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 18 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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Aging in an Inclusive Society

Mrs M Bradley asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to provide an update on 'Aging in an Inclusive Society'.

(AQW 2121/08)

The First Minister and deputy First Minister (Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness): Work is currently on-going within the department on this issue. We are intending to submit a paper to colleagues in the Executive seeking agreement to adopt the strategy on “Ageing in an Inclusive Society”, including underlying principles, objectives and an Action Plan in the near future.

Pension/Gratuity Payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary Reservists

Mr D McNarry asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether or not it has obtained the additional information it was seeking from the Northern Ireland Office in relation to pension/gratuity payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary reservists.

(AQW 2358/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: We have not yet received the additional information we requested about aspects of the Northern Ireland Office’s assessment of the economic viability of a pension scheme for Royal Ulster Constabulary Part-time Reservists. We approached the Northern Ireland Office to seek an update on our request and were advised on 31 December that they have written to the Government Actuaries Department for further information. We will write to the Member as soon as this information is received.

Capital Investment Projects

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to list all (i) current; and (ii) proposed, capital investment projects by the department; and to detail the costs or estimates for each project scheduled in (a) 2007/08; (b) 2008/09; (c) 2009/10; and (d) 2010/11.

(AQW 2433/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As Assembly Questions number 2433/08 and 2585/08 request similar information, this response deals with both questions together.

OFMDFM has three main capital investment projects. These are: the demolition and remediation of the Maze/Long Kesh; the demolition, remediation and infrastructure costs of the Ebrington site under Ilex; and the regeneration of the Crumlin Road Gaol.

OFMDFM has two proposed capital projects in addition to its three main projects: the fit out costs for new accommodation for the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat; and, the North Belfast City of Learning (Boys/Girls Model School). Funding for fit out costs for the new accommodation for the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat will be bid for through the in-year monitoring process and has not been included in budget allocations as stated in the Draft Budget for the years 2008-11. The approximate cost of this project is £0.5m - £0.75m.

The Department also incurs capital spend in relation to capital grants, and the acquisition of office and IT equipment.

The following table sets out the Department’s current and proposed capital investment projects and detail the costs or estimates for each project scheduled in 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 and 2010/11.

	Total		1.44	2.47	12.4	23.1	20.1
	Project	Description	2006/07 (£m)	2007/08 (£m)	2008/09 (£m)	2009/10 (£m)	2010/11 (£m)
Current Projects	Maze Long Kesh	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.46	1.18	0	0	0
	Crumlin Road Gaol	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.28	1.0	3.1	15.4	14.3
	Misc Capital	Purchase of miscellaneous office and IT equipment	0.08	0.15	0.2	0.2	0.2
	Capital Grants	Capital Grants to Community Groups	0.62	0.14	0.3	0.3	0.3

Proposed Projects	Ebrington Barracks	Demolition/remediation and infrastructure			8.4	7.2	5.3
	North Belfast City of Learning	Boys/Girls Model School			0.4	0	0

Sustainable Development Strategy

Mr D Ford asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the progress that has been made by the Executive in relation to the delivery of the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Strategy.

(AQW 2499/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Of the 63 targets in the Sustainable Development Strategy, 24 have been achieved or are on track for achievement during 2008. Thirty-one are long-term targets scheduled for achievement in a longer timeframe. Eight other targets are the subject of delays or have measurement difficulties.

OFMDFM is currently working to review and refine where necessary the targets in light of these findings and to ensure alignment with the Programme for Government. We intend to make the precise status of all targets clear in the new Implementation Plan.

Child Poverty

Mr S Hamilton asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to estimate the number of children living in poverty in each (i) district council area; and (ii) parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2544/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: In response to the Member’s question, the estimated number of children living in poverty in each (i) district council area; and (ii) parliamentary constituency is as shown in the attached tables (1) and (2).

These numbers are based on the relative income poverty indicator.

Table 1: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

Source: Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006
Notes1. Two LGDs combined due to sample size requirements.
2. As with any sample survey there is a degree of error attached to the estimates.

Table 2: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by Parliamentary Constituency for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined.

Source: Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland (HBAI NI) 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/2006
Notes 1. As with any sample survey there is a degree of error attached to the estimates.

North-South Ministerial Council

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the expenditure committed to the North South Ministerial Council 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 2557/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: Details of the budget allocated from the Northern Ireland block grant to the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat in each financial year since 1999 and the proposed expenditure outlined by the draft budget in May 2007 are set out in the table below:

North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat (North)
Year	Budget Allocation £	Actual Expenditure £
2000/2001	905K	795K
2001/2002	820K	899K
2002/2003	735K	619K
2003/2004	642K	603K
2004/2005	602K	577K
2005/2006	612K	612K
2006/2007	695K	694K
2007/2008	851K	-
2008/2009 (Proposed)	808K	-
2009/2010 (Proposed)	882K	-
2010/2011 (Proposed)	977K	-

Capital Investment Projects

Mr R Beggs asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the nature and cost of each of its capital investment projects under the following categories: (i) actual expenditure during 2006/2007; (ii) expenditure plans for 2007/2008; (iii) draft Budget proposals for 2008/2009; (iv) draft Budget proposals for 2009/2010; and (v) draft Budget proposals for 2010/2011.

(AQW 2585/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: As Assembly Questions number 2433/08 and 2585/08 request similar information, this response deals with both questions together.

The Department also incurs capital spend in relation to capital grants, and the acquisition of office and IT equipment.

	Total		1.44	2.47	12.4	23.1	20.1
	Project	Description	2006/07 (£m)	2007/08 (£m)	2008/09 (£m)	2009/10 (£m)	2010/11 (£m)
Current Projects	Maze Long Kesh	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.46	1.18	0	0	0
	Crumlin Road Gaol	Regeneration and redevelopment of site works	0.28	1.0	3.1	15.4	14.3
	Misc Capital	Purchase of miscellaneous office and IT equipment	0.08	0.15	0.2	0.2	0.2
	Capital Grants	Capital Grants to Community Groups	0.62	0.14	0.3	0.3	0.3

Proposed Projects	Ebrington Barracks	Demolition/remediation and infrastructure			8.4	7.2	5.3
	North Belfast City of Learning	Boys/Girls Model School			0.4	0	0

Ministerial Code

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister for its assessment of whether or not the Minister of Education adhered to the Ministerial Code in the way she informed the Executive of her statement in relation to post primary education.

(AQW 2587/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: There is no statutory requirement for Ministers to advise the Executive of their intention to make statements to the Assembly, though it is normal for them to do so in the interests of good order. Officials within the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister were informed of the Minister of Education’s intention on the afternoon of 3 December and the information was subsequently conveyed to us in the USA. A letter was received by the department at 10.51 on the day the Minister made her statement.

The Minister is 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 for consideration and comment in due course.

Ministerial Statement on Post Primary Education

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline the process by which the Minister of Education informed the Executive of her statement on post primary education.

(AQW 2588/08)

Post Primary Education

Mr M Storey asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister how the Executive will process the proposals relating to post primary education brought before the Assembly by the Minister of Education.

(AQW 2589/08)

Shared Society

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what is its assessment of the part which a shared society will play in achieving the Executive's sustainability targets.

(AQW 2672/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: When published in 2006 the Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland identified A Shared Future, the previous administration’s policy for improved good relations and community cohesion, as integral to the delivery of quality public services.

The Executive is currently considering a new Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Strategy. This strategy will reflect forthcoming proposals for a Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration which will be presented to the Assembly in the immediate future.

Good Relations Commitments

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the new good relations commitments contained in the draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 2673/08)

Rt Hon I Paisley and Mr M McGuinness: The draft Programme for Government, including the key goals and associated PSA framework, was developed with a focus on addressing the key challenges and seizing the opportunities to deliver a better and more sustainable future. The goals outlined in the Programme for Government are not, therefore, framed along departmental lines but rather are presented as goals for the entire Executive.

The objective of improving “societal relations” is specifically addressed within the PSA framework. By contributing to the Executive’s aim of building a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law, all of the key goals outlined in the draft Programme for Government can be seen to set the context for the promotion of good relations.

As stated previously, 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, sharing and integration. Key objectives, actions and targets will be developed in the context of these proposals.

'A Shared Future'

Mr T Lunn asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister to make a statement on the status of the document 'A Shared Future' and the associated Triennial Action Plan in the context of the draft Programme for Government.

(AQW 2674/08)

Planning Appeals

Mr J Wells asked the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister what steps have been taken to reduce the backlog of appeals awaiting a decision by the Planning Appeals Commission.

(AQW 2688/08)

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 December 2007 the backlog was 3,208 and our projected output for the current financial year is 1,117. 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 140 per month.

The Commission made a bid for additional resources in December 2006 and provision has been made in the draft budget for extra funding. 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 under way to deliver a competition for commissioners.

We have recently made a number of appointments to the Commission.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what progress she is making in relation to solving the flooding problem which occurred in the Glens in July 2007.

(AQW 2762/08)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ms M Gildernew): Following the July 2007 flood event DARD Rivers Agency undertook limited emergency maintenance on the undesignated Glenaan River. However, it is considered that this work would not enable the river channel to contain river flows of the magnitude and severity of the July event. Rivers Agency has commissioned a feasibility study of flood defence improvements at the locations at Tromra Road that were affected by flooding. This commission will take into account not only watercourse related flooding but also flooding from roads and overland flows aimed at providing an integrated solution.

This report is scheduled for completion in July 2008. Any improvement proposals will of course have to be viable and be subject to availability of resources.

Foreign Nationals

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

(AQW 2887/08)

Ms M Gildernew: My Department has no responsibility in relation to monitoring the number of foreign nationals residing in the North of Ireland.

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Museums Policy

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to outline the anticipated timeframe for the completion of the museums policy.

(AQW 2671/08)

The Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure (Mr E Poots): My Department had been considering the development of a museums policy and had taken the process as far as producing draft Terms of Reference and consulting key stakeholder bodies on these terms of reference.

However in light of the draft CSR settlement and other pressing priorities I have looked at this matter and have concluded that resource pressures within the department are such that the development of a museums policy will not be possible, at this time.

In September 2007 I met with the Northern Ireland Museums Council and they offered that they could develop a museums policy with minimal additional resources and I tasked them with producing a paper outlining how this could be done. I have recently received their paper and will be giving it due consideration.

Community Festival Funding

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to detail (i) the budget for community festival funding for each district council area, following the transfer of delivery of this fund to councils in April 2008; and (ii) how the level of funding is determined for each district council.

(AQW 2763/08)

Mr E Poots: The following table details the Community Festivals Fund allocations to each district council:

DISTRICT COUNCIL	DCAL ALLOCATION (£)
Antrim	12,300
Ards	18,000
Armagh	13,700
Ballymena	15,600
Ballymoney	6,800
Banbridge	10,600
Belfast	77,300
Carrickfergus	9,700
Castlereagh	15,800
Coleraine	14,200
Cookstown	8,500
Craigavon	22,600
Derry	31,200
Down	1,600
Dungannon	12,800
Fermanagh	15,000
Larne	8,000
Limavady	8,900
Lisburn	28,400
Magherafelt	9,900
Moyle	4,400
Newry & Mourne	25,400
Newtownabbey	20,400
North Down	18,600
Omagh	13,100
Strabane	12,400
	£450,000

The allocations are determined on the basis of population distribution, with a 10% weighting applied for deprivation as measured by the Noble Multiple Deprivation Measure. It is expected that each district council will match the amount allocated by DCAL.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what consideration he has given to initiating a police investigation into the deficit accumulated by the Northern Ireland Events Company.

(AQW 2792/08)

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. If at any time evidence of criminal activity emerges then this matter will be referred to the police. I will consider any further relevant actions following the completion of the review.

Northern Ireland Events Company

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure what instructions were given by his department to the Northern Ireland Events Company after 20 September 2007, in relation to future trading, when it was known that the organisation was in financial difficulty.

(AQW 2881/08)

Mr E Poots: On 1 October 2007 and on 4 December 2007, the Department instructed the Northern Ireland Events Company that it should not enter into further commitments pending resolution of the Company’s financial difficulties.

EDUCATION

False Addresses

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister of Education what steps she will take to address the situation whereby families resident in the Republic of Ireland are using false addresses, in order for their children to attend schools in Northern Ireland.

(AQW 785/08)

The Minister of Education (Ms C Ruane): The Department issued comprehensive guidance on this issue on October 11. This guidance advised all schools and pre-schools of the implications for them of the judgment in a recent Judicial Review: that they now may be covered by a “duty to verify” information within applications where a problem with false information is suspected. This guidance gave all schools and pre-schools practical recommendations for requesting verifying documents from applicants within the admissions process.

Notwithstanding this I believe that the way forward for education is that children attend local schools regardless of which side of the border they are on. I will therefore be reviewing the requirements in primary legislation on all schools and preschools to prioritise all applicants resident in the North of Ireland before those who are not resident in the North of Ireland, and this review will take account of a possible conflict with EU legislation.

Contracting and Sub-Contracting Process for New Build Schools

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Education to outline the policies relating to, and the process of, contracting and sub-contracting for new build schools within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area.

(AQW 1685/08)

Ms C Ruane: The current practice for procuring new schools within the North Eastern Education and Library Board area is through an open advertisement for main contractors who wish to be included in a select list of contractors. All contractors who respond to this are then evaluated against the criteria identified in the advertisement and a short list of contractors is prepared.

Sub-contractors (mechanical, electrical and, on occasions, structural steelwork contractors) are procured through the same process of open advertisement and evaluation.

Classroom Assistants' Dispute

Mr T Burns asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of schools at which educational facilities are currently being disrupted due to the ongoing classroom assistants' dispute.

(AQW 1983/08)

Ms C Ruane: During the week ending 23 November 2007 there were 25 special schools disrupted to varying degrees due to the strike action by classroom assistants. Currently there are no schools subject to disruption since the strike action has now ended.

Promotion of Community Pride

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Education to outline the steps she is taking to improve the self-concept of children in inner-city and large resettlement estate-based schools through developing a pride in their own community background.

(AQW 2019/08)

Ms C Ruane: I agree that it is important that all of our young people have an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the identity of their own community as well as an understanding and appreciation of the culture of other communities on this island. Through the revised curriculum, we are offering teachers greater flexibility in responding to the needs of those in their classrooms and in creating a culture of aspiration and achievement and providing young people with the opportunity to develop their self-esteem and preparing them to play a positive role in their local community and as contributors to wider society and our economy. Through our extended schools programme, we are also facilitating those schools which draw their intakes from the most disadvantaged sections of our community in providing after-school activities which meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Additionally, my Department’s Community Relations Policy is aimed at promoting and developing community relations in the education and youth service sectors in the age range 3 to 25. To enable this, the Department encourages and provides opportunities for young people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet so that they can learn about each other, to respect each other’s beliefs and backgrounds whilst at the same time, recognising and learning to appreciate the common ground they share. Through the community relations various funding schemes organisations work with young people to help them become more secure in their own personal sense of identity whilst at the same time, becoming more understanding and sensitive to those who are different.

Integrated Education

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education to make a statement on the failure to include any reference to integrated education in the Programme for Government; and to confirm whether or not this omission will have an impact on the future of Priory Integrated College.

(AQW 2341/08)

Ms C Ruane: The draft Programme for Government reflects the careful consideration that the Executive have given to its priorities. When education is referred to in the draft Programme for Government, it refers to all sectors. There is also a statutory duty placed upon the Department of Education to encourage and facilitate the development of integrated education.

The draft Programme for Government does not impact on the specific issues under consideration regarding Priory Integrated College’s capital scheme.

Exemptions Under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the total number of primary schools that have been issued with an exemption under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, in relation to premises that her department is satisfied would not conform to the published standards; and (ii) the number of grant-maintained integrated primary schools that received an exemption.

(AQW 2453/08)

Ms C Ruane: As far as the department is aware no primary schools have been issued with an exemption under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986. This includes grant maintained integrated primary schools.

Primary School Capital Build Programmes

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to her answer to AQO 885/08, to detail the primary school capital build programmes that have been approved in the East Antrim constituency, in each of the last ten years.

(AQW 2494/08)

Ms C Ruane: Schools requiring capital build projects have been identified in the first instance by the relevant education authorities. There has been one major primary school project approved for funding in East Antrim in the last ten years. This was a replacement school building for St MacNissi’s Primary School, Larne. Construction work on this new school was started in April 1999 and completed in July 2000.

Extended Schools Programmes

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Education, further to the draft Budget, to detail (i) all extended schools programmes that will no longer be funded; (ii) the location of each of these schemes; (iii) the number of children involved in each scheme; and (iv) what consideration she has given to the value and viability of the schemes that will no longer receive funding.

(AQW 2503/08)

Ms C Ruane: Draft Budget proposals were published on 25 October, and I am currently considering the implications of these for Education budgets, including extended schools programmes. Final decisions on the budgets for services, including Education, will not be taken until after the public consultation period, which ends on 4 January.

School Sprinkler Systems

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education whether or not a sprinkler system is installed as standard during the construction of a new school.

(AQW 2513/08)

Ms C Ruane: All schools must comply with the fire regulations. There is no requirement under the regulations to provide sprinkler systems and I understand that no schools currently have sprinkler systems installed.

School Sprinkler Systems

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of primary and secondary schools that do not have a sprinkler system installed, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2515/08)

Wi-Fi in Schools

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education what consultation she has undertaken with parents and local communities in relation to the setting up of Wi-Fi in schools.

(AQW 2603/08)

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. In light of this advice, no consultation has been undertaken with parents and local communities on the use of WiFi in schools.

The HPA has, however, recently announced that while there is no scientific evidence to date that WiFi adversely affects the health of the general population, it will carry out a systematic programme of research which will include measurements of exposures from WiFi. It also states that it has good scientific reasons to expect the results of this research to be reassuring. The health and well-being of children and young people in our schools is always paramount and my Department will await the findings of this research.

Astroturf Facility at Limavady Grammar School

Mr G Robinson asked the Minister of Education to provide an update in relation to community use of the astroturf facility located at Limavady Grammar School.

(AQW 2618/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am advised that officers from the Western Education and Library Board together with the Board’s solicitors met with Limavady Council’s Director of Development and the Principal of the school on 12 December to discuss and agree the terms of the lease for use of the Astroturf pitch and it is proposed that a draft lease will be issued to the Council for agreement and approval at the beginning of January 2008.

Pending the completion of the legal agreement the school is continuing to allow the use of the pitch by community groups that have appropriate insurance.

Wi-Fi Health Concerns

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister of Education to detail what information was requested from her department, and from whom, in relation to health concerns about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools.

(AQW 2621/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department of Education has received requests for information in relation to health concerns about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools from the following:

Request from	Number of requests	Subject
MLAs	4	Requests for information about the installation of Wi-Fi in schools; what research has been carried out on possible health effects; what health advice the Department sought prior to authorising the installation of Wi-Fi technology in primary schools (AQW 871/08); the Education Minister’s assessment of a statement of the Chairperson of the Health Protection Agency about the radiation exposure levels of a Wi-Fi unit (AQW 1377/08); and the Education Minister’s plans to monitor the health of children in schools that have Wi-Fi installed (AQW 2620/08).
Assembly Education Committee	1	Request for the Department of Education’s comments on an e-mail sent to the Education Committee.
Principals/staff of schools	2	Request for advice on a reply to an enquiry from a parent about the use of Wi-Fi in the school; and a request for an interview with the Education Minister to hear the Minister’s views on Wi-Fi.
Members of the Press	1	Request for answers to questions about the use of Wi-Fi in schools.
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People	1	Request on behalf of a private individual for answers to questions about the installation of Wi-Fi systems in schools.
Private individuals	1	Request for a meeting with the Education Minister to discuss the promotion of Wi-Fi in schools.

Statementing Process

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Education what action she is taking to harmonise the statementing process across all Education and Library Boards.

(AQW 2638/08)

Ms C Ruane: The 5 Education and Library Boards follow the same statementing process which is laid down in the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, the Education (Special Educational Needs) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005, the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (1998) and the Supplement to the Code (2005).

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.

Financial Resources Allocated to CCEA

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the financial resources allocated to the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessments (CCEA) in (i) 2006/2007; and (ii) 2007/2008, in relation to financing the current 11 plus transfer tests, from design to the issuing of results; and to outline the proposed allocation for 2008/2009.

(AQW 2639/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed below.

Financial Resources allocated to CCEA

2006/07 – SCHOOL YEAR

Transfer Procedure Development
£142,000

Transfer Procedure Processing
£177,170

Total
£319,170

2007/08 – SCHOOL YEAR

Transfer Procedure Development
£142,000

Transfer Procedure Processing
£208,688

Transfer test – test unit
£ 25,500

Total
£376,188

The Department is currently considering CCEA’s proposed Transfer Procedure allocation for 2008/09.

Strategic Plan for Transfer at 14 Years

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education whether or not she will immediately publish her detailed strategic plan for transfer at 14 years.

(AQW 2640/08)

Ms C Ruane: I made a statement in the Assembly on 4 December of my vision for education in the North which explained that young people will enjoy equal access to their post-14 educational pathway in a number of ways. The detail of how this will operate in each area will be determined through area based planning mechanisms. I will be making a further statement to the Assembly in the new year on progress towards the establishment of area based planning mechanisms, and on negotiations with key stakeholders on the detail of arrangements for transfer in September 2010.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education what consideration she has given to establishing an alternative body to provide a procedure for post-primary transfer; and to detail such plans.

(AQW 2641/08)

Ms C Ruane: I consider the current system of academic selection to be both unjust and unnecessary. I have no plans to establish an alternative body to provide a procedure for post-primary transfer.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to (i) detail the expected savings from the abolition of the 11 plus procedure; and (ii) outline how savings will be re-allocated.

(AQW 2642/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is detailed below.

Estimate of Savings from the abolition of the 11 Plus procedure

CCEA costs (Estimate)
£376,188

Cost of ELB Invigilation:
(Estimate) £ 84,814

Invigilation cost for 2007/08 is an estimate as the information is not yet available from the Education and Library Boards.

The Education and Library Boards do not record separately other costs in respect of Board Staff involved in the operation of the transfer tests or the cost of issuing results to schools and parents.

The Department has overall responsibility for the transfer procedure policy but no staff are involved in operating the test.

Based on the estimated expenditure for the 2007/08 year, it would appear that savings from the abolition of the 11 plus procedure will be in the region of some £461k.

As no financial bid will be made following the abolition of the transfer tests, there will be no re-allocation of funds.

Transfer Procedure

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost of restructuring the school system to accommodate transfer at 14 years in relation to (a) capital investment; (b) staff re-training and transfer; and (c) transport and other ancillary costs; and if she will publish these details.

(AQW 2643/08)

Ms C Ruane: In my statement to the Assembly on 4 December I explained that young people will enjoy equal access to their post-14 educational pathway in a number of ways. The detail of how this will operate in each area will be determined through area based planning and therefore it is not possible at this stage to detail the financial and human resource implications. With dramatically falling pupil numbers, the need to make all our schools sustainable already requires structural change in order to avoid continuing inefficiency, failure and cost.

Ministerial Statement

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail what consideration she gave to the explanatory notes to the Northern Ireland (St. Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, paragraph 20, in preparing her Assembly statement on the schools transfer system.

(AQW 2645/08)

Ms C Ruane: I have made clear that I want a legislative underpinning of my proposals for future transfer arrangements, I want Executive and Assembly approval, and I am confident that a consensus can be achieved which will facilitate that.

Education System

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to confirm that efforts to improve the education system will prioritise those parts of the system that show the highest failure rates.

(AQW 2646/08)

Ms C Ruane: I want every young person to have the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of socio-economic background, gender or race. A key priority is to narrow the gap in achievement that exists between the most advantaged and most disadvantaged in our community while at the same time raising overall levels. This will involve working with all schools but focussing, in particular on those schools where performance is lower than expected.

Funding for the Commission for Catholic Education

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the cost to her department in funding the Commission for Catholic Education since it was established.

(AQW 2647/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Commission for Catholic Education in the north of Ireland has not received funding from the Department of Education since it was established.

Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail what measures she is taking to ensure that her proposals for a schools transfer system receive cross-community support in (i) the Executive; and (ii) the Northern Ireland Assembly.

(AQW 2648/08)

Ms C Ruane: My proposals will be welcomed by many within the education system, and I believe there is already broad support for them across communities in the North. The meetings that I am currently holding with key stakeholders are intended to achieve a consensus on the detail of post-primary transfer arrangements for 2010 and beyond. Once achieved, I believe I will be in a strong position to gain cross-community support in the Executive and Assembly behind proposals that are widely supported across communities and by education professionals.

Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education, in relation to those schools wishing to implement a transfer procedure separate to that planned by her department, to confirm whether or not her statement that she is under no obligation to provide funding applies (i) to pupils, capital costs and administration costs; or (ii) only to the costs of operating a separate transfer procedure.

(AQW 2649/08)

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

Post-Primary Education in Maghera

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what plans she has for (a) the future of Maghera High School; and (b) the provision of post-primary education in Maghera and its surrounding areas.

(AQW 2676/08)

Ms C Ruane: Maghera High School falls within the remit of the North Eastern Education and Library Board (NEELB) which is consulting locally on the future for post‑primary provision in the area. The NEELB has indicated that a Board decision on the way forward is likely to be taken in February or March.

New Builds

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education what (a) new builds are proposed for post-primary education in (i) Moyle District Council area; (ii) Ballymoney Borough Council area; and (iii) Ballymena Borough Council area; and (b) the commencement dates for these new builds.

(AQW 2677/08)

Ms C Ruane: A new build school is currently being planned for Ballymoney High School, which is in the Ballymoney Borough Council area. The proposed new school is at Outline Business Case stage. It is estimated that construction work would start in early 2010.

There are currently no other post-primary new build projects in the Moyle, Ballymoney or Ballymena Council areas.

Post-Primary Transfer Procedure

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to outline the work undertaken by her department, since her announcement on 4 December 2007, in relation to new arrangements for the transfer procedure.

(AQW 2678/08)

Ms C Ruane: A series of meetings have taken place with stakeholders representative of post-primary schools to ascertain views on suitable transfer arrangements for 2010 and beyond. A series of follow-up meetings have been arranged which will be used to establish the basis for a consensual approach to new arrangements. Progress is being made on the establishment of area based planning mechanisms, preparations are being made for the launch of the Every School A Good School policy, and meetings have been held with the education spokespersons of all the Executive political parties.

Carlane Primary School, Toomebridge

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education what the current position is in relation to the future of Carlane primary school, Toomebridge.

(AQW 2703/08)

Ms C Ruane: Carlane is a maintained primary school and as such its’ future is a matter for consideration by the school Trustees and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) in the first instance.

Whilst I am aware that the Trustees and CCMS have been in discussion on the schools’ future, no firm proposals have as yet been formulated and submitted to my Department for consideration.

New Technology in Education

Mr M McLaughlin asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the innovative use of technology in education that the Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry is developing; and what policy she will persue in promoting the use of new technology in education, including the introduction of vocational qualifications into the school curriculum.

(AQW 2705/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am aware of the Nerve Centre’s well-earned reputation for its work on promoting the moving image, music and innovative digital technologies and the creative opportunities it has provided for young people.

Ensuring that young people acquire the necessary skills to use ICT effectively and safely is a key priority for the Department of Education and this is reflected in the central role which ICT plays in the revised curriculum. Since 2000, the Department has made a significant investment in the ICT infrastructure in schools through Classroom 2000 (C2k). This includes the current renewal of primary schools’ ICT equipment, offering enhanced functionality and flexibility, as well as the provision, during this school year, of 5,000 laptops to primary schools for computer-based pupil assessment and 20,000 laptops to all types of schools. The Department has also recently issued a circular to all schools which set out the actions necessary to further the development of ICT as a teaching and learning tool.

The emPowering Schools Strategy of 2003 set out a broad vision for enhancing teaching, learning and leadership in schools through the use of educational technology. The Department is about to embark on a review of the strategy to ensure that it remains appropriate to emerging educational needs and facilitates the use of the new technology in innovative and creative ways. This will include consideration of how best new technology can support the development of a new framework of 14-19 provision for our pupils, a key aspect of which will be a guarantee of access to a greater range of applied/vocational subjects.

Primary and Preparatory School

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education, pursuant to the answer to AQW 1845/08, to detail for each primary and preparatory school (i) the number and percentage of P7 pupils sitting the Transfer Test; and (ii) the percentage of pupils attending the school who are in receipt of free school meals, for the academic year 2007/2008.

(AQW 2725/08)

Ms C Ruane: No detailed data regarding the current Transfer Test are available until the process has been completed and the results issued to the Education and Library Boards. These data will be available in February 2008 and will be provided to you as soon as they become available for release.

Free school meal entitlement data for each primary and preparatory school are currently available for the 2007/08 academic year. These data have not been provided but as soon as the Transfer Test data become available, free school meal entitlement data will also be provided.

School Leavers

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of school leavers who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* to C in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2736/08)

Ms C Ruane: The number and percentages of school leavers who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A*-C in 2005 and 2006 are detailed in the following table. Data for 2007 are currently being collated and will be published in May 2008.

Number and percentage of school leavers achieving at least 5 GCSE’s grades A*-C (or equivalent qualifications) by parliamentary constituency of residence 2005 to 2006.

	2006		2005
Parliamentary Constituency	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
BELFAST EAST	532	59.6	555	58.4
BELFAST NORTH	632	51.9	628	52.4
BELFAST SOUTH	632	69.1	656	69.0
BELFAST WEST	790	52.4	797	49.4
EAST ANTRIM	762	63.8	786	64.5
EAST DERRY	787	59.7	790	60.0
FERMANAGH AND SOUTH TYRONE	993	69.2	955	66.3
FOYLE	1147	64.0	1063	59.9
LAGAN VALLEY	941	67.5	911	67.4
MID ULSTER	1032	66.7	989	63.3
NEWRY AND ARMAGH	1145	66.1	1120	65.5
NORTH ANTRIM	980	63.3	929	62.7
NORTH DOWN	735	70.4	785	72.1
SOUTH ANTRIM	891	72.6	907	65.9
SOUTH DOWN	1227	66.6	1099	63.5
STRANGFORD	903	66.3	866	64.5
UPPER BANN	1057	64.1	1023	64.2
WEST TYRONE	964	65.8	829	72.3
MISSING POSTCODES	244	54.7	248	55.2
TOTAL	16394	64.2	15936	63.0

Approximately 2% of pupils’ residential postcodes were missing.

GCSE Passes

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister of Education to detail the percentage of school leavers, entitled to free school meals, who obtained 5 or more GCSE passes A* to C in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007.

(AQW 2738/08)

Ms C Ruane: The percentage of school leavers entitled to free school meals who obtained at least 5 GCSE’s A* to C (or equivalent) in 2005 was 35.6% and in 2006 was 37.6%. Data for 2007 are currently being collated and will be published in May 2008.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education whether or not her department has determined an effective method of post-primary transfer that will avoid (i) pupils simply transferring to the nearest school; (ii) a postcode lottery; and (iii) over-subscription to certain schools; and to provide details of this method.

(AQW 2748/08)

Ms C Ruane: The process of area based planning will ensure that provision of sufficient scale and diversity is available to facilitate young people’s preferred educational pathways. That may result in children transferring to their nearest school, but not necessarily so.

Under the proposed arrangements all children will transfer at age 11, with some children making a further transition at age 14, either because they have attended a 11-14 school, or because their preferred pathway can be better accommodated by an alternative educational institution.

Some popular schools will continue to be oversubscribed, but the detail of what admission criteria may be used, and in what way, has yet to be determined, although I have made clear that I favour community, family and geographical criteria.

11+ Transfer Test

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the savings to be made from the abolition of the 11+ transfer test; and to detail (i) the amount of anticipated savings; and (ii) where she will re-allocate these savings.

(AQW 2749/08)

Ms C Ruane: I would refer the member to the reply I gave to AQW 2642/08.

Compensation for Grammar Schools

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister of Education to indicate what plans she has to provide financial compensation for grammar schools, during the transition period, for devising and implementing an alternative procedure to the current transfer test; and if she will set out the relevant details.

(AQW 2756/08)

Ms C Ruane: Any costs involved in developing and administering transitional arrangements for grammar schools, which I intend placing on a statutory basis through the making of admissions criteria regulations, will be met by the Department of Education. Any grammar schools that choose to operate outside arrangements governed by regulation will not be assisted with funding to develop or administer a common entrance examination or alternative form of academic selection.

Special Needs Assessment

Mr P McGlone asked the Minister of Education to detail for each Education and Library Board (i) the number of pupils that are currently waiting for special needs assessment; and (ii) the waiting time for such assessments.

(AQW 2773/08)

Ms C Ruane: I would refer the Member to my reply to AQW 1308/08 and AQW 1314/08, submitted by the Member for Strangford, Michelle McIlveen, which were placed in Hansard as a written answer on 23 November 2007 and 9 November 2007 respectively.

Efficiency Savings

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) what reductions, due to efficiency savings, are being applied annually in each of the next 3 years to primary schools in the Strangford constituency; and (ii) the level of reductions allocated to each of these schools.

(AQW 2788/08)

Ms C Ruane: Budgets for schools have yet to be determined for 2008-09, and will be subject to the outcome of the Final Budget process. Budgets for schools for the two subsequent years will be determined prior to each of those years.

Ministerial Statement

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Education to detail the input that her departmental officials provided in the drafting of the statement she made to the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQW 2808/08)

Ms C Ruane: The statement which I made on 4 December 2007 was prepared in a similar fashion to any other Ministerial statement: substantial content and drafting was provided by officials, working with myself and my Special Adviser.

Phoenix Integrated Primary School

Mr I McCrea asked the Minister of Education to detail the number of pupils that have attended Phoenix Integrated Primary School, Cookstown, since it opened.

(AQW 2822/08)

Ms C Ruane: The information requested is as follows:

Year	Enrolment
2004/05	18
2005/06	41
2006/07	54
2007/08	79

Source: NI school census.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mrs M Bradley asked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to ensure that her proposals for future post-primary transfer will (i) protect rural communities; and (ii) ensure that pupils do not travel excessive distances.

(AQO 1311/08)

Ms C Ruane: Children in rural areas are entitled to access a quality education just as much as those in urban areas. In planning future post-primary provision, we will certainly be taking account of the needs of different areas and different communities and seeking to ensure that pupils are not expected to travel excessive distances as this is neither environmentally nor educationally desirable.

Once children have chosen their post-primary school, we will also be ensuring that young people have access, through the Entitlement Framework, to a broad and balanced range of curriculum pathways. To accommodate the needs of rural areas and smaller schools, there will be flexibility in how the Entitlement Framework will be delivered, including, for example, through co-operation between schools and with local further education colleges. The proposals will allow for different solutions for different areas. The educational interests within areas will be involved in developing local provision that best meets the needs of their children.

I am also committed to ensuring that the planning of provision is done in a way that promotes equality and good relations and has regard to the principles behind rural proofing.

Reading Recovery Scheme

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister of Education to provide a guarantee that the Reading Recovery scheme will continue to receive funding, to at least the level it currently does, over the budgetary period 2008-2011.

(AQO 1277/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department is currently finalising a review of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and this review, alongside proposals for the way forward, will issue for consultation in the coming weeks.

The revised strategy will outline how we propose to support approaches such as Reading Recovery. However, until the strategy and the Department’s budget for the period 2008-11 are finalised, I am unable to make any announcements surrounding long-term funding for the Reading Recovery programme.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mrs M O'Neill asked the Minister of Education to provide a breakdown of the percentage of pupils, in each Education and Library Board area, who were accepted into the grammar school of their choice in 2007.

(AQO 1373/08)

Ms C Ruane: The table below records the percentage of pupils by Board area (and denominational and non-denominational grammar schools) who expressed a first preference for a grammar school and were admitted to the grammar schools concerned in September 2007.

Board Area	Total 1st Preference Applications	Total 1st Preference Admitted	% 1st Preference Admitted
BELB	2518	2014	80%
WELB	1739	1468	84%
NEELB	2247	1921	85%
SEELB	1772	1427	81%
SELB	1410	1300	92%

Introduction of Modern Languages into Primary Education

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans for the introduction of modern languages into primary education; and to detail (i) the resources to be allocated; (ii) the pedagogical model to be employed; (iii) the training to be provided, including at what level and by whom; and (iv) the teaching and learning materials to be used.

(AQO 1310/08)

Ms C Ruane:

I believe that introducing children to a second language at an early stage can have huge benefits for them individually and longer term for the society and economy. In some parts of the world this is common practice and that is why I am putting a new programme in place to support those primary schools who wish to offer Spanish and Irish on an optional basis.

£330,000 has been made available for the programme in the 2007/08 school year. This will provide for the employment of a network of peripatetic tutors to work alongside teachers in delivering the programme in schools. The Partnership Management Board is setting up a regional group to provide programme support, training and resource materials for the tutors and participating teachers. The purpose of this approach is to develop skills and confidence within schools so after a period of time this will no longer be necessary.

I am also awaiting recommendations, expected in March 2008, from the joint University of Ulster-Queen’s University Belfast Subject Centre for Languages, Linguistics and Area Studies, which will inform an ongoing strategic approach to language teaching and learning, including modern languages in primary schools.

Post-Primary Transfer

Mr G Savage asked the Minister of Education to provide details of the legislative programme and framework through which she intends to introduce the changes to the education system announced to the Assembly on 4 December 2007.

(AQO 1394/08)

Ms C Ruane: The details of the legislative programme entailed by my Assembly statements on 4 and 11 December will be finalised following completion of discussions with schools and key stakeholders on future transfer arrangements in which I and my officials are currently engaged. I intend to be in a position soon to prepare draft admissions criteria regulations that will govern school admissions from September 2010 onward. These will be issued for appropriate consultation following which I will seek to place these draft regulations on a statutory footing.

Educational Needs in West Belfast and Greater Shankill

Ms J McCann asked the Minister of Education to outline the levels of educational need in the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report 2002.

(AQO 1384/08)

Ms C Ruane: The latest figures available for levels of educational need in areas defined in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce report of 2002 are for 2005/06.

Pupils resident in the area leaving with at least 5 or more GCSE’s A* - C or equivalent

West Belfast 42.6%
Greater Shankill 43.0%
Average in the North 64.2%

Percentage of Pupils leaving school with no GCSE’s

West Belfast 8.6%
Greater Shankill 7.1%
Average in the North 4.5%

Percentage of Pupils leaving with at least 2 or more A levels at Grade A-E (including equivalencies)

West Belfast 29.5%
Greater Shankill 25.8%
Average in the North 44.7%

Autism Centre of Excellence in Middletown

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Education to provide a timescale for the opening of the autism centre of excellence in Middletown; and to detail the age groups it will provide for.

(AQO 1382/08)

Ms C Ruane: I am pleased to report that the Middletown Centre for Autism is open. The operating company was formed in March of last year with the appointment of the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive and the three Heads of Division are all in post and the first training courses were held on site in December.

In August and September 2007 stakeholder consultations were held at the Centre to canvass opinion from statutory and voluntary agencies about the building and refurbishment project.

The Centre is currently consulting with all those involved with children and young people with autism across venues North and South regarding how the proposed services can best be delivered by the Centre.

The Centre will generally provide for children aged 4 - 19 years but may consider younger children if appropriate.

School Closures in the Coleraine Borough Council Area

Mr A McQuillan asked the Minister of Education to outline her plans for school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area, in the next five years.

(AQO 1392/08)

Ms C Ruane: The planning of the controlled schools’ estate in the Council area is the responsibility of the North Eastern Education and Library Board in the first instance. The Board have confirmed that they currently have no proposals for school closures in the Coleraine Borough Council area. In regard to the maintained sector, the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools are considering the possible amalgamation of Crossroads Primary School and St. Columba’s Primary School, Kilrea.

North-South Education Sector

Mr A Attwood asked the Minister of Education to detail the new projects she has initiated in the North-South education sector since the restoration of devolution.

(AQO 1308/08)

Ms C Ruane: Under the auspices of the North/South Ministerial Council there is existing education cooperation across a range of issues: education for children with special needs; educational underachievement; teacher qualifications and superannuation issues; school, youth and teacher exchanges.

I met with Mary Hanafin, TD Minister for Education and Science, in Dublin in November last year to review progress in these areas and to initiate further work on the full range of matters. We agreed to develop proposals to tackle educational underachievement, including ongoing work by the Literacy and Numeracy Working Group, and to undertake a formal review of co-operation on educational exchanges and supporting mechanisms, including the North South Exchange Consortium. Following the significant progress made so far to establish a Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown, we endorsed the plans to provide training, advisory and research services and education, learning and support services once building work is complete. Other joint projects are currently underway in the field of special education needs, such as the “ Cross Border School and Parent Community Partnership Programme”, and we plan to hold a joint Autistic Spectrum Disorder conference this year. Through the Teachers Qualifications Working Group, progress is being made on improving teacher mobility.

In December 2007, Conor Lenihan TD, the Irish Minister for Integration and I jointly launched a Toolkit for Diversity in the Primary School sector. The Toolkit will develop cross-border collaboration to assist children whose language, culture and ethnicity are not Irish and to allow us all to benefit from this rich diversity.

As part of my desire to raise awareness of the important role science and technology in our schools, I have supported the all-Ireland BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibitions, attending the formal opening of the most recent event in Dublin last week.

I will be hosting the next North South Ministerial Council meeting in Education Sectoral format in the Spring and will report back to the Assembly on progress made on these and other issues in due course.

Priory Integrated College

Dr S Farry asked the Minister of Education when she plans to announce her decision in relation to the new build at Priory Integrated College, Holywood.

(AQO 1389/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Department wrote to the South Eastern Education and Library Board concerning the viability of Priory and it has confirmed it considers the school viable. I am awaiting further information from the Board on how it will ensure that the school continues to be viable in the longer term. I can assure you that once that information is received and assessed, I will not delay my decision.

Post-Primary Transfer

Ms C Hanna asked the Minister of Education what measures she is taking to ensure that the post-primary transfer criteria of Community, Geographical and Family will be applied in a way that will avoid becoming a postcode lottery.

(AQO 1307/08)

Ms C Ruane: The process of area based planning will ensure that provision of sufficient scale and diversity is available to facilitate young people’s preferred educational pathways post-14. The people involved in local educational sectors are best placed to arrange provision at a local level.

Additionally, following the making of new admissions criteria regulations, the Department will issue statutory admissions guidance to schools, which they will have a legal obligation to have regard to, and this will cover the appropriate use of admissions criteria.

New Curriculum

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Education what is her assessment of the cost to parents of the introduction of the new curriculum and, in particular, the emphasis on independent living and developing life skills, for special needs children.

(AQO 1391/08)

Ms C Ruane: The revised curriculum is more flexible and inclusive than before so it will give teachers more scope to meet the individual needs of every young person in their classroom, including any additional support needs they may have. It does not follow, however, that there should be any additional costs for parents to bear beyond the time we all want to see parents giving to support and encourage their children throughout their education.

In support of the emphasis on independent living and developing life skills for children with special needs, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment has been working closely with teachers in the special education sector to develop teacher guidance for all areas of the curriculum.

Education and Library Boards provide Life Skills Training Programmes to young people with SEN to support them in self-help and independent living. Boards also have Education Transition Co-ordinators in post to support these young people and their parents.

Post-Primary School Enrolment Numbers

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister of Education to detail (i) the total number of post-primary schools; and (ii) the number of these schools with a present enrolment of less than 500 pupils.

(AQO 1352/08)

Ms C Ruane: There are 226 post-primary schools in 2007/08. Of these, 81 have an enrolment of less than 500 pupils.

In-Year Spending Review

Mr S Wilson asked the Minister of Education to detail the amount of money returned under the latest in-year spending review.

(AQO 1275/08)

Ms C Ruane: In the December 2007 in-year monitoring round, from a resource budget of £1,755.9 million, the Department surrendered £5.1 million or 0.3% of the resource budget to DFP for reallocation. In addition, from a capital budget of £221.9 million, the Department surrendered £28.6 million or 12.9% of the capital budget.

Scoil an Droichid, Belfast

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of Education to outline what plans she has for the provision of a new build at Scoil an Droichid, Cooke Street, Belfast.

(AQO 1343/08)

Ms C Ruane: Discussions are currently underway between the Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, Iontaobhas na Gaelscolaíochta and my Department about the provision of a permanent new build for Scoil an Droichid. It is not yet at a stage where there are any firm development plans.

Stalemating

Mrs N Long asked the Minister of Education what plans she has to address the process of stalemating in relation to children with special educational needs, in order to provide more detailed guidance on the child's individual needs and therapy requirements.

(AQO 1388/08)

Ms C Ruane: The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (DE, 1998) introduced detailed guidance for all professionals working with children with special educational needs (SEN). The Code of Practice sets out a 5-stage SEN framework for ELBs and schools to follow. A Statement of Special Educational Needs is provided at Stage 5 and it is at this stage that the ELB becomes responsible for ensuring that the child’s SENs are met.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability ( Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (SENDO) came into effect on 1st September 2005 and strengthened the rights of all children with SEN to a mainstream education. In 2005 the Department of Education issued, for schools and ELBs, a Supplement to the existing Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, in order to support the new SEN provisions of the SENDO and to provide updated guidance.

The review of special educational needs and inclusion which commenced in April 2006 aims to address a range of issues associated with the current SEN framework, a key feature of which is the current statutory assessment process and statementing.

As recommendations about a child’s therapy requirements are the responsibility of the health sector, ELBs take advice from local Health and Social Services Trusts about the level and type of therapeutic interventions required.

EMPLOYMENT AND LEARNING

Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail (i) the amount; and (ii) the date, of any funding provided to (a) Queen's University, Belfast; and (b) the University of Ulster, in order to carry out the Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme.

(AQW 2659/08)

The Minister for Employment and Learning (Sir Reg Empey): My Department has not provided specific funding to the universities for the purpose of carrying out the Higher Education Role Analysis Analytical Job Evaluation Scheme.

The Department has however, with effect from 2001/02, provided funding to both universities under the Rewarding and Developing Staff Initiative for the implementation of human resource strategies. One of the priorities for the Initiative, which also applies to higher education providers in England, is that institutions should ensure equal pay for work of equal value using institution-wide systems of job evaluation. The universities are therefore free to use this funding towards meeting the costs arising from implementation of their human resource strategies, including those arising from job evaluations. The amount of funding provided to each university under the Rewarding and Developing Staff Initiative is provided in the table below;

Academic Year	2001/02 £000	2002/03 £000	2003/04 £000	2004/05 £000	2005/06 £000 (*)
QUB	1,211	1,817	2,574	788	1,844
UU	1,269	1,903	2,697	842	1,967
Total	2,480	3,720	5,271	1,630	3,811

* From 2006/07, Rewarding and Developing Staff funding was absorbed into core grant allocations.

New Deal for Musicians Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail what pastoral care (i) is required in the criteria for the New Deal for Musicians Programme; and (ii) has been provided to students on this programme who are based in the North West region, in the last three years.

(AQW 2742/08)

Sir Reg Empey: There is no requirement within any of the New Deal programmes for contracted providers to provide pastoral care to participants.

New Deal for Musicians Programme

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the contractual basis for the provision of the New Deal for Musicians Programme, for people domiciled in the North West, by the South Eastern and Regional College.

(AQW 2743/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The South Eastern Regional College currently hold the contract to deliver the New Deal for Musician programme throughout N. Ireland. Due to an ongoing review of contracts to deliver adult return to work provision, the contract has recently been extended to cover the period up to 31 August 2008.

Student Fees

Mr T Gallagher asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to confirm whether or not he was advised by Queen's University, Belfast, and the University of Ulster, in advance of the Assembly debate on the Student Fees (Amounts) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 on 10 December 2007, that they may reduce student bursaries to make up reduced fees income, in the event that the regulations were annulled.

(AQO 1318/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department was aware that reducing student bursaries was a possibility and it would not have been unexpected for Universities to consider this, given that they pay more than the minimum bursary requirement. Higher Education Institutions charging variable fees must have an Access Agreement, approved by my Department. This requires them to pay a minimum bursary of £300 per annum to students on the maximum DEL maintenance grant. Both QUB and UU are paying access bursaries of up to £1,000 per annum. Bursaries are funded from fee income. The issue was first raised with the Department in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review as it might affect Higher Education.

Budget Negotiations

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to provide an update on progress made in relation to budget negotiations to address (i) the provision of 300 PhD research posts for students by 2010; (ii) the participation by Northern Ireland Universities in the all-Ireland Science Foundation; (iii) the creation of additional adult apprenticeships and extra monies for ICT as a third essential skill; (iv) critical sector initiatives; and (v) essential skills, in response to the Leitch Review.

(AQO 1320/08)

Sir Reg Empey: All of these areas are important to the growth of a dynamic, innovative economy here in Northern Ireland and are key priorities for my Department. I am awaiting the outcome of the Budget for the three years from April 2008 which will be recommended by the Executive and debated by the Assembly in the near future.

Adult Apprenticeships

Mr D O'Loan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to give his assessment of the significance of the funding gap for adult apprenticeships, given the reduced allocation of funding in the draft Budget in comparison to the DEL bid for adult apprenticeships under the Comprehensive Spending Review; and to outline the impact this will have on indigenous and inward investment projects.

(AQO 1322/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The current allocation in the draft budget will have an impact on the number of apprenticeships that can be provided. They are a key part of upskilling the indigenous workforce. Providing a skilled workforce is also crucial to attracting inward investors so any limit on the number is bound to have an impact on economic growth.

In the first year, the indicative budget would enable around 200 adults to be enrolled in apprenticeships in addition to the 104 already taking part in pilot programmes. The Department will target these places in priority skill areas.

Ards Campus of the South Eastern Regional College

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the future plans for the Ards campus of the South Eastern Regional College.

(AQO 1304/08)

Sir Reg Empey: My Department has committed to provide a £5m capital grant to develop new facilities for construction, engineering and motor vehicle maintenance for the Ards campus. Other plans in relation to management issues are handled directly by the South Eastern Regional College.

Northern Ireland Students in Great Britain

Mr J McCallister asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the percentage of Northern Ireland domiciled university students that have gone to study in universities in Great Britain, in each of the last five years.

(AQO 1410/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The percentages of Northern Ireland domiciled university students that have gone to study in universities in Great Britain for each of the last five years are:

In year 2002/03 – 22%
In year 2003/04 – 21%
In year 2004/05 – 23%
In year 2005/06 – 22%
In year 2006/07 – 24%

Lifelong Learning

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the future of lifelong learning, in relation to the proposed ending of funding for the Workers' Education Association, the Ulster People's College, and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults.

(AQO 1405/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Department remains committed to Lifelong Learning and, through the Further Education colleges’ main campuses and 876 Outreach Centres, will continue to meet the needs of learners throughout their lives. Each year some 240,000 people enrol on further education courses from Entry Level upwards.

The conclusion of the Department’s present contractual arrangements with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), the Ulster Peoples’ College (UPC) and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) will not affect this commitment.

North Down and Ards Institute

Mr J Shannon asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to (i) provide a timescale for the proposed changes to courses and staff reductions in the North Down and Ards Institute branch of the South Eastern Regional College; and (ii) detail the consultation process in relation to this matter.

(AQO 1349/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Following the merger of further education colleges in August 2007, the South Eastern Regional College, in keeping with other further education colleges in Northern Ireland, is organising its provision and structures to meet business needs. Any consequent changes to the provision of courses and the number of staff are matters for College management. The College is consulting with staff unions regarding possible redundancies, in accordance with the Employment Rights ( Northern Ireland ) Order 1996.

Essential Skills Courses

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of people that have registered an interest in Essential Skills courses for 2008.

(AQO 1278/08)

Sir Reg Empey: Information regarding the number of people that have registered an interest in Essential Skills courses for 2008 is not available. Initial enrolments in Essential Skills courses for academic year 2007/08 are 11,531, as at 30 th November 2007.

Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to outline the implications of changes to the Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation scheme for Further Education employers and employees.

(AQO 1314/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The changes to the Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme, from 1 st April 2008, will make employers responsible for all costs associated with the enhancement of pensions under the Scheme. Any enhancement of pension is a discretionary element of the Scheme, and will be subject to affordability.

University Drop-Outs

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the number of first-year students at university who have dropped out in the last five years; and to outline what action he is taking to reduce the number of drop-outs.

(AQO 1397/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The latest year that statistics are available is 2004/5. In the five years up to then, the number of first year, full-time, undergraduate students who dropped out was as follows:

2000/01	585
2001/02	740
2002/03	850
2003/04	1,020
2004/05	955

Both Queen's University and the University of Ulster have in place a comprehensive range of measures which seek to ensure that all students optimise their potential and leave University with the best possible academic qualification.

At Queen's University the ‘Supporting Student Attainment Working Group’ takes active measures to promote greater retention and attainment rates.

Also at Queen’s, in 2008-09, a new Employability and Skills Policy will be implemented, taking forward active measures for portfolio planning, mentoring and personal tutoring for all undergraduate students.

Similarly, at the University of Ulster, a major study has just been completed on student retention, which will inform the University's revised Teaching and Learning Strategy.

Teachers' Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme

Mr P Butler asked the Minister for Employment and Learning to detail the arrangements in place for employees in further education and higher education colleges who are seeking early retirement.

(AQO 1401/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Teachers’ Premature Retirement Compensation Scheme is operated at the discretion of the employer. Through this scheme, employers can initiate the retirement of lecturers as a result of organisational or curricular changes, rationalisation or falling enrolments.

Skills Strategy and Development

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking in relation to the involvement of the Open University in skills strategy and development, as highlighted in the Programme for Government.

(AQO 1323/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The Open University has been actively involved throughout the development and subsequent implementation of Success through Skills – the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland . The University was a key respondent in the original consultation process and it continues to be involved in the delivery of three key themes: raising the skills of the workforce; enhancing the quality of those entering the workforce; and addressing the employability skills of those not in employment.

The Open University is also involved at individual project delivery level within the Strategy, for example, through its participation on a working group set up to provide advice to the Department on the development and delivery of Foundation Degrees in Northern Ireland. This working group informed the content of a consultation document “ Review of Higher Education in Further Education policies, including Foundation Degrees” which the Department issued in November 2007.

Success through Skills is due for review in 2008. As part of this process, my Department will be consulting with all of our major stakeholders, including the Open University, to seek their views on how the Strategy should be taken forward.

PhD Places

Mr T Lunn asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what action he is taking to implement his commitment to provide 300 more PhD places, as outlined in the draft Programme for Government.

(AQO 1276/08)

Sir Reg Empey: This issue is important to the growth of a dynamic, innovative economy here in Northern Ireland . I am awaiting the outcome of the Budget for the three years from April 2008 which will be recommended by the Executive and debated by the Assembly in the near future.

'Further Education Means Business'

Mr S Neeson asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what is his assessment of the future of lifelong learning under the strategy 'Further Education Means Business'.

(AQO 1406/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The future of lifelong learning is assured. Under “Further Education Means Business”, the further education sector will continue to be at the heart of lifelong learning in order to strengthen economic and workforce development, to enhance social cohesion and to advance the individual’s skills and learning.

Skills Development in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Employment and Learning what plans he has to consider the model in the Republic of Ireland, where Failte Ireland is active in the skills development of staff working in the hospitality and tourism sector.

(AQO 1321/08)

Sir Reg Empey: The structures in place for skills training in Northern Ireland differs from those in Ireland. Here, People 1st is the Sector Skills Council that covers the hospitality and tourism sectors working with employers, stakeholders and providers. My Department has entered into a Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) with People 1 st that has taken into account their views on the needs of the sectors and the education and training available. The SSA has been influenced by skills developments nationally in the UK and internationally, including Ireland.

ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Development of Businesses in Rural Areas

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment if he has met with, or plans to meet with, the Minister of the Environment with regard to the removal of planning hurdles that frustrate the development of businesses in rural areas.

(AQW 2701/08)

The Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Mr N Dodds): I meet the Minister of the Environment regularly at the Executive's Subcommittee on Rural Planning Policy, which she chairs. This enables me to ensure that the interests of businesses are taken into account as rural planning policy is developed. The most recent meeting of the Sub committee was on 14 January 2008.

Northern Ireland Film Industry

Mr J Spratt asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans are in place to encourage and further develop the Northern Ireland Film Industry, in light of the success of 'Closing the Ring'.

(AQW 2707/08)

Mr N Dodds: In April 2007, the Northern Ireland Screen Commission (NISC) launched its second three year strategy integrating industrial, educational and cultural policies and actions to support the local industry.

Invest NI provided £10.7 million over four years (2003 – 2007) to support the Commission’s first strategy. A further £12.4 million has been approved over three years (2007 – 2010) to support the current strategy. This represents a 54% increase in the average annual support to the commission from £2.7 million to £4.1 million a year.

Of the £12.4 million in support of the current strategy, £8.1 million is available to target inward investment. This would be in the form of high value productions, film, television and digital content, to shoot on location in Northern Ireland. ‘Closing the Ring’ is one such example.

In addition, £750,000 is available to support the marketing activities of the NISC where the majority of this expenditure is again targeted at attracting inward investment.

The success of the Commission’s strategy is demonstrated not just by securing Lord Attenborough’s ‘Closing the Ring’ but by securing a total of 20 productions to date including ‘City of Ember’. ‘City of Ember’ is a $50 million Hollywood feature film from the Tom Hank’s owned production company Playtone . This film was shot in the Paint Hall in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast and is due for release in October 2008.

Hotel Development

Mr F McCann asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide a breakdown, by parliamentary constituency, of public money allocated through his department to hotel development in each of the last 5 years.

(AQW 2714/08)

Mr N Dodds: From 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2007, the breakdown by parliamentary constituency of public money allocated to hotel development in each of the last 5 years is detailed in the table over.

Financial Year Ending	Constituency	Assistance

31 March 2003	Belfast South	£47,329
	Belfast East	£79,800
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£803,000
	South Down	£13,990
	Strangford	£60,388

31 March 2004	Belfast South	£368,270
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£154,100
	Foyle	£29,168
	North Antrim	£6,067
	South Antrim	£668,324
	North Down	£25,411
	Strangford	£22,000

31 March 2005	Belfast South	£235,819
	Belfast North	£452,644
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£230,945
	Foyle	£48,734
	South Antrim	£13,428
	North Down	£9,167
	South Down	£200,000
	East Londonderry	£8,600
	West Tyrone	£15,200
	Lagan Valley	£43,983

31 March 2006	Belfast North	£137,204
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£205,710
	Foyle	£38,700
	North Down	£38,642
	South Down	£2,540,000
	East Londonderry	£542,250
	West Tyrone	£9,000
	Strangford	£22,396

31 March 2007	Belfast South	£27,411
	Fermanagh & South Tyrone	£3,500,000
	Foyle	£17,930
	North Antrim	£1,717,551
	South Antrim	£28,364
	East Londonderry	£22,989
	Upper Bann	£475,000

1,000MW Capacity Applications

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, pursuant to the answer to AQW 1715/08, to confirm whether the 1,000MW capacity applications, currently with the Planning Service, relate to the expected average output, or to the peak output of the proposed turbines.

(AQW 2726/08)

Mr N Dodds: The 1000MW relates to the peak output of the proposed turbines.

Foreign Direct Investment

Mr L Cree asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he is taking to encourage foreign direct investment, following the publication of the Varney Report.

(AQW 2745/08)

Mr N Dodds: The publication of the Varney Report will not change how Invest NI’s international sales and marketing team promotes Northern Ireland as an attractive and viable location for new inward investment opportunities. Not all location decisions are tax driven. Invest NI’s sectoral efforts are concentrated on the innovation-based sectors of internationally traded services, particularly, software, business services, financial services and ICT. Many of the projects that Invest NI competes for and secures in these areas sectors operate as cost centres to which Northern Ireland offers a near-shore solution. The taxation differential is often not a consideration for such projects and is usually significantly outweighed by NI's compelling investment proposition which is cost competitive, culturally compatibleandclose to customers.

Environment and Renewable Energy Fund

Mr C Boylan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment whether or not the Environment and Renewable Energy Fund will continue to be supported beyond its present completion date in 2008.

(AQW 2886/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund (EREF) is a ring fenced fund running from 1 April 2006 – 31 March 2008, and is not available in its current form beyond that date. Departments currently receiving funding from the EREF are required to bid through the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) process for funding to cover any EREF activities that they wish to continue post March 2008. DETI has however secured a bid for £17million to allow offers made under the Reconnect scheme and the Energy from Waste programmes to run to completion beyond March 2008.

Hotel Accommodation

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the additional hotel accommodation that is required to be built in the next five years.

(AQO 1342/08)

Mr N Dodds: The average annual growth in hotel room sales achieved across Northern Ireland between 2003 and 2007 was 6.9%. If this was to continue for the next 5 years, with all factors remaining equal, an additional 3,300 hotel rooms would be required by 2013. This could equate to a further requirement of 66 hotels.

Since April 2005 Invest NI has provided more than £9 million in grant assistance towards the development of 9 significant tourism accommodation projects, with total project costs of £52 million. These have included Galgorm Manor in Ballymena; Slieve Donard in Newcastle and Castle Hume in Enniskillen.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is currently aware of around 50 potential hotel projects for Northern Ireland. While many of these are expressions of interest at this stage I am very encouraged at the level of interest shown by the private sector in hotel development.

Productivity Gap Between Northern Ireland and Great Britain

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the productivity gap that exists between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

(AQO 1418/08)

Mr N Dodds: Official Government statistics indicate that Northern Ireland’s productivity gap with the UK was 15.3% in 2005, the largest of all the UK regions. The draft Programme for Government has specified a private sector productivity goal relative to the UK excluding the Greater South East of England, given the radically different economic structure to Northern Ireland. Set against this measure, Northern Ireland’s private sector productivity gap was estimated to be 8.1% in 2005. Recent forecasts also indicate that there has been little change, with the gap estimated to be 8.5% in 2007.

Annual Loyal Order Demonstrations

Mr M Storey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he is taking to maximise the tourist potential of the various annual Loyal Order demonstrations.

(AQO 1436/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Loyal Order and their demonstrations have long been an integral part of the fabric of NI Society. During the Troubles the enormous tourist potential was not realised

In recognition of their importance to tourism in Northern Ireland, I have asked the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to work with my Department to develop a cultural and heritage strategy which will include the Loyal Orders. This work is nearing completion.

Alongside this work, NITB and Tourism Ireland Limited met with the Grand Orange Lodge on three occasions in 2007, June, August and December, to discuss the tourism potential of the Twelfth celebrations.

NITB provided a trainer to undertake ‘Welcome Host’ training for the stewards attending the 2007 Enniskillen Parade, which had been identified as a flagship event for tourists.

Tourism Ireland has identified possible potential in relation to a Williamite Trail, the route taken by King William on his way through Ireland to victory at the Battle of the Boyne and production of promotional material for such a development. TIL have discussed these matters with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, who have invited TIL to present on its role and activities to representatives of 10 District Lodges regarding flagship parades in 2008.

I understand NITB and TIL are also to meet with members of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland within the next month to discuss ways of developing the ‘flagship’ concept and to see whether future ‘Welcome Host’ training would be helpful.

Invest NI

Mr G Adams asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide an update on the performance of Invest NI in locating employment in the last 12 months within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce report 2002.

(AQO 1328/08)

Mr N Dodds: During 2006/07 Invest NI worked intensively with its client companies within the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce area to identify and support development projects; projects that promote export-led growth and the prospect of improving productivity by becoming more internationally competitive. These projects will ultimately safeguard or lead to an increase in employment.

Although it is disappointing that no first time investors chose to invest in the area in the year, investment from Invest NI’s existing client base was most encouraging. Invest NI offered almost £1million of grant aid in support of follow-on development projects. Among the clients supported were Icemos Technology and Andor Technology. Invest NI sold 3 serviced sites (covering an area of 3.5 acres), 50,000 square feet of factory sales, and 95,000 square feet of building leases from its property portfolio in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill area to client companies in support of development projects.

Invest NI also provided financial assistance in other forms that will directly and indirectly impact on employment. In the year 2006/2007, 114 offers under the Start a Business Programme were made to people wishing to start their own business. In addition, financial assistance was offered to the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council in support of its operating costs, the remit of which is to work with local business to identify barriers for entrepreneurial activity and business development.

It is important to note that in total during 2006/07, Invest NI offered £39 million of assistance to projects within the four Belfast Constituency areas. This included £20.7m of assistance towards 16 inward-investment projects by companies such as Mformation Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Firstsource Solutions and Citi. Although these inward investments were not located in the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce report, they are in close proximity and clearly offer employment opportunities to those living in these areas.

Economy Development

Mr R Beggs asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what measures he is taking to develop a higher wage and higher productivity economy in order to address the economic disparity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

(AQO 1347/08)

Mr N Dodds: In the context of developing the draft Programme for Government, I have made increasing private sector productivity my Department’s top priority. We will therefore focus on attracting high quality inward investment, creating 6,500 jobs, 85% of which will offer salaries above the private sector median.

Overall we are aiming to secure wages and salaries of £345 million reflecting inward investment successes and locally owned companies.

We will also target investment to increase innovation and exports and improve energy and telecoms infrastructure. However, the productivity drivers also include skills and wider infrastructure.

The Department of Employment and Learning and the Department for Regional Development also have important roles in achieving a high productivity, high wage economy.

Biotech Industry

Dr A McDonnell asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail (i) the amount of investment by Invest NI in supporting the biotech industry in each of the last three years; and (ii) the number of jobs that existed in that sector in 2007.

(AQO 1430/08)

Mr N Dodds: The Biotech Industry or Life Sciences sector has been identified as a priority sector by Invest NI in line with the Regional Innovation Strategy.

The sector in Northern Ireland is well placed to benefit from further strategic investment with a number of companies operating on a global basis, two leading universities undertaking cutting edge research and a highly skilled workforce.

There has been significant recent investment in the Life Sciences sector. In 2006/07 £7.2 million of assistance was offered; in 2005/06 the figure was £11.04 million and finally in 2004/05 £15.96 million was offered. Therefore in total in the last three years, Invest NI has offered £34 million in support of life sciences projects, stimulating total investment of £110 million.

In addition, provisional figures for the nine month period to the end of December 2007, indicate Invest NI has offered £5m of assistance to companies in the sector towards total investment of £92.7 million. This support has resulted in world class projects, such as the recent Norbrook Laboratories project, which will create up to 293 new jobs through the development of a number of new veterinary products for the global export market.

The number of jobs in the sector within Northern Ireland at the end of December 2007 was approximately 4,100 with a few large firms such as the Almac Group, Randox Laboratories, Norbrook Laboratories and Perfecseal providing a major proportion of the total sector employment.

In addition to Invest NI’s financial support, companies in the sector have also benefited from assistance to attend medical device and bio exhibitions and conferences based in the USA and mainland Europe. The agency also funded a review of the NI Life & Health Technologies Sector which reported its findings in November 2006 and these were used by DETI’s Matrix Life & Health Sciences Panel as a basis for its discussions.

Natural Gas Network

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the energy policy implications for the potential development of the new natural gas network, arising from the proposed loss of funding for the Housing Executive Heating Replacement Programme.

(AQO 1316/08)

Mr N Dodds: As the Draft Investment Strategy is still at the consultation stage and final budgets will not be known until later this month it is difficult to accurately assess what impact any potential decrease of funding for the Housing Executive’s Heating Replacement Programme will have on the development of the natural gas network.

My Department will of course continue to support the ongoing work by the gas companies in the development of the natural gas network in Northern Ireland. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and contributes to reducing greenhouse gases as well as bringing economic benefits and lower carbon emissions.

Tourism

Mr K McCarthy asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is assessment of the value of tourism to the Northern Ireland economy.

(AQO 1416/08)

Mr N Dodds: I regard the Tourism Industry as vital to the Northern Ireland economy. Latest estimates demonstrate that the total income generated by tourism contributes around 3.5 per cent of Northern Ireland’s total Gross Value Added and supports approximately 38,700 jobs, around 29,000 Full Time Equivalent jobs. In 2007, 2.05 million out of state visitors generated an estimated £366 million revenue, representing a growth of 29% in visitor revenue since 2003. Last year domestic tourism also generated an estimated £135 million revenue.

All-Island Energy Market

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what is his assessment of the initial of the all-island Energy Market since its establishment.

(AQO 1432/08)

Mr N Dodds: The successful introduction of the Single Electricity Market on 1 November 2007 has provided benefits, from the outset, in terms of increased security and diversity of electricity supplies in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. In addition, a number of generating companies are already developing plans for investment in the new competitive market.

It is too early to assess the economic benefits. These are expected to accrue to consumers, in the medium to longer term, from greater competition, efficiencies and economies of scale within the new market. It has always been recognised, however, that such benefits will need to be set against the recovery of market implementation costs in the early stages.

Business Start-Ups

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what plans he has to encourage people to return to Northern Ireland to set up businesses.

(AQO 1341/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI recognises that further growth in employment, particularly in higher salaried jobs, in key sectors such as ICT and Financial Services is dependent on developing and maintaining a consistent skills pipeline to avoid potential skills shortages in years to come.

In order to address any potential skills gap, Invest NI is in the process of developing a campaign to attract talent into the region. This campaign will initially focus on those with the relevant skills wishing to locate, or return to Northern Ireland and it is envisaged it will be launched by April 2008.

Whilst Invest NI does not currently have any programmes specifically designed to encourage people to return to Northern Ireland, it does currently provide a comprehensive range of advice and financial support which is available to all. This includes those returning entrepreneurs with attractive business proposals.

Business Start-Ups

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment what action he is taking to encourage people aged 50 and over to set up their own business.

(AQO 1326/08)

Mr N Dodds: PRIME, which has been active in England and Wales for a number of years, is the only national organisation promoting and supporting self-employment and enterprise amongst people aged over 50.

Invest NI is providing £250,000 of funding to the organisation.

PRIME commenced a two-year pilot programme in Northern Ireland in April 2007. It delivers Enterprise Awareness and Personal Mentoring programmes to people aged over 50 who do not consider enterprise as one of their options and who fail to engage with mainstream provision. The primary driver for the project is the low rate of enterprise and entrepreneurship exhibited in Northern Ireland, particularly amongst older people and within the Renewing Community areas.

Invest NI’s Start a Business Programme is also available to the over 50’s.

Invest NI

Mr P Maskey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the role played by Invest NI in supporting existing employment during the last 12 months, within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report 2002.

(AQO 1426/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI continues to play an important role in supporting existing employment within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce. Invest NI works intensively with its client-base to identify and support development projects; that is projects that promote export-led growth and the prospect of improving productivity by becoming more internationally competitive.

Invest NI offers access to a comprehensive range of programmes and practical business advice targeted at every facet of business development, including business improvement training, trade promotion, an extensive suite of innovation and R&D programmes, and property solutions.

In the financial year 2006/07, the agency offered almost £1 million of grant aid in support of follow-on development projects from its existing client base. Among the clients supported were Icemos Technology and Andor Technology.

In addition, Invest NI sold 3 serviced sites, covering an area of 3.5 acres, 50,000 square feet of factory sales, and 95,000 square feet of building leases from its property portfolio in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill area to client companies in support of development projects.

Invest NI also provided financial assistance in other forms that will directly and indirectly impact on employment. In the year 2006/07, 114 offers under the Start a Business Programme were made to people wishing to start their own business. In addition, financial assistance was offered to the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Enterprise Council in support of its operating costs, the remit of which is to work with local business to identify barriers for entrepreneurial activity and business development.

It is important to note that Invest NI intervention is essentially demand-led and, therefore, ultimately dependent upon the decision of its clients to undertake investment projects.

Invest NI

Ms S Ramsey asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the criteria applied by Invest NI in advising potential investors, or existing clients, to locate within the area defined by the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Report 2002.

(AQO 1425/08)

Mr N Dodds: Invest NI is committed to encouraging potential investors and existing clients to locate and invest in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce area, although ultimately the investment decisions are of course taken solely by the individual clients.

Invest NI works closely with its clients to identify viable business solutions, including location options, which meet their particular requirements. The attractiveness and suitability of any location is generally determined by considering the appropriate suite of location-decision making criteria applicable to a particular project. Criteria include the availability of labour and skills, property provision, proximity to transportation linkages, access to amenities, and the financial incentives on offer.

The West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce area offers a sound business proposition to many, if not all, clients. Its unique selling point is that it contains almost all of Invest NI’s industrial land bank in the four Belfast parliamentary constituencies. The agency has 35 acres of available land in 5 industrial estates, all of which are now attracting an encouraging level of interest. In addition, like similar areas of economic disadvantage across Northern Ireland, investors in the area can attract a premium financial package.

The attractiveness of the area can be seen in recent investment successes. Investment from Invest NI’s existing client base in 2006/07 was most encouraging. Invest NI offered almost £1million of grant aid in support of follow-on development projects. Among the clients supported were Icemos Technology and Andor Technology. In addition, Invest NI sold 3 serviced sites (3.5 acres), 50,000 square feet of factory sales, and 95,000 square feet of building leases from its property portfolio in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill area to client companies in support of development projects. It has every reason to believe that the remaining land bank will prove a major draw for future investment, given the paucity of affordable industrial land in the Greater Belfast area as a whole.

However, it should be said that there is increasing evidence that the larger tradeable service projects are choosing to locate in city centre locations.

Jobs Creation/Losses

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to detail the number of jobs in the economy that have been (i) created; and (ii) lost, in the last 12 months.

(AQO 1429/08)

Mr N Dodds: It is not possible to provide an exact measure of the number of jobs created and lost in the NI economy in the last 12 months. However, figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) can be used to estimate the net change in employee job levels during the last year.

Latest figures from the QES show that in September 2007 there were 720,210 employee jobs in NI. This represents an increase of 12,010 (1.7%) from the September 2006 figure of 708,200.

United States of America/ Northern Ireland Investment Conference

Mr S Moutray asked the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to provide an update on his plans for the forthcoming United States of America/Northern Ireland investment conference.

(AQO 1355/08)

Mr N Dodds: On 14 January 2008 the First Minister and Deputy First Minister wrote to CEOs and senior executives of leading US corporations inviting them to the conference.

In addition, a number of senior business leaders have been invited by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to speak at the conference.

A comprehensive follow-up campaign has been initiated to contact all who have received an invitation to encourage as many of them as possible to participate in the conference.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change

Mr J Wells asked the Minister of the Environment to outline the contribution made by her department towards the formulation of the United Kingdom's input at the United Nations conference on climate change, held in Bali.

(AQW 2690/08)

The Minister of the Environment (Mrs A Foster): The government at Westminster takes responsibility for international negotiations on climate change at events such as the recent UN conference in Bali. No specific input was sought or given by any of the devolved administrations to the formulation of the United Kingdom’s input to the Bali conference.

Planning Applications

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister of the Environment if permission for a planning application has ever been withdrawn subsequent to approval having been granted.

(AQW 2692/08)

Mrs A Foster: There are occasions when an extant planning permission may be revoked by the Department. Under Article 38 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991, an order may be made revoking or modifying a planning permission which may give rise to a claim for compensation under the Lands Development Values (Compensation) Act (NI) 1965. This provision is only used in exceptional circumstances and my Department must be able to fully justify any changes in views or policy where there is a liability to pay compensation.

Since 2001, there has only been one case when this has been used. In 2001/02, the Department revoked a planning permission for peat extraction at Ballynahone Bog, Maghera.

However, under Article 3 of the 1978 Planning Amendment Order there is a further provision which may be used with Article 38 to facilitate the substitution of one planning permission for another without a compensation liability. In practice most of these requests are initiated by an applicant to facilitate the issue of a substitute permission. In such cases, the owner must agree to the revocation of one permission in exchange for the grant of an alternative planning permission. In the current business year 11 such permissions were revoked, all without compensation being paid.

Planning Officers

Mr J Dallat asked the Minister of the Environment to detail what steps she is taking to reduce the time lapse between successful interview and placement of new planning officers.

(AQW 2708/08)

Mrs A Foster: Before a successful interview candidate can be appointed to a post in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, a range of pre-employment checks to verify a candidate’s identity, nationality and criminal record must be undertaken which involves HR Connect, the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) and the Criminal Records Office.

My Department has no discretion to alter these checks. However, it is in regular contact with Security Branch in DFP to ensure that the process for recruiting planning officers is kept to a minimum.

It is anticipated that offers will be made to potential new planning officers during February 2008.

Private Hire Taxis

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of people who are licensed to drive private hire taxis.

(AQW 2757/08)

Mrs A Foster: There were 19,268 licensed taxi drivers in Northern Ireland at 31 December 2007, all of whom are licensed to drive private hire taxi vehicles.

Private Hire Taxi Licenses

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of applications for new private hire taxi licenses, that were approved in each of the last 12 months, broken down by postcode.

(AQW 2758/08)

Mrs A Foster: A taxi driver’s licence entitles the holder to drive all forms of taxi vehicle, either public or private hire.

The information requested is set out in the attached table.

First Time licences approved 1.1.07 - 31.12.07

POSTCODE	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Grand Total
BT1		1											1
BT10	6	2	1	3	1	1	2			5	5	4	30
BT11	17	13	9	13	13	6	6	5	9	9	10	14	124
BT12	6	14	16	8	9	9	10	3	10	10	7	7	109
BT13	10	10	6	4	2	4	4	7	8	11	5	8	79
BT14	3	7	8	9	11	6	8	8	6	11	6	11	94
BT15	2	1	4	2	3	1	5	6	2	4	8	2	40
BT16	6	5	3	2		2	1	1	1	2	5	3	31
BT17	13	11	10	13	13	9	11	8	9	9	18	17	141
BT18		2				1	1	1	1				6
BT19	1	5	2	1	1	2		1	3	4	5	4	29
BT20	2	2	3		1	2	1	2	1	3	1	4	22
BT21	1	1		1		2					1		6
BT22	3	4	4		2	1	1	2			1	1	19
BT23	12	4	6	4	4	4	5	2	8	3	9	3	64
BT24	3	1		1		2		2	3	4	2	4	22
BT25	2		5	2	1	3	2			3	3		21
BT26			2	2				1				1	6
BT27	5	4	1	1	2	2	2	2	1	4	3	2	29
BT28	8	6	6	5	4	3	3	2	6	4	5	3	55
BT29	3	3	2	2	7	3		3	4	7	7	4	45
BT30	3	2	8	8	1	4		7	4	3	3	4	47
BT31	2		2		3	1		3	1	2	1	1	16
BT32	2	5	1	5	5	5	3	2	2	3	5	1	39
BT33	1	3	4	1	3	1		2		1		2	18
BT34	9	5	8	7	13	6	5	4	5	7	13	8	90
BT35	9	4	5	5	6	6	5	2	5	4	5	10	66

BT36	11	16	17	11	7	11	3	10	13	16	13	6	134
BT37	2	8	8	4	2	3	2	2	1	5	5	5	47
BT38	9	6	6	2	5	1	2	3	2	2	6	4	48
BT39	6		1	2	1	1	1	2	1	3	5	2	25
BT4	3	4	2	4	3	1	3	3	2	2	3	1	31
BT40	1	5	2	3	5	3	4	2	2	2	1	4	34
BT41	11	6	8	4	9	3	3	5	5	4	9	6	73
BT42	6	2	2	1	1	5	3	1		5	4	4	34
BT43	2	3	2		3	1	2	1	1	4	4	2	25
BT44	3	1	2				2	3	3	2	3	1	20
BT45		1	4	1	3	1	1	2			5	1	19
BT46	1		1				1		1		1		5
BT47	16	13	12	3	5	8	6	8	7	14	10	7	109
BT48	18	21	15	20	23	15	9	16	11	26	22	22	218
BT49	2	2	3		1	2	2	3	2	4	5	2	28
BT5	11	12	6	2	11	5	2	3	3	3	3	5	66
BT51	1	1	5	1		3	2	3	3	2	1	3	25
BT52	3	3	1		1	1	1		2	3		2	17
BT53	1		5	2	3	1	3	1		3	4	1	24
BT54	1	1	1	1				2	1			2	9

BT55		3	1	1	1			2		1	1		10
BT56		4	1	1	1			1	2	1	2	1	14
BT57								1		1			2
BT6	3	5	5	4	4	3	4	2	2	5	3	4	44
BT60	3	4	5	3	7	7	7	3	4	3	5	8	59
BT61	3	2	4	1	1	3		3	2	2	2	1	24
BT62	1	4	2	7	9	4	3	7	7	9	3	5	61
BT63	2	1	2	2	2	4	2	2	1	2	2		22
BT64								1				1	2
BT65			2		3	1		1	2			8	17
BT66	8	6	1	2		3	1	1	3	3	5	4	37
BT67	3	2	1	3	7	1	2	4	3	5	2	2	35
BT68							1						1
BT69		1							1	1	1	1	5
BT7	2	3	2		1	1	2		2	2	1		16

BT70		2	1	1		1	2			1	1	1	10
BT71	4		4	5	7	6	3	1	2	4	1	7	44
BT74	3	2	2	2	1		1	4	1	2	3	3	24
BT75	1					1							2
BT76								1					1
BT77										1			1
BT78	1	2		1	3	3	4	2	1	2	3	6	28
BT79	3		3	3	4	2	2	1		1	5	5	29
BT8	2	2	5	3	2	1	1	2	2	5	5	1	31
BT80	7	2	2	1	1	2	4	3	1	1	1	6	31
BT81		2	1			2				1		1	7
BT82	2	3	5	6	2	3	2	3	1	1	7	2	37
BT9		1	3	1		1			1	4	2	1	14
BT92	1	2	1	2	2	1	1	1	1		2	1	15
BT93		1	1	1		1	1	4		2	1		12
BT94		1	3						2	1	3	1	11
Grand Total	286	275	276	210	246	202	170	196	190	274	293	268	2886

Private Hire Taxi Licenses

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to detail (i) the number of private taxi licenses that were revoked or withdrawn in each of the last 12 months, broken down by postcode; and (ii) the reasons for each of these withdrawals.

(AQW 2759/08)

Mrs A Foster: 184 taxi driver licences were revoked by the Department in the last 12 months to 31 December 2007: 165 were on health grounds and 19 for failure to meet the Department’s repute criteria. There were 399 applications withdrawn during the same period. It is not possible to ascertain the numerous reasons for individuals withdrawing their applications, but we are aware that some applicants find alternative employment, or fail to submit medical or repute information. A breakdown of the figures by postcode is not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate costs.

Private Hire Taxi Licenses

Mr B Armstrong asked the Minister of the Environment to detail the number of applications, for new private hire taxi licenses, that were received in each of the last 12 months, broken down by postcode.

(AQW 2776/08)

Mrs A Foster: A taxi driver licence issued by the Department, be it renewal or first time application, enables the licensee to drive all forms of taxi vehicle, either public or private hire. The detail of the number of applicants is set out in the attached table.

POSTCODE	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Grand Total
BT1										1		1	2
BT10	1	5		1	2	1	2		6	4	4	2	28
BT11	14	16	14	11	7	7	9	7	9	10	14	8	126
BT12	16	9	9	11	8	9	7	8	9	11	8	6	111
BT13	8	8	2	1	4	8	9	6	8	6	16	6	82
BT14	12	10	12	2	11	8	6	9	11	8	11	8	108
BT15	1	5	4	3	5	8	2	4	2	5	5		44
BT16	5	5	2		2	1		4	2	3	3	1	28
BT17	9	12	16	10	7	11	12	9	13	22	13	3	137
BT18	2	1	3	1		1			1			3	12
BT19	1	2	1	2	2		1	5	3	7	8	3	35
BT20	1	4	1	3	2	1	2	1	2	2	2	2	23
BT21		1		1	1					1	1		5
BT22	6	3	1	2		1	1		1	3	3		21
BT23	9	6	5	4	6	4	8	7	3	8	3	5	68
BT24	1	1	2			2	3	3	2	4	1	2	21
BT25	3	6	1	1	1	1	2	2	2	1		1	21

BT26	1	3	1				1			1			7
BT27	3	2	4	2	3	1		6	4	2	3	3	33
BT28	10	3	2	8	1	5	6	6	3	6	4	8	62
BT29	4	3	5	1	3	4	5	4	8	4	1	1	43
BT30	4	9	2	2	7	2	5	3	3	5	1	2	45
BT31		1	2	2		1	5			2		1	14
BT32	4	6	8	1	2	2	3	3	5	5	2	9	50
BT33	4	1	3	2	1	1		1	1		3		17
BT34	10	7	11	5	7	4	9	7	5	13	8	4	90
BT35	6	6	9	7	2	5	5	5	8	9	6	8	76
BT36	11	17	12	6	9	4	14	18	8	12	13	8	132
BT37	8	7	4	1	2	3		5	3	3	8	5	49
BT38	8	8	3	4	1	3	2	3	2	7	3	3	47

BT39		2		1	2	3	2	1	3	7	1	2	24
BT4	5	4	4	1	1	3	3	1	4	2	1	1	30
BT40	4	3	6	1	5	3	2	2	3		3	1	33
BT41	7	10	7	5	2	7	5	8	3	10	6	9	79
BT42		2	4		3	4	1	4	4	2	3	3	30
BT43	1	3		3	3	1	1	3	5	4	5	1	30
BT44	2		1	1		3	2	3	1	2	1	1	17
BT45		5	2	1	1	2		1	2	5	1	1	21
BT46	1				1		1			2			5
BT47	16	8	6	6	10	6	9	13	13	12	10	4	113
BT48	29	18	19	17	18	11	14	27	23	20	23	22	241
BT49	2	2	2		2	1	4	4	7	2	7	1	34
BT5	6	4	8	1	9	1	4	4	4	2	7	1	51
BT51	1	4	2		3	5	3	2		1	4	1	26
BT52	2	1	1	1	1	1	2	2		2	2		15
BT53	5	4	2		1	3	1	1	3	4	2	2	28
BT54	2			1		1	1	1		1	1	1	9
BT55	2	2		2	1				1	1			9
BT56	2	1		2	1		1	1	1	2		1	12

BT57						1			1				2
BT6	4	6	4	4	1	5	3	6	1	2	1	6	43
BT60	4	5	3	11	7	3	3	12	2	9	4	4	67
BT61	3	3	5	1	3	2	3	3	2	2	2	1	30
BT62	2	10	9	3	4	5	6	7	3	4	9	4	66
BT63	1	4		3	5	1	2	3	1		3	2	25
BT64							1		1				2
BT65	1	1	2	1	2	1		3	3	3	4		21
BT66	2	2	1	4	1		4	3	2	5	3	1	28
BT67	2	1	7	4		5	3	4	1	3	1	1	32
BT68			1										1
BT69	1						2	1	1		1		6
BT7	3	1	2	2		2	1	1		1	1	3	17
BT70	3		2	1	1	1	1		2	2		2	15
BT71	3	6	11	5	2	4	1	2	4	4	5	2	49
BT74	1	4	1	1	2	2	4	2	2	2	4	1	26

Grand Total	295	315	268	200	206	202	222	273	250	306	287	195	3019
BT75				1									1
BT76							1	1					2
BT77									1				1
BT78	1	2	4	5	1	4	3	3	5		6	1	35
BT79	1	4	3	4	2		2	2	3	4	5	4	34
BT8	4	5	4	2	1	1	1	3	4	3	3	2	33
BT80	2	1	1	4	5	4	1	3			5	2	28
BT81	2	2	1						1		2		8
BT82	3	12	1	2	5	3	2	2	2	8	4	1	45
BT9	1	2	1		1		1	2	3	2	1	1	15
BT92		1	2	1	1	2	1		2	1	1	1	13
BT93	1	2			2	3	1	1	1	1			12
BT94	1	1						5		4	1	1	13
IP4 5YD									1				1
SR8 2QJ				4									4

Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of the Environment to make a statement on the Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda.

(AQW 2825/08)

Mrs A Foster: The Clean Neighbourhoods Agenda deals with a wide range of environmental problems, for example, litter, dog-fouling, graffiti, fly-posting, nuisance (including for example noise nuisance and nuisance caused by artificial light and insects), abandoned/nuisance vehicles and problem alleyways, which affect the quality of life in local neighbourhoods and public spaces in Northern Ireland. My officials have been considering how the powers of district councils could be strengthened and extended to enable them to deal more effectively with such problems. Primary legislation, preceded by appropriate consultation exercises with key interests, will be required to implement any stronger legislative provisions for district councils. 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

Rates Capping

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to detail the number of properties that would benefit from the capping of rates at a capital value of £400,000 instead of £500,000 (i) throughout Northern Ireland; (ii) in the North Down constituency; and what would be the impact on the rates raised in the North Down constituency.

(AQW 2711/08)

The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr P Robinson): The number of properties in Northern Ireland that would benefit from a reduction in the maximum capital value limit from £500,000 to £400,000 is approximately 5,300. Figures are not available at a constituency level. However, the number of properties that would benefit from this reduction in the North Down Borough Council area is 1,200. Based on current poundages, this reduction in maximum capital value would reduce the total amount of rates raised in this council area by £533,000, of which £204,000 would be district rate revenue.

Rates

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what impact will the reduction of the maximum capital value from £500,000 to £400,000 have on the amount of rates collected, based on the 2008 poundages.

(AQW 2712/08)

Mr P Robinson: The reduction in the maximum capital value from £500,000 to £400,000 reduces the amount of rate revenue that could be collected by £2.33m, based on 2007/08 poundages.

Enterprise Zones

Mr K Robinson asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel what discussions he has had with HM Treasury in relation to the creation of enterprise zones as an alternative to a reduction in corporation tax.

(AQO 1286/08)

Mr P Robinson: I have had a number of discussions with the Chief Secretary on tax instruments over the recent months. These discussions have been in the context of the Varney Review which recently concluded. Enterprise zones were not specifically raised because assessments of earlier schemes indicated that they did not represent good value for money.

Rathgael House

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to make a statement on the future of Rathgael House as a location for Civil Service accommodation.

(AQW 2843/08)

Mr P Robinson: On 14 January 2008 the Department of Finance and Personnel invited the two remaining bidders for the Workplace 2010 contract to submit their best and final offers. In doing so the bidders have being asked to price the contract on the assumption that the Department of Finance and Personnel staff will return to the Stormont Estate. However the Department of Education will remain in Rathgael for the foreseeable future on the basis that the old Tower Block will be demolished and the new building will be refurbished and extended for their use. This will be good news for the people of North Down and I have written separately to the Mayor on the matter.

HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Staff Costs

Mr P Weir asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the total staff costs in the Health Service in terms of (i) the resources allocated; and (ii) as a percentage of the total expenditure of the Health Service, in each of the last five years.

(AQW 2636/08)

The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Mr M McGimpsey): Table 1 below shows staff costs and Table 2 shows staff costs as a percentage of total costs. Board expenditure includes the costs of Family Practitioner Services.

Table 1 Total Staff Costs

Year	Trusts	Boards	Central Services Agency	Total
	£m	£m	£m	£m
2001/02	1,016.4	21.2	11.4	1,049.0
2002/03	1,112.9	22.2	12.0	1,147.1
2003/04	1,247.4	25.4	13.1	1,285.9
2004/05	1,398.5	29.7	14.7	1,442.9
2005/06	1,518.5	31.0	16.0	1,565.5

Table 2 Total Expenditure

Year	Trusts	Boards	Central Services Agency	Total
	%	%	%	%
2001/02	60.3	Not Available	21.7	Not Available
2002/03	60.0	4.0	18.9	46.3
2003/04	59.5	4.0	18.6	46.0
2004/05	60.9	4.3	19.7	47.2
2005/06	61.7	4.4	20.5	48.3

Efficiency Savings

Mr A Easton asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline the efficiency savings he intends to make over the next four years.

(AQW 2660/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department plans to achieve it’s efficiencies on the basis and timetable assigned by the Executive which is as follows:

Financial Year	Amount (expressed cumulatively
2008/09	£118m
2009/10	£233m
2010/11	£344m

When we include the £146m achieved in the last three years, this represents challenging savings of almost half a billion pounds over a six year period.

No further savings for the 2011/12 financial year have been planned as yet as this period is outside the scope of the comprehensive spending review process currently under way across government.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Lord Morrow asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to confirm whether or not a discrepancy has occurred over long-service retirement pension pay-outs in relation to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; and to detail (a) the nature of the discrepancy; (b) the period of time during which this discrepancy occurred; and (c) how much this discrepancy has cost the department.

(AQW 2675/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: There have been significant changes to Firefighters’ Pensions Legislation in recent years and Northern Ireland legislation has been aligned with that in the rest of the UK. Unfortunately due to a misinterpretation of the regulations, 16 Firefighters over the period 2000 to 2007 had their long service retirement pensions miscalculated in that the correct limitations were not applied to the amount of pension entitlement these firefighters could commute for a higher lump sum and a consequent lower pension.

Legislation stipulates that in the case of an ordinary pension unless

(a) when the person retires he is entitled to reckon at least 30 years’ pensionable service, or

(b) he retires at normal pension age

the commuted portion must not be such that the lump sum exceeds two and a quarter times the full amount of the pension. This provision was not applied in these cases. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service became aware of the discrepancy as a result of the introduction and testing of new Pensions Software.

In respect of the 16 cases, annual pensions have been reduced by £32K per annum and this equates to a total commuted lump sum figure of some £467K. It is not possible to determine if any actual loss has been incurred in the misinterpretation of the commutation regulations. This is because commutation calculations are based on tables of life expectancy provided by the Governments Actuarial Department (GAD). Costs will therefore depend on the actual life span of each of the individuals affected.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have put in place further stringent checks on pension calculations as a result and I can confirm that there are no outstanding cases affected by this misinterpretation.

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 the answer to AQW 2597/08, to give his assessment of (i) the lack of prosecutions taken against establishments and individuals in relation to serious issues arising from 'failure to comply' notices; and (ii) the actions of the Improvement and Regulatory Authority in enforcing its statutory powers in relation to prosecutions.

(AQW 2686/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) is an independent agency responsible for the regulation of establishments and agencies delivering health and social care.

The question of prosecution is a matter for the RQIA; it has the legal authority to carry out inspections as often as it considers necessary and at any time. These visits can be unannounced.

In addition to the significant sanction of prosecution, the RQIA can apply restrictions on further admissions to the establishment or agency until improvements are carried out. Ultimately registration may be withdrawn and the home closed.

The RQIA has provided assurance that all those establishments and agencies which have been issued with failure to comply notices (with one exception, where the establishment has closed) are either now complying with the legislative requirements or are taking action to achieve compliance, and this is being monitored by the RQIA.

I assure you that I am committed to high quality and safe services for all who access care, including those in residential and nursing homes.

Alcohol Related Injuries

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (i) the number and; (ii) percentage of presentations to the Accident and Emergency, and Minor Injury departments, in each of the hospitals in Northern Ireland, where the injury/condition is alcohol related.

(AQW 2713/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Information is not available centrally on the number of people who have presented at Accident and Emergency, and Minor Injury Departments with alcohol-related conditions. However the number of emergency admissions to hospital for alcohol-related conditions is available.

The number of emergency ¹admissions and percentage of total emergency admissions to hospitals in Northern Ireland where there was a diagnosis of an alcohol related illness/condition, is presented in the table below:

HSC Provider	Total Alcohol Related Emergency Admissions	% of Total Emergency Admissions that were alcohol related
Belfast HSC Provider	2,705	6.98%
South Eastern HSC Provider	981	4.21%
Northern HSC Provider	1,328	4.58%
Southern HSC Provider	1,362	4.90%
Western HSC Provider	1,208	4.51%
Total	7,584	5.21%

Source: Hospital Inpatient System

Notes: This table includes those patients who presented at an Accident and Emergency Department and were consequently admitted to hospital with an alcohol related illness.

¹Dishcarges and Deaths are used as an approximation to admissions. It is possible that any individual could be admitted to hospital more than once in any year and will thus be counted more than once as an admission.

Daisy Hill Hospital

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to outline (i) the progress made to date on the refurbishment of Daisy Hill Hospital; (ii) any outstanding issues still to be dealt with; and (iii) the timescale involved.

(AQW 2741/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: My Department received a business case in August 2006 from the former Newry & Mourne Trust which proposed a Redevelopment of the Daisy Hill Hospital site. This business case was assessed and returned to the Trust in December 2006 indicating that substantially more work was needed to justify options before approval could be considered. Rebuilds and refurbishment were among the options identified.

As a consequence of RPA, the new Southern Health and Social Care Trust, established in April 2007, took on responsibility for this business case and has been reviewing its investment requirements for future hospital services across the whole Trust area. The Trust aims to develop a strategic plan as a result of this review at which point it is expected that an updated business case for Daisy Hill will be submitted to the Department for consideration and approval.

It is only after scrutiny and approval of a business case can availability of funding and timing of any new project delivery be confirmed.

Masters Degree in Social Work

Mr D Ford asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans he has to provide funding to those wishing to study for a Masters degree in social work, at universities in Great Britain.

(AQO 1404/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: This Department administers a student incentive scheme to support students domiciled in Northern Ireland to study for the Honours Degree in Social Work here. There is no provision and no plans to provide funding for students from Northern Ireland who chose to study for a Masters in Social Work at universities in Great Britain.

Home-Start Scheme

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the inescapable funding that has been allocated to the Home-Start scheme in (i) Ards; (ii) Comber; and (iii) the Peninsula areas of the Strangford constituency, in each of the next 3 years.

(AQW 2789/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: Some funding has been identified to support Children’s Fund-type activity after March 2008. However, it will not be possible to make firm decisions about individual projects until responses received during the recent consultation on the draft Budget have been considered fully, and final decisions have been taken.

Ambulance Provision

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of ambulances and associated staff that are stationed in (i) North Antrim; and (ii) East Antrim; and whether or not this level of provision will be increased or maintained in the short, medium or long term.

(AQW 2798/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The table below shows details of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) ambulances and staff currently at stations in North and East Antrim.

Area	Station	Ambulances		Staff
		A&E	Patient Care Service	Emergency Medical Technician	Paramedic	Patient Care Service
North Antrim	Ballycastle	2	-	5	5	-
	Ballymena	4	3	11	10	9
	Ballymoney	3	1	6	5	1
East Antrim	Carrickfergus	3	-	6	5	1
	Larne	4	2	10	11	2
	Whiteabbey	4	8	6	7	11

Whilst NIAS has no plans currently to increase ambulance provision in these areas, resourcing is under continual review and may be subject to change.

Ambulance Response

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the percentage of life threatening calls that were responded to within 8 minutes by the Ambulance Service, in the Northern Health and Social Services Board area, in (i) 2004-05; (ii) 2005-06; and (iii) 2006-07.

(AQW 2799/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The information requested is as follows :

	2005/06	2006/07
% Life- threatening (Category A) calls within 8 minute response	42.5%	43.9%

Note: 2004/05 Category A call data are not available as the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service’s call prioritisation system was not rolled out in the Northern Health and Social Services Board until 2005/06.

Satellite Navigation

Mr D McKay asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether or not satellite navigation and automatic vehicle locating systems have been introduced to ambulances; and what plans he has to introduce this equipment to the entire Ambulance Service fleet.

(AQW 2800/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is currently in the process of introducing a mobile data solution incorporating satellite navigation and automatic vehicle location systems to its Control facilities and ambulance fleet. The new systems are scheduled to be installed in A&E ambulances by 31 March 2008 and in non-emergency vehicles by summer 2008.

Out of Hours Service

Mr R McCartney asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety whether or not he will review his decision to leave the west bank of Derry/Londonderry without an 'out of hours service', due to the withdrawal of current services; and to detail whether or not an equality impact assessment was carried out in relation to the decision.

(AQW 2830/08)

Mr M McGimpsey: The decision by the Western Health and Social Services Board to transfer the provision of out of hours primary medical services from Great James Street Health Centre to co-locate with secondary care services, such as Accident and Emergency, on the Altnagelvin Hospital site after Easter 2008 was taken after an extensive consultation exercise when responsibility for out of hours services transferred from GPs to the Health and Social Services Boards in 2005. The Board decided that an equality impact assessment was not needed following the results of the consultation exercise.

There will be no reduction in services for patients within the Londonderry area, and they will continue to receive high quality GP out of hours services with the additional benefit of access to a broader range of services such as x-ray and diagnostic services at the Altnagelvin site.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A6 Derry/Londonderry to Dungiven By-Pass

Mr M Durkan asked the Minister for Regional Development to outline his plans for the A6 Derry/Londonderry to Dungiven by-pass dual carriageway; and to detail the (i) indicative budget; (ii) timescale; and (iii) activity currently undertaken, for this project.

(AQW 2650/08)

The Minister for Regional Development (Mr C Murphy): In July 2007, I announced the next stage of the upgrade of the A6 from Derry to Dungiven, including the Dungiven Bypass, with the appointment of civil engineering consultants to examine options to enable the selection of a preferred route.

Public Information events were subsequently held in Drumahoe and Dungiven during September 2007, 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 the summer. Following further detailed appraisal, it is planned to announce the ‘preferred route’ for the new dual carriageway in the spring of 2009. My Department’s 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. Subject to the successful completion of the statutory orders, it is proposed that the scheme, which will reduce journey times on this important route, will be delivered within the lifetime of the proposed Investment Strategy 2008-2018.

The preliminary cost estimate for the scheme was £250 million, at 2005 prices. This will be reviewed as the scheme is developed.

Derry/Londonderry to Coleraine Rail Track

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development to confirm whether or not the recent announcement about investment in the rail track between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine is binding on his department.

(AQW 2661/08)

Mr C Murphy: The planned investment in the railway line between Derry and Coleraine will comprise a relay of the line, the introduction of a new signalling system and the provision of a passing loop to facilitate an increase in the frequency of services. Following my announcement on the lifting of investment restrictions on the former ‘lesser used lines’, Translink is planning this project with a view to work commencing on site in 2011/12 and funding for the line is included in the draft Investment Strategy from 2011 onward. However, the investment will only be binding when the contract for the work has been signed. Despite this, I am happy to again go on record and to clearly state that, subject to the confirmation of the necessary budget provision, both I and my Department are fully committed to the delivery of this important project.

Rail Link Between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development, further to his recent announcement in relation to the building of the rail link between Derry/Londonderry and Coleraine, to provide an outline of the business processes involved with this project; and to detail, in relation to these processes, (a) the key stages and milestones; (b) the anticipated duration of each process; and (c) the dependencies that will affect the sequencing of the processes.

(AQW 2662/08)

Mr C Murphy: For a typical project of this size and complexity there are 6 main stages:

Stage 1, Inception involves the production of the Project Identification Document (PID). This document sets out the scope of the project, the constraints, the assumptions and any unknowns that need to be resolved. It identifies the stakeholders and initial risks and will include the preliminary estimate of the programme, costs and delivery strategy. The PID for this project has not yet been finalised but will be drawn up over the next 3 months.

Stage 2, Feasibility/ Economic Appraisal (EA) involves looking at the possible engineering solutions to the project and then producing an EA to assess the most economically advantageous solution.

This stage also allows for the formal approval by Translink, DRD & DFP of the EA. For this particular project there are a number of engineering issues that need to be resolved e.g. new signalling solution, track layout for future timetable, safety of crossings, condition of existing structures, environmental concerns and the future location for Derry Station. Again, for such a complex project and large value EA, this may well take up to 18 months to complete and gain approval.

Stages 3, 4, 5, & 6 involve the Design, Procurement, and Implementation/Handover of the project. The sequencing of these stages will depend on the procurement strategy that is developed for this project. The main options to consider will be the traditional route of client design and separate construction, compared to letting a design/build package to a single contracting entity. For such a large multi-discipline project these 3 stages combined could take up to 4 years to complete. This period allows for going through the EU procurement processes that are required for a project of this scale and obtaining the necessary approvals for the letting of high value contracts. At this stage it is envisaged that it will take 2 years to undertake the actual construction and commissioning of the new line; the remaining time is allowed for design, tendering and approvals .

The sequencing is dependant on each stage of the process being fully complete. For example, Translink under the Treasury’s Green Book guidelines cannot commence the tendering process until stage 2 is fully complete and formal approval of the project from the Department has been given.

As outlined, each of these steps can take considerable time but it is expected that work on site will commence by 2011. Translink is at pains to emphasise that it is at an early stage of planning this project and timings could therefore change .

Compensation Claims

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the number of claims for compensation made to his department for damage to vehicles and personal injury, which occurred due to poor road surfaces, in each of the past three years; and to detail (a) the number of claims which were successful; (b) the number of claims which are outstanding; and (c) the amount of money spent by his department in providing compensation.

(AQW 2663/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Departmental claims database does not record the cause of claims in the way requested, but the following details relate to compensation claims lodged against my Department in the last three calendar years arising from potholes in the road. Some of the outstanding personal injury claims included in the figures below are the subject of legal proceedings.

	2007		2006		2005
	Vehicle Damage	Personal Injury	Vehicle Damage	Personal Injury	Vehicle Damage	Personal Injury
NO. OF POTHOLE CLAIMS RECEIVED EACH YEAR	846	88	722	135	705	138
NO. OF POTHOLE CLAIMS RECEIVED EACH YEAR	934		857		843
NO. OF THE ABOVE CLAIMS RESULTING IN COMPENSATION BEING PAID	442	3	412	13	450	19
	445		425		469
NO. OF THE ABOVE CLAIMS STILL OUTSTANDING	105	31	3	23	0	22
NO. OF THE ABOVE CLAIMS STILL OUTSTANDING	136		26		22
TOTAL AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID TO DATE RESULTING FROM THE ABOVE CLAIMS	£68,767.95	£4,250.00	£62,515.88	£38,500.00	£93,277.15	£62,145.14
	£73,017.95		£101,015.88		£155,422.29

Crumlin Area Projects

Mr T Burns asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail any work being carried out by Roads Service and Northern Ireland Water in Crumlin, and the surrounding areas, during January 2008.

(AQW 2664/08)

Mr C Murphy:

My Department’s Roads Service is proposing to complete works, started before Christmas, on a traffic calming scheme on Main Street, Crumlin and on the Glenavy Road. Work is continuing on the Glenavy Road to provide new warning signage for schools.

Roads Service also plan to commence resurfacing work on the Crumlin Road, Antrim between the Nutts Corner Road and Largy Road junctions. This will involve resurfacing approximately 750 metres of carriageway and 200 metres of associated footway.

Northern Ireland Water has advised that work to clear a blocked sewer at 66 Cider Court Road was completed on 8 January 2008, but that no major work is planned in the Crumlin area during January.

Public Toilets in Railway Stations

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to increase the number of railway stations that have public toilets.

(AQW 2667/08)

Mr C Murphy: There are no plans at present to increase the number of railway stations that have public toilets. Currently Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) have toilet facilities available at 18 of their 22 stations. There are no toilets at unmanned halts. Of the four stations without toilets, two are only manned part-time (Greenisland and Bangor West), one only has a signalman on duty (Castlerock) and the final one, Botanic, does not have room for further facilities at present. Under the Station and Disability Discrimination Act project, NIR will be upgrading toilet facilities at the 18 stations accessible by people with disabilities .

Airport Car Parking Charges

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what assessment has been undertaken by his department of car parking charges at Northern Ireland airports, compared to other United Kingdom airports; and what plans he has to address any disparity.

(AQW 2668/08)

Mr C Murphy: Airport parking charges are a commercial matter for the airport operator or the companies which provide the parking facilities. My department has no statutory role in the regulation of such charges.

The Office of Fair Trading, however, is able to investigate if it suspects that a feature or a combination of features of the market in which airport services are supplied by an airport operator prevents, restricts or distorts competition.

Rail Links to Belfast International Airport

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to extend rail links to Belfast International airport.

(AQW 2669/08)

Mr C Murphy: There are no plans at present to extend rail links to Belfast International airport. A study of the likely costs of providing a rail service to the airport was carried out in 2006 and concluded that it would not be economically viable. It is estimated that passenger numbers at the airport would have to double from their current level for this position to change.

Fully Enclosed Shelters at Railway Stations

Mr P Weir asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to increase the number of fully enclosed shelters at railway stations.

(AQW 2670/08)

Mr C Murphy: Over 50 new shelters are being installed as part of the Station and Halt Disability Discrimination Act and New Rail Vision projects. They are not fully enclosed, but have openings at the ends rather than doors as door arcs take up internal room and also make it more difficult for disabled passengers to manoeuvre into the shelters.

Ballycastle to Rathlin Ferry Service

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail the reasons why applications for the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry service were not economically advantageous.

(AQW 2679/08)

Mr C Murphy: Public release of the information requested would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of DRD in conducting the tendering process for the ferry service. However, all the bidders involved have been informed why their proposals were not accepted. A revised invitation to tender was issued on 7 January 2008.

Ballycastle to Rathlin Ferry Service

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Regional Development to state when he will announce a successful tender for the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry route.

(AQW 2680/08)

Mr C Murphy: A revised invitation to tender for the Rathlin ferry service was issued on 7 January 2008. I hope to announce the successful bidder before the current contract expires at the end of March 2008.

To ensure continuity of service, should there be any delay in negotiating the new contract, the current provider has agreed an option to continue operations for up to three months.

Charlemont/Moy By-Pass

Lord Morrow asked the Minister for Regional Development to provide an update on progress on the proposed Charlemont/Moy by-pass.

(AQW 2681/08)

Mr C Murphy: You will be aware that the draft Budget 2008 and draft Investment Strategy 2008-2018 (ISNI) were announced for consultation on 25 October 2007.

The draft ISNI proposes in excess of £3.0 billion for roads over the 10-year period. The majority of the ISNI investment is assigned for Strategic Road Improvements (SRI’s) on key transport corridors in accordance with the principles set out in the Regional Development Strategy and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan.

In addition a consultation exercise on a £400 million package of schemes to be added to the SRI Programme was undertaken during 2006. A bypass of Charlemont/Moy was not listed within my Departments proposed package of schemes, however one request for the bypass was received.

I regret that until the outcome of the draft Budget and draft ISNI are known I am not in a position to confirm the status of Moy by-pass.

Belfast/Dublin Airport Bus Service

Mr J Craig asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to ensure that the Belfast/Dublin airport bus service will make a stop at the new Lisburn City bus station, on its completion.

(AQW 2684/08)

Mr C Murphy: Translink has informed me that there are no plans to divert the Belfast/Dublin Express Service Number 200 via Lisburn City bus station. Service 200, which is intended to offer a fast and direct link between Belfast and Dublin Airport/Dublin City, follows the quickest and most direct route. I am advised that the service calls at Sprucefield Shopping Centre on every journey to facilitate connections with bus services from Lisburn City Centre.

Street Lighting

Mr J O'Dowd asked the Minister for Regional Development, pursuant to the answer to AQW 2372/08, to outline when the next review of energy conservation plans will be conducted in relation to street lighting.

(AQW 2685/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service will next review the street Lighting energy conservation plans during the 2009-2010 financial year.

Craigantlet Roundabout, Belfast

Mr B Wilson asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to improve the traffic flow, and to reduce the number of accidents, at the Craigantlet roundabout.

(AQW 2710/08)

Mr C Murphy: Having previously investigated the feasibility of a number of options for Craigantlet crossroads, my Department’s Roads Service is currently developing an improvement scheme at that location, which would involve the construction of roundabouts at each of the following junctions:-

• Craigantlet Road/Whinney Hill Road/Dunlady Road/Holywood Road

• Whinney Hill/Ballymiscaw Road

This double roundabout proposal is designed to improve road safety and reduce traffic delays at both junctions, during peak times.

Following the detailed design, scheme implementation would then be subject to the necessary land acquisition process and the availability of funding. It is unlikely that the scheme would be implemented before 2010/11.

Junction of the Ardan Road and the Culmore Road in Derry/Londonderry

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what action the Roads Service will take at the junction of the Ardan Road and the Culmore Road in Derry/Londonderry, in light of the planning application being approved for 31 dwellings at this junction.

(AQW 2716/08)

Mr C Murphy: My Department’s Roads Service advises that officials are currently considering a planning application for the erection of 41 dwelling units on the site adjacent to the junction of Culmore Road/Ardan Road in Derry. As part of the assessment of this application a detailed analysis of the junction has been requested along with any necessary improvement proposals. To date Roads Service has not received this information.

Rail Line Between Ballymena and Ballymoney

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what action is being taken to set up a bypass on the rail line between Ballymena and Ballymoney, to avoid closing the main line when essential maintenance work is carried out next year.

(AQW 2717/08)

Mr C Murphy: No action is being taken to set up a bypass when work on the rail line between Ballymena and Ballymoney is being completed. Translink advise that it would be impracticable and cost prohibitive to install a second line ("by-pass").

The majority of the works on the Ballymena to Derry Track Life Extension Project will be carried out at night to avoid disrupting rail services. However, Translink also advise that for the major element of the work, a closure of the line is unavoidable. This is currently planned for the spring of 2009 and is likely to last for 14 weeks. During this period bus substitution will be put in place as required and every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to passengers. In addition, during the closure period, Translink intend to operate trains between Coleraine and Derry.

Culmore Road, Derry/Londonderry

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what is his assessment of (i) the volume of traffic on the Culmore Road, Derry/Londonderry; (ii) the capacity of the road to deal with the volume; and to detail (i) what plans and budget the Roads Service has for establishing a by-pass in Culmore; and (ii) what action he is taking to implement traffic calming and road safety measures, particularly around schools.

(AQW 2728/08)

Mr C Murphy: The traffic flow on Culmore Road at Culmore village is up to 13,500 vehicles per day, and it is the view of my Department’s Roads Service that Culmore Road has sufficient capacity to deal with the current traffic flows. Roads Service has no plans to provide a bypass at Culmore within the current programme and consequently there is no budget allocation for such a scheme.

A number of road safety measures have been introduced along Culmore Road in recent years, including the provision of a pelican crossing and the provision of Safer Routes to School signage at Culmore Primary School. Roads Service is currently considering if other measures can be introduced along the road to further enhance safety.

Review of Public Administration

Mr D Bradley asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail his reasons for not including local roads under her plans to transfer functions to local government under the Review of Public Administration.

(AQO 1467/08)

Mr C Murphy: As local roads are a matter for the Department for Regional Development, your question has been passed to me, as Minister responsible, for answer.

The Emerging Findings Paper was published on 19 October 2007 by the Department of the Environment. This Paper carried a set of initial proposals, which were agreed by Ministers in the Executive Sub Committee looking at the review of local government aspects of the Review of Public Administration (RPA), and indeed the overall Executive.

As required by its terms of reference, the Executive Sub Committee took into account the existence of a fully functioning Assembly and Executive, and efficiency and effectiveness considerations. The Committee also reviewed the 3 options for roads and the main features of each, as described in the earlier March 2005 consultation document on RPA.

Taking all relevant factors into account, the Sub Committee agreed that the retention of a unitary road authority in central government, with a stronger influencing role for new Councils and local roads public realm functions transferring, offered the best approach in terms of the benefits offered and the appropriate balance between the RPA aims of strong and effective local government and efficiency and effectiveness.

Railway Line Between Ballymena and Ballymoney

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Regional Development what plans he has to avoid closing the main railway line between Ballymena and Ballymoney, given that essential works are scheduled to be carried out in 2008.

(AQW 2761/08)

Mr C Murphy: The majority of the works on the Ballymena to Derry Track Life Extension Project will be carried out at night to avoid disrupting rail services. However, where extensive re-lay works are planned just south of Ballymoney, line closure will be required. This is expected to last for 14 weeks during the Spring of 2009. During this period bus substitution will be put in place around that part of the line which is closed and every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience to passengers. In addition, during the closure period, Translink intend to operate trains between Coleraine and Derry.

Bus Punctuality

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the punctuality of Metro buses; (ii) how this compares with target times; and (iii) how this figure has changed over the last five years.

(AQW 2779/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Passenger’s Charter measures punctuality twice a year in the spring and autumn.

The following table provides information on Metro/Citybus punctuality for the last 5 years against the target set in the Passenger’s Charter.

	Percentage of Metro buses arriving no more than 7 minutes late.	Target %
Spring 2007	98	95
Autumn 2006	91	95
Spring 2006	89	95
Autumn 2005	89	95
Spring 2005	98	95
Autumn 2004	90	95
Spring 2004	92	95
Autumn 2003	91	95
Spring 2003	96	95
Autumn 2002	92	95
Spring 2002	93	95
Autumn 2001	90	95

Bus Punctuality

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the punctuality of Ulsterbus buses; (ii) how this compares with target times; and (iii) how this figure has changed over the last five years.

(AQW 2780/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Passenger’s Charter measures punctuality twice a year in the spring and autumn.

The following table provides information on Ulsterbus punctuality for the last 5 years against the target set in the Passenger’s Charter.

	Percentage of Ulsterbus buses arriving no more than 7 minutes late.	Target %
Spring 2007	97	95
Autumn 2006	96	95
Spring 2006	93	95
Autumn 2005	88	95
Spring 2005	93	95
Autumn 2004	93	95
Spring 2004	98	95
Autumn 2003	98	95
Spring 2003	99	95
Autumn 2002	98	95
Spring 2002	97	95
Autumn 2001	96	95

Train Punctuality

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the punctuality of Northern Ireland Railways trains; (ii) how this compares with target times; and (iii) how this figure has changed over the last five years.

(AQW 2782/08)

Mr C Murphy: The Passenger’s Charter sets NIR two targets for punctuality and monitors performance against these targets twice a year, in the spring and autumn.

The following table provides information on NIR punctuality for the last 5 years against the targets set in the Passenger’s Charter.

	Percentage of trains on the Bangor, Portadown and Larne lines arriving no more than 5 minutes late	Target %	Percentage of trains on the Londonderry and Dublin lines arriving no more than 10 minutes late	Target %
Spring 2007	97	95	97	90
Autumn 2006	96	95	94	90
Spring 2006	95	95	100	90
Autumn 2005	83	95	89	90
Spring 2005	96	95	94	90
Autumn 2004	88	95	94	90
Spring 2004	95	95	90	90
Autumn 2003	90	95	94	90
Spring 2003	96	95	97	90
Autumn 2002	96	95	95	90
Spring 2002	94	95	95	90
Autumn 2001	91	95	85	90

New National Stadium

Mr D McNarry asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail (i) the money allocated in his budget to fund road infrastructure to service a new National Stadium; and (ii) the costings that have been undertaken in relation to surveys and preparation plans for transport links.

(AQW 2790/08)

Mr C Murphy: The regeneration of the Maze/Long Kesh site is an OFMDFM-led initiative. OFMDFM is aware that, in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 3 ‘Access Movement and Parking’ and Planning Policy Statement 13 ‘Transportation and Land Use’, the cost of infrastructure necessary to facilitate the initiative must be borne by the developer, whether public sector or private sector. My Department’s Roads Service has, therefore, not allocated any funds for this purpose.

I can further advise that any planning application for a Multi Sports Stadium, or any other development, within the Maze /Long Kesh site will have to be accompanied by a robust and credible Transport Assessment (TA) that analyses the potential impact of the development and identifies infrastructure improvements required to mitigate this impact. This TA must complement a transportation master plan for the redevelopment of the whole site by providing specific detail on the particular development that is proposed. Responsibility for providing this rests with OFMDFM. I understand that OFMDFM have appointed consultants to undertake a master plan for the whole site, including a review of transportation infrastructure requirements.

Closure of Hightown Bridge

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Regional Development to detail when works on the bridge in Hightown will be completed; and what steps he has taken to ensure that alternative routes are appropriately sign-posted to ensure that drivers and local residents are aware of these arrangements.

(AQW 2873/08)

Mr C Murphy: The closure of the Hightown Bridge is planned for 27 January 2008 and the work is expected to take up to a year. However, following commitments to accelerate the works, the contractor, HMC, is targeting the re-opening of the road before Christmas 2008.

In relation to alternative routes, traffic will be diverted via fully signposted diversionary routes along Mallusk Road, Scullions Road, Sandyknowes Roundabout and Antrim Road.

In addition, on 7 January 2008, I announced a package of measures to accommodate the travelling public during the bridge closure. These measures included:

provision of a base for Ambulance Service vehicles at Sandyknowes;
m aintaining pedestrian access across the bridge during reconstruction;
provision of traffic signals at the Scullions Road/ Sandyknowes junction;
provision of a traffic monitoring camera on Scullions Road;
provision of additional buses for the Hightown and Mayfield areas
provision of an emergency breakdown vehicle recovery service for Sandyknowes Roundabout and Scullions Road;
ongoing management of the timings of traffic signals on the diversion route to minimise congestion and delays; and
ongoing liaison with emergency services regarding access arrangements to the Hightown and Mayfield Areas.

Roads Service officials will, of course, consider any additional suggestions made by local representatives that will assist in the reduction of traffic congestion during the period of the bridge closure.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Public Realm Projects in Derry/Londonderry City Centre

Mr P Ramsey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide (a) projected timings; and (b) confirmed timings, for the various key developments in the public realm projects in Derry/Londonderry city centre.

(AQW 2653/08)

The Minister for Social Development (Ms M Ritchie): The projected and confirmed timings for the £8m Derry City Centre Public Realm Scheme for Waterloo Place/Guildhall Square are as follows:

Stage C Design Concepts were signed off by the Project Board on 5 December 2007.
Proposals were unanimously endorsed by city centre traders on 8 January 2008.
Proposals will be presented to Derry City Council Party Leaders on 15 January 2008.
Proposals will be presented to full Council on 30 January 2008.
Planning Application will be lodged in February 2008.
Contractor will be appointed in March 2008.
Construction work will commence in July 2008.

Draft Houses of Multiple Occupancy Plan

Mr A Maskey asked the Minister for Social Development detail the consultation process that the Department for Social Development and the Department of the Environment are currently involved in, regarding the draft Houses of Multiple Occupancy plan.

(AQW 2691/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The draft Houses In Multiple Occupation Subject Plan for Belfast was published by the Department of the Environment on 27 June 2006. The only involvement my Department has had in the consultation process was as a consultee.

Translation Services

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to detail her department's expenditure on translation services in the last financial year.

(AQW 2696/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Expenditure on translation services (including interpreting) incurred by the Department for Social Development for the financial year 2006/07 amounted to £262,630.97. This expenditure includes my Department, its Agencies and associated Non-Departmental Public Bodies. A breakdown of the expenditure is as follows:-

Business Area	Irish £	Ethnic Minority £	Sign £	Braille £	Total
Social Security Agency	0.00	225,754.03	0.00	0.00	225,754.03
Core Department	1,932.88	1,066.08	990.95	1,782.81	5,772.72
Child Support Agency	0.00	662.23	0.00	0.00	662.23
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NDPB)	0.00	30,441.99	0.00	0.00	30,441.99
Total	1,932.88	257,924.33	990.95	1,782.81	262,630.97

Community Investment Fund

Mr A Bresland asked the Minister for Social Development to provide a list of successful applicants to the Community Investment Fund.

(AQW 2697/08)

Ms M Ritchie: A list of successful applicants who are funded by the Community Investment Fund is set out in the table below. One further organisation is currently undergoing economic appraisal.

Organisation

Altnaveigh House, Newry

Ards Development Bureau and Community Network

Ashton Community Trust, Belfast

Atlas Women’s Centre, Lisburn

Ballybeen Women’s Centre

Ballymoney Community Resource Centre

Ballynafeigh Community Development Association

Carrickfergus Community Forum

Chrysalis Women’s Centre, Craigavon

Coleraine Rural & Urban Network

Community Network Craigavon

Confederation of Community Groups Newry & Mourne

Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership

East Belfast Community Development Agency

Falls Community Council

The Fermanagh Trust

First Steps Women’s Group

FOCUS

Footprints Women’s Centre

Foyle Women’s Information Network

Greater Shantallow Area Partnership

Greenway Womens Group

Holywood Family Trust

Larne Community Development Project

Magherafelt Women’s Group Ltd

North Down Community Network

North West Community Network

Randalstown Arches Association Ltd

S.T.E.P (South Tyrone Empowerment Partnership)

Strathfoyle Womens Activity Group Ltd

Upper Andersonstown Community Forum

Waterside Womens Group

Windsor Womens Centre, Belfast

The Womens Centre, Derry

Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

Mr B McElduff asked the Minister for Social Development to explain why community groups in Omagh are experiencing delays and excessive bureaucracy in securing the release of Neighbourhood Renewal funding.

(AQW 2700/08)

Ms M Ritchie: Applications for funding from Community Groups in Omagh got off to a slow start and in order to overcome this Omagh District Council undertook to bring forward composite applications on their behalf. These applications greatly exceed the available funds and DSD officials are working with Council and Community Groups to gather the necessary information to allow them to be prioritised. This process will include ensuring that they address the causes of deprivation, complement rather than duplicate existing services, offer value for money and that there are no other more appropriate funding sources available. It is anticipated that community based projects for each estate within the Omagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area will be progressed to approval stage within three months.

Disability Living Allowance

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, in each of the last 3 years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 2720/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the table below. The figures show the number of claims where an amount of Disability Living Allowance was in payment at the date of extract.

Disability Living Allowance Claimants by District Council area at October 2005, 2006 and 2007

District Council Area	2005	2006	2007
Antrim	3982	4061	4182
Ards	5675	5859	6030
Armagh	5079	5187	5298
Ballymena	3784	3872	3999
Ballymoney	2399	2465	2542
Banbridge	3842	3977	4092
Belfast	34929	35165	35409
Carrickfergus	2927	3031	3152
Castlereagh	4958	5042	5136
Coleraine	3774	3860	3973
Cookstown	3934	3928	4012
Craigavon	9050	9191	9343
Derry	13465	13471	13671
Down	6344	6505	6623
Dungannon	5561	5609	5682
Fermanagh	4900	5019	4953
Larne	2204	2255	2349
Limavady	2969	3007	3094
Lisburn	9569	9804	9949
Magherafelt	3095	3166	3256
Moyle	1327	1375	1387
Newry & Mourne	9894	10018	10079
Newtownabbey	6433	6537	6707
North Down	4576	4739	4865
Omagh	6136	6257	6311
Strabane	5461	5488	5528
Unallocated Postcode*	642	629	1178
Total	166909	169517	172800

* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards and Council areas on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a Ward or a Council using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.

Job Seekers Allowance

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, in each of the last 3 years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 2721/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the table below. The figures show the number of claims where an amount of Jobseekers Allowance was in payment at the date of extract.

Jobseekers Allowance Claimants by District Council area at October 2005, 2006 and 2007

District Council Area	2005	2006	2007
Antrim	555	532	423
Ards	1,070	995	759
Armagh	642	600	536
Ballymena	827	738	615
Ballymoney	380	362	313
Banbridge	410	396	322
Belfast	7,589	7,293	6,023
Carrickfergus	599	507	355
Castlereagh	583	528	419
Coleraine	1,087	941	761
Cookstown	405	371	312
Craigavon	1,046	1,023	922
Derry	3,842	3,578	2,866
Down	1,041	954	755
Dungannon	505	450	414
Fermanagh	1,013	958	723
Larne	477	396	337
Limavady	691	638	549
Lisburn	1,561	1,519	1,205
Magherafelt	400	337	269
Moyle	315	313	274
Newry & Mourne	1,601	1,303	1,174
Newtownabbey	1,098	983	863
North Down	988	882	753
Omagh	931	740	629
Strabane	1,305	1,248	1,010
Unallocated Postcode*	142	160	228
Total	31,103	28,745	23,809

* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards and Council areas on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a Ward or Council using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.

Incapacity Benefit

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, in each of the last 3 years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 2722/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the table below. The figures shows the number of claims where an amount of Incapacity Benefit was in payment at the date of extract.

Incapacity Benefit Claimants by District Council area at October 2005, 2006 and 2007

District Council Area	2005	2006	2007
Antrim	1,760	1,726	1,722
Ards	2,852	2,826	2,759
Armagh	2,472	2,408	2,240
Ballymena	2,094	2,025	2,062
Ballymoney	1,230	1,246	1,230
Banbridge	1,955	1,942	1,916
Belfast	12,342	12,121	11,800
Carrickfergus	1,479	1,486	1,416
Castlereagh	2,284	2,204	2,147
Coleraine	1,975	2,006	1,936
Cookstown	1,692	1,673	1,653
Craigavon	4,398	4,261	4,125
Derry	5,420	5,388	5,256
Down	2,576	2,575	2,520
Dungannon	2,256	2,219	2,132
Fermanagh	1,959	1,924	1,830
Larne	1,167	1,153	1,136
Limavady	1,474	1,443	1,428
Lisburn	3,746	3,752	3,719
Magherafelt	1,679	1,658	1,646
Moyle	663	641	615
Newry & Mourne	3,903	3,821	3,682
Newtownabbey	2,979	2,866	2,822
North Down	2,193	2,153	2,102
Omagh	2,420	2,373	2,277
Strabane	2,289	2,265	2,170
Unallocated Postcode*	449	434	580
Total	71,706	70,589	68,921

* In producing this analysis, individual records were attributed to Electoral Wards and Council areas on the basis of their postcode. Not all records can be correctly allocated to a Ward or Council using this method, and some cannot be allocated at all.

Attendance Allowance

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of people in receipt of Attendance Allowance, in each of the last 3 years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 2723/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The information requested is set out in the table below. The figures show the number of claims where an amount of Attendance Allowance was in payment at the date of extract.

Attendance Allowance Claimants by District Council area at October 2005, 2006 and 2007

District Council Area	2005	2006	2007
Antrim	1,290	1,314	1,323
Ards	2,706	2,749	2,647
Armagh	2,106	2,066	2,057
Ballymena	2,052	2,061	2,077
Ballymoney	1,057	1,055	1,081
Banbridge	1,574	1,580	1,599
Belfast	11,641	11,277	10,843
Carrickfergus	1,285	1,294	1,294
Castlereagh	2,490	2,523	2,485
Coleraine	2,126	2,120	2,108
Cookstown	1,364	1,309	1,295
Craigavon	2,931	2,886	2,856
Derry	2,751	2,724	2,689
Down	2,392	2,83	2,337
Dungannon	2,001	1,925	1,875
Fermanagh	2,567	2,518	2,310
Larne	1,107	1,111	1,105
Limavady	1,048	1,028	1,017
Lisburn	3,405	3,415	3,341
Magherafelt	1,515	1,519	1,487
Moyle	723	704	688
Newry & Mourne	3,433	3,371	3,291
Newtownabbey	2,817	2,848	2,828
North Down	3,056	3,067	3,036
Omagh	1,878	1,815	1,736
Strabane	1,433	1,422	1,360
Unallocated Postcode*	402	389	642
Total	63,150	62,473	61,407

Co-Ownership Scheme

Mr S Hamilton asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of homes purchased under the co-ownership scheme, in each of the last 5 years, broken down by district council area.

(AQW 2724/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The table below details the number of homes purchased under the co-ownership scheme in each of the last 5 financial years, broken down by district council area. The final column shows figures from 1 April 2007 to 31 December 2007.

TOTAL	801	463	502	504	325	671
	2002/03	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007*
LONDONDERRY	29	9	10	21	30	54
LIMAVADY	7	3	6	1	3	3
COLERAINE	23	20	19	16	10	15
BALLYMONEY	11	11	4	9	3	6
MOYLE	1	1	0	1	0	0
LARNE	15	5	12	8	7	20
BALLYMENA	21	15	12	11	11	21
MAGHERAFELT	3	5	2	5	0	11
COOKSTOWN	14	9	2	2	2	2
STRABANE	1	3	5	3	0	7
OMAGH	5	4	0	0	2	4
FERMANAGH	3	7	7	6	2	5
DUNGANNON	2	0	3	4	1	3
CRAIGAVON	20	11	19	30	5	30
ARMAGH	7	3	6	7	0	1
NEWRY/MOURNE	4	3	4	3	0	8
BANBRIDGE	28	13	20	16	5	20
DOWNPATRICK	19	18	16	14	2	15
LISBURN	85	35	50	31	27	46
ANTRIM	27	11	9	12	7	22
NEWTOWNABBEY	77	46	53	50	38	67
CARRICKFERGUS	33	16	34	27	22	41
NORTH DOWN	90	52	64	79	47	78
NEWTOWNARDS	71	61	58	54	42	61
CASTLEREAGH	36	21	10	16	12	22
BELFAST	169	81	77	78	47	109

* 1 April to 31 December 2007

D omestic Water Tanks

Mr F McCann asked the Minister for Social Development, in light of the recent death of a baby in England, due to a faulty water tank, to detail what action she is taking to ensure that the necessary safety measures are put in place by housing providers, in both the social and private sectors, to avoid a similar occurance.

(AQW 2740/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The type of plumbing arrangement that allowed this incident to happen is not common in Northern Ireland. Normally the expansion pipe from the hot water cylinder is taken out through the roof structure and should a fault occur the hot water would discharge on to the roof tiles/slates. Since 2004, all immersion heater thermostats installed across all housing tenures have, in accordance with legislation, both a temperature control and a high limit cut out fitted.

I have asked my officials to issue advice to all social landlords. This advice will also be made available through the press to make all households aware of the issue. In the meantime, if any Housing Executive, Housing Association or private tenant has any concerns about the issue, or if they consider that there is a fault with the immersion heater in their home, they should contact their landlord.

Public Housing Units

Mr F Cobain asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the number of public housing units built in (i) 2005; (ii) 2006; and (iii) 2007, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

(AQW 2781/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The number of social housing units started in the financial years 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07, for each parliamentary constituency in Northern Ireland, is as follows:-

Parliamentary Constituency	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07
East Antrim	33	26	5
North Antrim	12	11	0
South Antrim	19	62	41
Upper Bann	21	38	4
East Belfast	60	155	100
North Belfast	270	343	146
South Belfast	44	145	114
West Belfast	349	391	114
North Down	29	9	103
South Down	30	22	13
Fermanagh & South Tyrone	47	4	67
Foyle	148	60	146
Lagan Valley	131	101	72
East Londonderry	1	46	3
Mid Ulster	3	5	0
Newry & Armagh	75	27	45
Strangford	19	67	50
West Tyrone	26	7	9
Total Starts	1,317	1,519	1,032

Interdepartmental Affordability Review Implementation Group

Mr M Storey asked the Minister for Social Development to provide an update on the work of the Interdepartmental Affordability Review Implementation Group.

(AQW 2805/08)

Ms M Ritchie: The Interdepartmental Affordability Review Implementation Group and the Advisory Panel of Experts led by Professor Adair have now concluded their assessment of Sir John Semple’s recommendations and submitted reports to me.

I also commissioned a review of the funding capacity, planning policy and delivery structures for social housing in Northern Ireland from Baroness Ford and this work has now been completed and a report delivered to me.

I am now carefully considering each of these reports and will make a statement to Members in due course.

Neighbourhood Renewal Funding

Ms C Ní Chuilín asked the Minister for Social Development what action she is taking to ensure that a decision in relation to Neighbourhood Renewal funding is advised to the relevant communities as soon as possible, particularly in relation to those workers whose jobs may be affected.

(AQW 2872/08)

Ms M Ritchie: I am giving this issue careful consideration currently so that decisions about the future use of the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund can be taken within the next few weeks. Some contracts for funding between my Department and community organisations are approaching the end of their term and this undoubtedly presents planning challenges for these groups into the future. I hope to finalise funding decusions in the near future. My priority is to ensure that the limited Neighbourhood Renewal funding is used to tackle disadvantage in our most deprived communities by addressing the priority needs of local neighbourhoods.

CORRIGENDA

Written Answer Booklet of 7 December 2007

(Volume 26, No WA1)

In page WA3, col 2, replace the answer to question (AQW 1869/08) with;

My Department currently employs 110 front line staff to provide advice/support, albeit not exclusively, to beef and sheep and dairy farmers.

In addition Veterinary Service employ 282 staff who may, as appropriate/on occasion, provide advice, but this is not their primary/sole function

Written Answer Booklet of 11 January 2008

(Volume 26, No WA3)

In page WA227, col 2, AQW 2591/08 was tabled to, and answered by, Mr Michael McGimpsey, the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Written Answer Booklet of 11 January 2008

(Volume 26, No WA3)

In page WA198, col 1, the Minister of Finance and Personnel has up-dated the answer to (AQW 2542/08) with;

Pursuant to my answer dated 19 December, I can now confirm that no costs have been incurred in providing security for Ministers since May 2007.

Friday 18 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

CORRIGENDA

OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Aging in an Inclusive Society

Pension/Gratuity Payments to Royal Ulster Constabulary Reservists

Capital Investment Projects

Sustainable Development Strategy

Child Poverty

Table 1: Number of Children in Relative Income Poverty by District Council for 2003/2004, 2004/2005 and 2005/06 combined

North-South Ministerial Council

Capital Investment Projects

Ministerial Code

Ministerial Statement on Post Primary Education

Post Primary Education

Shared Society

Good Relations Commitments

'A Shared Future'

Planning Appeals

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Flooding in the Glens of Antrim

Foreign Nationals

CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

Museums Policy

Community Festival Funding

Northern Ireland Events Company

Northern Ireland Events Company

EDUCATION

False Addresses

Contracting and Sub-Contracting Process for New Build Schools

Classroom Assistants' Dispute

Promotion of Community Pride

Integrated Education

Exemptions Under Article 18 of the Education and Libraries ( Northern Ireland) Order 1986

Primary School Capital Build Programmes

Extended Schools Programmes

School Sprinkler Systems

School Sprinkler Systems

Wi-Fi in Schools

Astroturf Facility at Limavady Grammar School

Wi-Fi Health Concerns

Statementing Process

Financial Resources Allocated to CCEA

Financial Resources allocated to CCEA

2006/07 – SCHOOL YEAR

2007/08 – SCHOOL YEAR

Strategic Plan for Transfer at 14 Years

Transfer Procedure

Transfer Procedure

Estimate of Savings from the abolition of the 11 Plus procedure

Transfer Procedure

Ministerial Statement

Education System

Funding for the Commission for Catholic Education

Transfer Procedure

Transfer Procedure

Post-Primary Education in Maghera

New Builds

Post-Primary Transfer Procedure

Carlane Primary School, Toomebridge

New Technology in Education

Primary and Preparatory School

School Leavers

GCSE Passes

Post-Primary Transfer

11+ Transfer Test

Compensation for Grammar Schools

Special Needs Assessment

Efficiency Savings

Ministerial Statement

Phoenix Integrated Primary School

Post-Primary Transfer

Reading Recovery Scheme

Post-Primary Transfer

Introduction of Modern Languages into Primary Education

Post-Primary Transfer

Educational Needs in West Belfast and Greater Shankill

Autism Centre of Excellence in Middletown

School Closures in the Coleraine Borough Council Area

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