Belfast who received funding from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (formally the South East Community Health and Social Services Trust) in 2005/06 and 2006/07 were as follows:

	Funded	Funded
	2005/06	2006/07
ACET	x	ü
Action Mental Health	ü	ü
Age Concern	ü	ü
Alzheimers Society	ü	ü
Arthritis Care	ü	ü
Autism	ü	x
Aware Defeat Depression	x	ü
Barnardos	ü	ü
Belfast Carers Centre	ü	ü
Belfast City Council	x	ü
Belfast Womens Aid	ü	ü
BIFHE	ü	ü
Blind Centre	ü	ü
Bryson House	ü	ü
Carers Grant	ü	x
Carers Respite	x	ü
Caring Breaks Ltd	ü	ü
CAUSE	ü	ü
Cedar Foundation	ü	ü
Chinese Welfare Association	ü	ü
Citizens Advice Bureau	ü	ü
Contact Youth Council	ü	ü
Contact Youth	x	ü
Crossroads	ü	ü
CRUSE	ü	ü
Currie Community		ü
Data Link Reprographics	ü	ü
Dial-A-Bus	x	ü
Drumalis	x	ü
Edgecumbe Club for VisuallyImpaired	ü	x
Engage with age	ü	ü
Extern	ü	ü
Extra Care	ü	ü
Families in Contact	ü	ü
Family Mediation N.I.	x	ü
Glenluce Quality Care	ü	ü
Glenluce Carers Centre	ü	x
Harmony Community Trust	ü	ü
Headway Belfast	x	ü
Include Youth	ü	ü
Jigsaw	ü	ü
Lagan Village Home	ü	ü
Lee Hestra Association Novas Group	ü
Mencap	ü	ü
Newtownbreda Church	ü
Mencap Society	ü	ü
NIDementia Forum	ü	x
NI Music Therapy	ü	x
MS Society	ü	ü
NI Attention Deficit Disorder	ü	x
N I Deaf Youth Association	ü	ü
N.I. Ass for Mlth Health	ü	ü
N.I. Chest, Heart &Stroke	ü	ü
Nexus	ü	ü
NHS Retirement Fellowship	ü	x
NIAMH	ü	ü
NICAS	ü	ü
NIPPA	ü	ü
NSPCC	ü	ü
Opportunity Youth	ü	ü
Orchardville Society	ü	ü
PAPA	ü	ü
Praxis Care Group	ü	ü
Reconnect	ü	ü
RNIB	ü	x
Rethink (National Schiz Fellowship)	ü	ü
Royal National Institute for the Deaf	ü	ü
S & E Belfast Crossroads Care	ü	ü
Salvation Army	ü	ü
Senior Citizen Clubs	ü	ü
Shopmobility	ü	ü
SpeechMatters	ü	ü
Starting Point	ü	x
South Belfast Partnerships	ü	x
South Belfast Highway to Health	ü	x
Sure Start South	ü	ü
The Hopefuls	ü	x
VSB	ü	ü
Windsor Women's Centre	ü	ü

Residential Placement Delays

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of patients in the Western Health and Social Care Trust area who have been detained in hospital because there was no residential home place available, for each of the last 12 months.

(AQW 2517/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Western Health and Social Care Trust Patients Delayed in Hospital waiting on a Residential Placement – 1^st January – 19^th December 2007

	Private Residential Home	Western Trust Statutory Residential Home	Private EMI Residential Home
Jan-07	2	2	1
Feb-07	1	1	0
Mar-07	1	1	0
Apr-07	0	3	0
May-07	2	0	0
Jun-07	3	1	0
Jul-07	3	3	0
Aug-07	3	2	0
Sep-07	1	1	0
Oct-07	2	2	2
Nov-07	2	0	2
Dec-07	0	2	2

Psychosis

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of adults and children who have been diagnosed with psychosis in the last three years.

(AQW 2519/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The number of adults and children who have been diagnosed with psychosis in the last three years is not available. However, information on the total number of people registered with a Mental Illness (including people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses) is available from the dataset used to administer the Quality & Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the General Medical Services contract. In January 2007 the total number of people registered with a Mental Illness was 13,665. This equates to a prevalence of 7.53 per 1,000 of population.

Oesophageal Cancer

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the occupations of those who have been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the last five years.

(AQW 2522/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Cancer Registry does not hold occupation information for diagnosed cancers. However General Register Office (GRO) death data has an occupation field. As oesophageal cancer has poor survival rates, death information should give a good reflection of the occupation mix of patients.

The table below gives the number of deaths registered between 2002 and 2006 where the underlying cause of death was recorded as ‘Malignant neoplasm of the oesophagus’ (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code C15) by Standard Occupational Classification.

Table 1: Number of deaths registered in Northern Ireland from cancer of the oesophagus by standard occupational classification, 2002-2006

Standard Occupational Classification Groups¹	Registration Year
Standard Occupational Classification Groups¹	2002-6
1 Managers and senior officials	47
2 Professional occupations	38
3 Associate professional and technical occupations	55
4 Administrative and secretarial occupations	41
5 Skilled trades occupations	169
6 Personal service occupations	13
7 Sales and customer service occupations	13
8 Process, plant and machine operatives	87
9 Elementary occupations	98
Not classified²	217
All deaths from cancer of the oesophagus	778

Notes:

¹ Occupations recorded on death certificates are coded using Standard Occupational Classification 2000 version (SOC2000).

² Prior to 2006 for married or widowed women who died only their husband’s occupation was classified to the standard occupational classification, therefore for these deaths the occupation has been recorded as not classified.

Ambulance Cover in the Ards Peninsula Area

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm (i) that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is using a jeep as an ambulance for the Ards Peninsula area; and (ii) that an ambulance, rather than a jeep, would be called out to any accidents in this area.

(AQW 2523/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has advised that single-paramedic Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) are based at Newtownards and Bangor Ambulance Stations. NIAS deploys the nearest resource to emergency calls and, in some cases, this is a RRV. RRVs are equipped to the same standard as patient-carrying A&E ambulances to provide emergency care and treatment. However, an A&E ambulance is always deployed simultaneously with an RRV to emergency calls to enable the patient to be transported to hospital if necessary.

Bamford 1 and 2

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons why his department’s bids, entitled ‘Bamford 1 and 2’, include spending on new builds, rather than on measures to encourage patients back into their own homes and communities, as recommended in the report.

(AQW 2524/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department’s bids ‘Bamford 1 and 2’ did not include spending on new build.

Food Safety Promotion Board

Mr D Kennedy asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the expenditure committed to the Food Safety Promotion Board in the Northern Ireland block grant in each financial year since it was established; and to detail the proposed expenditure as outlined by the draft Budget.

(AQW 2551/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Expenditure committed to the Food safety Promotion Board in the NI block grant in each financial year it was established.

2001/2002 £ 1,500,000

2002/2003 £ 1,251,500

2003/2004 £ 1,598,000

2004/2005 £ 1,824,000

2005/2006 £ 1,849,000

2006/2007 £ 2,083,000

2007/2008 £ 1,938,000

Proposed expenditure outlined in the draft Budget 2008-2011

£2,000,000

£2,100,000

£2.200,000

Details of the proposed expenditure are included in FSPB draft corporate plan 2008-10. The draft corporate plan has not yet been formally approved and is with the Department of Finance and Personnel for comment.

Ballymena Fire Station

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm that no cuts will be made to the number of whole time firefighters based at Ballymena Fire Station.

(AQW 2555/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I am unable to confirm that cuts will not be made to the number of Wholetime Firefighters based at Ballymena Fire Station.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer has day to day responsibility for the manning levels of the organisation. The Chief Fire Officer has advised that the proposed budget allocation for Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service over the next 3 years will mean that he will need to keep Wholetime Firefighter numbers under constant review right across Northern Ireland.

Braid Valley Health and Care Centre

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what priority he is giving to the Braid Valley Health and Care Centre; and to confirm whether or not the new centre will be open by 2010.

(AQW 2556/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The proposed new Health and Care Centre at the Braid Valley site in Ballymena is included in the new Primary and Community Care Infrastructure Programme. This project has been identified as a top priority by the Northern Health and Social Services Board and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in this new programme of investment and is one of the five initial projects for which business cases are currently being assessed by the Department. Subject to business case approval, which is anticipated for early in the New Year, and the availability of the requisite capital and revenue resources to be confirmed in the current draft Comprehensive Spending Review it is expected that the new facility will be completed and ready to deliver services in early 2011.

Draft Budget

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) his reasons for selecting and prioritising the five projects named in the draft Budget; and (ii) the criteria that were applied in this process.

(AQW 2559/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The projects named in the draft Budget 2008-2011 are examples of the key developments to be funded as part of the continuation of Health’s major hospital modernisation and primary and community care reform programmes. All of the developments listed have already commenced and have been prioritised on the basis that they are contractual commitments.

The draft budget has not provided Health with the level of capital expected, and the constraints on the budget for 2008-2011 mean that most of the budget is taken up with projects which are currently contractually committed.

Health Strategy

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the reasons for placing mental health 17th on his list of priorities within the health strategy.

(AQW 2560/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department submitted 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 relate to unavoidable pressures. These pressures have to be funded if cuts in service provision are to be avoided and as such there is no priority ranking of these. They represented the first sixteen bids from my 50 as to maintain services at existing levels and meet existing commitments.

Within the draft budget for consultation, my Department has only £16m/£32m/£97m available to meet service developments after the inescapable pressures of £236m/£460m/£700m have been met.

In terms of the service developments mental health and learning disability is my highest priority and is ranked first.

Recruitment and Retention Payments

Mr T Buchanan asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he will extend recruitment and retention payments to include maintenance and craft workers.

(AQW 2571/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: A national recruitment and retention premia is payable, under the Agenda for Change agreement, to qualified maintenance crafts persons and qualified maintenance technicians working in the Health and Social Care; who require full electrical, plumbing or mechanical crafts qualifications in order to do their job. There are no plans at present to extend this national premia to other staff groups working in the Health and Social Care.

Health and Care Centres

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the process by which the 5 new health and care centres, listed for opening by 2011 in the draft Investment Strategy, were prioritised; and to confirm what priority was given for the new facility at the Braid Valley site in Ballymena.

(AQW 2586/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The five new Health & Care Centres listed for opening by 2011 in the draft Investment Strategy are projects which have already commenced procurement and construction and which will complete in the next budget period. They have been prioritised on the basis that they are contractual commitments, and therefore must continue to be funded.

The proposed new integrated, modern Health and Care Centre at the Braid Valley site in Ballymena is included in the new Primary and Community Care Infrastructure Programme. This project has been identified as the top priority by the Northern Health and Social Services Board and Northern Health and Social Care Trust in this new programme of investment.

IVF Treatment

Mr M Brady asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the reasons why the waiting list for patients from the Southern Health and Social Services Board area to receive IVF treatment in the regional fertility centre, is longer than for patients from other health board areas; (ii) the action he is taking to reduce this waiting list; and (iii) the plans he has to ensure that all patients have equal access to this service.

(AQW 2592/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The funding available for fertility treatment is allocated to the four Health and Social Services Boards on an equitable basis using the Department’s capitation formula. It is then the responsibility of each Board to commission, within its allocation, an appropriate number and balance of treatments/procedures for patients within their Board area. Waiting lists are managed in strict chronological order within each Board area.

Following the debate in the Assembly on 25 October I agreed to review the criteria within which patients access fertility treatment. This review will also look at how waiting lists are managed.

Suspension of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Personnel

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make a statement on the recent suspension of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service personnel in Derry/Londonderry.

(AQW 2593/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There are no suspensions of Ambulance personnel currently within the Derry / Londonderry area. However, I understand that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has suspended two ambulance personnel working from the Regional Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre (REMDC) in Belfast in line with agreed disciplinary procedures. The ensuing internal investigation is a matter for NIAS.

Hospital Waiting Times

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide details of (i) the average cost of sending a patient, who has been on a waiting list for six months and over, to other parts of the United Kingdom for treatment; and (ii) the average cost of bringing a consultant to Northern Ireland for the purpose of performing a number of procedures locally.

(AQW 2596/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There has been a significant improvement in hospital waiting times over the last two years. At the end of March 2006, there were 74,000 people waiting over six months for a first outpatient appointment, and 6,600 patients waiting over six months for inpatient or daycase treatment. By March 2007, only 32 patients were waiting over six months for an outpatient appointment, and one for inpatient or daycase treatment. This transformation has been achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive programme of reform together with investment in additional capacity, including the transfer of some patients to independent sector providers in Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom.

The cost to commissioners of sending a patient for treatment to a provider outside Northern Ireland varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s individual circumstances. It can range from some £1,000 for day case procedures to as much as £15,000 for more complex procedures such as cardiac surgery. There may also be additional travel and accommodation costs for patients and their relatives.

In relation to the cost of bringing a consultant to Northern Ireland to perform surgery, this is a matter between individual consultants and their employing organisation and the Department does not have details of such costs.

Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2214/08, to detail (i) the date of each failure to comply notice; (ii) the details of each notice; and (iii) the name of the establishment and individual involved.

(AQW 2597/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is provided in the table below.

Name of Home/Provider	Date of notice	Details of 'Failure to comply' notice
King's Castle Nursing Home, Mrs SV Ward, Messana Investment Ltd (2 issues)	May 2005	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13(4) - control of medication Regulation 13(4) - control of medication
Clairville Residential Care Home; Mrs V Reid (4 issues)	July 2005	The Residential Care Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 27(4) - fire safety Regulation 20(1)(a) - staffing Regulation 18(2)(a) - infection control Regulation 13 (4) - storage, control and administration of medicine
Bangor Care (Nursing) Home McKeown Suite, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons (6 issues)	December 2005	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13(4)(b), administration of medication as prescribed Regulation 12(1) - to provide treatment to meet individual needs; Regulation 18(2)(c) - to provide adequate floor coverings Regulation 18(2)(i) - to maintain satisfactory standards of hygiene Regulation 18(2)(n) - to provide activities Regulation 20(b) - to ensure that temporary staff provide continuity of nursing.
Greerville Manor Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons (4 issues)	April 2006	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13, 20 - to ensure nursing staff demonstrate competent nursing skills in relation to a patient's needs Regulation 15(2) - to ensure an assessment of patient's needs is kept under review Regulation 13 - to adequately assess the effect of medication on a patient Regulation 16 - to maintain a written nursing plan which reflects the patients' needs
Cromore House Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons (16 issues)	September 2006	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine Regulation 19(1) - maintenance of patients records (medicines) Regulation 20(1)(c)(i) - training of staff (medicines) Regulation 15(1)(a), (b) - assessment of patients Regulation 15(1)(a), 15(2)(a) - falls risk assessment Regulation 16 - quality of care planning Regulation 12(1)(a), (b) -patients receiving treatment as appropriate from professional Regulation 13(1)(b) - supervision of patients Regulation 14(3) - moving and handling assessments Regulation 19(2)(a) - maintenance of records (nursing) Regulation 18(2)(m), (n)(i) - activity programmes Regulation 20(1)(a) - staffing levels Regulation 17 - care quality reviews Regulation14(2)(c) - management of risk Regulation 20(1)(c)(iii) - staff training - care Regulation 13(3) - consultation with residents regarding care/wishes
Galliagh House Residential Care Home, Irene Sloan, Praxis Care (2 issues)	March 2007	The Residential Care Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 27 - fitness of premises Regulation 20(1)(c)(i), 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine
Armagh Care (Nursing) Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons (14 issues)	March 2007	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 12(1)(a),(b) - care practices to meet individual needs Regulation 12(4)(a) - food and fluids Regulation 13(1)(b) - health and welfare of patients Regulation 13(8) - privacy and dignity Regulation 14(2)(c) - management of risk - patient's health and safety Regulation 14(3) - assessment of moving and handling of patients Regulation 14(4) - staff training - protection of vulnerable adults from abuse, and whistle-blowing Regulation 14(5),14(6) - restraint - arrangements, reports pertaining to patients being restrained Regulation 15(2)(a),(b) - assessment of patients Regulation 16(2)(b) - arrangements for care planning Regulation 18(n)(i),(ii) - training for activity therapist , and planned activities provided Regulation 18(2)(j) - keep home free from offensive odours Regulation 20 (1)(a),(b) - suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons working in home Regulation 27(4)(a),(b) - adequate precautions against risk of fire
Ashbrooke Nursing Home, Pauline McKeever, Southern Cross (2 issues)	April 2007	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine Regulation 20(3) - to ensure that at all times a nurse is working at the nursing home and that the registered manager carries out a competency and a capability assessment with any nurse who is given responsibility of being in charge of a home for any period of time in their absence
Templemoyle Nursing Home, Pauline McKeever, Southern Cross (1 issue)	April 2007	The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005 Regulation 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine

Ardlough Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(1 issue)

April 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 30(1)(g) - to report any allegation of misconduct by the registered person or any person who works at the nursing home

Drumragh Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(4 issues)

April 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 18(2)(n)(i))(ii) - to ensure where activities are provided there are arrangements to ensure that they are planned and provided with regard to the needs of the patients; and patients are consulted

Regulation 13(1)(a)(b) - to ensure that the nursing home is conducted to promote and make proper provision for the nursing, health and welfare of patients and make proper provision for the nursing and where appropriate, treatment and supervision of patients

Regulation 20(1)(a) - to ensure that at all times suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons are working at the nursing home in such numbers as are appropriate for the health and welfare of patients

Regulation 30(1)(d) - to give notice to RQIA of any event in the nursing home which adversely affects the well-being or safety of any patient

Greerville Manor Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(6 issues)

April 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 20(1)(a),(2) - to ensure suitably qualified, competent and experienced staffing, and to ensure appropriate staff supervision

Regulation 12(4)(a),(b) - to ensure food and fluids are provided with adequate quantities and at appropriate intervals and are properly prepared, wholesome and nutritious

Regulation 14(2)(c) - to ensure unnecessary risks to health or safety of patients are identified and so far as possible eliminated

Regulation 14(2)(d) - to ensure suitable arrangements for the training of persons employed in first aid

Regulation 14(3) - to ensure suitable arrangements to provide a safe system for moving and handling patients

Regulation 30(1)(a),(d) - to ensure notification to RQIA of occurrence of the death of a patient, or any event which adversely affects the wellbeing and safety of any patient

Glenwood Residential Care Home, John Compton, SE Health and Social Care Trust

(1 issue)

May 2007

The Residential Care Homes Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 12(5) - to ensure food and drink are provided in adequate quantities, at appropriate intervals, properly prepared, wholesome and nutritious, suitable for the needs of the residents, provide choice for the residents and the menu is varied at suitable intervals

Flaxfield Children's Home, John Compton, SE Health and Social Care Trust

Trust

(5 issues)

May 2007

The Children's Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 28(1) - ensure a record of menus served is maintained at all times

Regulation 24(1)(a),(b), 24(2) - ensure sufficient number of suitably qualified, competent and experienced staff employed

Regulation 24(1),(2),26(4)(a) - ensure appropriate induction, training and supervision of staff

Regulation 29(1)(3) - to confirm all notifiable events are reported to RQIA in writing

Regulation 31(a)-(e) - ensure fire safety arrangements in home

Barrhall Residential Care Home,

Mr & Mrs B Muskett

(1 issue)

June 2007

The Residential Care Homes Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine.

Domnall Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(5 issues)

June 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 13(4)(a) - storage, control and administration of medicine

Regulation 13(7) - to ensure all areas of the home are clean

Regulation 15(2)(a),(b) - to ensure risk assessments are carried out on all patients and preventative care plan put in place, and care records are regularly reviewed and evaluated

Regulation 16(1), 16(2)(b) - to ensure that each patient has a care plan in place and that these are updated in accordance with their needs

Regulation 20(1)(a), 20(2) - to ensure that at all times suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons are working in the home, and that proper supervision is in place

South Parade Residential Care Home,

Mr I Emerson,

(7 issues)

July 2007

The Residential Care Homes Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 20(1)(a),(2) – to ensure suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons are working in the home at all times and that the persons working in the home are appropriately supervised

Regulation 14(2)(d) – to ensure suitable arrangements are made for the training of persons employed in first aid

Regulation 30(1)©,(d) – to ensure notice is given to the RQIA of any serious injury to a resident or any event which adversely affects the care, health, welfare or safety of any resident

Regulation 16(1) – to ensure that a written care plan is prepared in consultation with the resident or resident’s representative to meet the resident’s needs in respect of care, health and welfare

Regulation 24(1),(3),(5) – to ensure that a procedure is established for receiving, managing and responding to complaints

Regulation 13(1)(a),(b) – to ensure proper provision is made for the health and welfare of residents and their care, treatment and supervision

Regulation 19(1)(a),(3),(6) – to ensure maintenance of records in respect of each resident and that records are available for inspection

Mount Lens Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(2 issues)

July 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 13(4) – storage, control and administration of medicine

Regulation 19(1)(a) – to ensure adequate record keeping

Laurelhill Residential Home, John Compton, SE Health and Social Care Trust

(1 issue)

July 2007

The Residential Care Homes Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 12(5) – to ensure that food and drink are provided in adequate quantities, at appropriate intervals, properly prepared wholesome, nutritious, suitable for needs of the residents, menu varied at suitable intervals

Victoria Nursing Home, Dr & Mrs Lynass

(6 issues)

July 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulations 13(1)(a),(b) - to ensure proper provision for the nursing, health and welfare of patients

Regulation 13(4) - Storage, control and administration of medicine

Regulation 20(1)(a) - to ensure that at all times suitably qualified, competent and experienced persons are working in the nursing home

Regulation 21(1)(a),(b),(c) - to review the home's policies and procedures in relation to recruitment and selection;

Regulation 21(4)(a),(b),(c) - to ensure persons employed are fit to work in the nursing home

Regulation 27(2)(c) - to ensure equipment provided is in good working order and properly maintained

Cherry Tree House Nursing Home, Dr D Harron

(2 issues)

August 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 13(4) - storage, control and administration of medicine

Regulation 19(1)(a) - maintain a record of all patient medicines

Dhu Varren House Children's Home, Norma Evans,

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

(1 issue)

October 2007

The Children's Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 4(b) - Statement of Purpose and registration

Mount Lens Nursing Home, Audrey Lockhead, Four Seasons

(1 issue)

December 2007

The Nursing Home Regulations (NI) 2005

Regulation 13(4) - Storage, control and administration of medicine

Note: Failure to comply notice issued subsequent to response to AQW 2214/08

Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of providers of Day Care Settings, Residential Family Centres, Domiciliary Care and Adult Placement, that had applied for registration with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, by the deadline of 30 November 2007, in order to comply with Article 12 (1) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

(AQW 2598/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority had received 587 applications for the registration of Day Care Settings, Residential Family Centres, Domiciliary Care, and Adult Placement Agencies by 30 November 2007. The table below provides a breakdown of these applications by service category:

Applications from Managers of Services	425
Domiciliary Care Agencies	178
Day Care Settings	236
Residential Family Centres	3
Adult Placement Agencies	8
Applications from Responsible Persons (Providers who are not personally managing a service or group of services)	92
Applications currently being categorised for processing	70
Total applications received	587

Diabetes

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not he will provide diabetes with its own service framework.

(AQW 2604/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department has a process in place for the identification, prioritisation and selection of the next round of service frameworks.

The Boards and Trusts, working with local interest groups, have submitted a list of regional priorities for future service framework development to my Department. These proposals are currently under evaluation and a decision regarding the next round of service frameworks will be taken in early 2008.

Medical Secretaries

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what action he is taking to avert strike action by medical secretaries at Antrim Area Hospital in 2008.

(AQW 2605/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: I have instructed all Health and Social Care employers that I expect all staff to be in receipt of the Agenda for Change rates of pay by the end of March 2008. I have been given an assurance by the regional staff representatives that they will not support any strike action by their members in relation to Agenda for Change during this implementation process.

Doctor-Led 'Out of Hours' Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to provide an update on the provision of a doctor-led 'out of hours' service in (i) the Mid-Ulster constituency; and (ii) Northern Health and Social Services Board area.

(AQW 2612/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Dalriada Urgent Care, having consulted the Northern Health and Social Services Board, intend to pilot changes in the staff skill mix operating within the Out of Hours services in its Primary Care Centres between the hours of midnight and 7:30am from 22 January 2008.

There will be no reduction in services for patients within the Mid-Ulster constituency, or the Northern Health and Social Services Board area as a whole, and they will continue to receive a doctor-led service with telephone advice, nurse triage, the opportunity to attend a doctor at one of the current Primary Care Centres or a home visit (should this be appropriate) during the Out of Hours period.

The purpose of this pilot is to develop the most appropriate skill mix for Out of Hours services during the period midnight to 7:30am, a period during which urgent care demands are significantly different from any other Out of Hours period. The pilot will be monitored closely and adjustments to staff skill mix made to ensure that patients throughout the Northern Health and Social Services Board area continue to receive a safe, effective and efficient service.

Doctor-Led 'Out of Hours' Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what is his assessment of the impact of the reduction of the cover provided by a doctor-led 'out of hours' service in (i) the Mid-Ulster constituency; and (ii) Northern Health and Social Services Board area, on the rural population in these areas.

(AQW 2613/08)

Doctor-Led 'Out of Hours' Service

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm at what date he was aware of the decision to reduce the cover provided by the doctor-led 'out of hours' service at the Dalriada doctor service in Moneymore.

(AQW 2614/08)

Pay Increase for Nurses

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the reasons why Health and Social Care Trusts have neither increased the pay of nurses by the 2.5% which was recently awarded, nor paid the associate arrears; and (ii) a timescale within which these payments will be made.

(AQW 2616/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: (i) Agreement was reached with staff representatives on 14 November to accept the 2.5% pay increase for staff on Agenda for Change rates of pay from 1 April 2007. While this was too late to implement in the November salaries all Health and Social Care Trusts have made arrangements to pay the 2.5% basic salary increase in December salaries. (ii) Trusts have also put in place arrangements for the payment of any arrears due. The Northern, Southern and South Eastern Trusts plan to pay arrears due in January salaries; payroll pressures in the Belfast Trust and the Western Trust may result in arrears not being paid until the end of February.

Speech and Language Services

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to (i) outline the bid for improvements to Speech and Language Services under the Comprehensive Spending Review; (ii) detail the resources allocated for Speech and Language Services in the draft Budget; and (iii) make a statement on the impact the allocation will have on these services.

(AQW 2626/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: In my original bids to DFP, improvements to Speech and Language Services were contained within two separate bids, one covering the Mainstreaming of the Children’s and Young Peoples Package (C&YPP) and the second relating to Disability Services.

Under the C&YPP funding was being sought to provide 25 additional Speech and Language therapists working with schools to reduce waiting times to 3 months. In the Disability Services bid, I sought funding to improve therapy services generally and specifically to provide 30 additional therapists supported by therapy assistants. Further, it would have allowed me to mainstream the funding for the six speech & language therapists provided under the Renewing Communities Initiative in North & West Belfast.

The allocation provided in the draft budget falls far short of that required to cover unavoidable pressures and to deliver the service developments that I envisaged in my original bids. The mainstreaming of the C&YPP is considered unavoidable and this bid will be fully funded thereby allowing me to reduce waiting times for Speech and Language Therapy Services to 3 months by providing the additional therapists working with schools.

Although the indicative allocation covers all unavoidable pressures, this is not the case for service developments. The original Disability Services bid was for £5m/£7m/£12m for a range of disability services including wheelchairs, respite care and speech and language therapy. To work within the constraints of the greatly reduced indicative allocation the Disability Services proposal is now £1m/£2m/£7m, covering a range of disability services with limited impact on speech and language therapy. As the period of consultation has not yet ended I am not in a position to advise how the funds will be allocated, nor to fully assess the impact of the reduced funding.

Costs of Administrators

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total staff costs of administrators in the Health Service in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2634/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below shows administrative staff costs for the latest five years available.

Year	Trusts	Boards	Central Services Agency	Total
	£m	£m	£m	£m
2001/02	141.9	13.5	11.4	166.8
2002/03	154.0	14.6	12.0	180.6
2003/04	173.9	17.9	13.1	204.9
2004/05	189.4	20.6	14.7	224.7
2005/06	204.6	20.0	16.0	240.6

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Planning Policy Statement 14

Mr J Wells asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the total cost to the taxpayer of the judicial review in relation to Planning Policy Statement 14: Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

(AQW 2313/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): It will not be possible to detail the total cost to the taxpayer of the judicial review until all claims for cost have been received. The Department has not yet received a claim for costs on behalf of Omagh District Council. However, on the information available to me at present I estimate the cost of the Department’s legal representation and the time of officials preparing papers will be £84,000.

Road Signage

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not his department has made a change in policy in relation to signage on roads near military installations, given the increase in signage to RAF Aldergrove on the approach to the base.

(AQW 2314/08)

Mr C Murphy: There has been no change in policy in relation to signage on roads near military installations. Military establishments have always been eligible to be considered for the provision of direction signage for normal traffic management and road safety reasons. As a result of the normalisation of the security situation in the north, Defence Estates requested my Department’s Roads Service to review direction signage to a number of military establishments, including to RAF Aldergrove. Some modest additions to direction signage were agreed and implemented.

Alternative Fuels for Buses

Mr L Cree asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail those Translink buses that use alternative fuels as their motive power.

(AQW 2414/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink has advised that it generally uses diesel for road vehicles and gas oil for trains. Translink currently operates its Metro fleet of about 130 buses based in Short Strand on a blend of 5% bio-diesel and 95% diesel. It is likely that the complete Translink bus fleet will convert to this fuel blend during 2008, dependent on availability and commercial considerations.

Foreign Nationals

Mrs I Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what responsibility his department has in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 2427/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Department for Regional Development does not have any responsibility for monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in the North.

Diamond Road, Crumlin

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of the safety of Diamond Road, Crumlin; and to detail any works his department is planning to improve the safety record of this road.

(AQW 2435/08)

Mr C Murphy: I very much regret the recent collision on the Diamond Road, Crumlin, in which a local man was fatally injured. The circumstances relating to the collision are still under investigation by the Police.

I understand that a local official from of my Department’s Roads Service met with Dr McCrea MP, MLA, local police, residents and you earlier this year. A number of traffic management measures were introduced following this meeting and I understand that these were welcomed by the residents. You will also be aware that Roads Service has given a commitment to include some footway links in a future programme for minor footway improvements for the Antrim area.

I trust that the works already completed and the proposed footway links will go some way to reducing your concerns about Diamond Road.

Structural Roads Maintenance

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development what action he is taking to address the underspend on structural roads maintenance in comparison to the spend in England and Wales.

(AQW 2461/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can assure the member that my Department’s Roads Service will continue to bid strongly for additional structural maintenance funding in the various public expenditure rounds.

You may be interested to note that the Draft budget 2008 – 11, announced on 25 October 2007, would mean that funding for structural maintenance would increase to some £56.3 million, £71.8 million and £70.4 million per year, during the 3-year budget period, allowing increased maintenance across the road network.

All-Island Port at Bremore

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development whether or not he has had discussions with his counterparts in the Republic of Ireland in relation to the construction of a new all-island port at Bremore.

(AQW 2462/08)

Mr C Murphy: I am aware that consideration is being given to development of port facilities at Bremore although I have had no formal discussions with the South’s Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey TD, on this matter.

Speed Limits

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans to extend speed limits.

(AQW 2463/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has prepared new draft guidance on the setting of speed limits in the North and I have asked the Regional Development Committee for their comments prior to finalising these proposals.

Speed limits are a key source of information to road users as an indicator of the nature of the risk posted by the road and the purpose of this policy is to provide Roads Service traffic engineers with a consistent framework for setting local speed limits here.

Whilst I have presently no plans to extend speed limits in general, any request for an extension of a limit on a particular road will be assessed on its own merits.

'Safer Routes to School' Programme

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to list the schools in (i) Newtownabbey Borough Council; (ii) Carrickfergus Borough Council; and (iii) Larne Borough Council, areas that are included in the 'Safer Routes to School' programme; and to detail those schools which are on the priority list for inclusion in the programme in 2008.

(AQW 2464/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that details of those schools that have been successful in their application for inclusion the 2008/09 Safer Routes to School programme will be determined early in 2008, once all applications have been received.

The list below details those schools in the council areas to which the member refers where work has been completed, or where work will be completed early in 2008.

Newtownabbey Borough Council: Glengormley High School, Mallusk and Whitehead Primary Schools;

Carrickfergus Borough Council: Carrickfergus College and Carrickfergus Grammar School;

Larne Borough Council: Larne Grammer School.

Railway Upgrade

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a breakdown of how the funding relating to the proposals to upgrade the Coleraine to Derry/Londonderry section of the Belfast to Derry/Londonderry railway will be spent; and to provide a timeframe within which detailed plans for these proposals will be produced that satisfy European Union criteria for funding.

(AQW 2482/08)

Mr C Murphy: The draft budget includes some £1m for the preparation of a business case for the upgrade of the railway between Coleraine and Derry. At this point it is not possible to break down the costs further, other than to say the funding will be spread across the 3-year period to 2010.

The project will involve preparation of a statement of need which will allow Translink to develop a full feasibility study and ultimately a detailed economic appraisal. Subject to approval, Translink will then proceed to recruit the relevant expertise to develop and design the detailed programme of works to be carried out.

Translink aim to have all the preparatory work completed by the end of 2010 and to start the programme of works on site in 2011.

My Department will seek to maximise the opportunity for EU funding in support of any eligible capital works planned for the Derry Line. TENs is one possible source of funding, but my officials will also explore the possibility of securing funding from other EU Programmes.

Water Mains Supply

Mr D McKay asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of residential properties in (i) North Antrim; and (ii) Northern Ireland, that are not connected to a water mains supply.

(AQW 2484/08)

Mr C Murphy: Northern Ireland Water has advised me that during the development of a comprehensive customer database, in preparation for the introduction of domestic water charging from April 2007, some 5,750 occupied domestic properties across Northern Ireland were identified as not being connected to the mains water supply. However, owing to the subsequent deferral of domestic charging, Northern Ireland Water was unable to verify this data. Furthermore, as the customer database does not record domestic properties by Parliamentary constituency, Northern Ireland Water is unable to provide the breakdown sought for the North Antrim area.

Road Maintenance Budget

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Regional Development what steps he is taking to ensure that budget reductions in relation to road maintenance will not impact on the number of fatalities that occur on roads.

(AQW 2500/08)

Mr C Murphy: I can assure the Member that the safety of the travelling public continues to be the top priority for my Department’s Roads Service, and that Roads Service is fully committed to making its contribution towards the achievement of the targets set out in the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy, to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

In relation to road maintenance, you may be interested to note that the draft Budget 2008-11, announced on 25 October 2007, would mean that funding for structural maintenance would increase to some £56.3 million, £71.8 million and £70.4 million respectively, during the three year budget period, allowing increased expenditure across the road network. I would also advise that a system of regular safety inspections is in place to ensure that essential responsive maintenance is identified and completed as necessary.

In relation to the impact of road maintenance on traffic accidents, I would point out that there is no evidence from the police collision reports covering the ten year period to 2006, that road surface defects had been identified as being a contributory factor in any fatal collisions.

The key fact remains that driver behaviour is responsible for about 95% of all collisions, and it is essential for drivers to take more responsibility for their behaviour on the roads if we are to continue to reduce the carnage on the road network.

Carbon Emissions

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not any environmental impact assessments, in relation to carbon emissions, have been carried out on (i) the installation of speed ramps; and (ii) the installation of traffic lights or other road safety measures; and to detail the result of these assessments.

(AQW 2526/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not carry out Environmental Impact Assessments on the installation of speed ramps, the installation of traffic lights or other road safety measures.

The environmental impacts of such schemes are considered in conjunction with the full range of transport proposals which comprise my Department’s Transport Plans. The environmental impacts are published within the Transport Plans in an Appraisal Summary Table which address issues including local air quality, greenhouse gases and biodiversity.

Roads Service does carry out Environmental Impact Assessments for large scale strategic highway works, or for any project where the area of the proposed works exceeds one hectare, or is situated in an environmentally sensitive area. In these cases an Environmental Statement is published.

Under-Used Assets

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the consultation process that will take place before his department disposes of any 'under-used assets'.

(AQW 2529/08)

Mr C Murphy: As outlined in Government Accounting NI, the holding of a department’s assets should be limited to the minimum needed to meet planned and future requirements and as such decisions to dispose of under-utilised assets are made on this basis.

Although no external process of consultation is carried out prior to the disposal of any under-utilised assets, in the case of surplus land and buildings identified by public sector bodies, guidelines have been drawn up by the Central Advisory Unit of Land and Property Services. These guidelines provide for the circulation of surplus land to relevant public bodies requesting notification of interest and precede any offer to the former owner or an open market sale. A copy of these guidelines entitled ‘Disposal of Public Sector Property in Northern Ireland’, have been placed in the Assembly Library.

Under-Used Assets

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any 'under-used assets' that his department is considering disposing of.

(AQW 2530/08)

Mr C Murphy: In this financial year 2007-08, Road Service expects to dispose of some £8.6m of land. This includes: Hibernia St. car park and land at Redburn Square Holywood; Abbey St. car park Coleraine; transfers to registered housing associations; and miscellaneous sales. These are not all necessarily under-utilised assets and where this is the case alternative provision will be provided for those operations.

Across the ten year period of Draft ISNI 08 a target of some £1m per annum for miscellaneous asset disposals has been set for Road Service. The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company has included £11.6m for asset disposals in 2010-11.

As you may be aware an exercise, commission by the Executive, is being carried out by the Capital Realisation Taskforce to review the potential for further asset disposals, or their reuse, across all Northern Ireland Departments. This exercise is still at an early stage and additional disposals may be identified through their work.

Under-Used Assets

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his department's definition of 'under-used asset'.

(AQW 2532/08)

Mr C Murphy: No specific definition exists to cover ‘under-utilised assets’ within DRD. As with all NI Departments, DRD bases its asset management on the principle set out in section 24.2.2 , that is "Holding of land and buildings should be limited to the minimum needed to meet present and planned future requirements" The same principle is applied to other assets.

E.U. Structural Funds

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline any applications, either completed or pending, for E.U. Structural Funds for (i) the upgrading of the railway line between Ballymena and Coleraine; and (ii) the dualling of the A26 Frosses Road.

(AQW 2535/08)

Mr C Murphy: My officials have advised that: (i) The railway line between Ballymena and Coleraine is part of the Trans European Network System – Transport (TENS-T). While no EU Structural Fund applications to assist with the upgrading of the line have been completed, and none are pending, the Department will seek to maximise the opportunity for EU funding in support of any eligible capital works planned for the line; and (ii) The A26 Frosses Road does not meet the criteria for EU structural funding. Consequently, no EU Structural Fund applications for the dualling of the A26 Frosses Road have been made.

Traffic Lights on Garvagh Main Street

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his plans for the installation of traffic lights on Garvagh Main Street.

(AQW 2537/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has advised that it has carried out a number of assessments of the need for traffic signals at the junction of Main Street with Limavady Road and Bridge Street in Garvagh but that, to date, these have concluded that signals are not required.

Kilrea By-Pass Scheme

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 1361/07, to give a timescale within which the Kilrea by-pass scheme will be added to his department's works programme.

(AQW 2538/08)

Mr C Murphy: The draft Budget 2008 and draft Investment Strategy 2008-2018 (ISNI) were announced for consultation on 25 October 2007. Once the outcome of ISNI is known, early in 2008, I will be better placed to finalise the content of the Roads Service Forward Planning Schedule.

I would, however, make you aware that the guidance which my Department’s Roads Service use for selecting schemes to be included within the major works programme is set out in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and the Regional Transportation Strategy. These strategies highlight that improvement schemes on the Strategic Road Network (as identified in the RDS) attract highest priority. The A54, which passes through Kilrea, is not part of the Strategic Road Network.

Traffic Delays

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answer to AQW 2106/08, and with reference to the same survey dataset, to provide a similar summary of traffic delays on all other citybound routes approaching Sandyknowes roundabout, between 7:00am and 9:30am on the day of the survey.

(AQW 2563/08)

Mr C Murphy: In response to AQW 2563/08, regarding your request for information on traffic delays on citybound routes approaching Sandyknowes roundabout, I would advise that my Department’s Roads Service does not hold any information on actual delays. I have, however, attached below, journey time information on citybound routes approaching Sandyknowes roundabout, during the times requested, surveyed during the same period as the information contained in response to AQW 2106/08. I have also included journey time information for the A8(M) that has been resurveyed since the response to AQW 2106/08 because, as previously stated, journey times provided in that response were affected by an incident on the M2 on the morning of the survey.

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.34am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.56am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.33am	6 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.03am	3 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.23 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.28 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.34 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.39 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.48 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.56 am	5 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.05 am	8 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.18 am	7 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.40 am	13 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.57 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.04 am	5 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.13 am	1 min

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.43 am	3 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.10 am	5 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.48 am	6 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.10 am	4 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	7.41 am	5 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.09 am	9 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.49 am	11 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	9.04 am	4 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.27 am	3 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.32 am	6 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.41 am	7 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.51 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.02 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.20 am	14 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.40 am	16 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.59 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.14 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.25 am	6 mins

In response to AQW 2564/08, I can advise that my Department’s Roads Service has been able to extract average speed values from the system using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, to measure journey times on the M2 Citybound between Sandyknowes and Greencastle. These are shown in the table below:-

Sandyknowes – Greencastle 10-14 December 2007

Time	Avg Speed Mon	Avg Speed Tues	Avg Speed Wed	Avg Speed Thurs	Avg Speed Fri
0800	11.4 mph	11.9 mph	11.7 mph	13.0 mph	13.3 mph
0830	11.6 mph	11.0 mph	11.7 mph	12.1 mph	16.3 mph
0900	10.2 mph	6.0 mph	12.7 mph	21.4 mph	33.9 mph
0930	11.4 mph	4.5 mph	34.4 mph	46.8 mph	43.8 mph

M2 Citybound Between Sandyknowes and Greencastle

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an estimate of the average speed of citybound vehicles on the M2 between Sandyknowes roundabout and the Greencastle exit, on weekdays between 8:00am and 9:30am.

(AQW 2564/08)

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.34am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.56am	3 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.33am	6 mins
Hightown Rd/Mallusk Road junction to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.03am	3 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.23 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.28 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.34 am	2 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.39 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.48 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	7.56 am	5 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.05 am	8 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.18 am	7 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.40 am	13 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	8.57 am	4 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.04 am	5 mins
A6 (Antrim Rd) from Chimney Corner Hotel to Sandyknowes R’ bt	9.13 am	1 min

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	7.43 am	3 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.10 am	5 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	8.48 am	6 mins
Mallusk Road from Mallusk Village to Sandyknowes R’bt via Scullions Rd.	9.10 am	4 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 19 November	Time of day	Time taken
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	7.41 am	5 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.09 am	9 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	8.49 am	11 mins
Ballyhenry Rd (from reaching back of queue) to Sandyknowes R’bt	9.04 am	4 mins

Location and Direction of Survey – Week commencing 26 November	Time of day	Time taken
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.27 am	3 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.32 am	6 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.41 am	7 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	7.51 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.02 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.20 am	14 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.40 am	16 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	8.59 am	12 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.14 am	8 mins
A8(M) Corrs Corner to Sandyknowes Roundabout	9.25 am	6 mins

Sandyknowes – Greencastle 10-14 December 2007

Time	Avg Speed Mon	Avg Speed Tues	Avg Speed Wed	Avg Speed Thurs	Avg Speed Fri
0800	11.4 mph	11.9 mph	11.7 mph	13.0 mph	13.3 mph
0830	11.6 mph	11.0 mph	11.7 mph	12.1 mph	16.3 mph
0900	10.2 mph	6.0 mph	12.7 mph	21.4 mph	33.9 mph
0930	11.4 mph	4.5 mph	34.4 mph	46.8 mph	43.8 mph

Flooding in Warrenpoint

Mr P J Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the funding that will be made available to the occupants of dwellings in Warrenpoint that were flooded on 8 December 2007.

(AQW 2565/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Department of the Environment has advised me that the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme, which it established in June 2007 to deal with widespread flooding across the North, closed on 12 September 2007.

Northern Ireland Water has advised me that following heavy rainfall on 8 December 2007, three properties in Warrenpoint were affected by internal flooding. The precise cause of the flooding is not yet known but initial indications are that a number of factors may have contributed. Investigations by Northern Ireland Water to establish the cause are continuing. Householders affected by the flooding may submit a compensation claim for consideration to Northern Ireland Water, Claims and Compensation Branch, Hampton House, 55 Royal Avenue, Belfast BT1 1FX. Compensation will only be offered if it is established that damage was caused by either Northern Ireland Water’s negligence or its failure to carry out its statutory duty.

Proposed Footpath Between Hall Street and the A6

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not all landowners along Craigadick Road, Maghera, have been contacted by the Roads Service, in relation to the proposed footpath between Hall Street and the A6.

(AQW 2570/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service has confirmed that a footpath already exists along parts of Craigadick Road from Hall Street to Craigadick Park and from Falgortrevy Road to the approaches to Milltown Bridge. Three further schemes have been identified which, if implemented, will provide a continuous footpath to the junction with the A6.

The first of these schemes, which is included in this year’s programme for the Magherafelt District, will extend the existing footway from Craigadick Park to Milltown Bridge. This will provide a substantial pedestrian link between Maghera town and the link road to Maghera GAA complex.

Roads Service is currently in negotiations with the land owners affected and the eventual timing of the works will depend on successful completion of these negotiations.

The further works proposed include the provision of a pedestrian footbridge at Milltown Bridge and an extension of the footway from Falgortrevy Road to the A6. These schemes are not in the current two year draft Local Transport and Safety Measures programme and will have to compete for inclusion in future programmes with the many other desirable schemes proposed for the Magherafelt District. Accordingly, Roads Service has not yet made contact with the associated landowners.

Pedestrian Crossing at Thornhill College

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans he has for a pedestrian crossing on the Culmore Road at the entrance to Thornhill College.

(AQW 2579/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service is not aware of any previous requests, or need, for a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to Thornhill College on the Culmore Road. As such, there are no current plans to provide such a facility.

However, in light of your question, Roads Service is arranging to carry out a survey, to determine whether this location meets the criteria for provision of pedestrian crossing facilities.

It is envisaged that the survey will be carried out during January 2008 and I have asked the Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Jim Beattie, to inform you of the outcome.

Culmore Sea Wall

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail what plans he has for the designation of the Culmore sea wall.

(AQW 2584/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service does not have a legislative responsibility for either coastal erosion or coastal defence systems. Formal designation of sea walls as defence against tidal flooding would be a matter for the Drainage Council for Northern Ireland. In the North, land owners with frontages along the shoreline, are responsible for the protection of their land from coastal erosion.

There are long-standing inter-departmental arrangements in place for undertaking essential protection works arising as a consequence of coastal erosion of departmental property. Roads Service is responsible for the structural integrity of roads, including footways and promenades, which have been adopted into the public road network. Where part of the network is affected by coastal erosion, Roads Service is responsible for its repair, including works to stabilise the retaining structure or embankment. Roads Service inspect and maintain approximately 350 metres of the wall retaining Culmore Point Road.

Lighting in Larne

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the progress made to date in relation to (i) the proposed lighting along the Coast Road from Larne to Drainsbay, before the Black Arch; and (ii) the lights along the promenade in Larne.

(AQW 2594/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have confirmed that following a meeting with Larne Borough Council, in response to Member’s previous question (AQW 782/07), they are assessing possible options for low level lighting near the Black Arch at Drain’s Bay, Larne. When a suitable proposal has been finalised it will be discussed with Larne Borough Council prior to implementation.

The Promenade in Larne is owned and maintained by Larne Borough Council and the provision of lighting at this location would be a matter for the Council to consider.

Ballyeastborough Road

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm the date for completion of the final surfacing of tarmac on the Ballyeastborough Road.

(AQW 2601/08)

Mr C Murphy: You will be aware that, during the past 18 months, NI Water has been carrying out works to place a new water main in Ballyeasborough Road. My Department’s Roads Service advises that the contractor for NI Water has completed the temporary reinstatement on the excavation and that negotiations are ongoing with NI Water in relation to completion of the final reinstatement.

Unfortunately I am not in a position to provide you with the date for completion of this work at present.

Repair of Sewers

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answers to AQW 518/08 and 2107/08, to detail the compensation to be paid to residents of Bramblewood in relation to expenses they have incurred due to sewerage problems.

(AQW 2607/08)

Mr C Murphy: Northern Ireland Water has advised me that it has not adopted the sewers at Bramblewood as they were not constructed to a satisfactory standard by the developer. The sewers in the development are therefore the responsibility of the developer, not Northern Ireland Water, and the question of compensation payments to residents by Northern Ireland Water does not arise.

Traffic Congestion in the Newry Area

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline the steps he is taking to (i) reduce traffic congestion in the centre of Newry; (ii) reduce tailbacks from Camlough to the Egyptian Arch roundabout on the Camlough Road; (iii) reduce tailbacks from the end of the new dual carriageway north of Newry, southbound to the Mourne country roundabout; and (iv) reduce tailbacks from Cloghogue roundabout, Newry, to Five Ways roundabout, Newry.

(AQW 2608/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan and the Sub Regional Transport Plan contain proposals which will improve traffic flow in and around Newry.

Work has commenced on the A1 Beechhill to Cloghogue dual carriageway scheme, which on completion, will bring substantial improvement to traffic movements at all the locations to which the Member refers.

Within the centre of Newry my Department’s Roads Service is also examining a number of junctions with the view of adjusting signal timing to be more in line with peak traffic movements. This will also assist traffic movement and help alleviate congestion.

Much of the current City centre congestion is now associated with traffic from the Warrenpoint direction. You will be aware that Roads Service has commissioned a feasibility study to investigate options for a Southern Relief Road which will link the Warrenpoint Road with the strategic Belfast to Dublin Route. Unfortunately, at this stage, I cannot give you any indication if funding can be made available for such a scheme.

Repair of Sewers

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to his answers to AQW 518/08 and AQW 2107/08, to detail (i) what assurance he can provide that work will commence in January to make the necessary repairs to the roads and sewers in Bramblewood; (ii) the quality control procedures that will be employed by his department to ensure that the necessary standards are achieved; and (iii) the action he will take if the repair work to the roads and sewers is not of an acceptable standard.

(AQW 2610/08)

Mr C Murphy: Northern Ireland Water and my Department’s Roads Service have advised me that it is the responsibility of the developer to undertake the necessary remedial work to bring the sewers and roads at Bramblewood up to adoption standard, and he has undertaken to commence work in mid January 2008.

All work undertaken by the developer will be monitored and inspected by Northern Ireland Water and Roads Service to ensure that appropriate standards are met for adoption.

If the remedial work is not completed to an acceptable standard, or the developer defaults, then Northern Ireland Water and Roads Service will consider the use of their contractors to undertake the work subject to the availability of funding, and will recover the reasonable cost from the developer.

Sewer Extension to Milform Manor, Newtownards

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide a timescale for the commencement and completion of work by Northern Ireland Water in relation to the installation of a sewer extension to Milform Manor, Movilla Road, Newtownards.

(AQW 2622/08)

Mr C Murphy: Northern Ireland Water has advised me that work to extend the sewer to provide sewerage services for a development at Movilla Road, Newtownards, is scheduled to commence in early January 2008 and will be completed by mid March 2008.

Social Housing

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 1587/08, whether or not the portion of land adjacent to No 41 Movilla Street can now be sold.

(AQW 2623/08)

Mr C Murphy: Officials from my Department’s Roads Service have confirmed that a portion of land adjacent to No 41 Movilla Street has been adopted by Roads Service and that the land is currently used as an informal off-street parking area.

I have also been advised that Roads Service has recently received a request, from a developer, to dispose of this land to facilitate a development. Roads Service is currently assessing this request and will determine the most appropriate disposal mechanism, should the land be declared surplus to requirements. I would stress that such processes can be lengthy and that no guarantees can be given to any particular developer interested in the acquisition of this land.

Road Upgrade

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what progress has been made on plans to upgrade the road from Derry/Londonderry to the east of Dungiven, including the Dungiven Bypass; and to detail the anticipated (i) timescale; and (ii) expenditure figures, for this project.

(AQW 2627/08)

Mr C Murphy: In July 2007 I announced the next stage of the upgrade to the A6 from Derry to Dungiven, including the Dungiven Bypass, through the appointment of civil engineering consultants to examine options to enable the selection of a preferred route.

Public Information events were held in Drumahoe and Dungiven during September to outline the preferred corridor for the new route to the public and elected representatives.

The consultants are currently examining a variety of different route options within this corridor and plan to consult on these options before Summer 2008. Following further detailed appraisal it is planned to announce the ‘preferred route’ for the new dual carriageway in Spring 2009. Roads Service would then be in a position to carry out more detailed work, on the selected route, and bring forward the Direction Order, Environmental Statement and draft Vesting Order. Following successful completion of the statutory orders, and subject to the availability of funding at that time, it is expected that work could commence on site within the latter stage of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan period.

The preliminary cost estimate for the scheme was £250 million, at 2005 prices. This will be reviewed as the scheme is developed.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Zero-Carbon Housing

Mr W Clarke asked the Minister for Social Development to outline what discussions her department has had with manufacturers of building materials in relation to the development of construction materials for zero-carbon housing.

(AQW 2423/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): My Department has had no specific discussions with manufacturers of building materials in relation to the development of construction materials for zero-carbon housing. Assistance to manufacturers of building materials in the development of new products may fall within the remit of Invest NI.

Investment in Urban Regeneration

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the investment in urban regeneration made by her department in each district council area, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2543/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Information in relation to my Department’s investment in urban regeneration is not held on the basis of local authority districts. Investment may occur across a number of local authority areas. Information in the form requested is not therefore readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Vacant Properties

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an estimate of the number of vacant properties in Northern Ireland, broken down by each district council area.

(AQW 2546/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The table below details the most up to date available figures for empty homes, across all housing tenures, throughout Northern Ireland. Information on the private sector was obtained from Rates Collection Agency data. Information on Housing Executive property comes from its internal records and includes 51 dwellings that are awaiting imminent relet, 394 difficult to let dwellings, 1874 that are undergoing major improvements and 553 that are pending demolition or sale.

Total Private Sector and Housing Executive voids* by District Council Area (at September 2006)

District Council Voids

Antrim 906

Ards 1394

Armagh 1462

Ballymena 1032

Ballymoney 410

Banbridge 1024

Belfast 7542

Carrickfergus 620

Castlereagh 939

Coleraine 1514

Cookstown 1008

Craigavon 1821

Derry 1873

Down 1434

Dungannon 1748

Fermanagh 1805

Larne 732

Limavady 547

Lisburn 1520

Magherafelt 767

Moyle 440

Newry and Mourne 2165

Newtownabbey 1287

North Down 1482

Omagh 1575

Strabane 779

Total *37826

Seven hundred and eleven Housing Association properties are also vacant but a breakdown of this information by District Council area is not readily available. Two hundred and twenty one of these dwellings are awaiting imminent relet, 266 are difficult to let, 171 are undergoing major improvements and 53 are pending demolition or sale.

The report which I commissioned from the Housing Executive on empty homes identifies the main reasons for properties being vacant as rural unfitness, disrepair, second homes and investment properties. Only 4900 vacant private sector properties have been identified as suitable for restoration. I have asked the Housing Executive to do further work to establish feasibility and value for money.

Housing Executive Improvement Schemes

Mr A Easton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the Northern Ireland Housing Executive improvement schemes that have been cancelled in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 2548/08)

Ms M Ritchie: No Northern Ireland Housing Executive improvement schemes programmed for 2007/08 have been cancelled in the North Down constituency. All capital programmes are facing a degree of uncertainty pending finalisation of the capital investment budget.

Social Education Centres

Mr M Brady asked the Minister for Social Development to outline her department's current plans for providing social education centres in the Newry and South Armagh areas.

(AQW 2591/08)

Ms M Ritchie: In June 2005 my Department approved a business case which proposed the provision of two new 40 place Day Care Centres, one in Newry and one in Crossmaglen, which was envisaged would replace the services currently provided from the existing Newry Social Education Centre and the small Crossmaglen Day Centre.

Delivery of these Centres has been delayed due to difficulties with design, identification of a suitable site in Crossmaglen and specifically due to delays in securing appropriate planning permission for the Newry site. As a direct result the capital costs for the projects have increased from the original £6.2m to an estimated £9.7 million. Due to the constraints on the current draft Comprehensive Spending Review the allocation of funding cannot be considered until the Trust has resolved the ongoing site issues and secured the appropriate planning permissions.

Oakfield Drive, Carrickfergus

Mr D Hilditch asked the Minister for Social Development to confirm if Oakfield Drive in Carrickfergus was withdrawn from the market after being listed at auction for opening bids of approximately £9 million.

(AQW 2595/08)

Ms M Ritchie: A site at Oakfield Road was placed on the open market by public advertisement and not by auction. The site was subsequently withdrawn because of a Roads Service requirement for a developer contribution to the construction of a road. The site will be placed on the open market again when Roads Service requirements have been clarified.

On 29 November 2007 a separate site at Oakfield Drive was advertised in the Belfast Telegraph. This site has not been withdrawn and remains on the market.

Job Losses in Newtownards Social Security Office

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Social Development to (i) give her assessment of the projected number of job losses in Newtownards Social Security Office; and (ii) outline the reasons for these job losses.

(AQW 2602/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Social Security Agency uses its Integrated Complementing System to determine the appropriate staffing levels within each Social Security Office/Jobs & Benefits office. This is based on the volume of work received in an office and the time taken to process that work, using a scientific, HM Treasury approved methodology. Currently Newtownards office is fully complemented and at this stage there are no planned job losses.

The Agency is carrying out a Strategic Business Review to examine how best to deliver services to the public in the future. As the options involve centralisation of back office processing in the local office network, this will necessitate some redeployment of staff. However, as no decisions have been made on the numbers and locations of the back office processing centres, the Agency is not in a position to say which local offices will be impacted.

Dove Gardens, Derry/Londonderry

Ms M Anderson asked the Minister for Social Development what priority she is giving to the proposed development of 59 houses and 4 bungalows at Dove Gardens, Derry/Londonderry; and to confirm that finances are in place to start this work in the 2008/09 financial year.

(AQW 2615/08)

Ms M Ritchie: This North & West Housing scheme of 59 houses and 4 bungalows is programmed to be onsite in the 1^st Quarter of 2008/09. The original planning application (for 53 units) was submitted on 11^th January 2007 but a subsequent redesign increasing the number of units to 63 units required a resubmission. Once Planning approval and Northern Ireland Housing Executive project approval are in place, North & West intends to proceed to onsite stage. However all new capital projects are currently at risk pending the outcome of the draft budget.

Semple Review

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the progress made by the Interdepartmental group considering the recommendations of the Semple Review, with particular reference to the recommendation of a 20% developer contribution.

(AQW 2631/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Interdepartmental Affordability Review Group has now concluded their work and presented findings to me. I have also received reports from the Advisory Panel of Experts, established alongside this Interdepartmental Group and Baroness Ford, formerly Chair of English Partnerships, who have also commented on the potential use of developer contributions in Northern Ireland.

There is a wide body of evidence on the important role that developer contributions play in the delivery of affordable and social housing. Indeed Northern Ireland is unique within Great Britain and Ireland in that there is currently no provision here for such a contribution. In taking forward the Semple recommendations, I will be looking to end this anomaly as I am satisfied that developer contributions have an important role to play in increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.

Semple Review

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Social Development to give her assessment of whether or not a minimum 20% developer contribution, as recommended in the Semple Review, is necessary to help tackle the lack of social and affordable housing.

(AQW 2633/08)

ASSEMBLY COMMISSION

Energy Efficiency Study of Parliament Buildings

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Assembly Commission what plans it has to carry out an energy efficiency study of Parliament Buildings; and to outline (i) the findings of any previous study undertaken; and (ii) the actions taken to implement these findings.

(AQW 2375/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): An environmental audit is currently being carried out by Office of the Keeper and Research within Parliament Buildings to inform a scoping paper for a larger piece of work that might look at the following:

current environmental management at Parliament Buildings (including inter alia recycling, procurement, energy usage);
a desk-study examining examples of best practice for 'greening' public buildings of this type, especially listed buildings; and
recommendations for improvements in these areas, including targets and implementation measures

It is hoped that this paper will be ready in January 2008.

An audit was previously undertaken by the Carbon Trust in 2002 at Parliament Buildings and the attached table presents the key recommendations and actions implemented.

Cost of Heating Parliament Buildings

Mr J Wells asked the Assembly Commission to detail the cost of heating Parliament Buildings in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2470/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission has spent the following amount on heating for Parliament Buildings and Annexe C:

2002-2003	£44,452.23
2003-2004	£72,523.62
2004-2005	£81,720.85
2005-2006	£106,772.37
2006-2007	£53,906.65

It should be noted that Parliament Buildings was heated by oil up until 2005 and then converted to gas.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Mr J Wells asked the Assembly Commission to detail the amount of carbon dioxide produced through the use of energy in Parliament Buildings in each of the last five financial years.

(AQW 2578/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): The Assembly Commission is very aware of the need to become more energy efficient and as such has been taking part in the Public Sector Energy Campaign since 1999. Following an audit in 2000 it was determined that Parliament Buildings emitted 1,957,054 kg of CO2. This figure remained the same for 2001 and 2002 and then dropped to 1,901,420 kg in 2003. In 2004 the CO2 emissions were reduced again to 1,559,613 kg before rising slightly to 1,590,919 kg in 2005. By 2006 CO2 emissions had reduced to 1,165,561 kg, a reduction of 40.4% from 2000. This large saving is mainly due to the fact that Parliament Buildings converted from using oil burners in 2005 to gas.

Parliament Buildings is involved in the ongoing PSEC energy campaign, where each public sector site in NI is asked to reduce their CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010 and by 60% by 2050.

All of this information is in the public domain on DFPs website: www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/public-sector-energy-campaign/psec-publications.htm.

Broadband Network Infrastructure in Parliament Buildings

Mr T Burns asked the Assembly Commission to detail (i) the specifications of the broadband network infrastructure in Parliament Buildings; (ii) the capacity of the local network broadband link to the internet; and (iii) any proposals to ease network congestion and increase internet connection speeds between the hours of 12pm and 2pm.

(AQW 2606/08)

The Representative of the Assembly Commission (Rev Dr R Coulter): In response to the first part of your question, the network in Parliament Buildings is being upgraded and the majority of locations now enjoy connections of 1Gigabit per second from Desktop PCs to the internal network. While the majority of servers also connect at this speed some of the older servers, scheduled for replacement this year, can only connect at 100 Megabits per second and may now appear slower than others.

With regard to the second section of your question, the NI Assembly currently shares an Internet connection with the NI Civil Service with a capacity of 34 Megabits per second. This "shared services" arrangement enables the NI Assembly to take advantage of the NICS’s dedicated Anti Virus, Anti Spam and Internet security systems at a lower cost than if the NI Assembly undertook the work itself. The NI Assembly uses technology called "caching" to enhance the capacity of the link.

Finally, the IS Office monitors the performance of the Internet connection on a daily basis. The speed of response can be affected by;

The time of day (which influences the response of websites based in American in particular);
The total number of people sharing the outgoing connection; and
The size of any particular website’s connection to the Internet.

The issue of the apparent congestion was last raised formally with the NICS at a meeting on the 14^th December 2007 and the IS Office are currently awaiting a reply.

CORRIGENDA

Written Answer Booklet of 3 August 2007

(Volume 23, No WA3)

In page WA180, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 1085/07) with;

I have been advised that the amount spent by each Education and Library Board in the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years is:

2005-06	BELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB	WELB
	£	£	£	£	£
Refurbishment of Offices	10,000	71,031	-	5,000	387,218
Travel expenses of Administrative staff	14,000	91,845	34,391	130,000	100,443
Travel expenses of Advisory staff	42,000	157,114	92,127	217,000	237,680

2006-07	BELB	NEELB	SEELB	SELB	WELB
	£	£	£	£	£
Refurbishment of Offices	33,000	-	-	28,000	148,334
Travel expenses of Administrative staff	16,000	108,027	35,218	108,000	103,166
Travel expenses of Advisory staff	35,000	144,092	92,693	184,000	222,845

Written Answer Booklet of 9 November 2007

(Volume 25, No WA1)

In page WA31, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 1165/08) with;

The total cost of consultancy in the Department of Finance and Personnel in the 2006-07 financial year is set out in the table attached.

DEPARTMENT: Finance and Personnel
Category	Amount £k
1. policy appraisal and review	-
2. strategic management	3,361
3. organisational development	175
4. performance management	-
5. accountancy	4
6. audit	-
7. economic appraisal	11
8. internal audit	-
9. feasibility study	66
10. quality accreditation	-
11. investment appraisal	-
12. corporate governance	-
13. projects	733
14. surveys	-
15. marketing	10
16. market research	-
Other	-
TOTAL	4,360

Written Answer Booklet of 9 November 2007

(Volume 25, No WA1)

In page WA46, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 1268/08) with;

I refer the member to my previous answer AQW 465/08.

My Department’s Roads Service, in consultation with Planning Service and Environment and Heritage Service, is still investigating options for the disposal of the surplus material, in compliance with current statutory requirements.

In these circumstances, I am unable to provide a date for the commencement of the project.

Written Answer Booklet of 30 November 2007(Volume 25, No WA4)In page WA196, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 1330/08) with;

The longest numbers of working days taken to respond to letters are as follows:

(i) MP - 89 days*; (ii) MLA - 89 days*; (iii) Councillor - 89 days*; (iv) member of the public - 62 days.

* This relates to correspondence from an MP who is also an MLA and a Councillor.

Written Answer Booklet of 14 December 2007(Volume 26, No WA2)In page WA71, col 1, replace the answer to question (AQW 2380/08) with;

The table below sets out the number of Freedom of Information requests refused by each government department, on the grounds of (i) vexatiousness or repetition; (ii) excessive cost; and (iii) statutory exemption. Figures provided are for requests received between 1 January 2005 and 30 September 2007 and include requests made under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.For cases where statutory exemptions applied, these requests have been divided into those which were refused in full and those where some information was disclosed. The total number of requests received by each department has also been included. Only 7 per cent of requests received by departments have been refused in full.

Department	Total number of requests received	i. Vexatiousness or repetition	ii. Excessive cost	iii. Statutory exemption
Department	Total number of requests received	i. Vexatiousness or repetition	ii. Excessive cost	a) Information fully exempt	b) Information partially exempt
DARD	639	2	0	88	122
DCAL (inc PRONI)	1436	0	1	17	75
DE	411	0	4	17	40
DEL	292	0	0	12	52
DETI	262	1	3	26	30
DFP	990	3	1	101	139
DHSSPS	373	0	0	28	32
DOE	2894	0	11	167	598
DRD	881	19	0	56	40
DSD	466	0	1	26	45
OFMDFM	285	0	0	4	24

District Council	Voids
Antrim	906
Ards	1394
Armagh	1462
Ballymena	1032
Ballymoney	410
Banbridge	1024
Belfast	7542
Carrickfergus	620
Castlereagh	939
Coleraine	1514
Cookstown	1008
Craigavon	1821
Derry	1873
Down	1434
Dungannon	1748
Fermanagh	1805
Larne	732
Limavady	547
Lisburn	1520
Magherafelt	767
Moyle	440
Newry and Mourne	2165
Newtownabbey	1287
North Down	1482
Omagh	1575
Strabane	779
Total	*37826